Anna Maria Island offers some of the most memorable waterfront dining in Florida, where the views are just as unforgettable as the food. Here, meals come with Gulf breezes, glowing sunsets, and the gentle rhythm of boats drifting across the water.
Whether you’re sinking your toes into the sand at a beachfront café or enjoying fresh seafood along a working dock, waterfront dining is part of the island’s lifestyle. This guide highlights the best waterfront restaurants on Anna Maria Island, so you can experience the flavors, scenery, and laid-back charm that make dining here truly special.
Contents
Best Waterfront Restaurants
- Best toes-in-the-sand · The Beach House
- Best fine dining waterfront · The Chateau Anna Maria
- Best casual dockside seafood · Star Fish Company
- Best boat-accessible restaurant · Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant
- Best waterfront sushi · Island Ocean Star
- Best waterfront Mexican food · Wicked Cantina
Anna Maria
Island Ocean Star
- 902 South Bay Boulevard · Anna Maria
- 941-251-6940
- Open · Tuesday through Sunday · 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Waterfront · directly on Bimini Bay with boat parking
- Reservations · Yes
Island Ocean Star offers a rare combination of authentic Japanese cuisine and peaceful waterfront dining along the edge of Bimini Bay. As the island’s only hibachi grill, it brings an interactive and entertaining element to your meal, while the menu showcases a full range of traditional favorites, from expertly prepared sushi and sashimi to crisp tempura, savory teriyaki, and comforting noodle dishes. It’s also featured in my Ultimate Guide to the Best Sushi on Anna Maria Island, making it a standout destination for sushi lovers seeking both quality and atmosphere.
Whether you’re enjoying sake or craft cocktails inside the warm, elegant dining room or taking in the tranquil bay views from the outdoor deck, Island Ocean Star delivers a relaxed yet refined experience. It’s an ideal spot for date nights, family dinners, or anyone looking to enjoy fresh Japanese flavors in one of the island’s most scenic waterfront settings.
North Shore Cafe
- 304 Pine Avenue · Anna Maria
- 941-900-2671
- Open · Monday and Wednesday through Friday · 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Open · Saturday and Sunday · 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM
- Waterfront · directly on a canal
- Reservations · No
North Shore Cafe is a charming spot known for its healthy menu, stylish aesthetic, and relaxed island vibe. It serves artisan coffee, specialty teas, smoothies made with whole fruit, acai bowls, and light bites made with quality ingredients. They have options for adult beverages including mimosas and wine.
Patrons can enjoy their meals in a picturesque outdoor setting overlooking a canal, complete with yard games like corn hole and a vibrant Anna Maria mural perfect for photos. The café also has a small boutique section, adding to its cozy, curated feel.
Sandbar Seafood and Spirits
- 100 Spring Avenue · Anna Maria
- 941-778-0444
- Open · Daily · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Waterfront · directly on the Gulf
- Reservations · No
Since 1979, the Sandbar has been one of Anna Maria Island’s most iconic beachfront dining destinations, offering a true toes-in-the-sand experience with sweeping Gulf views. Known for its fresh Florida seafood and relaxed coastal atmosphere, the menu features favorites like fish tacos and clam chowder, along with a wide range of gluten-free, vegan, and kid-friendly options. Its thoughtful accommodations also make it a standout choice featured in my Ultimate Guide to Allergy Friendly Restaurants on Anna Maria Island, ensuring guests with dietary needs can dine confidently.
Adding to its beachside appeal, the Beachside Bites walk-up window serves breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and smoothies from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For something sweet, the retro-inspired Sweet Willy’s Ice Cream Shoppe offers handmade waffle cones and classic sundaes from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, making the Sandbar a must-visit from morning through sunset.
The Waterfront Restaurant
- 111 Bay Boulevard South · Anna Maria
- 941-778-1515
- Open · Sunday through Thursday · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Open · Friday and Saturday · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Waterfront · views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge
- Reservations · By phone for holidays only
Tucked along the shore of Anna Maria Island, The Waterfront Restaurant blends relaxed beachside vibes with refined, globally inspired New American cuisine. The menu is a vibrant celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local waters and purveyors. Highlights include the beloved grouper tacos, layered with blackened fish, jicama slaw, cheddar jack, and pico de gallo, as well as creative starters like fried green tomatoes, Kung Pao calamari, and baked brie.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the rotating daily menu showcasing rare and seasonal specialties, while land-based favorites like steaks and salads round out the offerings. And if you’ve spent the day fishing, bring your catch, the chefs will prepare it for you with flair and flavor.
Holmes Beach
Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe
- 4000 Gulf Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-778-0784
- Open · Daily · 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Live Music · 5:30 PM to sunset
- Waterfront · directly on the Gulf
- Reservations · No
Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe is a laid-back beachfront spot that hits the mark whether you’re craving a classic comfort dish or something a bit more inventive. Known for its toes-in-the-sand dining and unbeatable location, it’s a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Menu highlights include their fish and chips, as well as hearty breakfast options like country fried steak and eggs or their famous “All You Can Eat” Pancakes. Whether you’re starting your day with ocean views or winding down with beachside bites, this cafe is always a solid choice.
The Chateau Anna Maria
- 5325 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-238-6264
- Open · Tuesday through Thursday · 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Open · Friday and Saturday · 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Open · Sunday · 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour · 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Waterfront · bayside waterfront overlooking the Anna Maria Sound
- Reservations · Yes
The Chateau Anna Maria is an upscale waterfront restaurant set along the bayside marina in Holmes Beach, where elegant European-inspired dining meets the relaxed charm of island life. The menu highlights beautifully presented seafood, premium steaks, and standout specialties like the impressive Seafood Tower—also featured in my Ultimate Seafood Feast on Anna Maria Island—showcasing the freshest local flavors in a refined setting.
Inside, sparkling chandeliers and plush velvet seating create a sophisticated atmosphere, while the marina views add a serene coastal backdrop. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in an elevated dining experience, The Chateau Anna Maria delivers one of the island’s most polished waterfront meals.
Bradenton Beach
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
- 200 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-2662
- Open · Daily · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Waterfront · directly on the Intracoastal Waterway with boat parking
- Reservations · No
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier is a laid-back, family-friendly seafood spot, offering fresh seafood alongside beautiful Intracoastal Waterway views. With breezy outdoor seating, colorful nautical décor, and convenient boat parking, it delivers a true waterfront dining experience that captures the island’s relaxed spirit.
Known for its standout oyster selection—also featured in my Ultimate Guide to Oysters on Anna Maria Island, guests can enjoy favorites like roasted oysters with tequila lime, along with rich lobster bisque and crispy coconut shrimp with apricot horseradish sauce. Whether you arrive by boat, car, or on foot, Anna Maria Oyster Bar offers fresh flavors, friendly service, and memorable waterfront views in one welcoming spot.
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant
- 200 Gulf Drive North · Bradenton Beach
- 941-779-2222
- Open · Daily · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM · inside bar only
- Waterfront · directly on the Gulf
- Reservations · Yes
The Beach House Waterfront Restaurant offers three distinct dining experiences—an air-conditioned indoor dining room, a scenic outdoor patio, and a true toes-in-the-sand beachfront section. As highlighted in my Ultimate Guide to the Best Toes-in-the-Sand Dining on Anna Maria Island, this spot delivers one of the island’s most immersive beachfront dining experiences. The menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with favorites like crab cakes and the popular Grouper Sandwich.
Perfect for families and sunset seekers alike, the beachfront seating opens directly onto the sand, creating a relaxed space where kids can play while adults enjoy sweeping Gulf views. With complimentary valet parking and breathtaking sunsets that rival any on the island, this sister restaurant to the Sandbar and Mar Vista is a must-visit for a memorable waterfront lunch or dinner.
Bridge Street Bistro
- 111 Gulf Drive South · Bradenton Beach
- 941-782-1122
- Open · Sunday through Thursday · 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Open · Friday and Saturday · 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Waterfront · panoramic Gulf views
- Reservations · Yes
Bridge Street Bistro is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its stunning Gulf and beach views. Guests can enjoy dining upstairs or outdoors—especially at sunset—while the casual downstairs bar offers a laid-back vibe. The menu features standout dishes like truffle parmesan fries, Seafood Mac N’ Cheese, and Key Lime Pie.
With a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere and resort-casual dress code, it’s perfect for both special occasions and casual meals. Don’t miss the daily Happy Hour offering discounted drinks and small plates, plus a kids’ menu that ensures everyone has something to enjoy.
Bridge Tender Inn Dockside & Tiki Bar
- 135 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-4849
- Open · Daily · 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
- Live Music · Daily · afternoon and evening
- Waterfront · directly on the Intracoastal Waterway with boat parking
- Reservations · No
The Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar has been a local favorite on Anna Maria Island since 1989, offering a fun, casual atmosphere right on the water. Known for its scenic dockside seating, lively tiki bar, and regular live music, it’s the perfect spot to relax after a beach day.
The menu features elevated pub fare like Cajun grouper fingers, a classic Cuban , and even Fred’s chicken livers for those looking to try something different. It’s also dog-friendly, with a special doggie menu—so bring your pup along for a Doggie Burger! While they don’t accept reservations and it can get busy, visiting during non-peak hours makes for a laid-back and memorable dining experience.
Coquina Beach Cafe
- 2650 Gulf Drive South · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-4757
- Open · Daily · 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Waterfront · directly on the Gulf
- Reservations · No
Coquina Beach Cafe, steps from the ocean, is a laid-back spot to enjoy casual meals with front-row views of paradise. Start your morning with one of their many fresh breakfast options, or wind down after a day in the sun with fish tacos and endless Gulf views.
Cool off with a scoop of Hershey’s Ice Cream or a refreshing Sno Cone, or swing by their Tiki Bar for beer, wine, or frozen cocktails.
Daiquiri Deck
- 107 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-253-3300
- Open · Sunday through Thursday · 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Open · Friday and Saturday · 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM · 8:00 PM to close
- Live Music · Friday, Saturday, and Sunday · call for times
- Waterfront · Gulf views
- Reservations · No
Daiquiri Deck is a lively, laid-back rooftop spot known for its wide variety of frozen daiquiris and casual coastal vibe. It’s a favorite for both locals and visitors looking to unwind.
The menu features Florida gator bites, conch fritters, and a lobster roll with tarragon dill aioli. Sip your way through a rainbow of frozen flavors such as Banana Slider, Electric Lemonade, and Frosé. With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a great place to catch a sunset or enjoy live music. Whether you’re stopping in for happy hour or a full meal, Daiquiri Deck delivers a fun, beachy experience.
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 PM to 9:00 PM
- Waterfront · directly on the Gulf
- Reservations · No
Gulf Drive Cafe & Kokonut Hut is a popular beachfront spot on Anna Maria Island, offering stunning views of the Gulf. Known for its laid-back island vibe, it’s a favorite for breakfast, lunch, and sunset cocktails.
Gulf Drive Café serves hearty breakfasts like stuffed French toast and omelets, fresh seafood platters, island-inspired tacos, and tropical cocktails—all with unbeatable Gulf-front views. Guests can dine with their toes in the sand while enjoying live music and ocean breezes. It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and soak up the true spirit of Anna Maria Island.
Island Time Bar & Grill
- 111 Gulf Drive South · Bradenton Beach
- 941-782-1122
- Open · Wednesday through Saturday · 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Open · Sunday through Tuesday · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Waterfront · Gulf views
- Reservations · No
Island Time Bar & Grill is a lively, open-air restaurant located just steps from the Gulf. It offers casual coastal cuisine like fresh seafood tacos, burgers, and tropical drinks in a fun, family-friendly setting. The laid-back ambiance and colorful patio seating create a true island vibe perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach.
With affordable prices and no reservations required, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re catching a sunset or a bite to eat, Island Time delivers a classic Florida beach bar experience.
Wicked Cantina Bradenton Beach
- 101 7th Street North · Bradenton Beach
- 941-281-2990
- Open Daily · 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Happy Hour · Monday through Saturday · 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Sunday · 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Live Music · Daily 6:00 to 9:00 PM · Sunday additionally 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Waterfront · Gulf views
- Reservations · No
Wicked Cantina is a vibrant waterfront spot known for serving some of the best Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine on Anna Maria Island, and it’s a standout featured in my Ultimate Guide to Mexican Restaurants on Anna Maria Island. The menu is packed with bold, satisfying flavors—from Carnitas Street Tacos and sizzling fajitas to their popular Grouper Tacos and signature Wicked Burrito. Pair your meal with a classic margarita and enjoy the breezy patio overlooking Bradenton Beach’s white sands for the full island experience.
Wicked Cantina also offers a popular brunch, with favorites like hearty breakfast burritos, and provides a wide range of clearly marked gluten-free options. Whether you’re stopping in for brunch, lunch, or sunset drinks, this lively waterfront gem delivers great food, scenic views, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere.
Cortez
Cortez Kitchen
- 4528 119th Street · Cortez
- 941-900-1506
- Open · Sunday through Thursday · 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Open · Friday and Saturday · 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Live Music · Friday through Sunday evenings
- Waterfront · directly on the Intracoastal Waterway with boat parking
- Reservations · No
The Cortez Kitchen is a popular local eatery known for its seafood dishes. It offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that makes diners feel right at home. The menu features a variety of items including Jumbo shrimp cocktail and Grouper sandwich.
Cortez Kitchen serves up fresh-off-the-boat seafood with a laid-back, dockside atmosphere and live music that captures true Old Florida charm.
Star Fish Company
- 12306 46th Avenue West · Cortez
- 941-794-1243
- Open · Tuesday through Saturday · 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Open · Sunday and Monday · 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM
- Waterfront · directly on Sarasota Bay with boat parking
- Reservations · No
Star Fish Company is a beloved, no-frills fish shack and market serving ultra-fresh Gulf seafood right on the waterfront in nearby Cortez. Dining is casual—order at the counter, then grab a seat at one of the picnic tables or along the dock to enjoy your meal with working waterfront views. It’s also featured in my Ultimate Guide to Fish Dip on Anna Maria Island, where their smoked fish dip stands out as a must-try for seafood lovers.
The menu showcases the day’s freshest local catches, including grouper sandwiches, stone crab claws, conch fritters, and smoked mullet, all prepared simply to let the natural flavors shine. With its old-Florida charm, dockside setting, and focus on just-caught seafood, Star Fish Company delivers an authentic waterfront experience that has earned both national recognition and a devoted local following.
Swordfish Grill
- 4628 119th Street West · Cortez
- 941-798-2035
- Open · Daily · 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Monday through Saturday · 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Live Music · Daily · evenings · Saturday and Sunday additionally in afternoon
- Waterfront · directly on the Intracoastal Waterway with boat parking
- Reservations · Yes
Swordfish Grill & Tiki is a vibrant waterfront gem, offering an unbeatable combination of fresh-off-the-boat seafood, tropical drinks, and live music on a spacious tiki deck overlooking Sarasota Bay. Their menu spotlights local catches—think grouper sandwiches, coconut shrimp, stone crab claws, and scallops.
Boaters can dock right at the restaurant, and indoor-outdoor seating ensures guests enjoy both breezy views and the open kitchen energy. Swordfish Grill’s commitment to sustainability and community shines alongside its unforgettable coastal dining experience.
Tide Tables Restaurant
- 12507 Cortez Road West · Cortez
- 941-567-6206
- Open · Daily · 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Waterfront · directly on the Intracoastal Waterway
- Reservations · No
Tide Tables is a laid-back, dockside restaurant and bar tucked along the Intracoastal Waterway near the Cortez Bridge. It’s known for fresh-off-the-boat seafood, including grouper sandwiches, fish tacos, and peel-and-eat shrimp.
The open-air seating offers beautiful waterfront views, often with passing boats and stunning sunsets. With its casual vibe, friendly service, and cold beer on tap, it’s a favorite for both locals and visitors. Tide Tables is also boat-accessible, making it a great stop for those exploring by water.
Longboat Key
Mar Vista
- 760 Broadway Street · Longboat Key
- 941-383-2391
- Open · Daily · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Waterfront · directly on Sarasota Bay with boat parking
- Reservations · No
Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub welcomes boaters with its private dock and 14 convenient slips, making it a standout featured in my Ultimate Guide to Anna Maria Island Restaurants with Boat Parking. Nestled beneath shady buttonwood trees, guests can dine on the covered patio, along the waterfront, or even on the small private beach while enjoying a menu that ranges from fresh-caught seafood to juicy burgers and seasonal specialties.
The full bar offers tropical cocktails, wine, and craft beer, with package service available for water, beer, wine, and ice—perfect for those continuing their day on the water. Whether you arrive by boat or by car, Mar Vista delivers a relaxed, Old Florida waterfront experience that’s as charming as it is memorable.
The Shore
- 800 Broadway Street · Longboat Key
- 941-259-4600
- Open · Daily · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Waterfront · directly on Sarasota Bay with boat parking
- Reservations · Yes
The Shore Restaurant offers a modern coastal dining experience with stunning waterfront views. Its menu features fresh, creative seafood dishes alongside elevated American classics.
Guests enjoy a stylish, open-air ambiance with indoor-outdoor seating that captures the island’s breezy vibe. The bar serves inventive cocktails perfect for happy hour or a relaxing evening. Whether for a casual lunch or a special dinner, The Shore provides a laid-back yet sophisticated setting.
Conclusion
Waterfront dining on Anna Maria Island is more than just a meal, it’s an experience shaped by salt air, sunset skies, and the easy rhythm of island life. Whether you’re enjoying fresh seafood with your toes in the sand, watching boats glide by from a dockside table, or settling in for a relaxed bayfront dinner, each restaurant offers its own unforgettable view. These waterfront spots capture the essence of the island, where great food and beautiful surroundings go hand in hand.
For even more standout places to eat, from hidden gems to local favorites beyond the water, explore my full Anna Maria Island Restaurant Guide and discover your next must-visit spot.
Until next time …
· izzy