If you are looking for a restaurant that truly puts the “fresh” in fresh seafood, The Grand Marlin Restaurant & Oyster Bar is where you need to go.
One of the best aspects of getting to travel to new towns and locations is that I get to have fun sampling all the different food options. And while I enjoy trying out each and every restaurant that I’m able to go to, there are just a few restaurants that truly stand out as being unique and delicious. Upon my families recent trip to Panama City Beach, FL, we found one of those hidden gem restaurants that still make my taste buds happy just thinking about. After having one bite, I was “hooked”.
This was a hosted visit in partnership with Panama City, Florida. My family and I received a complimentary meal to help facilitate this review, but all opinions here are our own.
While my list could go and on about reasons that I loved The Grand Marlin and the reasons that I think you’ll love it too, these five reasons below do a great job of encompassing some great aspects of this delicious restaurant.
The Grand Marlin Oyster Bar needs no introduction
If you love fresh oysters, this is the place in town that you need to go. Never frozen, always fresh oysters that are simply and truly out of this world. And not one, but several oysters options are just waiting for you to try. Come hungry and be ready to eat some of the most delicious oysters that you’re certain to find in Panama City Beach.
The wine list is just as extensive and awesome as their food choices
Finding a restaurant that has over 80 different wine choices? Almost unheard of, right? At The Grand Marlin, you’re certain to find a wine that will pair perfectly with the seafood option of your choice. And if you aren’t quite sure about which choice to make, just ask the servers as they are very knowledgeable and are happy to help!
The Grand Marlin menu changes every single day
The fact that their chefs are so talented to be able to change the menu every single day is awesome. And while they are known for their seafood options and oyster bar, they are also known for serving up some pretty great steaks as well. As we were sitting at our table, we were getting major envious every time we saw the dinner plates pass to see what everyone else in the restaurant ordered. It was truly a hard choice to narrow it down to just one item to pick from on the menu as everything listed sounded so delicious!
For starters, we had this delicious Blue Crab Claws garlic sautéed. We can see why our waiter suggested this as an excellent appetizer.
For my entree, I had the Loved & Rubbed Scottish Salmon with a caramelized house rub served with lemon butter sauce. I subbed the sweet potato hash with whipped potatoes and asparagus. The asparagus was probably the best I have had in a long time!
My husband had the Grilled Mahi Mahi served with asparagus as well. He chose to leave off the whipped potatoes and had salad in its place.
The Mahi Mahi paired nicely with a Greek salad, that included fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, feta cheese, banana peppers, and topped with creamy Greek dressing.
The Grand Marlin has a “come as you are” casual dress code
After a long day at the beach, all that we wanted to do was get some great food and drinks in our belly. We didn’t want to have to change our clothes into something a bit more fancier. After all, we are on vacation. While it’s not swimsuit appropriate by any means, wearing casual clothes are totally acceptable. In fact, some people are walking in through the door from the street, while others are literally pulling up to the dock in their boats. Everyone is welcome at this awesome and tasty restaurant!
Food specials Sunday–Wednesday and a happy hour every single day
While we didn’t visit on a Sunday, my eyes were drawn to their Prime Rib Special that was more than a fair price. And other specials throughout the week vary from Surf and Turf and a Wine and Dine discount. Plus, happy hour every single night? Who wouldn’t want to stop by between the hours of 4-6 PM and have a $3 glass of wine or a $2.50 beer? After spending a hot day outside on the beach or riding on the boat, a happy hour spent at The Grand Marlin sounds like a great way to end the day to me!
My Final Thoughts of The Grand Marlin Restaurant:
Not only was every single bite of our food truly delicious, we absolutely loved the ambiance and the atmosphere as well. It was the perfect melting pot for tourists and locals to all come together and enjoy the excellent flavors of the perfectly cooked food. The next time we venture to Panama City Beach we’ll be certain to stop back by The Grand Marlin and take advantage of their happy hour specials and dinner specials as well. Truth be told, I can’t wait to taste test even more items off their expansive and impressive menu!
Don’t forget to check out The Grand Marlin Souvenir shop before you leave!
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