This post is in partnership with the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism. As always, all opinions are my own.
When most people think about Gulf Shores and Orange Beach their minds immediately go to the enchanting sugar-white sand and the expansive ocean views. But many are often surprised to find that the Alabama Beaches are also home to award-winning culinary destinations where the food often surpasses the waterfront views! Here are some of my favorite Gulf Shores and Orange Beach restaurants where you can feast both your eyes and your stomach on your next vacation to Alabama’s Beaches.
Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina
Fisher’s houses 2 restaurants under one roof, with 2 distinct experiences and vibes, but both having the common thread of incredible cuisine.
White-linen tablecloths, fine wines, and an elevated menu are what await diners who opt for fine dining at Fisher’s Upstairs. Fisher’s Upstairs has elegant open-air terraces where guests enjoy vast wine and cocktail selections, delicious food and the fresh air and waterfront views of Orange Beach Marina.
Dockside is the more casual, family-friendly of the two, creating a comforting outdoor dining experience with waterfront views overlooking the boat slip at the marina that’s home to over 100 yachts! The menu focuses on using bounty from local Alabama Gulf waters and consists of fresh seafood, hand-ground burgers, crisp salads and more. Note: Dockside is temporarily closed but reopening is scheduled for early May 2021!
The Gulf
The Gulf is a uniquely designed restaurant destination & event venue, serving locally inspired food and beverages in a beautiful waterfront setting. Located on the sand in Orange Beach, this seaside escape boasts a revolving menu that changes with the seasons to give you the freshest local choices the seas have to offer.
And the fun doesn’t stop at night: firepits, beach, games and live music can all be found all day long at the Gulf. Food, fun with side of a gorgeous waterfront view…what more could you ask for?
GT’s on the Bay
There’s a reason that “GT” stands for “Good Times!” GT’s on the Bay is one of our family’s favorite restaurants, serving up a scenic setting overlooking the Wolf Bay waterfront with incredible food! And for families with kids, this restaurant is a must-visit! The back-patio dining area has an expansive pirate ship playground that even the littlest beachcombers can enjoy while waiting for dinner.
The menus are just as cool as the atmosphere! From their Happy Hour menu with specials on drinks and not-so-small plates, to the local seafood and steak options that tantalize the taste buds every single visit, GT’s is a favorite amongst both tourists and locals!
Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s
LuLu’s is arguably one of the most fun destinations in Gulf Shores for a meal and is all about celebrating food, family, and fun. There are places all around the restaurant for kids (and adults) to play, and you can’t beat the stunning waterfront views! And the food is so tasty! LuLu’s is also very accommodating with food allergies, so be sure to check out their allergy menus!
And who can say it better than the restaurant itself: “A visit to LuLu’s is a vacation in itself, so treat yourself and your family. The real world can wait.”
Cobalt
Contemporary coastal cuisine, authentic dishes and spectacular view – Cobalt is another local favorite in Orange Beach: It boasts waterfront dining, live music and superior service. Nestled under the Perdido Bay Bridge, next to Caribe Resort, patrons can enjoy a spectacular view of the bay from every table. And if you happen to have a yacht just hanging around your backyard, you can even approach by water!
Your server is likely to recommend you start with the BBQ Gulf Shrimp or a Crab and Shrimp dip…I’ll take both please! Their many specialty entrees are a sure hit and won’t disappoint. And I’ve never made a dessert menu that I didn’t love – fried apple pie, chocolate cake, bread pudding and more are going to be the chef’s kiss on a meal at Cobalt.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are just as much waterfront dining destinations as they are for the beach! I hope that you allow these restaurants to inspire both your eyes and palate on your next trip to the white-sand beaches of Alabama.
We’ve never been to Gulf Shores before. But you’re making me really want to bring my family there to experience it. Thanks for this tips!
It is one of my favorite places to vacation! Alabama’s beaches don’t get enough credit, that’s for sure. They are beautiful!
This looks like the perfect place to end a day on the beach
Yes, so perfect!
Yummy! I’ll be saving this to checkout for later.
Friend, yes! You would love our beaches 🙂
Yummy! I cannot wait to visit on my next trip to the Gulf.
You absolutely have to take your kids to GT’s on the Bay. The playground is our kiddos’ favorite!
Oh my gosh! I never realized how desperately I need to visit! I’m saving this list for sure!
I can assure you that you won’t go wrong with this list!
Sounds like great restaurants! I would love to plan a family trip there!
You guys would have a blast! We truly have the most beautiful beaches and amazing restaurants!
Yum! This is making me hungry and ready for a trip!
Right?? Writing this made ME hungry! Can’t wait until our next visit!
This all look so good! I can’t wait to visit hopefully this year!
You guys are going to love it! And you won’t go wrong visiting any of these 🙂
My gosh it all sounds amazing!! I hope we can visit in the near future!
I hope so too! It is definitely worth the trip!
This sounds so exciting
Yes! Our beaches are a great place!
I’ve never really considered Alabama for a vacation destination, but now I am! This is dreamy!
SO dreamy! If you can make it happen, do it! It will be so worth the trip!
Such a nice place
Yes! We love all of these restaurants!
I went to a wedding in Gulf Shores. Can’t wait to go back!