Casual Dining
Insider's Guide
Here it is our Insider's Guide to Casual Dining on Anna Maria Island. Our complete dining guide filled with honest reviews, recipes, hours of operation, contact details and map of each restaurant that we feel warrants a spot in our Casual Dining Guide. We've painstakingly taken the time to review and offer our insightful feedback on each of the restaurants below. We're constantly on the lookout for new restaurants to share and keep our Insider Guides up to date.
Please enjoy and feel free to share your dining experience on our Facebook Page, Anna Maria Island Beach Life.
Just click on the 'Read Review' button for full details, map, phone numbers, hours of operation and more. Cheers!
Lunch & Dinner Options
Casual Dining - Anna Maria
The Sandbar Restaurant
100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216, United States
941-778-0444
Aahhhh.... Shangri La. This restaurant is a favorite for fresh Florida fare. It's a gathering place for both islanders and visitors to watch the sunset at days end. Grab a tropical cocktail and sink your toes in the outdoor beach ‘dining room’. Guess the exact time of the sunset for a free bottle of wine.
The City Pier Grill Restaurant
100 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216, United States
941-254-4219
Serving bait, drinks and food. The Anna Maria City Pier Grill offers American style breakfast and a wide variety of lunch staples set on the breath-taking Tampa Bay.
Stroll down the pier that has been renovated but set in the same spot for over 100 years. A great spot to see what the locals are catching or try your hand at fishing too!
Harry's Grill
9303 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216, United States
941-567-5999
Casual beach entrees and appetizers. They are known for their famous burgers and Friday happy hours! A great place to sit in their outdoor courtyard and soak up the sun.
Check out their outdoor music during high season balmy nights and Sunday sermons on the terrace.
Rod & Reel Restaurant
875 North Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216, United States
941-778-1885
This would have been Hemingway’s favorite haunt, a very laid back atmosphere with indoor and outdoor dining - known for their excellent grouper sandwiches and casual seafood dishes. We love to ride our bikes here for breakfast and watch the dolphins swim by. You can fish off the pier and listen to music while talking with locals and tourists alike.
gRub Tropical BBQ
415 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216, United States
941-900-2874
We tried the Peri Peri chicken and a pulled pork brisket sandwich. The platter had a nicer presentation than the sandwich. The food was good and it was easy to find a seat. This spot looks popular for happy hours with the sports tv's in house.
Casual Dining - Holmes Beach
Skinny's Place
3901 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-778-7769
Best beach dive in Holmes Beach owned by the same family since the 50’s. The burgers are to die for, curly fries and frosty beer are the specialties here, but we love the onion rings!
Don't be intimidated be the rustic beach shack, grab a place at the bar or chillax in a spot at the outdoor picnic tables.
Vinny & Cheryl's Italian Kitchen
5337 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-896-9754
This is fabulous authentic Italian food mostly available for take-out but has some small bistro tables outside. What a great way to give the chef in your group a break from cooking dinner!
Sirenia Favorites are their home-made meatballs and definitely try the eggplant parmigiana! Not to be missed are the home-made bread and cannolis.
The Ugly Grouper
5704 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-896-8033
This is a bustling, lively spot for families and groups to enjoy not only the seafood and casual burgers but so many game stations next to the 3000 pound metal grouper statue. A bit eccentric? you could say that. We love the outdoor seating which is huge and the live music they often have playing. Good food
Scott's Deli
5350 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-778-3000
Scott's Deli has the BEST SUBS on the island, without a doubt. They serve up fast, fresh, delicious homemade sandwiches using the highest quality ingredients. What we love about this restaurant is their service. They deliver straight to the beach and even offer packed lunches for boating. Our favorite!
Hurricane Hanks
5346 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-778-5788
A very colorful experience in Holmes Beach. This restaurant has a strong following that recommends many savoury pub items on the menu. They have cocktails and craft beer on tap and are open for lunch and dinner. We love their sense of humour, check out their t-shirts and hurricane specials!
Yup.... real hurricane weather specials. You gotta love Florida!
Duffy’s Tavern
5808 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-778-2501
Hamburger Heaven in Holmes Beach, boasting a world famous burger and the coldest beer in town. Served with potato chips - no fries and rivals Skinny's Place. Draft beer is served for a buck! Family owned for over 40 years ~ Cash only.
The Feast Restaurant
5406 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-778-5092
The Feast offers a little something for everyone. It's a great family eatery with options from pizzas and chicken parmesan to seafood and steak plates. It's located in a shopping mall plaza but the ambiance and friendly staff make this a great island option for dining out.
Casual Dining - Bradenton Beach
The Beach House
200 Gulf Dr. N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-779-2222
Located a short drive from our Sirenia vacation homes in Bradenton Beach, this beachfront restaurant is one of our new fave hangouts. Since they renovated it has lots of room and is owned by the same proprietor as The Sandbar Restaurant. Here you will find a larger dining area with a family-friendly environment serving up the same great Florida seafood. Look for their “Beach Value Menu” and Happy Hour giving your great deals on their cocktails and delicious food. www.groupersandwich.com
Tahini Beach Cafe
103 Gulf Dr. N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-251-4022
With a 5 star rating on Google you know this little lunch spot tucked away in a tiny plaza is going to be worth the visit. They also offer take-out too. If you love Mediterranean food like we do don't miss this place! They offer breakfast items but we love their lunch menu with foods like shawarma beef and chicken, fatoush salad and the tahini beach platter with tons of dips. So mouth-watering good. Get there!
Smoqehouse
1701 Gulf Dr, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-779-2422
This is a new restaurant on Anna Maria Island, that's small and easy to miss. Specializing in Bar-B-Que flavors such as pulled pork brisket, jerk chicken, smoked chicken sandwiches and more. We're excited to give this a try.
Wicked Cantina
101 7th Street North, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-281-2990
A self-proclaimed Mexican grub, beer, and margarita joint. We've loved their fish tacos and 'wicked rolls' and can't wait to try their Mexican breakfasts. They also offer extended Happy Hours daily. If you prefer to eat at home, they have a Family Pack for Four which can't be beaten.
Daiquiri Deck
107 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-253-3300
This is a good choice for a young family who is on a budget. The food prices are mostly under $20 each. The deck is nice to overlook the Gulf of Mexico if you can get one of the seats outside. However, in my honest opinion we found the food to be average as is the strawberry daiquiri.
Casual Dining - Cortez
The Starfish Company
12306 46th Ave W, Cortez, FL 34215, United States
941-794-1243
This is where you can find the freshest seafood to buy and eat in the area. A seafood market and outdoor waterfront restaurant located just over the bridge in Cortez in one of the oldest fishing villages in the U.S.A. The fishermen come in with their catch and you buy it or eat it the same day. This place is super busy so get there early. Read our review for the best tips on this highly coveted spot.
Tide Tables Restaurant
12507 Cortez Rd W, Cortez, FL 34210, United States
941-567-6206
The best fish tacos anywhere on or off the island! This waterfront restaurant is located just over the bridge in Cortez in one of the oldest fishing villages in the U.S.A. We love getting there by boat. Look for the sunny yellow umbrellas and grab a picnic table. They even have tie-ups for your furry friend right at your table.
Casual Dining - Longboat Key
Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub
760 Broadway St, Longboat Key, FL 34228, United States
941-383-2391
Located on the northern end of Longboat Key in Longboat Village. Arrive by boat to this restaurant and enjoy their casual Florida fare under the canopy of trees with the fairy lights twinkling after sunset while overlooking the Bay. It's one of the most romantic settings you'll find.
www.groupersandwich.com
Breakfast
Breakfast - Anna Maria
Ginny & Jane E’s
9807 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216, United States
941-778-3170
Coffee shop...and shopping! A mix of quaint and quirky refurbished vintage items, jewelry, and coastal furnishings are for sale here as well as a delicious bakery. This is the Hub of Anna Maria, a junction where locals and tourists alike can surf the net, enjoy specialty coffees, cakes, and sandwiches. Not to be missed while you are on Anna Maria Island.
North Shore Cafe
304 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216, United States
941-900-2671
Better than Starbucks! This cool vibe cafe on the north shore of Anna Maria Island offers Avacado toast... yumm my favorite! They also specialize in artisanal teas, smoothies, fruit bowls, bagels, croissants and sandwiches.
Enjoy your snack al fresco on their great patio overlooking the water.
The Waffle Press
425 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216, United States
941-242-2413
Specializing in crispy but tender Leige waffles, this sweeter, smaller waffle is the perfect size. Warm doughy goodness that's caramelized on the outside with a slight crunch with a hint of sweetness. Perfect your made to order waffle by dusting it with cinnamon, cannoli cream, peanut butter, bananas, maple butter, bacon, key lime and more! Step up to the pick up window and order yours on your way to the pier.
Mademoiselle Paris
9906 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216, United States
941-226-0708
A little taste of a French bakery breakfast and luncheon place is found right on the main road in the village of Anna Maria. They offer delicious French sandwiches, quiche, tartines, eggs, omelettes and crepes. Dine in or take away to eat on the beach a block away.
Breakfast - Holmes Beach
Minnie’s Beach Cafe
5360 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-778-4140
Traditional southern breakfasts and lunches served up with a smile at a great price. This is where the locals go!
Breakfast - Bradenton Beach
Island Creperie
127 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-778-1011
A cute and kitschy purple, grey and black take on a Parisian restaurant on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. You'll get a very good croissant or crepe. Hailing from Montreal, we know great food, so we were pleasantly surprised to find this little breakfast and lunch spot
Sweet Treats
Sweet Treats - Anna Maria
Two Scoops Ice Cream
101 South Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216, United States
941-779-2422
Our kid’s favorite spot! A special treat not to be missed! Specializing in homemade ice cream, malts, and big thick milkshakes. This shop is reminiscent of an old-fashioned candy store. Grab a treat, head across the street and meander down the 100-year-old city pier to see what the fishermen are catching.
Anna Maria Island Creamery & Bakery
9801 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, FL 34216, United States
941-896-5308
Located in the little plaza off of Gulf Drive on the north end of the island AMI Creamery and Bakery is another cute spot to hit to try out a sweet confection. Boasting homemade gelato ice cream and William Dean specialty truffles.
The Donut Experiment
210C Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216, United States
941-896-3172
A special treat of made-to-order of what I like to call 'ridiculously fresh donuts'. Truly unique, always fresh donuts offered in 4 different icings and over 14 toppings. Open in the mornings only so get there early!
Shiny Fish Emporium
306 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216, United States
941-896-9742
This store is a must visit for families with kids. It's a great place to visit when it's raining or if you need to get out of the sun. there is a craft corner for kids to paint a sand dollar ornament. We can't leave this store without a Hawaiian Bubble ice cream treat. Soooo good! A fondant style coating around a delicious ice cream center with no melting mess. We love it!
The Flip Flop Candy Stop
315 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216, United States
941-201-8358
A super stop with kids who have a sweet tooth and love stuffed animals. Also a great spot if you forgot your flip flops! Fill up with old fashioned style candy and load up a bag of bulk candy too.
Hometown Desserts
507 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216, United States
941-896-3167
Hidden off the beaten track on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria you'll find Hometown Desserts. This is a great bakery to order a specialty cake for your celebration on the island or just pop in for a cupcake and a cup of tea.
The interior invites you to stay for a while. So sweet!
Sweet Treats - Holmes Beach
Small Town Creamery
5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-213-9107
A little taste of Willy Wonka in Holmes Beach. You can smell the sugar and sweetness as soon as you enter Small Town Creamery. Located in the Holmes Beach Plaza off of Marina Drive it offers the best fudge on the island. Other sweet treats like cookies, games, and cold drinks are found in this whimsical and magical shop.
Sweet Treats - Bradenton Beach
Fudge Factory
117 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-281-2501
This is a great stop for fudge, caramel popcorn, ice cream and candy. They have some whacky and weird stuff like chocolate covered bacon and more tempting items like homemade brittle and homemade turtles to try.
Gelato-Go
119 Bride St. Unit 150, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, United States
941-782-8414
Enjoy Italian gelato and a coffee at this cute little Bridge Street location on the bottom level of the building in Bradenton beach. The smooth and creamy gelato transports you straight back to Italy. Yum!