A Local’s Guide for the Best Restaurants on Anna Maria Island, Florida

Discover what are the local’s top pick restaurants on Anna Maria Island, Florida

As a local and avid explorer of the Sunshine State, I’ve created the ultimate local’s guide to the best restaurants on Anna Maria Island, Florida to help you make the most of your visit. I have been living in Florida for 18 years now, and I have tried every single restaurant in the island.

If you are planning a trip to Anna Maria Island, this is your local’s guide to the best restaurants. There are quite a few options to choose from on the island and the surrounding areas, but I have selected the top places for you to visit. Whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, below you find some delicious spots.

For more Anna Maria Island reading ❤️:

• Complete Local Guide to Anna Maria Island
• Best Beaches on Anna Maria Island
• 22 Best Things to do on Anna Maria Island
• How to Travel from Orlando to Anna Maria Island

What are the most popular restaurants on Anna Maria Island?

There are many excellent dining options available on the island that can cater to everyone’s unique tastes and preferences. It can be overwhelming to choose from so many options. However, I can help you by sharing some of the most popular choices among the locals and our staff. Get ready to be thrilled with these recommendations!

• Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier – Even if you’re not a fan of oysters, there are an incredible menu and the views are second to none.
• Beach Bistro – This restaurant on Anna Maria island is the perfect for an upscale meal or a romantic night out.
• The Ugly Grouper – All outdoor seating and the iconic grouper sculpture make this restaurant an instant classic on the island.

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What are the best ocean front restaurants on Anna Maria Island?

Anna Maria Island is a great place to enjoy a meal with a stunning ocean view. Being an island, many restaurants here offer oceanfront dining or dining with ocean views. You can choose an entirely outdoor dining experience where you can sit at a table in the sand or enjoy a nice pier to dine at.

Additionally, there are several restaurants on Anna Maria Island that offer indoor seating while you take in the ocean views. To find the best oceanfront dining options on Anna Maria Island.

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Are there restaurants on Anna Maria Island that are pet friendly?

Although the public beaches of AMI prohibit dogs, with just a quick drive off Anna Maria Island you will encounter several scenic parks, preserves, and beaches that either allow dogs or are designated parks for dogs.

There are 9 dog-friendly restaurants in Anna Maria that welcome dogs at their outdoor tables.

• Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro
• Bamboo Beach Bar & Grill
• Sun Garden Cafe
• Crab & Fin
• Skidder’s
• Paradise Grille
• 400 Beach Seafood and Taphouse
• Sea Dog Brewing Co.
• Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant
• Pier 22
• Ferg’s Sport Bar & Grill
• Boyos Waterfront Bar & Grill
• The Toaster Monkey
• Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
• Trip’s Diner
• Caddy’s Bradenton
• Another Broken Egg Cafe
• Anna Maria Oyster Bar
• Gulf Drive Cafe
• Bijou Cafe

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What are the Best restaurants on Anna Maria Island to go with kids?

Anna Maria Island is a great place for dining with children, with a wide range of choices to suit various tastes and preferences. Whether your little ones are picky eaters or have huge appetites, you can find a restaurant that caters to their needs. Some of the best kid-friendly eateries on Anna Maria Island include:

• The Donut Experiment – Children will absolutely adore the opportunity to personalize their own donuts that are freshly made to their order!
• Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe – The famous all-you-can-eat pancake meal is immensely popular among children.
• Sandbar Restaurant – This restaurant is a favorite among children due to its ample serving sizes and diverse menu options.

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1. GINNY’S & JANE E’S BAKERY CAFE

📍 LOCATION: 9807 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216

💲 PRICE POINT: $$

🍳 RECOMMENDATION: Egg and cheddar sandwich and the toast with fresh avocado

Ginny’s & Jane’s Bakery Cafe has AMAZING reviews on Trip Advisor, so I decided to give it a try. This is really the best breakfast spot on Anna Maria Island. I am a coffee snob and the coffee here is delicious – try the egg and cheddar sandwich and the toast with fresh avocado – just yummy!

As you step inside, the first thing that will catch your attention is the ambiance and seating arrangement – it’s lively and unique, quite different from what you’d expect to find at a beach. The decor is a funky mix of local art that will leave you awestruck.

You can browse through a variety of handmade items like bracelets, necklaces, and custom t-shirts. You’ll also find one-of-a-kind postcards, handmade creations made from shells and other beach refuse, and a whole bunch of quirky things that you won’t find anywhere else.

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2. THE DONUT EXPERIMENT

📍 LOCATION: 210C Pine Avenue

💲 PRICE POINT: $

🍳 RECOMMENDATION: You own donut (blink-blink)

Here at the The Donut Experiment you need to try this place if you are a donut lover.  They have lots of variety and you can choose your icing, your topping, and your drizzle – but if you are confused about all the options, you can also choose some of the most popular combinations. Keep in mind that this place gets super busy in the morning.

Here is how you can make your own donut:

1. Start with your icing: Chocolate, Caramel, Maple, Vanilla, Glaze or Special
2. Pick your topping: Rainbow Sprinkles, Chocolate Sprinkles, Peanuts, Coconut, Oreo, Bacon, Graham Cracker, Fruity Pebbles, Reese’s Pieces, M&Ms, Candy Bar, Chocolate Chips, Sea Salt, Cinnamon Sugar, Powdered Sugar
3. Finally, layer on that drizzle: Caramel, Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Raspberry or Special

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3. ANNA MARIA ISLAND BEACH CAFE

📍 LOCATION: 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL

💲 PRICE POINT: $$

🍳 RECOMMENDATION: The best thing here is all you can eat pancakes.

Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe is one of top restaurants in Anna Maria Island to have breakfast. It is a popular destination among beachgoers and sunset admirers looking for delicious American food and decadent ice cream. This vibrant and relaxed spot offers a hearty spread of casual dining options that are perfect for a fun-filled, sun-soaked feast. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this cafe is the ideal place to enjoy the beachfront buzz and savor some delicious food.

Get ready to have an unforgettable dining experience with a stunning view of the Gulf both indoors and outdoors. You can also enjoy the lively tunes of weekly live music that add an extra element of entertainment.

The cafe hosts creative events on special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas, making your holidays even more memorable with your loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a fun day out with family and friends, the cafe has something for everyone to enjoy.

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4. POPPO’S TAQUERIA

📍 LOCATION: 212C Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216

💲 PRICE POINT: $

🍳 RECOMMENDATION: Two tacos with carnitas

Poppo’s Taqueria is one of the best restaurants in Anna Maria Island to enjoy a quick, but delicious lunch. I read the great reviews of this place, and I visited it with high expectations.

The reviews were right – here you can find amazing tacos, with very fresh ingredients, and it is an explosion of flavors. They make everything from scratch. I had two tacos with carnitas, and I have to say that I placed another order – yes, it was that good!

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5. UGLY GROUPER

📍 LOCATION: 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL

One of the most popular restaurants and a classic while you are on Anna Maria Island is the Ugly Grouper. I was staying very close to the Ugly Grouper and by the time I passed by this place was packed! They have a great outdoor seating area, as well as an indoor one. The best thing on the menu is the giant and fresh Grouper sandwich, and there was nothing ugly about it. It was AMAZING!

In addition to its delectable food options, The Ugly Grouper provides a range of entertainment activities to keep you engaged. You can indulge in a friendly game of cornhole, catch up on the latest sports games on any of their nine TVs, and capture a memorable picture with the impressive Ugly Grouper statue.

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6. BRIDGE STREET BISTRO

📍 LOCATION: 111 Gulf Dr. S, Bradenton Beach, FL

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7. THE SANDBAR SEAFOOD & SPIRITS

📍 LOCATION: 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL

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8. WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

📍 LOCATION: 111 South Bay Blvd. Anna Maria

💲 PRICE POINT: $$$

🍳 RECOMMENDATION: My favorite here is the Grouper tacos

And this my number one favorite restaurant on Anna Maria Island, the Waterfront Restaurant. They serve excellent grouper tacos with fresh salsa and jicama slaw. If you want to hang out where the locals go, this is the place to have fresh seafood, unique and great drinks, great service, and stunning views. They offer daily specials, craft beer, and a great selection of fine wines.

Check out the coolest waterfront dining spot in Anna Maria that has a perfect blend of New American cuisine and Old Florida charm. The Waterfront Restaurant is all about using fresh, organic ingredients to create delicious dishes that cater to everyone’s taste buds, from the conservative to the more adventurous. My best recommendation to you, if you enjoy fish, is to try their Grouper Tacos. The fish is lightly blackened and served in grilled flour tortillas, topped with cheddar jack, jicama slaw, and pico de gallo – a perfect mix of flavors and textures!

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9. BLUE MARLIN

📍 LOCATION: 121 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

💲 PRICE POINT: $$

🍳 RECOMMENDATION: Grouper & Clams, Cortez Chowder

One of my top-pick Anna Maria Island, Florida restaurants is the Blue Marlin. Here you will find one of the best local seafood and offers fine dining without being stuffy. The cute building from the 1920s was restored, and the best place to dine is outside in the courtyard where there is a covered deck and live music on the weekends by different local acts. Reservations are required on Fridays and Saturdays.

They offer live music on the weekends, as well as a selection of inspired cocktails and a carefully chosen wine list to complement the dinner menu. The menu features local favorites such as Grouper & Clams, Cortez Chowder, and a hand-carved Filet for the meat lovers. You shouldn’t miss out on our Lobster Grilled Cheese, which is the best-kept secret on Anna Maria Island.

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10. THE OYSTER BAR ON THE PIER

📍 LOCATION: 200 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach

💲 PRICE POINT: $$

🍳 RECOMMENDATION: Must-try the  Pier Poke Bowl

One of the best restaurants in Anna Maria Island, Florida is The Oyster Bar on the Pier. While you’re on the Historical Bridge, be sure to visit the clock tower and the pier. It’s a great fishing pier and you can see the harbor and bayside from it. The Anna Maria Oyster Bar is the place to get oysters on the island! 

They also have an awesome selection of seafood and plenty of amazing cocktails for only $6.50!

Anna Maria Oyster Bar is known for its delectable seafood dishes, which are presented with a unique style. One of their signature dishes and my top recommendation is the Pier Poke Bowl – a delectable combination of poke-style yellowfin tuna, ponzu sauce, guacamole, and quinoa. This dish is sure to satisfy your seafood cravings and leave your taste buds wanting more.

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11. OLD HAMBURG SCHNITZELHAUS

📍 LOCATION: 3246 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach

💲 PRICE POINT: $$

🍳 RECOMMENDATION: 

If you like German fare, try the Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus. The food is so good and very traditional. I really enjoyed the schnitzel, spatzle and rotkraut. You can enjoy your meal with a German draught beer, and finish off with a nice apple strudel (apfelstrudel) and vanilla ice cream.

The Schnitzelhaus is known for its unique and inviting atmosphere. It is a place that embodies the essence of Anna Maria Island in Florida – fun, relaxed and truly “gemütlich”. The Schnitzelhaus® has created an experience that captures the essence of the island’s vibe and offers a warm and welcoming environment for all to enjoy.

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12. DOCTORS OFFICE

📍 LOCATION: 5312 Holmes Blvd. #B, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

💲 PRICE POINT: $$$

🍳 RECOMMENDATION: Lobstercargots is a legendary dish

Now if you are looking for a Anna Maria Island, Florida restaurant to enjoy some great afternoon drink after spending the day at the beaches in the island, the Doctors Office is a must go place.

It was founded by two experienced locals who were already restaurant owners. Interestingly, the place that now serves as their restaurant used to be a Doctor’s office on the island, and the owners decided to keep the name and design the restaurant accordingly. Not only is the ambiance unique, but they also offer an excellent menu with a variety of delicious food options. If you visit this place, I highly recommend trying their signature drink, the Mai Tai, which I believe is the best on the island.

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13 DAIQUIRI DECK

📍 LOCATION: 107 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

💲 PRICE POINT: $$

🍳 RECOMMENDATION: Definitely their Grouper sandwich

Last but not the least on this amazing list of the best Anna Maria Island restaurants is the Daiquiri Deck. They claim themselves to be the world-famous Daiquiri Deck – go figure!

If you’re looking for the best Frozen Daiquiris on the Island, I would highly recommend checking out this spot. They have a great selection of delicious frozen drinks, and during happy hour, you can enjoy them at half the price. Not only that, but they also offer a variety of mouth-watering seafood dishes, making it a great spot for seafood lovers.

I hope you enjoyed this local’s guide for the best restaurants on Anna Maria Island, Florida.

Whatever you are looking for the best breakfast with the stunning views, to grab a delicious lunch or enjoy a romantic dinner at your favorite restaurant on Anna Maria Island, this guide brings to you the most updated and best spots to enjoy a fresh meal with the best views.

After a long day of beach lounging and Best Half-Day Boat Tour on Anna Maria Island, there’s nothing better than grabbing a bite at any of these fantastic spots. Whether you’re into the laid-back vibes at Blue Marlin or digging the views at Bridge Street Bistro, there’s a bit of something for every palate on the island.