Let's imagine you've just booked your vacation to Anna Maria Island. You've found your vacation rental home (maybe it's Sunkissed & Salty), made transportation plans, and you're beginning to explore all the things you love to do on vacation. If your family or group is anything like ours, identifying high-quality restaurants is a key element of your planning. From fresh seafood, to lunch or dinner with a view, or breakfast served sunny-side up, the restaurants of Anna Maria Island are fabulous!
Without further delay, our four can't miss restaurants are:
The Waterfront Restaurant
If you want exceptional coastal-inspired cuisine paired with an extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails(no mixers here!) overlooking both the Anna Maria City Pier and Tampa Bay, you need to look no further. The Waterfront has yet to disappoint - except when the wait time exceeds 2 hours, which can be routine after during busy seasons. While The Waterfront currently does not take advanced reservations due to limited seating(thanks again COVID), you can place your name and cell on the list(must do this in person) and leave. Depending on the wait, go walk the pier, shop along Pine Avenue or head back to your rental property to gather the rest of the dining party. For those staying at Sunkissed & Salty, it's less than 2.2 miles away. One thing is for sure, if this doesn't make your list, you've missed out - big time! For menus and more visit: www.thewaterfrontrestaurant.net
Scott's Deli
OMG! Huge, savory sandwiches(breakfast and lunch), wraps, street-tacos and more delivered for FREE to our Sunkissed & Salty! Better yet, if the weather is a 10 out of 10 and you don't want to leave the beach, that's perfectly fine with Scott's! They'll deliver your food right to your beach chair. As a matter of fact, they do this routinely. Our entire family craves their food and friendly service - so much so they made our top four restaurants for your family or group not to miss. For menus and more, visit: www.scottsdeliannamaria.com
Ginny & Jane E's
Welcome to the funkiest island restaurant where everyone loves to gather for breakfast surrounded by antiques, local art, and unique collectibles. Huge cinnamon rolls, freshly baked bagels, avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, an indulgent Creme Brûlée French toast and so much more!
One thing is certain, you won't leave hungry and you may even find yourself back day after day - it's that good! It made our "can't miss" list because we never miss the opportunity to visit Ginny & Jane E's whenever we're on the island.
The Beach Bistro
Failing to include this island treasure from our list would be a tremendous disservice to all who hunger for the finest culinary experience for special occasions (anniversary, engagement, birthday, etc.) worth celebrating in style. Sean Murphy's The Beach Bistro has racked up several national culinary awards from his beachfront dining room overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Breathtaking sunset beach seating paired with an opulent five course Bistro Experience menu known as "A Stroll Along the Beach" is in high demand - requiring a week or more advanced reservation especially during the prime seasons of March-early June and October-December. For menus, a view of their live beach cam, and more, please visit: www.beachbistro.com
Didn't see your favorite dining experiences mentioned in our story? Please leave a comment on your favorites for all to read! We know there's dozens more "can't miss" restaurants - we want to hear your thoughts...