Anna Maria Island is not just a vacation destination for beautiful beaches, fishing, and Old Florida vibes. No, our beloved island is also a veritable foodie's paradise.
Home to some of the state's most delicious seafood restaurants, sushi joints, ice cream shops, and bakeries, Anna Maria Island packs a punch for foodies, and for those of you who are looking for the perfect meal to start your day, it's also home to some seriously tasty brunch restaurants.
Let's face it - nothing beats an unrushed mid-morning or early-afternoon brunch when you're on vacation. It's the perfect time to recap the night before, get in a hearty meal before a long day of shelling or watersports, nurse a hangover, or simply bask in the leisure that comes with living on island time.
We've compiled this list of our absolute favorite brunch and breakfast spots on Anna Maria Island to satisfy all of your mid-morning cravings.
North Shore Cafe
Photo Credit: Kurt Kaiser
- Address: 304 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, FL
- Price Point: $$
- What to Order: Jacaranda Smoothie and Acai Bowl
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Anna Maria, the North Shore Café is a hidden gem that serves more than just a meal; it offers a tranquil retreat paired with delectable breakfast choices.
With a menu that brilliantly balances traditional flavors and modern culinary imagination, patrons can savor everything from fluffy pancakes to savory omelets. The açaí bowls are a crowd favorite, brimming with fresh fruit and granola—perfect for a health-conscious start to the day. As you dine in the quaint, inviting space or enjoy the morning sun on the patio, the warm, island-style hospitality makes every breakfast here an AMI memory!
Blueberries Cafe & Wine
Photo Credit: Steve Hunsader
- Address: 5337 Gulf Dr # 300, Holmes Beach, FL
- Price Point: $$
- What to Order: Their take on avocado toast – the Arepa King
Just steps from the ocean's edge, Blueberries Cafe & Wine in Holmes Beach is renowned for its all-American breakfast fare and a robust menu featuring everything from classic buttermilk pancakes to inventive benedicts laden with fresh local ingredients.
But their signature blueberry muffins, bursting with sweet, tart berries, truly embody their name's essence. In a cozy and casual dining atmosphere, guests can indulge their palates while soaking in the ambiance of a meal shared amongst friends and family.
Gulf Drive Cafe
Photo Credit: Deirdre Silbourne
- Address: 900 Gulf Dr. N, Bradenton Beach, FL
- Price Point: $$
- What to Order: Huevos Rancheros
One of the best breakfast and brunch spots on Anna Maria Island is Gulf Drive Cafe. Here, you can embrace the laid-back, beachside vibe of AMI in its entirety.
Gulf Drive Cafe's brunch menu brings together the classics with a taste of island variety. Whether it's savory breakfast tacos or a sweet peach French toast, the food here covers a number of bases. If you're completely famished, try one of their 'break-feasts' - combo plates of your brunch favorites with enough food to feed a small army! We love the Huevos Rancheros with pulled pork, corn tortillas, crumbled feta, and fresh jalapenos.
Ginny's & Jane E's Cafe and Gift Store
Photo Credit: Juergen Koerner
- Address: 9807 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL
- Price Point: $
- What to Order: Feta, Tomato, & Spinach Quiche
Ginny's & Jane E's is a quirky and charming spot that serves more than just brunch and breakfast options. It's also a gift store with all kinds of unique handicrafts, kitschy souvenirs, and interesting items to take home.
The atmosphere is a blend of eclectic and cozy, a vibe that makes you feel like you're having brunch in a friend's kitchen. The walls are decorated with local art and the shelves are decorated with knick-knacks and other oddities, creating an inviting environment that's just right for a relaxing brunch.
Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast sandwich, a fresh-baked pastry, or a healthy fruit bowl, they've got it all. Everything is baked on-site, with gluten free options available!
Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe
Photo Credit: Michael Farkas
- Address: 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL
- Price Point: $$
- What to Order: All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes
If you go to just one brunch spot, let it be Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe. Indulging in their famous all-you-can-eat pancakes is like an AMI rite of passage.
What makes Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe special isn't just its yummy breakfast and brunch menu, which they serve daily, but also its prime beachfront location. You're not just close to the beach - you are on the beach! It's the perfect spot to take in the views of the Gulf of Mexico, feel the sea breeze on your skin, or join in a game of beach volleyball, all while enjoying some of the best brunch and breakfast treats the island offers.
Plus, AMI Beach Cafe has another way in which they make your life a little easier. They offer daily chair and umbrella rentals from 9 am to 4 pm, so you can easily transition from a leisurely brunch to an idyllic beach day.
Minnie's Beach Cafe
- Address: 5360 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL
- Price Point: $
- What to Order: The Big Easy
Minnie's Beach Cafe is the place to go for a no-frills, solid American brunch. Their menu features all the classics - fluffy waffles, bagel and egg sandwiches, blueberry pancakes, and more. Our favorite thing to get at Minnie's Beach Cafe is by far 'The Big Easy' - two eggs your way, homefries or hashbrowns, sizzling bacon, a sausage patty and a sausage link, warm biscuits, sausage gravy, creamy grits, and toast. You definitely want to be hungry if you order it!
Minnie's is a place that values simplicity and quality. They don't need to be overly innovative or imaginative with their menu because they know there's something plenty special about perfectly cooked omelets or a solid cup of coffee.
Mademoiselle Paris French Restaurant and Bakery
Photo Credit: Shirley Steele
- Address: 9906 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL
- Price Point: $$
- What to Order: Smoked Salmon Tartine
Imagine a little slice of Paris right here on Anna Maria Island. That's what you'll find at Mademoiselle Paris. This charming cafe brings the essence of a chic Parisian bistro to AMI, offering a memorable brunch experience on the island.
Stepping into Mademoiselle Paris, you're greeted by a combination of sophistication and a welcoming, relaxed vibe. The outdoor courtyard is a blend of Paris and Florida - white linen tables nestled amid palm trees and strung lights with broken shells and sand at your feet.
The menu at Mademoiselle Paris brings traditional preparations such as the classic omelet, paper-thin crepes, flaky croissants, smoked salmon tartine, and more. Those who take a more minimalistic approach to brunch enjoy a traditional French plate of a baguette, butter, jam, or a bowl of fresh fruit.
One standout feature of brunch at Mademoiselle Paris is the live music on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Wrapping Up the Best Brunch Spots on AMI
In short, Anna Maria Island is home to some seriously delicious breakfast and brunch spots, perfect for a relaxing morning. Each spot we've talked about has its own style and flavor. These aren't just places to grab a bite - they're part of what makes our island so special.
Ready to book your Anna Maria Island vacation rental? Get in touch with us at Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals today to discuss!
