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Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, food — Enjoy drinks, food and views of Alabama’s Gulf Coast. (Lauren Perry)

Beach-bound this summer? Before you overpack your cooler, you’ll want to check out our list of restaurants our fellow Birmingham foodies will love during your visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Read on for sizzling burgers, fresh seafood, specialty cocktails and more.

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1. Cobalt the Restaurant—Orange Beach

Cobalt, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, food, restaurants — Cobalt the Restaurant in Orange Beach is a great choice for seafood lovers. (Brett-Robinson Vacation Rentals)

Seafood and happy hour? What’s not to love?

We have some pretty amazing seafood spots around Birmingham, like Automatic and Fish Market, but there are even more along the Gulf Coast.

Cobalt is located in Orange Beach under the Perdido Bay Bridge.

On the menu, you’ll find contemporary coastal cuisine with authentic dishes of fresh-caught seafood.

Check out these must-try items:

Pecan Fried Catfish—$14.50
- Alabama farm-raised filet over tasso ham, sweet corn + black-eyed pea succotash drizzled with dill tartar

Gulf Shrimp and Grits—$14
- Half dozen large Gulf Shrimp skewered, chargrilled + served with Cajun cream sauce + served over buttermilk pepper jack cheese grits.

Address: 28099 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Website

2. Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar—Orange Beach

Cosmos, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, food, restaurants — Enjoy wraps, pasta + more at Cosmos Restaurant & Grill in Orange Beach. (Brett-Robinson Vacation Rentals)

Journey off the beaten path to this popular spot nestled on Canal Road in Orange Beach.

Here you’ll discover a fresh and eclectic menu loaded with local staples boasting unique twists.

Indoor seating is available, but I suggest grabbing a table outside on their spacious patio.

IMG 5113 1 5 Gulf Coast restaurants Bham foodies will love

Toast to good eats and drinks. (Cosmo’s Restaurant and Bar)

Here are two items to try when you visit:

Chicken Roulade—$13
- Bacon-wrapped chicken breast stuffed with asparagus + Gruyère cheese, lightly sautéed + served with a safe + leek cream sauce + Parmesan risotto

Sesame Seared Tuna—$15
- A filet of yellowfin tuna, coated with sesame seeds + seared. Served over a bed of house greens tossed in sun-dried cranberries, toasted sunflower seeds + crispy noodles in a ginger soy vinaigrette

Address: 25753 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Website

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3. Fire Smoked Fish Company—Gulf Shores

Fire Fish, food, restaurants, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach — Can Red Fish Tacos from Fire Smoked Fish Company. (Brett-Robinson Vacation Rentals)

Birminghamians love fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch items. These are just two reasons you’ll enjoy dining at Fire Smoked Fish Company in Gulf Shores.

Here you’ll find an incredible menu of smoked fish, smoked gourmet dips and more.

It’s also home to a famous 2″ thick Big Daddy Pork Chop.

Here are some more delicious choices:

Smoked Cajun Redfish Sandwich—$16
- Served on a bun with smoked cajun redfish, lettuce, tomato, remoulade, pickled red onion + lemon with your choice of side

Smoked Sausage Plate—$15
- 2 smoked sausage links, Carolina smokehouse sauce, pickled red onion + your choice of 2 sides

Address: 1544 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Website

4. High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas—Gulf Shores + Orange Beach

High Tide, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach — Cheers to great coffee at the beach. (High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas)

If you want to feel at home during your travels to the Gulf Coast, this great spot has Birmingham foodie written all over it.

High Tide features a stellar list of coffees, breakfast essentials, hearty sandwiches and incredible cocktails and beer.

Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, restaurants, food, High Tide — Try High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas for breakfast, lunch or a delicious drink in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. (Brett-Robinson Vacation Rentals)

Here are some of top menu choices:

Breakfast Board—$18-$26
- Includes toast, bagels, spreads + fruit

Caprese sandwich—$14
- Includes fresh mozzarella, spinach, tomatoes + balsamic

Pink Flamingo mimosa—$12
- Made with Prosecco, strawberry lemonade, grenadine + glitter

Address: 807 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 | 24823 Commercial Avenue, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Website

5. Tuscany Pizza & Grill—Gulf Shores

Tuscany, Gulf Shores, restaurant — A dreamy outdoor setting for Italian cuisine. (Tuscany Pizza & Grill)

I’ve yet to meet a Birminghamian—or human—who doesn’t enjoy a good slice of pizza. So, Tuscany Pizza & Grill is a great place to settle in for a meal when visiting Gulf Shores.

This little Italian pizzeria serves up a scrumptious menu filled with specialties like bruschetta, focaccia, pasta with meatballs and more.

Craving pizza? Each pie is 14” and is baked to perfection.

A Margherita pizza is always my go-to, but there are others to try like the chicken Alfredo or the prosciutto and arugula.

Bonus: Tuscany features live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night—the perfect food pairing.