Posted on 2/9/2026

11 Best Waterfront Restaurants on Anna Maria Island

With miles of sugar-white beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, lush mangroves, and a lineup of one-of-a-kind local eateries, Anna Maria Island promises a waterfront dining experience that's as delicious as it is scenic.

From breezy lunch spots perfect for people-watching to al fresco dinners with toes-in-the-sand views, you can sip tropical cocktails, savor fresh seafood, and let the island slow your pace to vacation mode.

Book your beach rental and prepare to escape, indulge, and let the views—and the flavors—sweep you away. Be sure to check out these incredible restaurants on your Anna Maria Island vacation.


1. The Waterfront Restaurant

Photo Credit: Lugon Stock

The Waterfront Restaurant is among the top choices for visitors and locals alike on Anna Maria Island. Housed in a historic building that has been updated to offer modern amenities, the Waterfront's fresh, classic American take on seafood, salads, and steaks will surely please everyone in your group.

The restaurant's menus are focused on fresh products and updated seasonally with innovation and creativity. This is one of many reasons why the restaurant has been voted one of the 100 Best Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America by OpenTable diners.

For a truly unique experience, The Waterfront Restaurant is closely partnered with Anna Maria Island Fishing Charters, which allows you to have your catch prepared by the expert chefs on-site.

The Waterfront Restaurant is known for serving high-quality, fresh dishes and alcoholic beverages with attentive service. Many customer reviews highlight that when you eat here, you enjoy excellent food and stunning waterfront views from a covered deck, making it a memorable dining experience.


2. Sandbar Restaurant Seafood & Spirits

Anna Maria has no shortage of great bar spots, and the Sandbar Restaurant is a local staple on the island. Since its inception in 1979, the Sandbar Restaurant has been relying on locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients to draw in the crowds.

The Sandbar Restaurant is located directly on the beach with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Its toes-in-the-sand vibe and casual, family-friendly atmosphere is perfect for creating lasting memories while enjoying a quality meal.

Sandbar is a particularly great spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon as you sip on a handcrafted cocktail or glass of chilled rosé. The inviting atmosphere and exceptional views are the perfect combination for a relaxing evening.

In terms of food, the menu here is nothing short of impressive, featuring extensive lunch and dinner menus full of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Expect tasty dishes like aguachile ceviche made with cobia, shrimp gnocchi, and NY strip with peppercorn sauce.


3. Beach House Waterfront Restaurant

Photo Credit: ashleymitchell

Brought to you by the same restaurant group as Sandbar, Beach House Waterfront Restaurant in Bradenton Beach is another must-visit spot on Anna Maria Island. The menu items here emphasize natural flavors and quality ingredients cooked thoughtfully.

These hearty dishes are a little on the upscale end of waterfront dining, though the prices are reasonable given the high quality of the food. You'll be drooling over the menu, which features the likes of house-baked bread, grouper sandwiches, and goat cheese and corn slaw side. Yum!

The patio outdoor seating opens directly onto the beach, providing some epic Gulf Coast views.


4. Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier

If you're looking for the best waterfront restaurant on Anna Maria Island to bring the whole family, Anna Maria Oyster Bar on Bridge Street Pier is a great, kid-friendly option, without skimping on quality.

Anna Maria Oyster Bar is celebrated for its casual atmosphere and commitment to high-quality seafood. This casual dining experience does scrimp on quality service, delicious food, and a fun waterfront ambiance to enjoy.

You can expect to see fresh seafood and Southern classic dishes on the menu. Think tuna sashimi, hush puppies, New England clam chowder, baby back ribs, and coconut shrimp.


5. Beach Bistro

Photo Credit: Huy Thoai

  • Price: $$$$
  • Address: 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach
  • Website: beachbistro.com

For an indulgent date night or special occasion, look no further than Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach. This waterfront restaurant boasts a prime location directly on the beach, offering breathtaking views and an idyllic setting that enhances every dining experience.

Although it's pricier than some of the other restaurants on our list, the ambiance and food can't be beat. Think white linen service right on the sandy, white shores of AMI. Literally! It's so good that it has earned the highest Zagat rating for 'Best food on the Gulf Coast.'

For a unique night out, try the Four Course Tasting Menu. Beach Bistro also offers a vegetarian tasting menu, which isn't a common offering in these parts!


6. Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe

This relaxed beachfront locale is perfect regardless of whether you're in the mood for something classic or something more creative. Yet another AMI restaurant that boasts toes-in-the-sand dining, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, is always a good idea.

The Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe captures the essence of island living, making it a great place to eat delicious classics and enjoy refreshing beverages right by the water.

It's obviously a popular spot, given the seemingly never-ending wait. But don't worry, the line goes fast, and you can sip a delicious margarita while you wait for your table, as AMI Beach Cafe doesn't accept reservations.

For food choices, you can't go wrong with the fish and chips - it must be their best-seller! But you can also pick from a variety of classic sandwiches, platters, and salads.

As an added bonus, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe is also open for breakfast. Nothing beats sitting on the seaside with a country-fried steak and eggs to start your day. They're also renowned for their all-you-can-eat pancakes.


7. Bridge Street Bistro

Photo Credit: freeskyline

The ambiance at Bridge Street Bistro is so spectacular that it's a common wedding venue for young couples on AMI. With breathtaking Gulf views and an attentive and friendly staff, it should come as no surprise.

In addition to its standard dinner menu, Bridge Street Bistro also offers an attractive Happy Hour menu featuring discounted food, beer, and house wine from 12 PM to 4 PM daily.

Menu offerings at Bridge Street Bistro include timeless classics like seafood chowder and filet mignon, and inventive dishes like crab-stuffed shrimp with herb risotto and Duroc pork tenderloin.


8. Wicked Cantina Bradenton Beach

For some of the best Mexican food on AMI, you've got to try Wicked Cantina Bradenton Beach. This waterfront restaurant on Anna Maria Island offers up all the best that Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine have to offer, from margaritas to grouper tacos, fajitas, nachos, enchiladas, and more. 

Their patio dining overlooks the stunning white sand beaches of Bradenton Beach. A night out here usually features live music and island vibes. If you're visiting during the day, you can enjoy happy hour from 12 PM to 5 PM (or all day on Sundays).


9. The Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar

Photo Credit: Ezume Images

This lively American eatery and bar is fun for a night out with friends, family, or solo. The dockside bar occasionally features live music, which only adds to its exhilarating atmosphere. A local establishment since 1989, it's a great place to catch a game inside, in addition to enjoying the waterfront patio.

The menu is updated regularly, but you can expect some unique dishes like the crab cake sandwich and fried chicken livers. As an added bonus, The Bridge Tender Inn is dog-friendly so you can bring your furry friend with you for company.


10. Gulf Drive Cafe

Gulf Drive Café is a family-friendly spot where diners can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with beautiful Gulf views. This casual, waterfront café is perfect for laid-back dining, especially at sunset.

Gulf Drive Café offers a menu full of fresh seafood, sandwiches, and tropical drinks that pair perfectly with the breezy atmosphere. Its beachfront dining experience won it the a spot on the list of Best Breakfasts in Florida by Southern Living Magazine.

Try the fish tacos or the blackened mahi sandwich for a flavorful local experience. Don't forget to save room for one of their famous desserts or a refreshing cocktail while soaking in the island vibes.


11. Rod and Reel Pier

Photo Credit: Chiyacat

  • Price: $$
  • Address: 3246 E. Bay Drive in Holmes Beach (Original: 875 N Shore Drive, Anna Maria)
  • Website: rodreelpier.lemke.berlin

Rod and Reel Pier was an Anna Maria Island icon until it was destroyed by hurricanes, but the owners plan to rebuild at their beloved waterfront location as soon as they get the funds together.

For now, it's reopened in spirit, but not its usual waterfront location. The only operational Rod and Reel Pier is at the Plaza location in Holmes Beach. 

The Rod and Reel Pier has been serving traditional fare and local favorites since 1947, so the local community is rallying behind the owners to help them rebuild. If you want to play your part, be sure to swing by their Plaza location for a bite to eat. The food is just as delicious without the waterfront view.

Given Rod and Reel Pier's age and history, it has a casual, friendly Old Florida charm that you can still feel at the temporary location. You can hop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Menu highlights include the grouper reuben and the blackened sea scallop dinner. If you come for breakfast, try the island-style French toast or the famous seafood omelet.


Discover The Best Waterfront Restaurants Anna Maria Island Has to Offer

Anna Maria Island is home to a variety of waterfront restaurants that make every meal feel like a special occasion. Expect excellent service, incredible views, and delicious food and drink.

Let Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals help you find the vacation home of your dreams near your favorite waterfront restaurant. Pull up a chair, relax, and let the flavors, sights, and sounds of the island create a meal you'll never forget.

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