Crispy, golden, and just the right mix of tender and flavorful, calamari is a favorite appetizer for many who visit Anna Maria Island. Whether it’s lightly breaded and paired with house-made sauces, or tossed with bright herbs and bold flavors, local restaurants take pride in putting their own spin on this classic dish.
From casual beachfront eateries to lively waterfront grills, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy calamari while soaking in the island’s laid-back charm.
Contents
- Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
- Bamboo Island Bar
- Beach House Waterfront Restaurant
- The Chateau Anna Maria
- Cortez Kitchen
- Daiquiri Deck
- Gulf Drive Cafe & Kokonut Hut
- Harry’s Grill
- Kiwi Style Fish and Chips
- Mademoiselle Paris French Restaurant
- Mar Vista
- The Porch
- Salt Bar & Table
- Sandbar Seafood and Spirits
- The Shore
- Star Fish Company
- Swordfish Grill
- The Ugly Grouper
- The Waterfront Restaurant
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
- 200 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-2662
- Sunday through Thursday · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
At Anna Maria Oyster Bar, the Calamari is dusted with the restaurant’s signature house seasoning for a flavorful kick. Fried to a crispy golden finish, each bite delivers the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. Served with house-made marinara, it’s a delicious way to start your meal on the island.
Bamboo Island Bar
- 119 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-803-6416
- Monday through Thursday · 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
The Bali at Bamboo Island Bar features tender calamari sautéed with garlic and olive oil. This simple yet flavorful preparation highlights the natural sweetness of the seafood with a savory, aromatic touch. It’s a light and delicious appetizer that pairs perfectly with the island’s laid-back atmosphere.
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant
- 200 Gulf Drive · Bradenton Beach
- 941-779-2222
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM · inside bar only
The Calamari at Beach House Waterfront Restaurant is a flavorful twist on a coastal classic. Lightly fried and paired with banana peppers, it delivers just the right balance of crisp and heat. Served with a coriander lime aioli and a squeeze of fresh lemon, every bite is bright, zesty, and perfectly beachside.
The Chateau Anna Maria
- 5325 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-238-6264
- Tuesday through Thursday · 3:00 to 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday · 1:00 to 11:00 PM
- Sunday · 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour · 3:00 to 5:00 PM
The Graham Cracker Calamari at The Chateau offers a creative twist on a classic dish. Lightly coated in graham cracker crumbs, the calamari is paired with baby arugula and a delicate anchovy-lemon aioli for a rich, savory flavor. A drizzle of sriracha adds just the right hint of heat, making it an elegant and memorable starter.
Cortez Kitchen
- 4528 119th Street · Cortez
- 941-900-1506
- Sunday through Thursday · 12:00 to 9:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday · 12:00 to 10:00 PM
- Live Music · Friday through Sunday evenings
The Crispy Calamari at Cortez Kitchen is a flavorful mix of tender rings and tentacles fried to perfection. Tossed with banana peppers and served with a creamy, spicy mayo, it’s the perfect balance of heat and crunch. Fresh, bold, and full of coastal flavor, it’s a must-try appetizer by the dock.
Daiquiri Deck
- 107 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-253-3300
- Sunday through Thursday · 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday · 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 3:00 to 7:00 PM · 8:00 PM to close
- Live Music · Friday, Saturday, and Sunday · call for times
The new Parmesan Calamari at Daiquiri Deck is a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Lightly breaded rings and tentacles are fried to a golden crisp, then tossed in rich garlic butter with parmesan cheese and cherry peppers. Served with a zesty lemon aioli, it’s a delicious blend of crunchy, savory, and bright coastal flavors.
Gulf Drive Cafe & Kokonut Hut
- 900 Gulf Drive North · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-1919
- Cafe · Open · Sunday through Thursday · 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Cafe · Open · Friday and Saturday · 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Hut · Open · Daily · 7:00 AM to Midnight
- Live Music · Daily · 6:00 to 9:00 PM
The Calamari at Gulf Drive Cafe is a perfectly seasoned and satisfying starter. Lightly breaded deep-water squid is fried to a crisp and topped with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Served with garlic aioli and housemade marinara sauce, it’s a delicious mix of classic flavor and island freshness
Harry’s Grill
- 9903 Gulf Drive · Anna Maria
- 941-567-5999
- Monday through Saturday · 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday · 1:00 to 9:30 PM
- Sunday · Harry’s Hallelujah Brunch · 10:00 to 11:30 AM
- Live Music · Daily · 6:00 to 8:30 PM
- Happy Hour · Monday through Friday · 3:00 to 5:00 PM
The Fried Calamari at Harry’s Grill is a classic favorite. Lightly breaded and fried to a golden crisp, it’s served with your choice of tangy marinara or Harry’s signature sauce. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, it’s a must-try appetizer for seafood lovers.
Kiwi Style Fish and Chips
- 3608 East Bay Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-704-5040
- Monday through Saturday · 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
The calamari at Kiwi Style Fish and Chips is golden, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. Each ring is coated in breadcrumbs and fried to a light crunch, served with their signature tartar sauce, infused with just the right touch of sweet chili for a gentle kick. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds the perfect finish.
Mademoiselle Paris French Restaurant
- 9906 Gulf Drive · Anna Maria
- 941-226-0708
- Monday and Tuesday · 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Wednesday through Sunday · 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
At Mademoiselle Paris French Restaurant, the calamari is a simple yet irresistible favorite. Lightly fried to a golden crisp, it’s served with a rich and creamy garlic sauce that enhances every bite. Elegant and full of flavor, it’s the perfect start to a relaxed island meal.
Mar Vista
- 760 Broadway Street · Longboat Key
- 941-383-2391
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Cuisine · locally sourced, southern‑style seafood
The Crispy Calamari at Mar Vista is a perfectly crunchy and flavorful starter. Fried calamari is served with tangy pickled vegetables and a zesty chili-coconut sauce that adds a touch of sweetness and heat. It’s a bold, island-inspired appetizer that sets the tone for a memorable meal.
The Porch
- 9707 Gulf Drive · Anna Maria
- 941-782-8683
- Daily · Lunch · 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Daily · Dinner · 4:00 to 9:00 PM
The Coastal Calamari at The Porch is a flavorful twist on a seaside favorite. Crispy calamari is paired with tangy pickled peppers and drizzled with a sweet chili sauce for the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. It’s a vibrant, satisfying appetizer that captures the island’s relaxed coastal vibe.
Salt Bar & Table
- 2519 Gulf Drive · Bradenton Beach
- 941-896-9897
- Daily · 3:30 to 10:00 PM
- Live Music · Friday & Saturday · 6:00 to 9:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 3:30 to 5:00 PM
The Calamari Salad at Salt Bar & Table is a fresh and vibrant dish. Tender calamari is paired with peppery arugula, crisp red cabbage, and a zingy wasabi ginger vinaigrette. Finished with a touch of Thai chili pepper, it’s a light yet flavorful option perfect for a sunny island meal.
Sandbar Seafood and Spirits
- 100 Spring Avenue · Anna Maria
- 941-778-0444
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
At The Sandbar the Calamari appetizer features domestically sourced squid cooked to tender perfection. Lightly fried and served with zesty marinara and a squeeze of fresh lemon, it’s a classic and satisfying starter. Perfect for enjoying by the water, it’s a dish that captures the island’s coastal charm.
The Shore
- 800 Broadway Street · Longboat Key
- 941-259-4600
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 3:00 to 6:00 PM
The Kung Pao Calamari at The Shore is a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Crispy calamari is tossed with napa cabbage, red pepper, and toasted peanuts, then finished with black sesame, fresh basil, mint, and cilantro. The result is a vibrant, crunchy, and aromatic dish that’s both bold and perfectly balanced.
Star Fish Company
- 12306 46th Avenue West · Cortez
- 941-794-1243
- Tuesday through Saturday · 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday and Monday · 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM
At Star Fish Company the Calamari Rings are a simple yet satisfying treat. Tender squid is lightly fried to a golden crisp, creating the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. Served with classic marinara sauce, they make an ideal starter or snack for any seafood lover.
Swordfish Grill
- 4628 119th Street West · Cortez
- 941-798-2035
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Monday through Saturday · 4:00 to 6:00 PM
- Live Music · Daily · evenings · Saturday and Sunday additionally in afternoon
The calamari at Swordfish Grill features flash-fried rings and tentacles cooked to a crisp. It’s tossed with cabbage, fresh mint, cilantro, and green onions for a bright, herbaceous flavor. Finished with a drizzle of Thai chili sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, it’s a flavorful, slightly spicy starter.
The Ugly Grouper
- 5704 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-896-8033
- Daily 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Live Music · Daily · 5:00 to 8:00 PM
- Live Music · Saturday and Sunday · 12:00 to 3:00 PM
The Ugly Grouper’s Colossal Calamari is lightly breaded and fried to golden perfection. It comes with their zesty house-made Dyno sauce for dipping. A perfect starter for anyone craving fresh, flavorful seafood.
The Waterfront Restaurant
- 111 Bay Boulevard South · Anna Maria
- 941-778-1515
- Sunday through Thursday · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Indulge in a delicious twist on the classic fried calamari appetizer with Kung Pao Calamari Curls at the The Waterfront Restaurant. They start with tender clamari, flash-fry it to a golden perfection, and finish it off with a tantalizing combination of onion, feta, and banana peppers. Served with a zesty Thai Sweet Chili sauce, this appetizer is a true flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Until next time…
· izzy
Here’s a comprehensive guide to restaurants on Anna Maria Island, curated to help you discover the local spots for every craving—from beachfront seafood shacks to hidden gems like tavern-style pizza joints. Whether you’re planning your first visit or a return trip, this guide makes dining on the island easy and delicious.
Nothing says island comfort food quite like a juicy, perfectly crafted burger. On Anna Maria Island, local spots take this classic favorite to the next level with creative toppings, fresh ingredients, and unforgettable waterfront views. From no-frills beach shacks to upscale eateries, each restaurant puts its own spin on the beloved burger.
If you’re craving the best burgers on Anna Maria Island, here are the top spots you won’t want to miss.
“Who has the best pizza?” It’s a question I hear over and over again from locals and visitors. Anna Maria Island is known for its spectacular beaches and tranquil waters but it also offers great pizza.
Below is the ultimate guide to pizza places on Anna Maria Island. Pizza lovers are in for a treat when visiting this beautiful slice of paradise.
Crack, dip, savor, repeat—that’s the magic of snow crab legs.
On Anna Maria Island, digging into a pile of sweet, juicy crab legs isn’t just dinner, it’s an experience. Whether you’re cracking shells with friends over cold drinks or treating yourself after a beach day, AMI has plenty of spots where the snow crab is fresh, buttery, and downright irresistible.
If snow crab legs are calling your name, Anna Maria Island is the right place to indulge.
Anna Maria Island is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a tropical island atmosphere. From upscale cocktail lounges to tiki bars to dive bars, AMI has a variety of spots offering happy hour deals.
Below is a list of bars and happy hours on Anna Maria Island to enjoy adult libations and soak up the island’s culture.