Must-Visit Dining Spots on Anna Maria Island
Here is our Insider's Guide of our top DINING RESTAURANTS on Anna Maria Island.
From family friendly, date night or group outings!
WICKED CANTINA
101 7th St N, Bradenton Beach
941-281-2990
Wicked Cantina
Are you looking for the best margaritas on the
Island? Well Wicked Cantina is a must visit!
All the food is hand made in-house daily. They
specialize in delicious, Austin style Tex Mex as
well as tasty American classics. Fresh food, fresh
modern family friendly vibe, full liquor bar and
ample parking.
Some of our favorites are the Power Bowl, the
Wicked Roll and the Grouper Tacos!
You can sit indoors or outdoors. Your server will
great you with complimentary chips and salsa!
(this is unlimited even if you just want to stop
by for a drink!)
Every day there is a live music on the patio; we
just love the ambiance.
If you prefer to eat at home, they have a Family
Pack for Four which can't be beaten.
A must try is also their Mexican breakfasts!
THE WATERFRONT
111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria
941-778-1515
The Waterfront
One of our favorite, serving fresh classic
American seafood, salad and steaks.
The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar is a
fabulous place to dine at for lunch or dinner. It
has a beautiful area for outdoor seating and
inside is equally beautiful with a huge fish tank
right in the middle of the restaurant.
After you finish your meal head on over for a
walk on the Anna Maria City Pier that is
basically across the road.
Stop by and find out why everyone can't get
enough of this place. You won't regret it.
Bit of History - Built in 1922, the cottage was
one of the original homes on Anna Maria Island.
In the 1970’s the cottage got its first commercial
use as an art gallery. The Suzor family
purchased The Waterfront Restaurant in 2002,
and they continue to proudly own and operate
it today.
UGLY GROUPER
5704 Marina Dr,
Holmes Beach
941-896-8033
The Ugly Grouper
The Ugly Grouper is the
prefect spot for the whole
filmily
. The restaurant is 100% outdoors with
games daily live music, a really giant ugly grouper
statue
,and 9 TVs to watch all of your favorite sport
games.
If you are looking for Grouper - this is the
restaurants for you!
They have a variety of
Grouper on the menu! Our favorites are the
glorious grouper sandwich, Grouper Tacos and if
you are looking for a meal that is quite amazing, try
the Grouper Polynesian Boat. It is fresh blackened
grouper, asparagus and parmesan risotto served
inside a pineapple boat! For an impressive dessert
try the Cinnamon Pretzel. It is HUGE and can easily
be shared at the table.
Did you know - Weighing in at 3,180 pounds and
measuring 20 feet long, 14 feet tall and 10 feet wide,
this restaurants truly has a BIG Ugly Grouper on
Anna Maria Island! The sculpture was made by
Tampa artists with Rustic Steel Creations from
components of used cars, Harley Davidson
motorcycle's, and various found objects. Go see it
for yourself!
THE PORCH
9707 Gulf Dr,
Anna Maria
941-778-2662
The Porch
Looking for incredible food in a historical
building on Anna Maria? This is your spot! This
restaurant is upper-scare and truly a wonderful
place to create memories.
We invite you to check out the Specialty
Beverages Menu! My absolute favorite is the
Pasubio Lemonade Spritz.
Bit of History - The Porch was built in 1913 and was sold to a
Professor named Nichols as a winter getaway
and also as a rental. In 1920 there were a total of
60 cottages that the Anna Marai Beach
Company had built and were renting. Over 109
years many changes came along to this
building. Many individuals remember this
location as the beloved Sign of the Mermaid
Restaurant, as it was for 30 years. Other might
remember a time when this building was a local
daycare!
ANNA MARIA OYSTER BAR
200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach
947-778-2662
Anna Maria Oyster Bar
Boasting a laid back Floridian atmosphere and
panoramic views of Tampa Bay and Anna Maria
Pier, the 1900 era cottage hosts a micro-
brewery, wine bar, and world-class restaurant.
The Muscles Provincial is a must-try dish that we highly recommend. It's the best muscles we've ever tasted, and we're from the Maritimes (New Brunswick, Canada), where we're used to having these delicious delicacies sourced from Prince Edward Island. Other favorites on the menu include the Gumbo, Calamari, and, of course, the Oysters! You can have your Oysters raw or choose from our favorites, the "Tequila Lime" or the "Garlic Parmesan."
INSIDER'S TIPHAPPY HOUR DAILY
3PM-6PM
Kids 10 & under eat for
just one penny per inch
of height, every Sunday
through Thursday.
ISLAND OCEAN STAR
902 S Bay Blvd,
Anna Maria
941-251-6940
Island Ocean Star
Fabulous Japanese style restaurant offering
Asian, Japanese and sushi delicacies. The
atmosphere is amazing in Galati Marina with
expansive vistas overlooking the waterfront.
We love Sushi and this is always a must for us
each visit
. We love sitting outside with a nice
bottle of Prosecco and watch all the beautiful
boats in Bimini Bay.
My favorite sushi on the menu is the Tempura
Rolls - Crispy lightly coated and deep fried.
After dinner take a walk around the marina.
They do have impressive boats there! Makes
you dream!
BEACH BISTRO
6600 Gulf Dr,
Holmes Beach
941-778-6444
Beach Bistro
Celebrating a special event? Beach Bistro is an
award-winning, world-class dining experience
sure to make your special celebration a lifelong
memory.
“Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for one
of the best wine lists in the world”. The bistro
has a fine dining atmosphere overlooking the
beach. Your enjoyment is their number one
priority.
This restaurant is located directly on the beach
but has inside seating which is incredibly
romantic. They change their menu often, but if
you are lucky do try the short ribs. They are melt
in your mouth tender, exploding with flavor!
Note: We head to this restaurant usually for
special occasions because the menu is a bit
pricey --- but the food is so good!!
Tip - Check out their beach cam on their website; it's pretty cool!
THE BEACHHOUSE
200 Gulf Dr N,
Bradenton Beach
941-779-2222
The Beach House
On 650 feet of pristine Gulf front beach,
the location features the most amazing sunset
you will ever see.
Reservations are not accepted by the restaurant, but we typically don't have to wait for an extended period, even during busy periods. In the event of a wait, we often take the opportunity to sit at the lovely bar outside. Meanwhile, the children can take a stroll on the beach while we wait for our table.
The restaurant offers daily specials, and one of their signature dishes is the Shrimp Scampi, which I highly recommend if it's available. The Seafood Gumbo is another popular option. But if you're not in the mood for a meal, don't fret. The restaurant has plenty of outdoor seating where you can relax with a drink and enjoy a breathtaking sunset view.
BLUE MARLIN
121 Bridge St, Bradenton
Beach
941-896-9737
Blue Marlin
Alright folks, looking for a steak and lobster
dinner? This is the spot!
The Blue Marlin is a distinct restaurant, noticeable by its vibrant blue exterior that characterizes this historic 1920s cottage.
Stepping inside, you'll feel as though you've been transported to a seafood house on the coast of Maine.
The cuisine revolves around daily fresh fish supplied directly from the Cortez fishing fleet.
Although seafood dominates the menu, there are a variety of other dishes. Our top recommendations are the Filet Mignon with Lobster and the Linguine & Clams!
Note - The restaurant is closed on Sundays and
You can make reservations online on the
website.
SANDBAR
100 Spring Ave,
Anna Maria
941-778-0444
The Sandbar
The Sandbar restaurant is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to gather and enjoy stunning sunset views at the end of the day. Kick back with a tropical cocktail and wiggle your toes in the outdoor dining room on the beach. The site has a rich history of entertainment and relaxation, with roots dating as far back as 1911, when Anna Maria was only accessible by boat and visitors would come from Tampa, landing on the bay side.
At the Sandbar, you'll savor "authentic old Florida" recipes made with ecologically responsible produce and fresh seafood sourced right from the Florida coast. Even the littlest members of your group will delight in the Sandbar, thanks to the extensive kids' menu. Best of all, the kids' menu is affordably priced, with all items under $10 and served with a cup of fruit, fries, or apple sauce.
SHORE - Longboat Key
800 Broadway St,
Longboat Key
941-259-4600
Shore
Experience exceptional seafood, service, and breathtaking views at this restaurant! The venue is simply stunning, and the food is equally delicious. Every time we've visited, we've tried something new, and we've never been let down. Our top recommendations include the Kung Pao Calamari, Shrimp Ceviche, Ahi Tuna, and Miso Marinated Black Grouper.
While enjoying your meal, take in the lovely sight of boats gliding by. You'll also find a charming shop on the premises. Please note that the kids' menu is relatively pricey at this location. Also, don't be intimidated by the valet parking service. There is no set fee, so simply tip the attendant when your car is retrieved.
MAR VISTA - Longboat Key
760 Broadway St, Longboat Key
941-383-2391
Mar Vistar
Mar Vista is a waterfront restaurant located in Longboat Key,known for its fresh seafood and beautiful views of the bay.
The restaurant has been in operation since 1912 and has a rich history of serving locals and visitors alike.
As for the menu, Mar Vista specializes in seafood and offers a wide variety of dishes, from classic fish and chips to more gourmet options like pan-seared scallops and lobster tail.
My absolute favorite is the Grouper Risotto.
One of the standout features of Mar Vista is its location on the water, with outdoor seating available overlooking the bay.
he restaurant also has a bar area and a raw bar, serving up oysters and other seafood favorites.
They do not accept reservations and are usually very busy, so plan on arriving early to grab a table (5 or 5:30PM).
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Anna Maria Island is a food lover's paradise, with a diverse selection of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From upscale, fine dining restaurants to casual beachfront cafes, there is something for everyone on this charming island.
