Dinner places we recommend in Orange Beach, Alabama
Dinnertime is our favorite on the beach. The choices are almost limitless. Our list features restaurants that consistently combine great fish and seafood with fast, friendly service. For dinner, we tend to avoid large and loud fry houses. You will also notice we have included an Italian restaurant. We have found that they offer exceptional food at a great value (and John loves the veal). Enjoy!
Cosmo's Restaurant & Bar
Have you ever left your house to go out to eat and you can't decide which restaurant to try? With so many great choices, that happens to us all the time at the beach. Cosmo's is the place we go when we can't decide. We've tried just about everything on the menu - it's all great and there is something for everyone. The service is always friendly and reliable, and the only problem is that the secret is out. Great also for lunch and dinner or drinks.
Hours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
25753 Canal Rd., Orange Beach, AL
(251) 948-9663
Cotton's Restaurant
Cotton's has been serving families, friends and guests since 1985. It had been years since John and I had tried and just recently we went back and are glad that we did. They serve great steaks and fresh seafood. The even offer Snow Crab Legs and Live Maine Lobster. Not necessarily Gulf seafood but definitely good seafood. It's also conveniently located along the beach road less than a quarter of a mile from our Admirals Quarters condos.
Hours: 4:00 PM to 10 PM
26009 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL36561
(251) 981-9268
Fisher's at Orange Beach Marina
Fisher's is actually two restaurants in one. Both serve fresh seafood, but in slightly different atmospheres. Fisher's Upstairs is an upscale, fine dining experience that offers dishes like seared scallops and grilled swordfish. Fisher's Dockside is more relaxed and casual. The Dockside menu offers several sandwiches, taco and salad offerings suitable for lunch or a light supper. Upstairs dining is more appropriate for a special occasion and would be great for a final farewell dinner at the end of your vacation. Reservations recommended for upstairs dining.
Hours: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
27075 Marina Road, Orange Beach, AL
(251) 981-7309
Villaggio Grille
The Villaggio Grille is our favorite restaurant at The Wharf complex, and their menu could be described as a fusion of Mediterranean and Italian Cuisine. We have never been disappointed with the service or the food, and their veal dishes are John's favorite. We enjoy making a date night out at the Wharf with a movie at the Carmike Cinema and dinner at Villaggio's. Sit at an outside table if the weather cooperates. Reservations are accepted at opentable and by phone.
Hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
4790 Main Street, The Wharf, Orange Beach, AL
(251) 224-6510
Big Fish Restaurant & Bar
Big Fish is rapidly becoming our new favorite restaurant. They pride themselves on serving fresh, locally available fish and seafood. While we go there for the fish, they serve steak and pasta dishes that look great (We've never tried them, we go for the seafood). The waiters are attentive and knowledgable without being overbearing. They do offer a kids menu, but the atmosphere may not be the best for young children.
Hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
25814 Canal Rd., Orange Beach, AL
(251) 981-5516
Fisherman's Corner
I don't know how or why we didn't find this gem until recently. From the outside, you might guess this was bait and tackle shop but don't be fooled by the outside appearance. Located beneath Baars Bridge on Perdido Key, this is first and foremost a seafood restaurant with a southern influence. The daily chef specials are a "must try," and expect a wait without reservations. But don't let the address scare you - this "fish camp" is only about 10 minutes from the pass in Orange Beach.
Hours: 11:00 AM to 9 PM Mon - Sat | 11:00 AM to 2 PM for Sunday Brunch
13486 Perdido Key Dr., Pensacola, FL
(850) 791-6914
Cobalt
Cobalt is one of a trio of successful restaurants offered by Brian and Jodi Harsany in Orange Beach (see Cosmos and Lunas elsewhere on our website). The menu is described as “American, Contemporary Seafood”. Cobalt represents the upscale version of Brian and Jodi’s vision of Gulf Coast dining. It is located adjacent to the Caribe Resort and is often crowded during the high season for dinner. We prefer to eat there in the off season or in the middle of the week for that reason. Our favorite time to visit is during happy hour from 3:00 PM to 5:00PM when you can enjoy reduced drink prices and $5/$6 appetizers from their menu. Don’t miss the Firecracker Shrimp.”
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11AM - 9:30 PM
Fri-Sat 11AM - 10 PM
Sunday Brunch 11 AM -2 PM
28099 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL
251-923-5300
