Firefly Restaurant: Where Fine Dining Meets Coastal Charm in Panama City Beach

by Melissa de Valcourt · April 2025

Located in the vibrant Panama City Beach, Firefly Restaurant has been a cherished dining destination for 18 years—and what a journey it has been! Since opening in June 2007, Firefly has grown into a true culinary gem, beloved for its exquisite cuisine, warm hospitality, and inviting atmosphere.

Firefly offers a unique casual fine dining experience, blending elegance with a relaxed coastal charm. The main dining room evokes the feeling of an Italian courtyard, where guests sit beneath a tree adorned with twinkling lights that mimic the glow of fireflies, creating a magical and intimate ambiance. The restaurant itself exudes charm, having been voted the most romantic restaurant in the area. Its intimate atmosphere perfectly aligns with its mission to create unforgettable dining experiences. Firefly has also earned national recognition, ranking #14 on OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America for 2024.

Owner Dave Trepanier and Executive Chef Rob Burgess strive to create a dining experience for their patrons unlike any other on the beach. “Casual elegance” is the theme, whether for a romantic dinner or catching up with friends. Guests will feel right at home while enjoying a five-star meal and great company.

Dave has nurtured Firefly into one of the premier dining spots on the Gulf Coast, ensuring that while the menu evolves, the commitment to quality never wavers. Incredibly, Firefly has only had three chefs in its entire history—a testament to the loyalty and dedication of its team. Longtimeemployee Lance VonGerichten, who has been with Firefly for 20 years, has played a crucial role in shaping the restaurant’s success. Originally a lead server, Lance has always treated Firefly like his own. His dedication and leadership have now led him to become a partner in the business, further strengthening his bond with the restaurant.

One of the restaurant’s crowning achievements is its award-winning wine program, which has earned the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 17 consecutive years. With over 2,000 bottles from around the globe, Firefly is a true haven for wine lovers. The restaurant’s innovative wine lockers offer guests the opportunity to receive exclusive discounts on rare finds. Dave believes in fair pricing, ensuring that guests feel valued and appreciated, making every sip even more enjoyable.

Beyond its impressive wine selection, Firefly also boasts an exceptional craft cocktail menu. Guests can savor expertly crafted drinks featuring high-end bourbons, whiskeys, and other premium spirits. The 535 Library Lounge provides the perfect setting to unwind, with plush leather seating and a relaxed, intimate vibe that makes it a favorite gathering spot.

At the heart of Firefly’s appeal is its award-winning cuisine, masterfully created by Chef Rob, a graduate of the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Atlanta. His approach blends creativity with seasonality, ensuring that the menu remains fresh and exciting. The menu is updated quarterly, featuring a mix of beloved classics and innovative new dishes. Firefly is known for its commitment to quality ingredients, offering fresh seafood, game meats, and unique fish selections that keep guests coming back for more.

One of the most talked-about dishes is Firefly’s massive 28 to 32-ounce bone-in ribeye, known for its exceptional flavor and tenderness. Perfect for sharing, this steak has earned rave reviews from patrons. Another favorite is the rich, velvety she-crab soup, which remains a year-round staple and a must-try for visitors. Other notable dishes include the pepper-crusted stuffed filet and homemade pasta Bolognese.

For dessert, the vanilla and white chocolate crème brûlée has garnered significant attention. One guest remarked, “This crème brûlée is easily one of the most decadent desserts I’ve ever had. The perfect first crunch as you smack the caramelized sugar to the way the velvety custard just melts in your mouth, this is the definition of divine. This is the dessert you dream about, not the one you skip out on!”

For sushi lovers, Firefly is a hidden gem. Recognizing the growing demand for high-quality sushi in the area, Dave and his Master Sushi Chefs expanded the menu to include a beautifully crafted selection of rolls, all made with the freshest ingredients. The sushi bar, introduced three years after the restaurant opened, has quickly become a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. Popular rolls include the Devil’s Advocate and the Hurricane Roll, which have become guest favorites.

Firefly’s dedication to excellence extends beyond its main dining room. The restaurant offers private dining spaces for business meetings, family gatherings, and special celebrations. Its full-service catering ensures that every event—whether on-site or off—is handled with the same level of care and attention that makes Firefly such a standout dining destination.

As Firefly looks to the future, Dave, Chef Rob, Lance, and his longtime management team consisting of General Manager Danielle Mills and Assistant General Manager Demetrio Gonzales remain committed to innovation while preserving the restaurant’s reputation for outstanding service and top-tier cuisine. With exciting plans for continued growth, Firefly is poised to remain at the forefront of Panama City Beach’s vibrant dining scene. The restaurant’s excellence has not gone unnoticed, as it has earned Florida Trend Magazine’s Golden Spoon Award for an impressive 15 years in a row.

In a city filled with dining choices, Firefly stands out as a place where every dish tells a story, and every guest is treated like family. Whether you’re cutting into a perfectly seared steak, enjoying the freshest sushi, or sipping a glass of wine in the Library Lounge, Firefly promises an experience that lingers long after the last bite.