7 Places in Panama City Beach to Find International Cuisine

You can’t beat a great burger or steak, (unless of course you are a vegetarian!) and there’s no shortage of awesome restaurants in Panama City Beach that serve up the very best in American fare. Every once in a while though, you need to satisfy that craving for something a little more exotic. Here are six restaurants that offer delicious, authentic cuisine right here in Panama City Beach.

1. Oishi Thai Sushi. Located on Highway 79 just across from the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Oishi Thai Sushi (previously Nuna’s) has recently undergone a renovation and in my opinion, now offers one of the best international dining options in town. Don’t let the small but cozy interior fool you – this place is big on flavor and quality. For those who have yet to sample Thai cuisine, it’s a treat for the senses thanks to chef Saisunee Sarnnok’s creative use of beautiful Thai color combinations and aromas. Try the Pad Thai, a traditional Thai favorite. Chef Ricky serves up healthy Japanese dishes including sushi, sashimi, sushi rolls, soups, salads and fish. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Call (850) 230 9874 for more details.
2. Guadalajara Mexican Grill. If you love Mexican food, Guadalajara will not disappoint. Situated in the Thomas Square plaza on Thomas Drive, this traditional Mexican restaurant is conveniently located and serves up a great margarita. All the standard Mexican fare can be found, and service is fast and friendly. There’s a full bar for the evening, and some really good lunch specials. Open every day from 11:00 am. Call (850) 235 3300 for more details.

3. Jin Jin Chinese & Japanese Restaurant. There are actually two Jin Jin restaurants in Panama City Beach, one in the Publix shopping plaza opposite Carillon Beach on Back Beach road, and the other also on Back Beach at R. Jackson Blvd. The latter is an elegant addition to Panama City Beach’s gastronomic options, and offers an inviting atmosphere in which to dine on sumptuous Chinese or Japanese cuisine. The Chinese menu features all the tasty favorites and includes a healthy section with steamed choices. The Japanese menu offers an incredible sushi selection plus tempura and teriyaki dishes. Check out their great lunch specials. Open every day from 11:00 am and noon on Sundays. Call (850) 235 8835 for more details.
4. Calypso Beach Café. Contemporary dining with Caribbean Creole flair is how Calypso Beach Café describes their cuisine, and it’s an accurate description. They should also include yummy in there somewhere as the food is really good, with something for everyone. Located on Front Beach Road adjacent to the Calypso Condominium, Calypso serves up tasty treats such as Calypso Shrimp – ten jumbo shrimp, butter-flied and dipped in an original Red Stripe Jamaican beer batter, then in toasted coconut and fried to perfection, or Crabcake Alfredeaux – five two oz. blackened or fried crab cakes, served over angel hair pasta and covered with creamy Alfredo sauce made with sautéed Gulf shrimp. Calypso Beach Café is open from 11:00 am every day. Call (850) 234 6788 for more details.
5. Guglielmo’s Italian Grill. With a hard to beat Pier Park location, Guglielmo’s Italian Grill and Pizza serves up some of the best Italian cuisine in the region. Chef Guglielmo Ianni has been preparing authentic Northern Italian Cuisine since 1976, and uses only the freshest of ingredients, choice meats, fresh seafood, and garden vegetables. The menu features a wide variety of classic favorites and mouth-watering specialty dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Try the Penne Guglielmo or the Veal Parmigiana, or sample one of the many gourmet pizzas available. Delizioso! Open 7 days a week from 11:00 am. Call (850) 235 3065 for more details.
6. Shan Kishi Japanese Restaurant. In a short space of time, Panama City Beach has seen the arrival of several excellent places to find healthy Japanese cuisine. Located at 13800 Panama City Beach Parkway opposite Carrabba’s restaurant, Shan Kishi is a superb choice for anyone seeking a taste of the orient. An extensive menu features a myriad of sushi choices, soups, salads, and a full Hibachi selection. Open 7 days a week from 11:00 am, and from noon on Sundays. Call (850) 249 3363 for more details.

7. Casa De Fogo. This Brazilian Steakhouse offers a unique dining experience for the meat-lover. Diners can relax and enjoy a selection of fine meats including pork, beef, chicken and shrimp brought right to the table as many times as needed. A green coaster on the table means “Keep ‘em Coming” and when you’re full or just need a break, flip the coaster over to red to let the friendly waitstaff know “I’m Good!” There’s also a great salad and sides bar plus an extensive drinks menu to complement your meaty smorgasbord of a meal. Casa De Fogo is located at 7715 Front Beach Road, and is open daily at 5:00 pm. Call (850) 249 4554 for more details.