Nestled along the stunning Gulf of Mexico on the Alabama coast, both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer a well-developed culinary scene that's worth the trip alone for showcasing the region's unique seafood flavors. From casual beachside eateries to upscale waterfront restaurants, you'll find what you're looking for in a culinary delight.
Wondering what you'll find on the menu? Head to the best places for seafood, and it will invariably feature fresh catches, including the all-time favorites: Gulf Shrimp, Gumbo, Oysters, and Crab.
With an abundance of fresh seafood, waterfront restaurants often showcase their offerings with special menus and outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy everything with a scenic view of the Gulf. Speaking of which, dining with a view is considered one of the best things to do while vacationing in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
With such a diverse offering, though, it might be tricky to know just where to go for the best example of each dish. You need a local perspective for that. Worry not. This blog will tell you where to savor the finest gulf shrimp, oysters, gumbo, and crab in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama.
Get ready for a seafood extravaganza!
Best Gulf Shrimp in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL
Something quintessential to the cuisine of the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf shrimp is known for its sweet and succulent flavor. These shrimp are typically larger in size compared to other varieties, with a firm texture and a slightly briny taste that reflects their coastal origins.
Gulf shrimp is versatile and can be prepared in various ways, such as grilled, boiled, fried, or sautéed, allowing their natural flavors to shine through. When cooked, Gulf shrimp turn pink and develop a delicate sweetness that pairs well with a variety of seasonings and sauces.
Whether enjoyed on its own as a main dish or incorporated into seafood boils, pastas, or salads, Gulf shrimp is a popular choice — and no seafood lover's trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is complete without trying Gulf shrimp.
Here are some of the best places to try Gulf shrimp in exceptional ways:
Cobalt, the Restaurant, Orange Beach
Shrimp Basket, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores
Fish River Grill, Gulf Shores
Luna's, Orange Beach
Save the date: Annual National Shrimp Festival
Usually held in October and happening since 1971, the Annual National Shrimp Festival highlights around 50 local and regional vendors offering mouth-watering seafood along the boardwalk at the public beach. Talking about a shrimp extravaganza! And there are other types of seafood too, of course, so plenty of options. Besides food, there's live music, arts and crafts, and lots of great vibes.
While we're on the subject: exploring food events is a smart way to immerse yourself in local cuisine and traditions. The events often showcase a region's authentic flavors, allowing you to taste traditional dishes prepared by local chefs and artisans. It's a direct and immersive experience that goes beyond the typical restaurant setting.
When is Shrimp season in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL?
Gulf Shrimp Season is typically in late spring, summer, and early fall. Many restaurants create special dishes or promotions centered around shrimp, and local communities often celebrate the seafood bounty with festivals and events, similar to the ones mentioned above.
Best Oysters in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL
In the Gulf Coast, the tradition of oysters runs deep. Harvested from the Gulf Coast for centuries, oysters are a beloved delicacy known for their unique, briny flavor. Rumors even say that the Shell Banks Community in Gulf Shores takes its name from its indigenous population's love for oysters.
Throughout the region, oyster farmers work tirelessly to ensure a sustainable supply, while chefs transform them into mouth-watering dishes that highlight their fresh, oceanic taste or rich, savory depth.
How to enjoy them? You can go raw on the half shell, char-grilled with a buttery sauce, or fried to a golden crisp, among other ways. It's pretty easy to find oysters in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, but here are some favorite spots:
Original Oyster House, Gulf Shores
Zeke's, Orange Beach
Doc's Seafood Shack and Oyster Bar, Orange Beach
Voyagers, Orange Beach
Save the dates: National Oyster Day & Oyster Festivals
Possibly the best time of the year to visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and try oysters is National Oyster Day. The day is dedicated to recognizing the cultural and historical importance of oysters, and local restaurants often organize specials on their menu. Don't be surprised if everyone else around you is having the same dish as you!
It's also a great idea to look for oyster-related festivals that might be happening along your coast. Some good examples in the area are the Fort Morgan Oyster Festival nearby and the Oyster Cookoff in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, which are popular ways to celebrate.
When is Oyster season in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL?
Oysters are typically in season during the fall and winter months. Many seafood restaurants offer oyster specials during this time.
Best Crab in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL
Being right on the Gulf Coast, both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are also fortunate to have access to fresh and flavorful crab — a local blessing that takes center stage in many regional dishes.
Blue crab and stone crab are the most commonly caught in the Gulf waters. Whether enjoyed on the claw or in the form of a delicious crab cake, your experience is bound to be a celebration of freshness and flavor!
Let's explore some of the best places to savor crab in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL:
De Soto's Seafood Kitchen, Gulf Shores
Original Oyster House, Gulf Shores
Louisiana Lagniappe, Orange Beach
Cosmo's Restaurant & Bar, Orange Beach
Luna's, Orange Beach
When is Crab season in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL?
Blue Crab Season typically lasts from spring to fall. Restaurants often take advantage of the availability of fresh blue crabs by featuring special dishes on their menus.
Best Gumbo in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL
Another dish that reflects the coastal heritage and diverse flavors of the region is Gumbo: a hearty stew typically made with a variety of ingredients such as seafood, sausage, chicken, okra, and a dark roux base.
Even though this iconic dish originates from Louisiana Creole cuisine, it has become a staple along the Gulf Coast. Delicious for its complex flavors and diverse combination of spices, Gumbo creates a dish with a depth of flavor that is both savory and aromatic, making it a favorite for people to gather around.
In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, many restaurants offer their unique take on this beloved dish. Here are some of our favorites:
De Soto's Seafood Kitchen, Gulf Shores
Cosmo's Restaurant & Bar, Orange Beach
Mikee's Seafood, Gulf Shores
Pier House, Orange Beach
Wolf Bay Lodge, Orange Beach
Extra Tip: Make the most of the local Gulf-to-Table culture by visiting a seafood market and cooking at home.
With the region emphasizing Gulf-to-Table on their menus, there's a variety of local seafood markets you can visit to buy the freshest seafood, including shrimp, oysters, crab, and more. Bring the flavors of the Gulf directly to your short-term rental by preparing a delicious home-cooked seafood meal.
Here are some of the local's favorites:
- Gulf Shores Seafood & Meat Market, Gulf Shores
- Lartigue's Fresh & Steamed Seafood, Orange Beach
- Blalock Seafood & Specialty Market, Orange Beach
The Finest Gulf Shrimp, Oysters, Crab, and Gumbo in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL
We bet you're hungry by now! Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and the Gulf Coast as a whole, are a wonderland of amazing food — and your experience will certainly be enhanced if you delve into the local specialties knowing a little about their background and cultural relevance, as well as heading directly to the best places that serve them.
Here's an extra tip: while out and about exploring the local culinary scene, try to strike up conversations with vendors and staff members; they'll surely provide extra tips on how to enjoy each dish the best way.
For more tips on Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL, head to our destination blog. Among many topics, we've curated a list of the best restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, which means more great cuisine options for you.
Wondering Where to Stay During Your Trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL?
Choosing a vacation rental lets you soak up the Gulf Coast like a local, offering ample space and an authentic vibe to stroll right into the community's rhythm. It's not just a place to stay; it's a chance to live the coastal lifestyle firsthand.
With years of experience in Gulf Shores, we're experts in making memorable getaways. Our vacation rentals range from beachfront homes to high-rise condos and are perfect for a home base for your next getaway.
Your ultimate comfort and happiness are our top priorities. Our local staff is dedicated to going the extra mile, ensuring you and your family have a memorable vacation in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL.
When you stay with us, all you need to focus on is letting the coastal beauty whisk you away - rest assured, it will!
