There's more to Florida than sand and citrus. Florida is a fusion of cultures, colors, and tastes — gifted with 825 miles of sandy beaches, crystal-blue waters, and stunning sunsets. Anna Maria Island is a seven-mile long barrier island on Florida's Gulf Coast.
The white sand beaches of Anna Maria Island and Bradenton are home to some of the best restaurants, tropical cafes, and waterfront dining in Florida. Although all of our vacation rental homes come with a fully equipped kitchen, you're on vacation so treat yourself to a nice meal out.
Lunch on Anna Maria Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the world, is always a memorable experience!
Let's dig into the 17 best lunch spots on Anna Maria Island.
1. Beach House
Photo Credit: thebeachhouseami via Instagram
- 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
- (941) 779-2222
The Beach House Waterfront Restaurant offers locally sourced ingredients and an unbeatable atmosphere for lunch and dinner. For starters, sample the house smoked fish dip with capers, red onion, salsa, and house-made hemp crisps. Or, feast on short rib tacos with braised beef short ribs with manchego cheese, pickled pears, and onions in soft tortillas.
Outdoor decking set on 650 feet of pristine beach is the perfect place to enjoy the views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Check out more waterfront restaurants here.
2. Ginny's & Jane E's
Photo Credit: paginglolo via Instagram
- 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, FL 34216
- 941-778-3170
Ginny's & Jane E's is a quirky local bakery famous for its colossal cinnamon rolls and sticky buns. They are also a favorite in-and-out breakfast and lunch stop on Bradenton Beach. While waiting for your order, shop for handmade jewelry and antiques.
3. Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe
Photo Credit: annamariaislandbeachcafe via Instagram
- 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
- (941) 778-4757
Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe is located just off Manatee County Beach and is your beach day destination — starting with breakfast, then lunch, and dinner. The fish tacos and monkey coconut drink will fill you, refresh you, and keep you smiling. The cafe has full amenities, too, including outdoor showering, bathrooms, beach games, and a Tiki Bar — the Bamboo Beach Bar.
Looking to sit and enjoy the sea air or listen to live music? Grab a chair and umbrella from AMIBC rentals.
4. Gulf Drive Cafe
Photo Credit: gulfdrivecafe via Instagram
- 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
- (941) 778-1919
Gulf Drive Cafe is another one of the great Anna Maria Island restaurants. Established in 1981, Gulf Drive Cafe is a fixture on the island, located on its own two acres of sugar-white sandy beach. The food is fresh with large portions — try the shrimp avocado mango salad followed by key lime pie for dessert.
Choose either the fun tiki hut or the beachy sit-down patio to sample this delicious food.
5. Minnie's Beach Cafe
Photo Credit: simply_amy.e via Instagram
- 5360 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
- (941) 778-4140
Lunch on Anna Maria Island doesn't always mean beachside. This quiet space has an old Florida feel, and the breakfast and lunch specials change daily. Try the chili cheddar burger or, for brunch, the crab cake benedict. The excellent service keeps the locals returning to this quirky cafe.
Whatever you choose from the menu, don't forget cash — credit cards are not accepted. But there is an ATM next door if you forget.
6. Hurricane Hanks
Photo Credit: iain__ford via Instagram
- 5346 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
- 941-778-5788
Located on the white sand of Holmes Beach, this laid-back basic beach fare is a can't-miss for anyone even remotely in the area. Munch on loaded potato skins, fish and chips, burgers, and crab cake is always an option.
In addition to the food, Hurricane Hanks has an impressive selection of craft beers to complement our favorite — a pound of fresh, peel-and-eat shrimp.
7. North Shore Cafe
Photo Credit: northshorecafe_ami via Instagram
- 304 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, FL 34216
- (941) 900-2671
Another local favorite for coffee and a light, trendy lunch on Anna Maria Island is the North Shore Cafe. This quaint beach bistro is open for breakfast and lunch, serving fresh coffee, smoothies, and sandwiches.
Grab an espresso, a coconut water, and some avocado toast or an acai bowl, then find a place on the peaceful backyard patio right on the inlet.
8. The Sandbar Restaurant
Photo Credit: thesandbarami via Instagram
- 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, FL 34216
- (941) 778-0444
Located across the island from Anna Maria City Pier, the Sandbar Restaurant is an excellent beachfront restaurant on Anna Maria Island. Here, locals mingle with tourists while waiting for steamed clams and shrimp appetizers. If you are looking for a fresh seafood twist, try the Grouper Reuben!
The menu also includes vegan and gluten-free options.
9. Smoqehouse
Photo Credit: smoqehouseami via Instagram
- 1701 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
- (941) 242-5340
This Minnesota transplant found its way to Bradenton Beach in 2017 and is a classic beach burger joint with black and white checkered decor. The Smoqehouse serves filling burgers, seared patties dressed with smoked cheddar, caramelized onions, and the diner's tangy house condiment — Smoq'n sauce.
Forget the ketchup! This sauce is perfect for dipping fries.
10. Poppo's Taqueria
Photo Credit: poppostaqueria via Instagram
- 212C Pine Ave., Anna Maria, FL 34216
- (941) 254-7941
This locally owned Mexican food franchise has seven locations, including Tampa and Sarasota. However, the original Poppo's opened its doors at the end of Anna Maria Island in 2013 and still serves build-your-own tacos, burritos, and bowls with a Gulf Coast twist.
Fusion-forward ingredients provide choices with and without protein, including tempeh, aioli, honey-lime cabbage, and jalapeno relish.
11. The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar
Photo Credit: thewaterfrontrestaurantami via Instagram
- 111 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, FL 34216
- (941) 778-1515
The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar combines unfailingly fresh seafood and serene freshwater views of Tampa Bay, all wrapped up in a nostalgic, tropical, laid-back Florida atmosphere.
Choose outdoor seating on the upper deck for the best ocean views, and start your lunch with a hand-crafted smoked margarita cocktail with mezcal. Daily specials include smokey blue mushroom soup, grouper tacos, or deep water diver scallops with bell pepper relish. And don't forget an order of possibly the best seafood and grits on AMI.
12. Anna Maria Oyster Bar
Photo Credit: annamariaoysterbar via Instagram
- 200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
- (941) 778-2662
Lunch on AMI would not be complete without a trip to the Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) at the Historic Bridge Street Pier, overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. AMOB offers separate menus at the Cortez and Ellington locations, but it's all about the oysters at the pier.
Build your platter with key-lime oysters, Grama George's chipotle, or throw in a couple of fried ones for good measure.
13. The Donut Experiment
Photo Credit: thedonutexperiment via Instagram
- 210C Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, FL 34216
- (941) 896-3172
These made-to-order cake doughnuts are pure heaven. Unfortunately, once the cravings set in, you may have to wait in line for your maple and bacon or walnut and chocolate confections. But don't worry, they are totally worth the wait.
14. The Rod & Reel Pier
Photo Credit: antonia0115 via Instagram
- 875 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria, FL 34216
- (941) 778-1885
The Rod & Reel Pier restaurant sits at the north end of Anna Maria Island. Serving nothing but the freshest seafood from the Gulf of Mexico and beyond, the coconut-crusted mahi-mahi is sublime. Don't forget to bring your favorite rod to fish off the restaurant docks for a small fee!
The Rod and Reel Pier is "Little Bit of Old Florida, a true hidden gem on AMI."
15. Wicked Cantina
Photo Credit: wicked_cantina via Instagram
- 101 Seventh St. N., Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
- (941) 281-2990
The Wicked Cantina in Bradenton Beach is a quintessentially Florida beach-dining experience. Walk on in; no reservations are required! Grab a seat on the patio and breathe in the fresh salt air while waiting for your Wicked Cantina Margarita!
The menu is a mix of Austin-style Tex-Mex, including enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos, burritos, and nachos. With all-day dining, there is something for everyone. Choose between fresh seafood with grouper and shrimp tacos or seafood enchiladas.
Are you feeling a little carnivorous? The cowboy brisket tacos with smoked beef brisket and jalapeno slaw is fabulous but not overwhelming.
16. The Ugly Grouper
Photo Credit: uglygrouper via Instagram
- 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
- (941) 778-4402
The Ugly Grouper is a fixture in Holmes Beach, located at 57th and Palm Drive on Anna Maria Island. And it is a trendy, funky beach dining at its best, complete with a 3000-pound recycled metal fish statue. Not sure what to order? The Ugly Grouper menu has something for everyone — even the kids.
Daily specials include hogfish snapper or the swordfish gorgonzola sandwich. And, of course, the grouper sandwich. There are many options for special diets, and the large entrees are perfect for sharing. The Ugly Grouper's back patio has outdoor games and daily live music for family-sized fun.
17. Skinny's Place
Photo Credit: jenbru1 via Instagram
- 3901 Gulf Dr. Holmes Beach, FL.
- (941) 778-7769
Family-owned, the great food at Skinny's Place is some of the best on the island. Located in a rustic old shack in Old Florida, the burgers are simple, the chili homemade, the mugs frosted, and the restaurant is open six days a week.
Established in 1952, Skinny's Place is an Anna Maria Island classic.
Enjoy the Best Lunch Spots on Anna Maria Island
As you can see, Anna Maria Island is a haven for foodies who want to dine on the freshest and finest products. Whether you want to taste the natural flavors of the ocean in one of the best waterfront restaurants or you're searching for the most moreish french fries, our go-to spots will serve you well.
Don't forget that most of these eateries offer their full menu as takeout, so you can enjoy it in the comfort of your vacation rental.
