When you come to an Island Beach town, you can’t help but notice the harbor fishing boats, bringing in the daily catch. Anna Maria Island, prides itself on the regional seafood served here. If you ask the locals where they eat, you’ll find, several of the main roads near our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, laid back, meet your neighbor kind of Pubs. Starting with three marina-side local favorites, in the heart of the Cortez fishing community.
Tide Table
Sets on the Bay just over the Cortez Bridge. Stroll across the Drawbridge, ride your bike, or even boat over and tie up to the Marina. Have a cocktail at the outdoor TIKI while you wait for a table. Savor fresh fish like Grouper and Red Snapper right off the boats, serving up the same day. Our guests rave about the grouper sandwich or fish tacos.
Swordfish Grill and TIKI
Overlooking Sarasota Bay, they have commercial fishing boats set sail every day for the freshest of fillets to be served. They have an extensive menu and also include live music and special events you can participate in or enjoy as a spectator. Come and eat, stay, and listen to music at sunset, then step up to the dance floor.
Starfish Market and Restaurant
The Starfish Market and Restaurant offer fresh fish for sale as well as fried fish to eat now. They have a bar for beverages and dockside seating, as first come first serve. Get to know the locals as you dine in community style. Cash only.
Just over the Cortez Bridge onto Anna Maria, heading south you’ll find several upscale and casual, Bradenton Beach has its share of piers and marina’s delivering their daily catches to serve up mouth-watering selections. Some of the best meals you will eat all walking distance from each other.
Blue Marlin
The Blue Marlin is located in an original 1920’s cottage on historic Bridge Street. The Nautical ship-lamps provide cozy lighting at our intimate beer & wine bar. The outdoor seating allows you to kick your shoes off and dance in the sand to live music on the weekends, and a great covered deck. Primarily seafood, there are other options. Not a beach view but definitely inviting and delectable.
Beach House Restaurant
Right on the beach, indoors or out, you can even dine under the stars after a beach sunset. The deck is adorned with umbrellas by day and tiny lights twinkling overhead at night. Offering a variety of Island favorites that will delight your tastebuds. Also offering Happy Hour specials and snacks to make the outdoor experience more budget-friendly. Walk right up from a day at the beach and have a seat. You won’t regret it. Scout it out for future beach weddings or special occasions. Besides great seafood, it’s all about that view, from every location.
Plan Your Visit
If you are looking for a vacation rental, to make your family’s experience feel like home, browse our Anna Maria Island rentals today! Find the perfect one for your next family trip.
Bridge Street Bistro
On the corner of Bridge and Gulf drive, with upscale dining, offering chef specialties and well as Island favorites. Water views and 4-star service, and food worth bragging about. We love the lobster bisque, but with so many options, you may need to study the menu for a while.
Further North heading through Holmes Beach you can find many other talented chefs.
Beach Bistro
Upscale dining for the discriminating taste buds. Every bite will leave you wanting more. Indulge in the fine dining experience or take to the sun deck with Gulf view for lighter menu options with equal excellence. This award-winning establishment offers something for everyone. The Chef offers custom specials to tantalize your taste buds.
Enter the Northern side to the City of Anna Maria for some of the island favorites.
The Waterfront Restaurant
This family-friendly bar/restaurant is an Island favorite for special occasions and great food and near Anna Maria City Pier. With charm and ambiance, you can dine by the mesmerizing tank of tropical fish, near the rustic fireplace, or even on the patio overlooking the bay. A well-rounded menu with items that nearly all customers are familiar with, and an outlet for more adventurous and traveled diners to experience the best and brightest available product in our market.
The Rod and Reel Pier
Located on the Northside of Anna Maria Island, the view ranges from Tampa Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. The Rod and Reel are popular for their grouper and other fresh seafood. With a full breakfast menu, it is a popular place to catch the sunrise. They also have a great Happy Hour.
