Best Restaurants on Anna Maria Island: A Foodie’s Guide

If you’re a fellow foodie, finding the best restaurants on Anna Maria Island is probably at the top of your vacation to-do list!

When we plan a trip, we spend (arguably too much) time researching the best local spots and hidden gems–because for us, great food is a huge part of the experience. And now, we’re sharing our favorite finds with you!

This isn’t just a list of every restaurant on AMI–it’s a curated guide to the best spots for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, a laid-back beachside meal, or a special dinner out, these recommendations will make planning your trip a breeze.

Best Restaurants for Breakfast

Start your day on the island right at one of the best breakfast spots on Anna Maria Island!

• La Creperie – This French-inspired eatery is our top pick for the best breakfast in Anna Maria Island! Offering both savory and sweet crepes along with homemade quiches and omelettes, La Creperie is truly a unique and delicious breakfast option you won’t want to miss.
• Blueberries Cafe & Wine – This casual, highly rated breakfast and lunch joint specializes in smoothies, smoothie bowls, wraps, and protein shakes. Visit for the perfect healthy start to your day, or even a mid-day treat!
• Ginny’s & Jane E’s Cafe – You have to try the crème brûlée French toast at this quirky-casual cafe and gift shop! At this eatery, you order at the counter and then find your own seat. The line can get long for breakfast, so we recommend arriving before 9am if possible. 
• The Donut Experiment – You’ll find the best donuts on AMI at The Donut Experiment! When we visit Anna Maria Island we tend to find ourselves here almost daily. 

Best Restaurants for Lunch

There are so many great lunch options when it comes to Anna Maria Island dining that it is hard to narrow it down! These are the top four that are beloved by all who visit.

• Rod and Reel Pier – Rod and Reel Pier is a long-time staple of the AMI community. Positioned on the end of a long pier, guests get great views of the water while feasting on casual favorites such as fish and chips and grouper sandwiches.
• Star Fish Company – Our #1 recommendation for the best lunch in Anna Maria Island! This outdoor eatery is right on the dock where you can view fisherman coming in and out on their boats and see many types of gulf birds. You’ll sit on picnic tables and order from the freshest seafood options around.  My favorite was the seafood salad sandwich!
• Poppo’s Taqueria – If a taco or burrito is what you’re craving, head on over to Poppo’s Taqueria. They serve the freshest ingredients and the flavor of their meats and toppings are out of this world. We ate here twice on our recent trip to Anna Maria Island and were impressed both times. 
• Kiwi Style Fish and Chips – The signature crispy batter is the star of the show at Kiwi Style Fish and Chips! If fried food is not your thing, they offer grilled options as well.

Best Restaurants for Dinner

We recommend making dinner reservations in advance, as many popular spots fill up quickly. Most of these restaurants take reservations right on their website.

• The Waterfront Restaurant – This beautiful Old Florida restaurant features seafood, steaks, and salads. We got the clams steamer bowl with garlic cream sauce and it was one of our favorite things we tried at any Anna Maria Island restaurant! Next time I am definitely trying the lobster bisque.
• The Smoqehouse – For a lighter dinner, try the made-from-scratch BBQ sandwiches, burgers, soups, or salads. The fries are the best on the island!
• Sushi Ramen Anna Maria – It’s all in the name–the most popular sushi and ramen on AMI!
• City Pier Grill – A delicious laid-back dinner option on the iconic City Pier. This restaurant serves fresh seafood and has outdoor seating only. It’s a great spot to eat, relax, and watch for wildlife such as dolphin, stingray, and sea birds.

Fine Dining on Anna Maria Island

Get out your Anna Maria Island itinerary and add one of these fine dining seafood restaurants to the list!

• The Porch Restaurant – This restaurant features exquisite entrees such as steaks and chops and is located in one of the first homes built on Anna Maria Island! The service, experience, and cuisine are all top notch.
• The Chateau Anna Maria – Beautiful atmosphere and delectable menu. Their Caribbean-style crab cake is the perfect starter to any entree.
• Beach Bistro – Located on Holmes Beach, this upscale restaurant features New American fare and views of the water with both indoor and outdoor seating. Try their four course tasting for a unique culinary experience.
• Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier – Located on the Bridge St. Pier, this oyster bar has a view you won’t soon forget! In addition to a wide selection of oysters, they also feature seafood gumbo, burgers, and seafood baskets.

Best Spots for Dessert

After your time on the beach, you will be ready for a sweet treat! These are the top three best dessert spots on Anna Maria Island.

• The Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe – The individual sized cheesecakes are the highlight at this cozy cafe! The Cheesecake Cute & Cafe also features delicious sandwiches and a variety of coffees.
• Gelato-go – Get your authentic Italian gelato fix on Bradenton Beach!
• Two Scoops – Our favorite ice cream shop on the island is Two Scoops. Make sure to try their dipped waffle ice cream cones!

Anna Maria Island Beachfront Restaurants with a View

You can’t come to Anna Maria Island without eating at least one beachfront meal with a view! It truly elevates the dining experience to a whole new level. These are our favorite Anna Maria Island restaurants with a view.

• Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe – Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with your toes in the sand! Very laid back and the perfect restaurant for kids to run around and play while waiting for their food.
• Beach House Waterfront Restaurant – Enjoy views for days while indulging in island-inspired cuisine for lunch, dinner, or happy hour.
• Sandbar Restaurant – Eat your fish taco or grouper rueben right on the gulf coast sand! Open for lunch and dinner.
• Bridge Street Bistro – Just north of Longboat Key on Bradenton Beach, Bridge Street Bistro offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico. Make a reservation for their 3rd floor outdoor seating at sunset for a picturesque vista!

Family-Friendly Restaurants

AMI is very family-friendly and most of the places to eat on Anna Maria Island listed above are perfectly welcoming for kids! However, there are a couple that stand out as family favorites.

• Pizza Social – Eat their handmade pizza pies and salads in the restaurant, or get it to-go for a fun dinner on the beach! The crust is to die-for, and it makes my marketing heart happy to see their on-point branding.
• The Ugly Grouper – Featuring live music and games, this family favorite serves seafood and burgers. You’d be missing out if you don’t try the grouper sandwich!

Best Spots for Coffee

Who else scopes out the best coffee on every trip? It’s the most important meal of the day, right? (wink-wink!)

• Anna Maria Island Coffee Shack – Located in Holmes Beach, this coffee shack is highly rated on Google.
• Back Alley Treasures – This quirky shop features coffee, wine and local beer, as well as a variety of local art and gifts.

Planning Your Getaway

There’s just nothing like enjoying delectable local cuisine while traveling with your family–especially with a beach view!

We hope this guide helps make your trip planning easier as you choose from the best restaurants in Anna Maria Island. We just know you’ll fall in love with Anna Maria Island just like we have–the quaint town, stunning turquoise waters, and, of course, the FOOD!

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