The Best Spots for Breakfast on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island (or AMI) is a little paradise in Florida waiting to be explored. White sand beaches, surf, and sun make this a perfect year-round Gulf of Mexico destination for weekend or longer getaways. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere as the gulf breeze carries the scents of delicious, fresh food that's bound to help you build up an appetite.

After you've settled into your  vacation rental, it's time to find the best breakfast Anna Maria Island offers. You'll find anything you can imagine just a few steps from your door. Anna Maria Island chefs know better than most how to make delicious breakfasts, and with so many fantastic breakfast options it's almost impossible to choose one.

Anna Maria Island breakfast restaurants offer something for everyone. We've broken the best down by area from north to south to narrow down the best breakfast spots.

GULF DRIVE CAFE

• Address: 900 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

• Phone: 941-778-1919

• Website:  https://gulfdrivetiki.com/

• Price: $$

• Top picks: Coastal seafood quiche, caprese omelet

Gulf Drive Cafe has been a favorite breakfast spot among locals since it opened in 1981, and has been recognized by Southern Living magazine as one of the best restaurants on the island.

What makes this place special is its location. Positioned directly on the beach on the south end of the island, diners can enjoy stunning coastal views while they eat.

And speaking of eating, be sure to bring your appetite! The team at Gulf Drive serves up feasts including their famous breakfast consisting of pancakes, eggs, sausages, and more. For smaller appetites, try the smoked salmon bagel or French toast with caramelized pineapple.

Rod and Reel Pier

• Address: 875 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216

• Phone: 941-778-1885

• Website:  https://www.rodreelpier.com/

• Price: $

• Top picks: Steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy

Rod and Reel Pier is known for its unique take on traditional breakfast. Seafood is the main ingredient for the lunch and dinner crowd, but breakfast is met with the classics.

The Island-style French toast is delicious. They dip three slices of Texas toast into a coconut-infused egg batter, then serve it golden brown. The signature seafood omelet is worth trying, too.

The restaurant is small and often filled with locals, so be prepared to wait (it's worth it). The prices are another draw. Affordable meals in a laid-back atmosphere on the pier, what could make it better? Oh yeah, you can check out the dolphins playing in the water while you wait!

Ginny's & Jane's Cafe

• Address: 9807 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216

• Phone: 941-778-3170

• Website:  https://www.ginnysandjanees.com/

• Price: $

• Top picks: Soups, sandwiches, cakes

The Donut Experiment

• Address: 210c Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216

• Phone: 941-896-3172

• Website:  https://www.thedonutexperiment.com/

• Price: $$

• Top picks: Maple bacon donuts, iced coffee

The Donut Experiment takes donuts to an entirely new level and isn't the most traditional of breakfast places but is great as a treat. There are a few donut shops on the island but this one is a fan favorite.

The friendly staff will walk you through the donut ordering process. First off, the donuts are made fresh to order. Next, you choose the icing. The toppings are last and there's a huge selection, with favorites like maple bacon, vanilla with fruity pebbles, and Key Lime pie. The coffee is great and pairs nicely with any of the donuts.

The Donut Experiment is a fun, unique experience and is a must-stop when on AMI.

The Waffle Press

The Waffle Press offers Belgian waffles, waffle sandwiches, local baked goods, and some excellent waffle ice-cream sandwiches.

The waffles here truly are superb, with standouts like the Camper, a Belgian waffle covered in marshmallow, chocolate sauce, and crumbled graham crackers. Another must is the Hemingway. It's a waffle topped with key lime curd, sweet cream icing, and crumbled graham cracker. If you're not in the mood for a waffle, try one of their fresh bagels or cinnamon rolls instead.

There's typically a wait, but it's worth it. They offer dine-in and takeout. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are available, and they can also be delivered to your Anna Maria Island vacation rental!

Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe

• Address: 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

• Phone: 941-778-4757

• Website:  https://www.amibeachcafe.com/

• Price: $$

• Top picks: All-you-can-eat pancakes, frozen daiquiris

Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe is the perfect spot to have breakfast on the white sand. This beachfront breakfast spot has it all, including all-you-can-eat pancakes!

Choose from favorite American breakfasts including grits, biscuits, and gravy, or the classic eggs benedict. They also have delicious fish tacos all day, so give them a try. Come by and eat on the beach to enjoy unbeatable sea views or order takeout for breakfast on the go.

Minnie's Beach Cafe

Minnie's Beach Cafe is the perfect family-friendly breakfast spot. Come in for the special of the day or try 'Minnie's Monster Omelette'. It's stuffed with ham, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, green peppers, and onion.

When you come into Minnie's Beach Cafe, you're treated like family and the staff will welcome you like you're family. The food is prepared with the same friendly attention the customers receive. Get the Minnie's Fruit Boat, and you'll have all the fresh fruit you could ask for.

Minnie's is open for breakfast and brunch. Be aware they are a cash-only establishment. They offer dine-in and pick-up orders.

The Island Creperie

• Address: 127 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

• Phone: 941-778-1011

• Website:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054488947724

• Price: $

• Top picks: Croissants, mimosas

The Island Creperie in Bradenton Beach creates a great breakfast with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. They had me at crepes.

Try the French Breakfast, which comes with a perfectly flaky croissant and two crepes stuffed with jam. For a little more, try the Big French Breakfast. It includes French toast along with the croissant and crepes. There is an excellent range of savory crepes along with the delicious breakfast crepes if you're looking for something heartier.

Peach's