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
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Big Mike’s Steakhouse
Big Mike’s Steakhouse is the vision of three friends, Mike Cole, Scott Powell, and Caine Conway. Big Mike is an experienced Chef and Restaurant Manager with ten years of steakhouse experience who had a vision for opening steakhouses in rural towns to provide a quality alternative for people who were tired of having to drive hours to get to the big city to enjoy a great steak.
Hours: 04:00 pm – 10:00 pm
33215 Hwy 43, Thomasville, Alabama 36784
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Shipp's Dockside Grill (upstairs/upscale)
Step into our Upper Deck restaurant, where an upscale casual dining experience awaits, perfectly crafted for families. Enjoy craft cocktails, innovative entrees, and the charm of traditional table service.
Hours:
Open for Dinner Monday - Sunday at 4:30 pm.
Sunday Brunch 11 am - 3 pm.
27075 Marina Road Orange Beach, AL 36561-3557
(251) 412-7447
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
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Zeke's Restaurant
Discover a relaxed coastal dining experience at Zeke’s Restaurant — where welcoming hospitality meets the stunning beauty of Orange Beach’s Back Bay.
Enjoy fresh, locally sourced seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and a warm, laid-back atmosphere designed for every occasion. With indoor and outdoor seating, our waterfront setting is perfect for a casual lunch, an elevated dinner, or a day spent enjoying all the marina has to offer.
Hours: Open Daily at 11am
26619 Perdido Boulevard Orange Beach, AL 36561
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
CARMELO
Where we offer more than just a meal; we invite you on a culinary journey that encapsulates the very essence of Italian flavors and traditions. Tucked away in a charming corner of Orange Beach, AL, our establishment has swiftly become a cherished dining spot, celebrated for its rustic charm, intimate seating, and captivating Italian art and decor.
What distinguishes Ristorante Carmelo is our unwavering commitment to authenticity. Our menu is a testament to tradition, with each dish carrying the mark of time-honored recipes passed down through generations. From the cherished family recipes, including signature dishes like Lasagna Carmelo, Spaghetti e Polpette, and Veal Piccata, every bite transports diners to the heart of Italy, evoking memories of flavors that dance on the palate.
Hours: Daily 3pm — 10pm
25747 Perdido Beach Bvd Suite 1 Orange Beach, AL
(251)200-4375
