27 Best Restaurants in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
From waterfront dining on fresh seafood to cozy cafes for breakfast, here are some amazing restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Looking for the best places to eat on your beach vacation? I’ve got you covered with these delicious Orange Beach and Gulf Shores restaurants.
I’ve spent a good amount of time eating my way around Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and I’ve got the best recommendations for your beach getaway.
Parts of my visit were hosted by Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. As always, all opinions are my own!
Must-Eat Restaurants in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
1. The Hangout
Seafood, Beachfront, Family-Friendly
The Hangout is a fun restaurant is located right on Gulf Shores’ main public beach. They have a menu of seasonal seafood, live music and dancing, games and contests, a foam machine, and really fun decor made of nostalgic items like vintage lunch boxes, matchbox cars, and rubber duckies.
I recommend starting with the Fried Calamari appetizer. For your meal, I recommend the Hang 10 Burger or The Lifeguard Burger if you’re really hungry (it’s a pound of meat stacked high with cheese, fried onions, a fried egg, thick bacon, and fried pickles, and it comes with a lifeguard whistle).
To drink, I recommend the Shark Attack, their signature cocktail that’s a lot of fun. This beautiful blue drink comes with a toy shark filled with grenadine that you pour in for a blood-in-the-water effect.
101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
2. Original Oyster House
Seafood, Oysters
The Original Oyster House has been a Gulf Shores institution since 1983. It’s a laid-back, casual seafood restaurant serving up chargrilled oysters that have won numerous awards.
It’s also usually pretty crowded. But don’t worry, you can go shopping at the boutiques in the attached shopping center while you wait.
I recommend starting with their Homemade Seafood Gumbo or their Shell Shocked Oyster Sampler. I recommend the Parmesan Baked Shrimp for your meal. And to drink, they serve a great Bushwacker here.
701 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
3. DeSoto’s
Seafood, a Gulf Shores Classic
DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen is one of the most beloved restaurants in Gulf Shores. For many, it’s not a trip to the beach without a meal at DeSoto’s!
This local, family-owned restaurant serves fresh seafood, chicken, pasta, steak, home-style sides, salads, and sandwiches. Plus, they have lunchtime specials with great prices.
I recommend the Fried Shrimp home-style lunch special with Mac n Cheese and French Fries. The bread they provide the table is incredible as well.
138 W 1st Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
4. Wolf Bay Lodge
Seafood, an Orange Beach Classic
Wolf Bay Lodge is a family-owned restaurant and a Gulf Coast tradition. They started as a bait shop along Wolf Bay in the 1940 before changing to a restaurant in 1973. The original restaurant was destroyed by a fire in 2008, and they reopened with a location in Orange Beach.
Their menu features hand-battered, made-from-scratch, and cooked-to-order seafood.
I recommend you start with the Fried Crab Claws for an appetizer. If you’re in the mood for a whole lot of seafood, go for the Captains Platter or the Wolf Bay Platter. My personal favorite was the delicious Shrimp Scampi.
24131 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
5. LuLu’s
Seafood, Waterfront, Family-Friendly
LuLu’s is an iconic Gulf Shores restaurant that’s owned and operated by Lucy Buffett, sister to singer Jimmy Buffett. And this is more than just a restaurant: there’s a ropes course, a sandy play area, an arcade, live music, and a gift shop.
The restaurant is located right on the Intracoastal Waterway, so you can watch boats go by as you eat. The menu is full of fresh seafood from Lucy’s own recipes.
LuLu’s is the place to eat in Gulf Shores if you have allergies. They have an extensive allergy menu that includes gluten free, dairy free, shellfish free, seafood free, egg free, soy free, and a small vegan menu. Allergy menu items are prepared in a separate area and a manager handles allergy orders from start to finish.
For an appetizer, I recommend the Smoked Tuna Dip with tortilla chips. The Crab Melt Nachos are also great for an appetizer or for a meal. I recommend the Grilled Shrimp Tacos for your meal. To drink, I went with the Loopty Lu, but a Bucket of LuLu’s Rum Punch is also a top-notch option (and you get a souvenir bucket).
200 E 25th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
6. Sunliner Diner
Diner, American, Breakfast
The Sunliner Diner is a fun step back in time. They go all-out with the 1950s theme, and it makes the experience so much better.
They serve classic diner food and all-day breakfast here. Plus, you can get hand-spun milkshakes.
I had the Avocado Toast, but the Chocolate Chip Pancakes and the Chicken & Waffle Benedict are also great options. And yes, we definitely got a milkshake for breakfast!
100 E 2nd Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
7. BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets
Breakfast, Cafe
BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets is a cute local cafe with an adorable cat theme. Their menu offers simple breakfast foods, homemade pastries, coffee, tea, light lunch items, and ice cream.
I highly recommend their BuzzCatz “Pop Tarts”, which are large homemade versions of the name brand you probably ate as a kid.
If you need more to get you through the morning, their Breakfast Hollah is made with fresh Challah Dough filled with scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese.
25689 Canal Rd Suite A, Orange Beach, AL 36561
8. Cobalt
Seafood, Waterfront
Cobalt is a large waterfront restaurant with great views of the bay from every table. When the weather is nice, I definitely recommend dining outside on the patio.
Their menu features elevated seafood, with unique creations by three local chefs.
I recommend the Tuna and Avocado Stack and the Firecracker Shrimp, both of which are on the appetizer menu but are great for meals. I also loved the Bushwacker here.
28099 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
9. The Gulf
Seafood, Beachfront
The Gulf is a restaurant made from old shipping containers and recycled materials. There is a ton of outdoor seating so you can dine right on the beach.
Their changing seasonal menu features fresh seafood, with everything from tacos to sandwiches to seafood boils.
I recommend the Lobster & Shrimp Roll, some Parmesan Truffle Fries, and their Cheesecake for dessert.
27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
10. Ristorante Carmelo
Italian, Pasta
Ristorante Carmelo serves innovative Italian cuisine made from recipes passed down through generations.
Stepping into the restaurant is like walking into a cozy Italian home. You’ll enter through an archway of wines and be seated at an intimate table where you’ll find a menu of authentic Italian food.
For an appetizer, I recommend the Italian Meat & Cheese Platter and the Calamari. I recommend the Pollo Parmigiana for your meal. And for dessert, try the Tiramisu and the Lemon Ricotta Cake.
25747 Perdido Beach Blvd suite 1, Orange Beach, AL 36561
11. CoastAL
Seafood, Beachfront
CoastAL is a beachfront restaurant in Orange Beach serving up local seafood with beautiful coastal views.
They have live music, a beach boardwalk, retail shopping, and a bar with waterfront views. You can dine at the CoastAL Restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, or you can eat at the CoastAL Beach Bar with a covered outdoor patio.
I’ve done both, and you can still get the Beach Bar menu at the regular restaurant. I recommend the Island Shrimp Tacos from the Beach Bar menu, the Blueberry Mojito or a classic Bushwacker, and the Bushwacker Tiramisu.
25722 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
12. Coast Restaurant
Seafood, Beachview
Coast Restaurant at The Beach Club Resort & Spa is a great on-site restaurant at the resort (that’s also open to the public) overlooking the pool deck and the Gulf.
I recommend the Chili Crisp Shrimp, the Chicken Casarecce, and their Lavender Lemon Drop Martini to drink.
453 Beach Club Trail, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
13. Villaggio Grille
Italian, Seafood
Villaggio Grille at The Wharf is an Italian restaurant with chef-forward dishes like pasta, seafood, steaks, and brick oven pizza. They have both indoor and outdoor dining, and you get a front row seat to The Wharf’s nightly light show.
I recommend the House Made Bread and Toasted Ravioli to start and the Bolognese as your meal.
4790 Main St f108, Orange Beach, AL 36561
14. The Village Hideaway
Pub, American
The Village Hideaway at The Beach Club Resort & Spa is a pub-like restaurant serving up pizzas, salads, wings, tenders, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, and wraps.
They also have an arcade, billiards, 11 flat screen TVs, and an HD golf simulator.
I recommend the Buffalo Chicken Totchos, the Chicken Caesar Wrap, and the Peach on the Beach to drink.
925 Beach Club Trail, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
15. The Southern Grind
Coffee, Breakfast, Cafe
The Southern Grind is a really cute and beachy coffee shop. They have a location at the Hotel Indigo that’s attached directly to the hotel, and they have another location at The Wharf.
They offer their own specialty coffee blends, but they also have a menu of Southern comfort food, breakfast, homemade sweet treats, sandwiches, and salads.
I recommend the Biscuits & Gravy or Croissandwich.
Indigo: 22843 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
The Wharf: 4751 Main St #116, Orange Beach, AL 36561
16. Zeke’s Restaurant
Seafood, Waterfront
Zeke’s Restaurant is a bayfront seafood restaurant at Zeke’s Landing & Marina that serves fresh, locally sourced seafood. They have indoor and outdoor seating with a waterfront view of the marina.
I recommend the Seared Tuna, the Fried Shrimp Platter, the Shrimp Scampi, the Classic Southern Fish Fry, or the Pan-Seared Salmon.
26619 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
17. High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas
Cocktails, Breakfast, Lite Lunch
High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas is a really fun restaurant and bar where you can get daiquiri flights and mimosa flights.
They have two Gulf Shores locations, and I love the one in a cute pink building on West Beach Boulevard.
On the food menu, they have breakfast, sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, snacks, and ice cream. They also serve coffee and tea.
The daiquiri and mimosa flights are really the highlight here, though. They have so many fun flavors to choose from. And you can mix the daiquiri flavors to make something totally unique.
Get a flight of daiquiris like the Bushwacker, Pimento Cheese, and Key Lime. The Bushwacker was my favorite.
High Tide #2: 610 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
High Tide #3: 408 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
18. Tacky Jacks
Seafood, Waterfront
The colorful Tacky Jacks restaurant got its start in 1979. Today, there are three Tacky Jacks locations that are accessible by both land and sea.
This casual seafood restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week. Their menu is full of po’boys, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, and seafood platters.
I recommend the Tacky Shrimp, their specialty dish, along with the Gator Bites.
Gulf Shores: 240 E 24th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Orange Beach: 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Fort Morgan: 1577 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
19. Roasted Oak
Coffee, Breakfast, Wine
Roasted Oak is located in the lobby of The Lodge at Gulf State Park. If you’re staying at this hotel (and even if you’re not), it’s a great place for breakfast in the morning.
They have coffee and pastries for breakfast. They also have grab-and-go and lite bites for lunch. And in the evening, they become a wine bar with wine, beer, and cocktails.
21196 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
20. City Donut
Donuts, Ice Cream, Boba Tea
City Donut is Orange Beach’s oldest donut shop. This family-owned local business makes traditional yeast and cake donuts fresh and from scratch every day.
Their donut flavors change daily and there’s always something new. They also offer a full ice cream menu and boba tea.
25751 Perdido Beach Blvd suite a5, Orange Beach, AL 36561
21. Lauria’s by the Beach
Italian, Breakfast, Sandwiches
Lauria’s by the Beach is a chill Italian bistro that serves charcuterie boards, bagel sandwiches, pasta, flatbreads, and pizza, plus they have a breakfast and coffee menu.
There are actually two locations: Lauria’s by the Beach in Gulf Shores and Lauria’s Italian Bar & Bistro in Orange Beach. I popped into the Gulf Shores location, a small and cozy beach shack that’s more bar than anything else, plus a cute outdoor seating area.
I visited for brunch and recommend the Ham and Cheese Bagel.
Lauria’s by the Beach: 412 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Lauria’s Italian Bar & Bistro: 25637 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
22. Pink Pony Pub
Pub, Beachfront
The Pink Pony Pub is an iconic beachfront bar and restaurant that has been serving seafood and burgers since 1956. It’s easily recognizable by its bubble-gum-pink exterior and logo of a pink pony sitting at a bar.
This is the type of place you can wander into right off the beach in your bikini, sand still clinging to your wet legs. It’s a no-frills kind of place with plastic cutlery and plates. The restaurant is family-friendly until 9 p.m. when it becomes adults-only with a more party atmosphere (yes, you can keep on dancing at the Pink Pony Pub).
I had a very strong Mojito (just a classic, not their signature moonshine one) and the Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp.
137 E Gulf Pl, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
23. Ruby Slipper
Breakfast, Brunch
Ruby Slipper is an award-winning breakfast and brunch restaurant chain that was born in New Orleans. They bring a Big Easy flair to breakfast in Orange Beach, and it’s very popular.
Their menu features eggs benedict, French toast, eggs, omelets, pancakes, sandwiches, salads, Southern breakfast favorites, and cocktails.
I recommend the French Toast Bites.
24151 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
24. Cactus Cantina
Mexican, Margaritas
Cactus Cantina is a laidback Mexican chain for delicious Mexican food on the beach. They have three Alabama Beaches locations: one in Gulf Shores and two in Orange Beach.
Their menu is full of your favorite Mexican classics from nachos and fajitas to tacos and burritos.
I recommend the Cactus Tacos or the Texas Tacos. And don’t forget the Margarita to drink!
Gulf Shores: 3849 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Orange Beach (Perdido Beach Blvd): 25311 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Orange Beach (Canal Rd): 25908 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
25. Picnic Beach Bar & Grill
Seafood, Sandwiches
Picnic Beach Bar & Grill is a picnic-themed restaurant with communal picnic bench tables and AstroTurf, plus a ton of indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a fun, vibey spot where you order at the counter and they bring your food out to your table.
Their menu features salads, seafood bowls, shrimp, fish, chicken, crab, burgers, sandwiches wraps, and tacos. Their drinks are fun, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. They have signature cocktails on tap, boba bubble tea, beer, wine, and mocktails.
I recommend the Gulf Shrimp Basket with grilled shrimp and the Calamari, plus their Taste The Rainbow Flight for four of their signature cocktails (I got the Emerald Coast Punch, the Grateful Dead, the Gulf Coast Cooler, and the White Peach Sangria).
128 E 1st Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
26. Poke Bowl Sushi Burrito & Boba
Poke Bowls, Boba
Poke Bowl Sushi Burrito & Boba is a build-your-own poke bowl restaurant. It’s fast, fresh, and healthy!
You can build your own rice-based bowl that’s like deconstructed sushi, or create a burrito-like sushi wrap. Both options let you choose your protein, base, sauces, toppings, and vegetables. They also have signature bowls, appetizers, and boba tea.
I built my own rice bowl with two scoops (tuna and spicy tuna), meanwhile Kevin went for a sushi burrito with two scoops (spicy tuna and spicy salmon). We also got an order of the Crab Rangoon.
229 E 20th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
27. Yumm Twister & Ice Cream
Ice Cream, Gelato
Yumm Twister & Ice Cream serves up authentic Italian gelato and ice cream in a unique hand-crafted “twister cone”.
They have gelato, ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, sorbet, and a ton of toppings to choose from. Their signature twister cones are baked fresh daily with a caramelized crisp exterior and a soft center.
We got a cup (we were unfortunately too full for a twister cone, but it’s on my bucket list for next time!) of Butterfinger Gelato.
229 E 20th Ave Suite 8, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Restaurants Map
Is your mouth watering for these delicious Gulf Shores and Orange Beach restaurants? Use the map below to find your next meal!
I hope you enjoy dining at these top restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama!
Places to Eat in Gulf Shores FAQ
What food is Gulf Shores known for?
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are known for their fresh gulf seafood. In particular, the coast is great for getting shrimp, Royal Red shrimp, oysters, and locally-sourced fish. Shrimp and Grits is a menu staple here.
What drink is Gulf Shores known for?
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are known for the Bushwacker, a boozy blend of rum, coffee liqueur, crème de cacao, and coconut cream. This dessert-like cocktail is a local favorite with tons of restaurants claiming they have the best on the coast. Guess you’ll just have to try them all and decide for yourself whose is the best!
Can you drink tap water in Gulf Shores?
Yes, you can drink the tap water in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Save on Alabama’s Beaches Top Attractions
Want to save big on top Alabama’s Beaches attractions? With the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Area Multi-Attraction Pass you can save on 5 attractions in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and surrounding towns.
Visit bucket list attractions and discover Alabama’s hidden gems. With this pass, you’ll have everything you need right on your phone, saving you both time and money.
Get your Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Area Multi-Attraction Pass here.
Where to Stay at Alabama Beaches
- Where I Stayed in Gulf Shores (hotel): The Lodge at Gulf State Park
- Where I Stayed in Orange Beach: Turquoise Place by Spectrum Resort (use code PAIGEMINDSGAP for 10% off your stay)
- Where I Stayed in Gulf Shores (beach house): The Blue Lagoon
- Top Hotel: Phoenix All Suites Hotel
- Great Value: Staybridge Suites Gulf Shores
- Unique Stay: Pet-friendly cottage on the beach near Fort Morgan
More Alabama Itineraries
- 4 Days in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL Itinerary
- 18 Fun Things to Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
- 12 Best Bars in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL
- The Lodge at Gulf State Park Review: Eco-Friendly Stay
- Turquoise Place Review: Beachfront Condos in Orange Beach
- 13 Scuba Diving Sites near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL
- 8 Fun Things to Do in Montgomery, Alabama
- 41 Murals in Huntsville, AL That Are Out of This World [MAP]
- 8 Fun Things to Do in Muscle Shoals for Music-Lovers
- Huntsville, Alabama for Space Fans: The Perfect 1 Day Itinerary
Ready to visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach using Booking.com and top vacation rentals on the Alabama Gulf Coast using VRBO.
- Get Packing: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need with my packing list resources.
Cheers!
Paige
What are your favorite restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama? Let me know below so I can try them out next time I visit!
