Orange Beach, Ala. — (GSN) — Many people will argue which venue served the BEST seafood along the Gulf Coast, but few will deny that many local Alabama restaurants would have to be included on the list. Recently the culinary site ChowHound listed 3 locations in Orange Beach among their favorites.

Flora-Bama: A Legendary Coastal Hotspot

Located in Perdido Key, Florida, Flora-Bama has been a cultural and culinary icon since 1964. This sprawling destination is nestled on the border of Florida and Alabama, offering a multifaceted entertainment experience.

• Atmosphere and Entertainment: The venue is famous for its live music, featuring five different stages with daily performances.
• Facilities: Beyond its dining options, the complex includes a marina, an oyster bar, and the Flora-Bama Yacht Club, which provides open-air waterfront dining.
• Culinary Highlights: Guests can enjoy fresh seafood on the water, with the swordfish and outstanding oysters being among the most recommended dishes.

The Gulf: Sustainable Innovation by the Shore

The Gulf, situated at Perdido Pass in Orange Beach, Alabama, is renowned for its chic, upcycled aesthetic. Built from shipping containers, the restaurant offers a casual yet high-quality dining environment.

• Unique Design: The reclaimed design provides a modern, beach-bar vibe where guests can dine with their toes in the sand.
• Award-Winning Fare: The restaurant was recently recognized by Chowhound for serving one of the best fried fish sandwiches in the country.
• Diverse Menu: Other popular menu items include coconut grouper bites, tuna poke bowls, and fresh mahi-mahi tacos.
• Waterfront Experience: The waterfront deck allows visitors to watch boats drift by while enjoying locally sourced, sustainable dishes.

Zeke’s Restaurant: Elevated Marina Dining

Zeke’s Restaurant offers a relaxed and welcoming coastal dining experience at Zeke’s Landing & Marina in Orange Beach. It is a local favorite known for its stunning views of the Back Bay.

• Scenic Setting: The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor patio seating where guests can watch pelicans and boats returning to the marina.
• Fresh and Local: The kitchen sources fish and seafood daily to ensure high quality for its elevated menu.
• Signature Dishes: The "Ultimate Seafood Boil" is a standout, featuring snow crab legs, Gulf shrimp, mussels, corn, and local Conecuh sausage.
• Elevated Entrees: For those seeking sophisticated flavors, the menu includes blackened Caribbean cobia served over dirty rice and classic wild-caught Gulf shrimp scampi.

Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers a culinary landscape as vibrant and diverse as its tides. With an ever-evolving scene that ranges from casual, feet-in-the-sand eateries to sophisticated dining destinations, the region continues to prove that it is far more than just a beach town—it is a true destination for food lovers.