It’s no secret that Gulf Shores is known for its beautiful beaches, but our coastal city also boasts a thriving food scene! In fact, Gulf Shores is home to some of the best mix of seafood, barbecue, and Southern cuisine around. From family-friendly eateries to unique and elevated dining experiences, Gulf Shores has so much to see, especially when it comes to the topic of eating! Here are just some of our favorite restaurants that are serving up fantastic service, ambiance, and, of course, coastal cuisine.

Location and Ambiance

Perhaps our biggest appeal is where you get to enjoy your meal! You’ll find that many Gulf restaurants have outdoor seating so folks can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and panoramic views of our stunning coast. Being able to hear the sound of waves crashing creates an unmatched, laid-back vibe with a focus on enjoying good food, drinks, and company. (Although you may want to watch for pesky seagulls.) Gulf Shores has a diverse range of dining options, from casual beachside eateries like Foodcraft at Gulf State Park that are perfect for families to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner to restaurants made from actual shipping containers, like The Gulf! There are also a number of seafood markets and docks where visitors can purchase fresh fish and crustaceans to cook on their own time. But, needless to say, no trip is complete without dinner at sunset, and you simply can’t go wrong with the breathtaking view from Perch at Gulf State Park.

Menu and Cuisine

If you’re a seafood lover, then you’ve come to the right place. Seafood is a particular highlight in Gulf Shores, with locally caught shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish being featured on most menus. Sometimes you may even come across places that only use locally sourced ingredients, such as the restaurants at the Lodge at Gulf State Park. There are many creative dishes that incorporate local flavors in a fusion of cuisines, like the popular seafood gumbo made with spicy meats, rice, and vegetables, shrimp and grits, and possibly the biggest Gulf staple, fresh oysters. For those who prefer non-seafood dishes, Gulf Shores also offers a range of southern comfort foods like fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and BBQ! Just be sure to save some room for some Key Lime Pie made with local Florida key limes and a classic graham cracker crust!

Service and Entertainment

Sometimes you may be looking for more than a meal, but a memorable experience. Luckily, Gulf Shores is no stranger when it comes to entertainment. More often than not, you’ll come across a place that serves not only fantastic food but live music, games, and the occasional celebration! These restaurants thrive on creating a certain atmosphere that complements their food and the experience. Woodside at Gulf State Park does this seamlessly by hosting some of Gulf Shores’ best local artists alongside warm campfires and family-friendly backyard games. You’ll also find that most restaurants come equipped with great service topped with Southern charm!

Gulf Shores offers a wide variety of dining options, along with some of the best views to match. With a vibrant, fresh, and diverse food scene, visitors from all over are sure to find something to suit their tastes. Whether it be a seafood platter or a BBQ brisket, one thing is for sure: you won’t go hungry. Come stay awhile and see what it’s like to eat your way down the coast!