Florida remains one of the most popular destinations in the country for people looking for a great place to live, and there are many great options beyond the big cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. Smaller cities and coastal communities like Panama City, FL, have been driving a good portion of the home buying in the state, with many families looking for quieter and more serene locations to settle down. With a population of around 34,000 people, Panama City, FL, has all of the amenities and comforts of the big cities while still maintaining its relaxed and laid-back coastal charm.
This town is located on the warm shores of Florida’s Panhandle about two hours east of Pensacola and about two hours west of Tallahassee, making it quick and easy to get into the nearby larger cities for any occasion, while keeping home life simple and relaxing. With miles of bright white sandy beaches lining the dazzling blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it is easy to see why so many people choose Panama City, FL, as their home. The city’s entertainment, shopping, and dining options make life here as enjoyable as it gets.
There’s a wide variety of restaurants close to home, with locals especially loving the city’s many options for Italian cuisine. So, if you decide to make the move to Panama City, FL, with your family soon and want to get a head start on finding some new favorites for Italian dining, be sure to check out this list and get ready to be amazed at how good the food is at each of these restaurants.
Ferrucci Ristorante
After you and your family get settled into your new Panama City, FL, beach real estate, you will probably want to head out for a nice meal to celebrate. If you have a craving for some exquisite Italian cuisine after all that unpacking, then head over to Ferrucci Ristorante. This is a comfortable storefront restaurant that fits the vibe of this fun beach town. To begin your meal, try the fresh mussels in a tomato broth or the Caprese with imported mozzarella and fresh tomato and basil. For your main course, the top choices include Gulf shrimp sautéed in a sauce of fresh herbs and pinot grigio, baked chicken in a mushroom sauce, or a meat platter of New York strip steak, grilled chicken, and Italian sausage.
If you are in the mood for some seafood, try the Gulf seafood stew cooked in a tomato broth. For dessert, you can’t pass up the panna cotta or homemade cannoli. The dining room at Ferrucci Ristorante is charming and cozy and will have you feeling like you just walked into a restaurant on the streets of Rome. Adding to the fun of dining at Ferrucci Ristorante is that there is occasional live music sure to perk up any evening out on the town.
Bella Roma Tuscan Grill
If you are considering buying one of the many homes for sale in Panama City Beach, then you will have one of the finest Italian restaurants just moments from home. Bella Roma Tuscan Grill is located just a block from the shore in Panama City Beach and is the perfect destination for an elegant and relaxing evening meal.
To start things off, try the fried ravioli or the mussels sautéed in a spicy marinara sauce, or you can never go wrong with fresh Caprese. For your main dish, order a large plate of classic spaghetti and meatballs in marinara sauce, a satisfying plate of fettuccine alfredo with shrimp, or perhaps the rigatoni with spicy Italian sausage. If you are in the mood for some finely grilled meat, try the lamb chops marinated in rosemary and garlic or the filet mignon. The dining room at Bella Roma Tuscan Grill is classy and the perfect place for a comfortable and relaxing night out in your new surroundings.
Enzos Pizza and Grill
On days when you are heading down to the beach or after you have already spent a few hours basking in the warm Florida sunshine on some of the state’s finest sandy shores, head to Enzos Pizza and Grill, located toward the west side of Panama City, FL, for a tasty lunch or early dinner. Enzos Pizza and Grill is a small pizzeria that serves satisfying meals like mushroom ravioli, baked penne, and fettuccine alfredo. Or if you are in the mood for pizza, build any style of pie you like, from thin crust to deep dish or even a double-decker. A trip to Enzos Pizza and Grill is the perfect way to cap a day spent relaxing the way Panama City, FL, locals do it.
Pizzeria Napoli
People who buy homes for sale in Panama City Beach quickly discover that the area is home to many pizzerias that serve up a wide range of delicious Italian fare. One of the favorites is Pizzeria Napoli, which enjoys a great location near East Bay. If you are hungry for pizza, build your own from any toppings you can think of. If you’d rather have a sandwich, try the Italian or meatball subs. The pasta menu is extensive and loaded with classics like penne Bolognese, baked spaghetti, linguine alfredo with grilled chicken, lasagna, and ravioli.
The calzone menu is equally rich, with favorites such as chicken and steak calzones, spinach and ricotta calzones, and even sausage, pepperoni, and onion calzones. Pizzeria Napoli is located on the east side of Panama City, FL. Whether you are spending the night at home with the family and in need of a few savory pizzas, or if you are heading out for a night of fun and need a filling and satisfying meal, Pizzeria Napoli will always be there to satisfy your cravings.
Find a great agent at Bay Real Experts
This is just a sampling of the mouth-watering Italian restaurants that are popular in this classic beach community. When you’re ready to start shopping for Panama City Beach real estate, contact Bay Real Experts to work with one of the top-rated agents in the market.