Anna Maria Island, tucked along Florida’s Gulf Coast, is the kind of place that makes slowing down feel effortless. With wide stretches of sugar-soft sand, calm turquoise waters, and a breezy small-town charm, the island invites you to trade schedules for sunsets and let your appetite lead the way.
From beachside cafés serving the day’s freshest catch to hidden spots perfect for brunch with friends or an elegant dinner for two, Anna Maria’s dining scene mirrors the island’s easygoing yet refined character. Each restaurant offers its own sense of place whether that’s toes in the sand with a grouper sandwich in hand, or candlelight on a quiet patio with Gulf breezes drifting through.
Here’s a guide to the best restaurants on Anna Maria Island, where fresh seafood, creative brunches, elevated dining, and unforgettable waterfront views come together to make every meal part of the journey.
These spots capture Anna Maria’s signature experience: sand between your toes, Gulf breezes, and dinners that end with a show in the sky.
DiningTip: Arrive early to snag a beachfront table and enjoy the best views.
The grouper sandwich and Two Docks clams are island staples, while the cheesecake topped with blueberry jam and whipped cream makes the perfect sweet finish.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the chargrilled octopus.
The Coconut Shrimp is a standout here. Crispy, tropical, and so frequently praised it’s become a go-to pick for many guests.
Anna Maria Island is rich with places to enjoy Gulf seafood, but these restaurants stand out for the way they spotlight the day’s catch. From dock-to-table classics to refined seasonal plates, they offer some of the most memorable flavors rooted in the island’s coastal character.
Dining Tip: Ask about the “Seafood Court” in the back courtyard, where local musicians play live music on weekends while you dine.
The Grouper Fulford, hearty clams bowl, and crispy Cracker shrimp appetizer are guest go to choices for a taste of Gulf Coast tradition.
When you want more energy than a quiet beach view, these laid-back favorites deliver live music, tropical cocktails, and a buzzing island vibe. They are the kind of places where groups gather, glasses clink, and nights stretch long after sunset.
Dining Tip: Check their live music schedule and plan your visit accordingly for the best experience.
Food Challenge: Feeling up to a challenge? Take on their $125 Food Challenge which includes a 2-pound grouper taco, award-winning grouper sandwich, and more!
The grouper tacos are often called the best on the island and the coconut fried shrimp is another crowd favorite for its crispy tropical flavor.
Hurricane Recovery Update: The restaurant is temporarily closed due to extensive damage to the pier. The city is working to reopen the City Pier by 2026.
Mornings on Anna Maria call for comfort food and quirky charm. From decadent cinnamon rolls to crêpes that feel straight out of France, these cafés turn breakfast and brunch into destinations of their own.
Dining Tip: Arrive early. The famous cinnamon rolls and Crème Brûlée French Toast often sell out before midday.
The giant cinnamon rolls are legendary, but it’s the Crème Brûlée French Toast — rich, caramelized, and decadent — that has become a true signature of this quirky café.
Pro Tip: Be sure to ask for the secret sauce when you order a Latte. 2 pumps caramel and 1 pump coconut.
Favorites include the indulgent Nutella banana crêpe, the savory ham and cheese, and the La Normandie with brie, ham, and apple combination that perfectly balances sweet and savory.
For special evenings, Anna Maria offers a taste of sophistication. From crafted cocktails to indulgent small plates, these restaurants trade sandy feet for candlelight and turn dinner into an experience worth savoring.
Dining Tip: Reservations are Suggested
Don’t miss the signature Lobstercargots, tender chunks of Nova Scotia lobster baked in herbed garlic butter and served with warm focaccia for dipping, a playful island twist on a French classic.
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