9 Coastal Alabama Restaurants With Gulf Views Locals Can’t Get Enough Of
Few things capture the spirit of Alabama’s Gulf Coast like a table by the water, a salty breeze on your skin, and a plate of just-caught seafood.
Here, dinner isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s about the dolphins surfacing in the distance, the sound of waves lapping against the shore, and the glow of a Gulf sunset that makes every bite taste richer.
After years of exploring this stretch of coastline, I’ve learned that the best meals come from unassuming waterfront gems where locals gather for good food, cold drinks, and that unmistakable coastal magic.
These nine restaurants deliver it all, serving flavors as timeless as the tides themselves.
1. COAST AL: Where Sunset Magic Meets Culinary Excellence
Last month, I stumbled upon COAST AL during a spontaneous beach day, and holy mackerel, what a find! The restaurant’s wrap-around deck practically hovers over the turquoise waters, creating an almost dreamlike dining experience. Their blackened grouper sandwich deserves its own fan club—perfectly seasoned with a hint of Cajun spice that doesn’t overwhelm the delicate fish.
The homemade tartar sauce? I’d happily eat it with a spoon. What truly sets COAST AL apart is how they’ve mastered timing the service of their famous key lime pie with the setting sun. Nothing beats watching that orange ball sink into the Gulf while your fork breaks through the perfect meringue topping. Pure coastal bliss!
2. GTs On The Bay: Family-Friendly Feasting With Pelican Views
Whoever decided to put a playground next to a waterfront restaurant deserves a Nobel Prize in parenting! GTs On The Bay became my family’s go-to spot after my kids discovered they could build sandcastles while waiting for their food. The seafood gumbo here packs enough flavor to make a Louisiana chef jealous, loaded with plump shrimp and just the right amount of okra.
Their signature Wolf Bay platter arrives overflowing with whatever was swimming in the Gulf that morning. Pelicans often perch on the nearby pilings, watching hopefully for scraps. The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows ensure every table gets a water view, though nothing beats grabbing a spot on the deck when the weather’s playing nice.
3. Voyagers: Upscale Dining Above The Waves
My anniversary dinner at Voyagers nearly ended with me proposing all over again! Perched on the top floor of the Perdido Beach Resort, this hidden gem offers panoramic Gulf views that’ll make your jaw drop faster than their amuse-bouche arrives. White tablecloths and attentive service set the stage for culinary magic. The chef’s seafood bouillabaisse changed my understanding of what soup can be—a rich saffron broth swimming with local catches and a hint of fennel.
Sunset transforms the dining room into a golden-hued wonderland. While definitely splurge territory price-wise, Voyagers masters that rare balance of upscale without pretension. Pro tip: Request a window table when making reservations, and time your dinner for about 30 minutes before sunset.
4. Louisiana Lagniappe: Cajun Flair With Ocean Air
The first time I tasted Louisiana Lagniappe’s crawfish étouffée, I nearly cried—it transported me straight to my grandmother’s New Orleans kitchen! This Cajun-inspired spot combines Gulf Coast views with Louisiana soul in a way that feels like culinary magic. Hanging lanterns cast a romantic glow across the dining room as boats drift by in the marina below.
Their stuffed snapper—packed with crabmeat and topped with a rich cream sauce—has ruined me for all other fish dishes. Regulars know to save room for the bread pudding with whiskey sauce, which pairs perfectly with watching the twinkling lights of fishing boats heading out for the night catch. The restaurant’s second-story perch provides the perfect vantage point for both marina and Gulf views.
5. Zeke’s Landing: Where Fresh Catch Stories Begin
Nothing beats the thrill of watching fishing boats unload their daily haul right outside the restaurant window! Zeke’s Landing sits smack in the middle of a working marina, creating that rare authentic “boat-to-plate” experience that can’t be manufactured. The restaurant’s weathered wood interior feels like stepping into a fisherman’s tale.
Their grouper throats—a local delicacy that most tourists never discover—arrive lightly fried with a squeeze of lemon and homemade remoulade that’ll make you question all other condiments. Charter captains often wander in still wearing their salt-crusted clothes, swapping fish stories at the bar. My favorite summer evening ritual involves grabbing a cold drink and a basket of Royal Reds (the Gulf’s sweet deep-water shrimp) while watching pelicans dive-bomb for their own dinner in the harbor.
6. Big Fish: Sushi Rolls With Sunset Views
My sushi addiction led me to Big Fish, but the spectacular water views convinced me to become a regular! This unassuming spot hides behind a modest exterior that gives zero hints about the panoramic Gulf vistas waiting inside. The chef’s creativity shines in rolls like the Orange Beach Crunch—tempura shrimp, avocado, and spicy crab topped with crispy flakes that dance in your mouth.
Traditional sushi lovers won’t be disappointed either, with sashimi so fresh it practically winks at you. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the water like living artwork, especially magical during thunderstorms when lightning illuminates the Gulf. While many come for the raw bar, don’t sleep on their cooked specialties—the blackened triggerfish with crawfish cream sauce haunts my dreams in the best possible way.
7. LuLu’s Gulf Shores: Jimmy Buffett’s Sister Serves Paradise
The first time my northern relatives visited, I took them to LuLu’s and watched their stressed expressions melt away faster than ice in Alabama heat! Owned by Jimmy Buffett’s sister Lucy, this sprawling waterfront complex embodies the laid-back coastal lifestyle that locals cherish. Sand volleyball courts and a children’s play area make this place family nirvana.
The Cheeseburger in Paradise (yes, that’s really its name) arrives perfectly charred with gooey cheese, but the seafood gumbo steals the show with its dark roux and generous seafood chunks. Live music fills the air most evenings, creating an impromptu dance floor under string lights. The restaurant’s position on the Intracoastal Waterway provides stunning sunset views over the water, with boat traffic creating a constantly changing backdrop. Lucy’s famous “Crazy Sista” margarita packs a punch that’ll have you shopping for beach property!
8. The Hangout: Beach Party Central With Seafood On The Side
My best beach memories involve The Hangout’s famous foam parties and their ridiculous seafood nachos! This Gulf Shores institution sits literally on the sand, making it impossible to tell where the beach ends and the restaurant begins. Giant chandeliers made from beach toys hang from the ceiling, setting the playful tone.
Their seafood steam pot arrives overflowing with crab legs, shrimp, corn, and potatoes—perfect for sharing and guaranteed to leave your fingers deliciously messy. Kids (and fun-loving adults) can’t resist the hourly bubble machine eruptions or the wall of rubber duckies. While tourists flock here during summer, locals know the sweet spot is early spring and late fall when you can enjoy those perfect Gulf views without the crowds. The restaurant’s outdoor stages host live music daily, creating the ultimate beach party vibe.
9. Sassy Bass Island Grill: Secret Island Escape With Coastal Flavors
Finding Sassy Bass feels like discovering buried treasure! Accessible only by boat or a scenic drive through Fort Morgan, this hidden gem rewards adventurous eaters with Gulf views that haven’t changed in centuries. The restaurant’s dockside tables let you watch dolphins play while digging into their famous Bushwacker pancakes for breakfast (yes, they contain the beloved boozy milkshake ingredients!).
For dinner, the grouper Reuben transforms the deli classic with fresh-caught fish and homemade slaw. Weekends bring live music that carries across the water, attracting boaters who anchor nearby to enjoy the tunes. What makes Sassy Bass truly special is the lack of high-rises blocking the horizon—just endless water views and spectacular sunsets that remind you why coastal Alabama captures so many hearts. Their key lime martini provides the perfect sunset toast!