Some of The Best Places To Eat on Anna Maria Island: A Friendly Guide
Anna Maria Island is a small barrier island located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. In addition to its natural beauty, Anna Maria Island is also home to some of the best restaurants in the area. Whether you are in the mood for fresh seafood, fried foods, or sweet treats, Anna Maria Island has something for everyone.
One of the highlights of Anna Maria Island’s food scene is its fresh seafood. With its location on the Gulf Coast, it is no surprise that the island is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the area. Visitors can enjoy everything from shrimp and crab to grouper and snapper, all prepared fresh and served with a side of stunning views. For those who prefer their seafood with a little kick, there are also plenty of options for spicy seafood dishes.
Key Takeaways
- Anna Maria Island is home to some of the best restaurants in the area, offering a variety of cuisines and atmospheres to choose from.
- Fresh seafood is a highlight of the island’s food scene, with a variety of dishes available and stunning views to enjoy while dining.
- Visitors can also indulge in sweet treats like key lime pie and coconut cake, as well as enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the island’s cozy coffee shops.
Fried Foods
Anna Maria Island has a variety of restaurants that serve delicious fried food. Visitors can find everything from fried seafood to fried chicken and more. Here are some of the best places to enjoy fried food on the island:
The Ugly Grouper
The Ugly Grouper is a popular restaurant on Anna Maria Island that serves a variety of fried seafood. Visitors can enjoy fried shrimp, fish and chips, calamari, and more. The restaurant also has a great atmosphere with outdoor seating and live music.
The Waterfront Restaurant
The Waterfront Restaurant is another great place to enjoy fried food on the island. The restaurant serves a variety of seafood dishes, including fried oysters, calamari, and shrimp. They also have a great selection of craft beers and cocktails to enjoy with your meal.
The Sandbar Restaurant
The Sandbar Restaurant is a beachfront restaurant that serves a variety of fried seafood dishes. Visitors can enjoy fried shrimp, calamari, and fish and chips while taking in the beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. The restaurant also has a great selection of cocktails and wines to enjoy with your meal.
Overall, Anna Maria Island has plenty of options for visitors looking to enjoy some delicious fried food. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood or chicken, there’s a restaurant on the island that has you covered.
Fresh Seafood
Anna Maria Island is known for its fresh seafood, and there are many restaurants that offer delicious seafood dishes. Here are some of the best places to enjoy fresh seafood on Anna Maria Island:
The Ugly Grouper
The Ugly Grouper is a popular seafood restaurant that offers a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes. They are known for their delicious Grouper Tacos, which are a must-try for seafood lovers. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and friendly staff, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family.
Sandbar Seafood & Spirits
Sandbar Seafood & Spirits is a beachfront restaurant that offers fresh seafood dishes and great views of the Gulf of Mexico. They have a wide variety of seafood dishes on their menu, including shrimp, crab, and fish. The restaurant also has a bar where you can enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the beautiful views.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier is a seafood restaurant located on the historic Anna Maria Island City Pier. They offer a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including oysters, shrimp, and crab. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with family and friends.
Beach House Restaurant
Beach House Restaurant is another great place to enjoy fresh seafood on Anna Maria Island. They offer a variety of seafood dishes, including a delicious seafood tower that includes fresh clams, mussels, season crabs, oysters, and domestic shrimp. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and friendly staff, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with family and friends.
Whether you’re in the mood for shrimp, crab, or fish, Anna Maria Island has plenty of great seafood restaurants to choose from. Each of these restaurants offers fresh seafood dishes, a great atmosphere, and friendly staff, making them a great choice for seafood lovers.
Key Lime Pie
Anna Maria Island is known for its delicious Key lime pie, a classic dessert that is a must-try for anyone visiting the island. Here are some of the best places to indulge in this sweet treat:
Hometown Desserts
Hometown Desserts is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and their Key lime pie is a must-try. Made with fresh Key lime juice and a graham cracker crust, this pie is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. They also offer a variety of other desserts, including cakes, cookies, and brownies.
Waterfront Restaurant
The Waterfront Restaurant is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal and a slice of Key lime pie. Their pie is made with fresh Key lime juice and a homemade graham cracker crust and is topped with whipped cream. The restaurant also offers a stunning waterfront view, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
Sandbar Seafood & Spirits
If you’re looking for a casual spot to enjoy some Key lime pie, Sandbar Seafood & Spirits is a great choice. Their pie is made with fresh Key lime juice and a graham cracker crust and is served with whipped cream. They also offer a variety of seafood dishes, including shrimp, crab, and lobster.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Key lime pie or a new twist on this iconic dessert, Anna Maria Island has something for everyone. So be sure to indulge in some of the island’s best Key lime pie during your visit!
Coconut Cake
Anna Maria Island is known for its delicious desserts, and one of the must-try treats is the Coconut Cake at Hometown Desserts. This cake is made with fresh coconut and is a perfect blend of sweet and creamy flavors.
The Coconut Cake at Hometown Desserts is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. It is a moist and fluffy cake that is topped with a generous layer of coconut cream frosting and shredded coconut flakes. The cake is not overly sweet, which makes it a great dessert option for those who prefer a more subtle sweetness.
Visitors can enjoy a slice of Coconut Cake at Hometown Desserts’ cozy and inviting shop on Pine Avenue. The shop is open daily and also serves other sweet treats like cupcakes, brownies, and cookies. Customers can pair their cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack.
Overall, the Coconut Cake at Hometown Desserts is a must-try dessert for anyone visiting Anna Maria Island. Its delicious flavors and cozy atmosphere make it a great spot to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
Ice Cream & Sweets
Anna Maria Island has a sweet treat for everyone. With a variety of ice cream shops and candy stores, it’s easy to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are some of the best places to indulge in ice cream and sweets on the island:
- Holy Cow Ice Cream & Other Cool Stuff: Located in Holmes Beach, this ice cream shop offers a wide variety of flavors, including vegan and dairy-free options. They also serve other treats like shaved ice, smoothies, and milkshakes.
- Two Scoops: This ice cream parlor in Anna Maria has been a local favorite for over 30 years. They serve homemade ice cream with unique flavors like “Coconut Almond Joy” and “Key Lime Pie”. Customers can enjoy their ice cream in a waffle cone or cup.
- Dips Ice Cream: This ice cream shop in Anna Maria is known for its 32 flavors of ice cream and soft serve. They also have an impressive selection of candy, including nostalgic favorites like candy cigarettes and wax bottles.
- Small Town Creamery: This ice cream shop in Bradenton Beach is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. They serve homemade ice cream and waffle cones, as well as fudge and other baked goods.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic vanilla or a unique flavor like “Maple Bacon”, Anna Maria Island has an ice cream shop to satisfy your cravings. Don’t forget to stop by a candy store for some sweet treats to take home.
Coffee Shops
Anna Maria Island has a variety of coffee shops that offer delicious coffee and breakfast options. Here are some of the best coffee shops on the island:
Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Coastal Store
Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Coastal Store is a popular coffee shop located at 9807 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216. The cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, rich espresso, and locally famous cinnamon rolls. The cafe’s decor is chic, with bright pastels and pink coating the walls and trinkets lining the shelves. Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Coastal Store is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Small Town Creamery
Small Town Creamery is a coffee and ice cream shop located at 5404 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. The shop offers a variety of coffee drinks, ice cream, and candy. The coffee is made with locally roasted beans, and the ice cream is made in-house. Small Town Creamery is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Island Coffee Haus
Island Coffee Haus is a coffee shop located at 317 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216. The shop offers a variety of coffee drinks, fresh-baked pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. The coffee is made with locally roasted beans, and the pastries are made in-house. Island Coffee Haus is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
North Shore Cafe
North Shore Cafe is a breakfast and lunch cafe located at 304 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216. The cafe offers a variety of coffee drinks, breakfast sandwiches, and salads. The coffee is made with locally roasted beans, and the food is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. North Shore Cafe is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Fifty-Three Fifty
Fifty-Three Fifty is a coffee and tea shop located at 5350 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. The shop offers a variety of coffee drinks and teas, as well as pastries and sandwiches. The coffee is made with locally roasted beans, and the teas are sourced worldwide. Fifty-Three Fifty is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Whether you’re looking for a quick cup of coffee or a leisurely breakfast, Anna Maria Island has plenty of coffee shops to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some highly rated seafood restaurants on Anna Maria Island?
Anna Maria Island is known for its fresh seafood, and there are several highly-rated seafood restaurants on the island. The Ugly Grouper is a popular spot that serves up delicious grouper sandwiches and seafood dishes. Hurricane Hanks is another great option for unfussy seafood and other comfort food.
What are some popular Italian restaurants on Anna Maria Island?
If you’re in the mood for Italian food, there are a few great options on Anna Maria Island. Oma’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant is a local favorite that serves up delicious pizza and pasta dishes. Another popular spot is Vinny & Cheryl’s Italian Kitchen, which offers classic Italian fare in a cozy setting.
What are some must-try breakfast spots on Anna Maria Island?
For a delicious breakfast on Anna Maria Island, there are a few spots that locals and visitors alike rave about. Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe is a great option for a casual breakfast right on the beach. Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Coastal Store is another popular spot that offers breakfast and lunch in a charming setting.
Where can I find reviews for restaurants in Bradenton and Bradenton Beach?
If you’re looking for reviews of restaurants in Bradenton and Bradenton Beach, there are several websites that can help. TripAdvisor is a popular choice, as it offers reviews and ratings from other travelers. Yelp is another option, as it provides reviews and photos from locals and visitors.
What is the most famous restaurant on Anna Maria Island?
The most famous restaurant on Anna Maria Island is likely The Sandbar Restaurant. This waterfront eatery has been a favorite among locals and visitors for over 100 years and is known for its fresh seafood and stunning views.
What is the difference between Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach?
Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach are both located on Anna Maria Island, but there are some differences between the two. Bradenton Beach is located at the southern end of the island and is home to several popular restaurants and shops. Holmes Beach is located in the middle of the island and is quieter and more residential.
Final Food Thoughts
Anna Maria Island is a food lover’s paradise with a variety of options to suit every taste bud and budget. From seafood shacks to fine dining restaurants, visitors can satisfy their hunger pangs with delicious meals while enjoying the beautiful island views.
One of the standout restaurants on the island is the Beach Bistro, which offers expertly prepared entrees and desserts accompanied by exotic drinks. This restaurant is one of the few on the island that is located on the water, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a sunset celebration.
For those who are looking for unfussy eats, Hurricane Hanks is a great place to stop by. Their laid-back atmosphere and menu options, such as loaded potato skins, fish and chips, and burgers, make it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
If you are in the mood for something sweet, Hometown Desserts is the place to go. Their coffee and tea options pair perfectly with their delicious desserts, including their famous key lime pie.
Overall, Anna Maria Island has something for everyone when it comes to food. Whether you are looking for a casual lunch spot or a fancy dinner, the island’s restaurants offer a unique dining experience that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
