Runaway Island

Reviews

• MM

  Marlee Myers

  1 day ago
  5.0
  This place is amazing. Our server was Brett who was super nice and patience with us. We are from out of town and he directed us to good drinks. The view is just beautiful too. The atmosphere there is nice with a bunch of seating. The food is phenomenal. I got the shrimp and my husband got the grouper. The amount of shrimp I got was well worth the price. My husband finished his plate in 10 minutes or less. He was very happy. I would say this was the best place we have ate since we have been down here. You need to eat here or you are missing out.
• TP

  The Prickly Passport

  Jul 2, 2026
  5.0
  Let’s start with the important part. The food? Delicious. The view? One of the best on Panama City Beach. And Myles? Ahhhmazing. Give that man a raise, a vacation, and whatever employee parking spot is closest to the front door. Hospitality like that is becoming an endangered species. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the Fire & Brine oysters and the crab cakes. You might receive calamari instead, but don’t panic. The kitchen apparently believes in surprise tastings before quickly realizing the mix-up and getting everything sorted out. Honest mistake, fast recovery. Points for owning it. The grouper was cooked perfectly, flaky, fresh, and exactly what you hope for when you’re eating seafood with the Gulf as your backdrop. Now let’s discuss the watermelon margarita. It tastes innocent enough that you’ll start wondering if they forgot the tequila. They did not. Somewhere around the halfway mark, it arrives all at once like a delayed weather system. Suddenly you’re emotional, grateful for sunsets, contemplating life choices, and considering texting people you’ve successfully avoided for years. Pace yourself. Great food, gorgeous views, outstanding service, and a margarita with a delayed-release personality. I’d happily come back. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• TT

  Thunder

  Jun 28, 2026
  5.0
  Found the perfect combination of beach side dinning and great food. Beach attire with cover ups seemed to be acceptable in the outside covered seating, or casual to office casual in the inside AC. Food was excellent. Lots of choices from reasonable to pricey, but you get what you pay for. Do you want great seafood options, then it cost a little more. They have a good sized parking lot, but during the busiest times you may need the overflow parking across the street. This is a good spot to watch the sunset. I suggest you dress up and make it a romantic end to a long day on the beach, food, drink, and the beauty of the sunset. What's not to like?
• MF

  Mary Freudenreich

  Jun 26, 2026
  5.0
  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Runaway Island was hands down one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Panama City Beach! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was amazing. The beachfront views, laid-back island vibe, and friendly staff made it such a relaxing place to enjoy dinner. Our server, Cole, was absolutely fantastic. He was personable, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcome. He checked on us often, kept our drinks full, answered questions about the menu, and made sure everything came out perfectly. It’s rare to find service that stands out as much as the food, but Cole definitely did. He made an already great meal even better. We started with the spinach dip, and it was delicious—hot, creamy, and full of flavor. It was the perfect appetizer to share and definitely something I’d order again. For my entrée, I had the St. Charles Redfish, and it was outstanding. The fish was cooked perfectly, flaky and fresh, and the flavors all worked together so well. Every bite was incredible, and you could tell the ingredients were high quality. It’s one of those meals you’ll be thinking about long after you leave. Overall, everything about our experience exceeded expectations. Great food, beautiful views, and exceptional service from Cole made this an easy five-star experience. If you’re looking for a restaurant in Panama City Beach with amazing seafood and a memorable atmosphere, Runaway Island is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back, and we’ll absolutely be asking for Cole again!
• RR

  Rheanna

  Jun 17, 2026
  2.0
  Despite the mixed reviews, my boyfriend and I decided to give Runaway Island a chance and I am highly disappointed. From the moment we areived and there was no wait at peak dinner time, I should've ran away. The waiter was great and the service was impeccable; however, the food and drinks severely lacked. I ordered the crab cake appetizer as a dinner, after being told it was extremely popular by the waiter. My partner and I ordered adult beverages with the souvenir cup, and it was absolutely disgusting. I ordered a strawberry margarita and it tasted like crushed ice, not even a slight strawberry flavor. When I left, I had to end up pouring it down the sink after three different sips. The food, the crab cakes specifically, lscked any kind of flavor. It didn't even have a crab taste and looked like it was made with wood chips. I tried to stomach at least one crab cake, but couldn't. The waiter asked how everything was and I told him it had absolutely no flavor and he acted dumbfounded. He asked if I would like something else, but said I would be charged for both regardless, so of course I denied. My partners grouper was blackened and tasted just like that, simply seared with no grouper flavor. The only desirable thing I ate was my partners french fries. I am overall highly disappointed in the food and will not be back or recommending to others. Stear clear unless you want bland food to just fill up your stomach.

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