20 Best Anna Maria Island Restaurants (2024)
Anna Maria Island is a serene paradise on the western coast of Florida featuring three towns, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Anna Maria with a ton of restaurants.
While the barrier island seems relatively tucked away from the rest of the world, it is only 55 miles from downtown Tampa with fewer chain hotels and more laid-back condos and vacation rentals.
Just like their beautiful gift shops, AMI (Anna Maria Island) restaurants are also unique, reminding locals of why this island with pristine beaches is so special.
What are the Busiest Months on Anna Maria Island?
Anna Maria Island is no longer a hidden paradise, so you will need to plan accordingly. If you want a smoother experience when dining on the island, make sure you visit outside of July and August.
Best Restaurants on Anna Maria Island
1. Sandbar Seafood & Spirits
Only a few steps away from the turquoise waters, Sandbar Seafood & Spirits immerses guests in a tropical paradise like no other with classic seafood dishes and outdoor seating. Sink your feet into the sand at this family-oriented restaurant just in time to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
Start your meal with delicious fish tacos and end with a key lime pie. This restaurant is for in-person dining only and is unable to accept online or take-out orders.
Despite the island’s growth in visitors every year, Sandbar has continued to keep the “Old Florida” charm alive.
Tip: To avoid long wait times in restaurants, go around 4 pm.
Address: 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
2. The Porch Restaurant Anna Maria
This elegant and vintage-style restaurant on the Florida island is a stark contrast to most of the typical local restaurants. Once guests walk inside, there are several rooms with small wooden tables and retro lighting fixtures.
While the interior sitting area is beautiful, nothing beats the outdoor seating area on the porch with huge umbrellas and palm trees.
Start your meal off with delicious bread covered in warm butter or a Caesar salad. Expect the main meal to be similar to a steakhouse with flavorful steak and a huge selection of wine and beer.
Fun Fact: Did you know that this restaurant is inside one of the first homes built on Anna Maria Island?
Address: 9707 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL
3. Daiquiri Deck Anna Maria Island
Visitors can count on this restaurant to be open late with their tropical drinks and live music. Daiquiri Deck is located in a shopping center by the marina and offers some breathtaking views of the ocean.
If you decide to visit the island in the summer, this welcoming place will definitely have a refreshing cocktail for you to gear up for a relaxing afternoon.
Even though the Daiquiri Deck has a few other locations, this location in particular has a rooftop and a patio overlooking historic Bridge Street.
Try some of their new menu items like the Salmon Poke Bowl and Lobster Pasta!
Address: 107 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL
4. Island Time Bar and Grill
One of my personal favorites, Island Time Bar and Grill is everything you could ever want in a beach-style restaurant.
The open-air patio and bar provide mouthwatering cocktails to nicely contrast the fresh seafood. You can also expect to find creative island cuisines like Caribbean Mahi Mahi and Island Coconut Chicken.
Check out the menu and what time of day the happy hour drink specials start.
Address: 111 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL
5. The Feast Restaurant
Located in Holmes Beach, this casual American-style restaurant with seafood is a local favorite ranking as one of the top restaurants on the island.
Despite serving high-end quality dishes, the prices of the food and interior design are on the casual end with subtle tropical decor.
The most popular dishes include pizza, fried green tomatoes, escargot, beet salad, and firecracker shrimp.
There is an option to reserve your seat if you want to walk right in on a busy night.
Address: Island Shopping Center, 5406 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL
6. Rod and Reel Pier
While the famous Rod and Reel Pier is a top Instagram photo and sunset destination, there is a restaurant further down the pier that offers, fresh and specialized seafood dishes like coconut-crusted mahi mahi.
You will also notice that locals love to fish on the pier as well as watch the one-of-a-kind views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Almost every dish here is worth trying but the best ones include the Cuban sandwich and the shrimp chowder.
Munch or sip away your worries as you soak in the views while dining inside a restaurant that reminds one of Margaritaville.
Address: 875 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL
7. Harry’s Grill
A pet-friendly and lively restaurant that serves craft beers, Harry’s Grill is a local favorite with an intimate island space featuring live music and a patio.
If you want to try one of the island’s best burgers, Harry’s Grill should be added to your list. They also serve breakfast for Sunday brunch with scrambled eggs and the breakfast burrito as the top dishes among church-goers.
Address: 9903 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL
8. City Pier Grill and Bait
Find yourself on island time when dining at this family-friendly restaurant with fishermen and bay views. There are a few seating areas outside but don’t expect a fancy area for seating.
After ordering from the station, you can take your food back to your vacation rental or stay at the pier and soak in the otherworldly landscape.
Try locally caught fish or a veggie burger if you don’t want to wait long at a normal restaurant.
Address: 100 N BAY Blvd, Anna Maria, FL
9. Poppo’s Taqueria
A hidden Mexican restaurant on Anna Maria Island, Poppo’s Taqueria is a modern-style eatery that serves all your favorite Mexican classics with an abundance of flavor and fresh greens.
This unique restaurant also has an array of flavorful drinks and strives to recycle materials and products. Just like the popular Chipotle chain, Poppo’s allows visitors the opportunity to customize their tacos, burritos, and quesadillas but with a more authentic taste.
Try everything including the homemade chips with guacamole.
Address: 212C Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL
10. Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
Have a casual dinner on the water at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar. This family-friendly restaurant is an inexpensive place that allows people to reach the heart of why Anna Maria Island is a special place for many Florida locals.
This historic place also offers nautical decor and a small menu for people who might be a little bit indecisive.
Try the oysters, coconut shrimp, king crab legs, and key lime tart. Here is the menu for the Bridge Street location.
Address: 200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL
11. gRub Tropical BBQ
A meat lover’s paradise, gRub is a fairly new island-style restaurant on the island. With colorful dishes layered with flavor and happy hour drinks, this hip place takes a refreshing approach to dining.
The comfortable and welcoming atmosphere is also a plus aligning perfectly with the tender meat and sauce. Make sure to try the ribs, banana pudding, and mojo pork sandwich.
Address: 415 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL
12. Hurricane Hanks
A lively restaurant with beach decor, Hurricane Hanks is a casual pub with beer-battered fish, sandwiches, and burgers. This cozy restaurant is also great for watching sports and trying their happy hour drinks.
While the drinks are tantalizing, the food is just as delicious with unique layers of flavor that explode in your mouth.
Make sure to try the tuna stack, crab stuffed grouper, and fish tacos with freshly sourced ingredients.
Address: 5346 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL
13. Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe
One of the best restaurants on Anna Maria Island, this quaint beach cafe is a great place for outdoor dining and live music.
The cafe is directly on the beach where visitors can walk to the ocean or catch the sunset. Try a drink at the tiki bar and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere drawing back to “Old Florida.”
Make sure to try the spinach omelet, fish and chips, and all-you-can-eat pancakes.
Address: 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL
14. Pizza Social
Ideal for tourists, Pizza Social is a modern eatery that specializes in handmade pizza pies with friendly service. The outgoing restaurant is family-friendly with plenty of vegetarian options.
You can also spot this aesthetic place if you take a free trolley around the island.
Try the taco pizza and a meat pizza with your choice of meat. Build your own pizza and see the rest of the menu here.
Address: 308 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL
15. The Ugly Grouper
A favorite among the locals, The Ugly Grouper is a casual restaurant with outdoor seating and plenty of happy hour drinks to choose from.
While the colorful dishes stand out among other restaurants, The Ugly Grouper is known for its drink selection and live music.
When visiting this place in Holmes Beach, make sure to try the Polynesian boat, coconut shrimp, and chicken sandwich.
Their colorful menu features specialty drinks and dishes that will keep you coming back for another taste.
Address: 5704 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL
16. Kiwi Style Fish and Chips Anna Maria Island
Split between 3 locations, Hawaii, Australia, and Florida, Kiwi Style Fish and Chips is a laid-back restaurant with high-quality food and ingredients.
The outside of the restaurant doesn’t necessarily pop out but the nicely battered fish and the modern interior are the highlights. There is also plenty of seating even for large groups.
Try the iconic fish and chips as well as the aioli and the pineapple upside-down cake.
Address: 3608 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach, FL
17. Beach House Waterfront Restaurant
One of the best Anna Maria Island restaurants, the Beach House Waterfront blends elegance and coastal vibes.
Visitors can choose to eat indoors or outdoors but either way, you’re only steps away from the ocean with a great view of the sunset or a wedding if you’re lucky.
Some of the must-try dishes include fish tacos, fish platter, and oysters Rockefeller.
Address: 200 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL
18. Wicked Cantina Bradenton Beach
One of the best Mexican restaurants on Longboat Key, this colorful and modern grub is a perfect way to end a day of exploring the island.
Even though the restaurant is not on the beach, it is still a great place to hang out and try happy hour drinks and their flavorful dishes.
Visitors can also expect live music and all-day discounted drinks every Sunday. Try the wicked burrito and the taco salad.
Address: 101 7th St N, Bradenton Beach, FL
19. The Kokonut Hut
A great way to experience the slow pace of life on Anna Maria Island is to dine at The Kokonut Hut located on the beach.
The full-service tiki bar offers an assortment of tropical cocktails and casual dishes that complement the drinks.
As you sink your feet into the white sand, enjoy listening to music and other entertainment like dancing as the bartenders create fantastic drink combinations.
Try the fish chips, margarita, and the chicken sandwich.
Address: 900 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL
20. Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant
It’s almost impossible to dine on Anna Maria Island at a restaurant that doesn’t serve seafood. The Blue Marlin restaurant is a great way to try authentic seafood dishes that are locally sourced for a premium price.
Even though the restaurant is a bit outdated, the ocean and nautical decor takes visitors back to the time when chain restaurants and hotels didn’t exist. The best time to go to the Blue Marlin is at night when they have live music and lights.
Make sure to try the shrimp and grits, lobster grilled cheese, and shrimp dip.
Address: 121 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL
AMI Restaurant Guide
These restaurants on Anna Maria Island provide layers of flavor and their own unique ambiance that locals and visitors love.
Before planning on where you eat, make sure to call or check the restaurant’s website for information on specials, reservations, and whether or not they do takeout.
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