Vacationing in Pensacola Beach, Florida offers the best of the Gulf Coast, from the sandy white beaches and emerald-green waters to the vibrant boardwalk and exciting water sports. When it’s time to eat, venture from your Pensacola Beach vacation rental to experience one of these incredible family-friendly restaurants.

1. Native Cafe

Head to Native Cafe for some good ol’ fashioned home cookin’ that hits the spot. Stop for breakfast on your way to the beach. Fill up on a Gulf Coast seafood omelet, which comes with remoulade sauce and toast. Kids can choose from breakfast burritos and bear-shaped pancakes. The lunch menu consists of quesadillas, kabobs, and the popular Angry Native Burger. Be sure to save room for the walnut-crusted key lime pie.

2. Red Fish Blue Fish

If you’re a seafood-loving family, be sure to have dinner at Red Fish Blue Fish. The restaurant only offers outdoor seating, so enjoy dinner al fresco. Frequent guests rave about the fish tacos, and you can’t go wrong with raw oysters on the half shell. Little ones can order fish bites or shrimp bites, or they can get a basket of chicken strips and fries. Even your four-legged family members are welcome at this fun spot.

3. Dog House Deli

Take a break from lounging in the sun to fill up on lunch from Dog House Deli. The service is quick, and there’s a hot dog on the menu to suit everyone in the family. The Reuben Dog comes topped with sauerkraut and spicy mustard, while the spicy Frito Pie includes chili, shredded cheese, jalapenos, and Fritos. Challenge the adventurous family member to try The Velvet Elvis, a hot dog covered with banana slices, peanut butter, bacon, and honey. The packed dining area is a sure sign of the delicious food, so consider taking yours to go.

4. Papa’s Pizza

When you’re craving a scrumptious pizza pie, you can’t beat Papa’s Pizza. The eatery specializes in New York-style pizza, and the dough is made fresh daily. Choose from fun celebrity pizzas named after Frank Sinatra, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, or Rocky Marciano. Order a whole pie to take back to your vacation rental, or stop in for a few slices. Papa’s Pizza also offers salads, calzones, and strombolis, and seating is available inside or outdoors.

Find the perfect Pensacola Beach vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!

5. H2O Cajun-Asian Grill

Get a taste for Cajun-Asian fusion at H2O. Head in early for the breakfast buffet to get your fill of eggs, fruit, pastries, and yogurt, or stop in for Sunday brunch, when the buffet includes prime rib, fresh seafood, and made-to-order omelets. The lunch menu offers everything from chicken and waffles to crab cakes. For dinner, try the Southern-style fried duck liver or the Thai coconut mussels.

6. Smoothie & Ice Cream World

Delight your kids with a trip to this Pensacola Beach family favorite. Don’t be fooled; smoothies and ice cream aren’t the only items on the menu. Breakfast and lunch are served all day. Choose from biscuits, bagels, crepes, or pancakes. More than 20 varieties of smoothies are on the menu. The Strawberry Scream smoothie combines strawberries, bananas, and grape juice, while the Papaya Island contains non-fat yogurt, papayas, and mangos.

7. Taco Rock

When you’re in the mood for some Mexican fare, stop by Taco Rock. This authentic taqueria was the first in the area, and locals and vacationers alike love it for the tasty food and excellent service. Start off with nachos, then fill up on carne asada burritos. Save room for fried ice cream. The kid’s menu offers tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and chicken fingers.

8. Shan Kishi

Shan Kishi is the place to go for Asian cuisine. The hibachi grill offers plenty of entertainment for adults and kids to enjoy through dinner. Have miso soup, sushi, or seaweed salad. The kid’s menu offers everything from filet mignon or shrimp to chicken fingers.

9. Another Broken Egg Cafe

Prepare to return to your vacation rental with a doggie bag, because the portions at this eatery are very generous. At Another Broken Egg Café, waitresses serve up the Southern charm, but be sure to come early, because the place fills up fast. Try the Waffle Sliders for breakfast, or have a California Club for lunch. Kids love the chocolate chip pancakes.

10. The Grand Marlin of Pensacola Beach

With friendly service, delicious food, and a fun atmosphere, The Grand Marlin might become a family favorite. Sit outside on the glassed-in deck as you enjoy your crispy lobster fingers, fish tacos, or Island Cobb salad. Start your meal with a cup of seafood gumbo, and finish it off with mango creme brulee for dessert.

11. Cactus Flower Cafe

Spice up your vacation with a stop at the Cactus Flower Cafe. Specializing in Southwestern cuisine, the restaurant dishes up fresh food and attentive service. Start your meal with mango shrimp or tortilla soup, then dine on a meaty, cheesy chimichanga. The kid’s menu features quesadillas, corn dogs, macaroni and cheese, and more. Don’t leave without trying the choco flan.

12. Shrimp Basket

Get your seafood fix at Shrimp Basket. Try a Boom Boom shrimp appetizer before your catfish platter arrives. There are burgers on the menu for those in your family who prefer heartier land fare. Kids can have fish, shrimp, chicken strips or grilled cheese. Dessert options include key lime pie and funnel cake fries.


Ready to go? Check out these amazing Pensacola Beach vacation rentals on Tripping.com.