Culinary Delights: Top Restaurants of Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, & Mexico Beach

By Carrie | Updated: May 26, 2025

Hungry and not sure where to eat on Florida's Forgotten Coast? This guide walks you through top-rated restaurants in Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach—whether you're craving fresh seafood, Southern BBQ, or something with a Caribbean twist.

Places like Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach are known for their pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and relaxed coastal atmosphere. But beyond these famed attractions, visitors from all over the country — and the world — are also drawn to these amazing shores for a specific reason: the local culinary delights.

The whole area offers a rich tapestry of flavors. The proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, for one, allows for the freshest seafood you can ever think of — whether grilled, fried, or in stews, seafood is a cornerstone of many dishes. But you'll also find lots of Southern Comfort Food making its way onto menus, as well as Caribbean influences. Restaurants like The Smokehouse and Provisions offer comfort classics like shrimp and grits, brisket sandwiches, and fried chicken, all made with local ingredients.

And since this region is increasingly cosmopolitan, a widespread number of innovative fusion restaurants have taken over, featuring culinary influences from all over the world. From Italy to Japan, you can taste everything on the Gulf Coast.

Wondering where to go for a delicious meal after hitting the pristine white sands of the Gulf Coast? Look no further; this blog will be your guide to the top restaurants in Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, & Mexico Beach.

Get ready for a culinary journey!

Top Restaurants in Cape San Blas, FL

The Smokehouse on Cape San Blas

If you are a fan of all things BBQ, then the Smokehouse on Cape San Blas is for you. This casual and family-friendly restaurant has many choices on its menu, from burgers to barbecues to tasty appetizers.

They serve slow-smoked dishes and traditional Southern sides, as well as fried chicken and home-style desserts, all made fresh daily with local and high-quality ingredients. Highlights of the menu are the Pulled Pork and Beef Brisket sandwiches, Beef Rib, and the Smokehouse Nachos.

True, the place is best known for its red meat options, but they sometimes feature fresh catches, including crawfish boils. Favorites such as Shrimp & Cheese Grits, and Shrimp and Fish baskets are superb!

Inside, it's spacious and breezy, with wooden accents and photos of palm trees that remind you you're never far from the Gulf.

Skully's Low Country Boil

Delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live entertainment make Skully's Low Country Boil another great option in Cape San Blas. Most people come for one of two things—their low country boil or the gumbo, both loaded with shrimp and seasoned like they mean it.

The space is not fancy; it's more like a rustic seafood shack. Seating arrangements are charmingly simple with picnic tables, enhancing the casual vibe. As you enjoy your meal, classic rock tunes will be your soundtrack, and depending on when you visit, the owner may be the one playing.

The night we ate at Skully's, a storm had rolled in earlier, so everything was a little damp, including the picnic table we sat at. But as soon as I tasted the shrimp boil, I forgot about all that. It was fresh, generously seasoned, and worth using extra napkins for.

Everyone in Cape San Blas knows that Skully's Low Country Boil serves mind-blowing cuisine with the best of Southern hospitality. This means you'll feel right at home as soon as you step in. The best part? The cold beer is on the house! There's nothing like grabbing a glass of cold beer and getting to know the staff as you soak in the friendly vibes of this place.

Top Restaurants in Port St. Joe, FL

Provisions

With a pretty eclectic menu offering options that are all fresh and high quality, from Southern comfort foods to great international flavors, Provisions has something for everyone.

The menu includes unusual pasta dishes, wonderful seafood, steaks, chicken dishes, salads, and sandwiches, to name a few. Some of the highlights are Sesame Seared Tuna and The Prime Rib sandwich. Their plates of pasta are also worth a try, with a shout-out to Provisions Alfredo, Shrimp Carbonara, and Saint Joe Sauté.

A nice touch is that you can choose from a standard size or a petite size that's pretty satisfying in itself. The staff is friendly and ready to explain the menu and give insightful recommendations. Oh, save some space for dessert. The Creme Brulee is to die for.

Last time we visited Provisions, I went with the Shrimp Carbonara. The flavors were spot-on, but I wish I'd asked them to go easy on the salt. Dessert saved the day though—the crème brûlée had that crisp top you can hear crack when you dig in.

Uptown Indian Pass Raw Bar & Grill

Uptown Indian Pass Raw Bar & Grill is a seafood lover's delight! Their selection of oysters and shrimp is unparalleled. Some all-time favorites include grilled grouper, steamed shrimp, and delicious steaks. They also have a self-serve cooler filled with craft beers, seltzers, and kid-friendly options.

The space has an open and airy vibe with large windows. We recommend you pay some attention to their calendar: Tuesday night is crab night, and Thursday evening highlights lobster specials.

Oysters, shrimp, gumbo, and ice-cold beer in a place with that unique Florida flair — what else could you wish for in a holiday dining experience?

The View at St Joe Bay

There's nothing like dining with a beautiful view overlooking St. Joseph Bay, and as the only waterfront dining in Port St. Joe, The View at St. Joe Bay has earned its name!

With a beach-chic ambiance, the establishment serves a blend of Asian and American cuisine with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Some outstanding options on the menu are the Hawaiian Mahi, Coconut Shrimp, and Snapper Marsala. Alternatives to seafood include Cajun Chicken Pasta and Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

Also worth checking the calendar for this one. Every Wednesday there's the so-called "community dinner" that includes a drink and a salad bar. Everyone is welcome, but you might want to make a reservation. Thursdays are date night and couples dining downstairs will find half-priced bottles of wine and free appetizers.

Let me tell you about my experience here. I booked a table for just before sunset, thinking the name was probably more marketing than reality. Turns out, they meant it. The bay turns this soft golden pink in the evening, and the grilled grouper paired well with the view. Service was a bit slow that night, but I wasn't in a rush.

Consider visiting for an early dinner — the view is beautiful during sunsets, especially from the dining room upstairs. Wherever you go, Don't miss out on the yummy desserts! Try the NY cheesecake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream – you'll love it!

Krazyfish Grille

Krazyfish Grille feels like someone dropped a splash of the Caribbean right in Port St. Joe. With local seafood, fruity cocktails, and that quirky, bright decor—it's not trying to be trendy, it just is.

The menu features Coconut Shrimp, Wild Gator Balls, Savannah Southern Fried Pickle Chips, Loaded Mississippi Tater Tots, and more. For those who aren't fans of seafood, they also offer burgers, chicken, and pork sandwiches.

In sum, there's something for all tastes, including vegetarians with the amazing salads and the Portobello & Swiss Burger. Not sure what to order? The pineapple symbol on their menu indicates the top picks.

As they describe themselves, they have one of the best drink lists in the region: beers, wines, and mixed drinks, as well as summer-inspired cocktails. The Sangria is a big hit, as are the Frozen Cocktail and Real Margarita.

Peppers Mexican Grill

Are you in the mood for some Mexican flavors? Since 2005, Peppers Mexican Grill has been a staple in Port St. Joe, this restaurant being the first of seven locations across Florida.

You can expect only the finest Mexican food: Tortilla Chips, Fresh Homemade Guacamole, Steak, Carnitas Tacos, Chicken Fajitas, Seafood Burrito, and Complimentary Chips and Salsa! Their homemade guacamole is heavenly! All the nachos are superb, but the all-time favorite is the Nachos de Camaron with fresh and juicy shrimp.

They have vegetarian and vegan options available, as well as a great variety of margaritas, signature cocktails, and beer and wine.

Top Restaurants in Mexico Beach, FL

Mango Marley's

With a dining room filled with TVs showing sports and live music on weekends, Mango Marley's is a favorite hangout place for locals.

Their homemade fried pickle chips are a great starter. For mains, the menu features items with a Caribbean flair, including pan-seared tuna, fried pickles, crab cakes, pulled pork sandwiches, and half-pound burgers, to name a few. Word has it that their chicken wings are some of the biggest and best around Mexico Beach — and you get over twenty sauces to choose from!

Mango Marley's is also a great place for families with kids; the little ones will love the arcade, and there are various menu options in their children's menu. Truth be told: the grown-ups may also want to indulge in nostalgia by playing games like Pac-Man, foosball, and pinball machines.

While waiting for our pulled pork sandwiches, I wandered into the arcade and found myself locked in a Pac-Man battle I didn't expect to get so competitive about. It was a fun throwback, though I wish the machine's joystick wasn't quite so sticky. The sandwich hit the mark—generous on the pork and just the right amount of barbecue sauce. 

Killer Seafood

This bright blue food truck, parked alongside Route 9 just across the street from the waters of the Gulf, is true to its name — it serves some killer seafood.

Menu options are not many, but everything is cooked and seasoned to perfection. Must-tries include the Fried Shrimp Basket, Killer Tuna Tacos, and perfectly seasoned coleslaw. You can finish your meal with a quintessential Florida dessert: a tangy and refreshing Key Lime Pie.

They have a relaxed roadside setting with a large pavilion covering the truck. Since you're close to the beach, you'll feel the pleasant sea breeze coming in your direction as you enjoy the delicious food at one of their picnic tables.

Simply the perfect place to relax and soak in the great open-air vibes of Mexico Beach!

Top Restaurants in Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, & Mexico Beach

Hungry yet? With these recommendations for the finest dining establishments along the Gulf Coast, you're sure to make your visit to the region worthwhile for the culinary experience alone. Whenever you plan to explore this Florida paradise, be sure to consult a guide on the best restaurants in Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, & Mexico Beach.

Now and then, a new establishment emerges, offering a fresh perspective on local cuisine and bringing in more experimental flavors from around the world.

Where to stay when visiting Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, & Mexico Beach?

Stay like a local by booking a vacation rental with Pristine Properties. We are proud to offer a selection of Cape San Blas Vacation Rentals, Port St. Joe Vacation Rentals, and Mexico Beach Florida Vacation Rentals.

Our properties are well-located, just steps away from beautiful beaches, great dining options, and an array of outdoor pursuits. That's the secret to a perfect holiday on the Florida Gulf Coast!