Nestled between powder-soft dunes and the sparkling Gulf, Laguna Beach offers a refreshingly low-key slice of Panama City Beach — and one of the most underrated food scenes on the Emerald Coast. Whether you’re craving fresh-off-the-boat seafood, hand-crafted breakfast treats, or picnic-friendly bites, this neighborhood has you covered. Here’s where locals and in-the-know visitors fuel up along Front Beach Road and beyond.
Classic Coastal Eats: Seafood with a View
Laguna Beach may be quieter than PCB’s bustling east end, but its seafood offerings compete with the best. Head to the intersection of Front Beach Road and 113th Street to find the iconic *Thomas Donut & Snack Shop*. While famous for its donuts (more on that soon), this spot surprises many with shrimp po’boys, fried oyster baskets, and freshly-caught grouper sandwiches that taste like summer.
Just a few blocks west, *Sunnyside Grill* offers beachside classics in a laid-back, retro setting. Slide into a vinyl booth and order their no-frills fried fish plates or “Laguna Style” fish tacos with mango salsa. Portions are generous and prices rarely break the bank, making it perfect for families and post-beach appetites alike.
Recommended dishes:
- Shrimp basket at Thomas Donut & Snack Shop ($$)
- Fish tacos at Sunnyside Grill ($$)
Breakfast, Bakeries, and Coffee Culture
No food tour of Laguna Beach is complete without an early-morning stop at *Thomas Donut & Snack Shop* (again!). Locals will tell you to get there early for their famous apple fritters, pillowy glazed donuts, and Kolaches (savory, sausage-stuffed pastries nodding to the region’s Texas influences). This open-air bakery is an institution — and grabbing coffee and pastries here is practically a Laguna tradition.
For a trendy, barista-driven experience, *Laguna Beach Coffee & Cream* (located just north of Front Beach Road at Deluna Place) offers craft espresso drinks, cold brew, and locally-made ice cream. Their shaded patio is a hidden gem for digital nomads and parents alike, with plenty of space to soak up the breezy beach mood. Their pastel-hued cupcakes and muffins sell out fast.
Don’t-miss breakfast spots:
- Apple fritter at Thomas Donut & Snack Shop ($)
- Coconut latte at Laguna Beach Coffee & Cream ($)
Food Trucks and Hidden Gems
Some of Laguna Beach’s tastiest finds roll in on wheels. On weekends, keep an eye out around Front Beach Road and Sandy Shores Drive for local food trucks serving beachy bites. *Beachside BBQ* pops up seasonally, dishing out smoky pulled pork sandwiches and tangy coleslaw — a must-try for anyone craving Southern comfort without the fuss.
Looking for something handheld to take to the sand? The *Tacos Las Delicias* food truck, usually parked outside the Laguna Beach Christian Retreat, serves street-style tacos and burritos brimming with flavor. Carnitas, carne asada, and grilled fish are locals’ favorites, and all come with homemade salsas that pack a punch.
Best bets on the go:
- Pulled pork sandwich at Beachside BBQ food truck ($$)
- Carnitas tacos at Tacos Las Delicias ($)
Laid-Back Lunches and Hidden Highlights
Hearty appetites are rewarded at *Pho Pier 77*, a surprising Vietnamese café tucked into a strip mall near Panama City Beach Parkway and Deluna Place. Here, bowls of fragrant pho and crispy banh mi sandwiches provide a break from beach-bar fare. The welcoming owners make everyone feel like regulars, and prices are wallet-friendly.
Craving something totally casual? Check out *The Chill Spot*, a walk-up shack on Front Beach Road known for its over-the-top snow cones and fresh Cuban sandwiches. It’s a hot-weather staple and a favorite among families and teens.
Unique lunch picks:
- Brisket banh mi at Pho Pier 77 ($)
- Cuban sandwich at The Chill Spot ($)
Sweet Treats and Sunset Snacks
The sugary side of Laguna Beach shines at dessert outposts. At *David’s Sno-Balls* just east of Laguna Beach Plaza, fresh beignets dusted with powdered sugar melt in your mouth — pair them with a frozen coffee for ultimate refreshment. Love old-school ice cream? Stop into *Buddy’s Ice Cream & Deli*, a cherished local joint with scoops, shakes, and classic deli sandwiches for a retro snack break.
Go-to dessert stops:
- Beignets at David’s Sno-Balls ($)
- Vanilla malt at Buddy’s Ice Cream & Deli ($)
Local Flavor: Food Traditions and Must-Try Experiences
Laguna Beach has its quirks and culinary customs. Every Memorial Day and Labor Day, locals queue up early for Thomas Donut & Snack Shop’s limited-run Key Lime Pie donuts — a seasonal treat that always sells out. On Saturdays, look for pop-up peach stands along Back Beach Road (Highway 98) offering juicy, just-picked fruit from nearby family farms.
Many residents swear by packing a feast from local seafood markets and watching the sunset atop the neighborhood’s iconic sand dunes. There’s no better way to dine like a true Lagunite.
The Laguna Beach Dining Experience
What truly sets Laguna Beach apart isn’t just what’s on the menu, but the laid-back atmosphere. Here, you’re welcome in sandy flip-flops and salty hair. Many restaurants and cafés are family-owned, and staff treat you like a neighbor, not just another tourist.
From sunrise donut runs to sunset taco feasts, Laguna Beach’s food scene proves small neighborhoods can cook up big flavors. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or relaxed bon vivant, you’ll find something delicious around every corner — and often, for less than you’d spend in the city’s busier zones.
Next time you’re driving west on Panama City Beach Parkway, detour onto Front Beach Road and taste your way through Laguna Beach. Just bring your appetite and your beach towel.