Anna Maria Island isn’t just a haven for beach lovers and sunset enthusiasts. It’s a culinary gem for those with a penchant for Italian flavors. As you stroll the sandy shores or admire the island’s vibrant life, remember that an authentic Italian meal is never too far away.
Whether you’re craving a classic spaghetti carbonara, creamy risottos, or an inventive Italian fusion dish, Anna Maria Island and neighboring Longboat Key and Bradenton have got you covered. Here’s to memorable vacations and unforgettable meals. Buon appetito!
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Danny’s Pizzeria
- 7220 Manatee Avenue West · Bradenton
- 941-795-1111
- Tuesday through Thursday · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday · 11:00 AM to 9:30PM
- Reservations · no
Danny’s Pizzeria is a casual spot known for serving authentic New York–style pizza. The menu features a wide range of Italian-American favorites, from hand-tossed pizzas and calzones to pasta dishes, subs, and fresh salads. They offer the option to grab pizza by the slice, making it a quick and satisfying stop.
The owners, originally from New Jersey, bring their Northeast roots and family recipes ensuring a true taste of home. With both indoor and outdoor seating, Danny’s offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Isola Bella Italian Eatery
- 5904 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-242-5309
- Monday through Saturday · 5:00 to 9:00 PM
- Reservations · website, phone, or online via OpenTable
Isola Bella Italian Eatery draws inspiration from Sicily, the original owners Alessandra and Gianfranco brought a treasure trove of family recipes and a deep understanding of Italian culinary traditions to Anna Maria Island in 2017.
In 2022, Vicki and Dan took over and continue to honor the authenticity of the Sicilian dishes while incorporating flavors from other regions of Italy.
The restaurant focuses on handmade pasta and scratch-made sauces, capturing the spirit of traditional Italian trattorias and ristorantes. Meals are designed to be savored over multiple courses, beginning with the burrata antipasto and finishing with a tiramisu or limoncello flute.
Isola Bella also features weekly specials, highlighting seasonal ingredients, creative interpretations of traditional dishes, and unique flavors that rotate regularly to keep the menu fresh and exciting for returning guests.
La Norma Italian Restaurant
- 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive #104 · Longboat Key
- 941-383-6262
- Daily · 5:00 to 9:00 PM
- Reservations · online via OpenTable
La Norma Italian Restaurant is owned by Gianfranco and Alessandra Santagati, the Sicilian couple also known for founding Isola Bella on Anna Maria Island. They opened La Norma in 2019, creating a welcoming space with seating for about 50 guests indoors and another 20 outside in a cozy courtyard.
Specializing in Italian cuisine with a Sicilian twist, the restaurant features handmade pasta, traditional recipes, and quality imported ingredients. The menu also boasts 14 types of pizza, including a decadent Nutella option for dessert lovers.
The Santagatis designed La Norma to reflect the warmth and hospitality of Sicily. Beyond its core offerings, La Norma hosts wine-tasting events and seasonal specials to keep the dining experience fresh and exciting.
Pane e Amore Italian Cafe
- 119 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 407-492-0121
- Tuesday trough Sunday · 5:00 to 9:00 PM
- Reservations· no
Pane e Amore is a cozy Italian cafe and bakery that serves everything from freshly baked bread and pastries to hearty, authentic dinners.
By day, guests can stop in for espresso, cappuccinos, and sweet treats like cannoli and tiramisu. In the evening, the café transforms into a warm dinner spot, offering classic Italian dishes such as homemade lasagna, pasta, and other traditional favorites. The intimate atmosphere and welcoming staff make it a perfect choice for a romantic date night or a relaxed family meal.
Pizza Social
- 308 Pine Avenue · Anna Maria
- 941-251-4070
- Wednesday through Monday · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Reservations · no
Pizza Social stands out with its commitment to authentic pizza-making. The pizzeria prides itself on its daily routine of preparing dough and tomato-based pizza sauce from scratch.
The highlight is the cooking process in their 700-degree imported Italian oven, ensuring each pie is cooked to perfection. Though the wait might be slightly longer than at typical takeout places, the end result is a pizza that stands out in taste and quality.
Beyond pizzas, they offer a variety of fresh salads.
Pizzano’s Pizza and Grinderz
- 5318 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-778-3663
- Monday through Thursday · 10:00 AM to midnight
- Friday and Saturday · 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday · 11:00 AM to midnight
- Reservations · no
Pizzano’s Pizza is celebrated for its robust flavors and welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. The menu includes both classic round and Sicilian square pizzas, with 18 specialty options to choose from. Guests can also enjoy wings, fresh salads, toasted subs, pasta, garlic bread, sides, and desserts, making it a one-stop spot for Italian-American favorites.
Open late, it’s the perfect place for a casual dinner or satisfying those after-hours pizza cravings.
Solo’s Pizza
- 3224 East Bay Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-778-8118
- Sunday, Monday and Wednesday through Friday · 5:00 to 9:00 PM
- Saturday · 12:00 to 9:00 PM
- Reservations · no
Solo’s Pizza is the perfect place for a casual dining experience with fresh, handmade pizzas. Their lineup includes cheese, veggie, BBQ, BLT, meat, and white, or you can create your own with the toppings you love.
In addition to pizza, they also serve wings, fresh salads, hearty calzones, and subs, giving guests plenty of options to enjoy.
Ventura’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
- 6814 Gulf of Mexico Drive · Longboat Key
- 941-312-4975
- Daily · 3:00 to 9:00 PM
- Reservations · online via OpenTable
Ventura’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar opened its doors in 2022. The restaurant is owned and operated by Debra and Michael, who bring a blend of Sicilian heritage and extensive restaurant experience to the establishment.
Ventura’s specializes in authentic Italian cuisine, offering a menu that includes hand-tossed New York-style and Sicilian pizzas, as well as traditional pasta dishes and hearty entrees. The restaurant features both indoor seating and an outdoor patio overlooking Bishop’s Bayou.
The establishment is known for its themed happy hours, such as “Martini and Meatball Mondays” and “Wine Down Wednesdays,” adding a unique touch to the dining experience. Ventura’s also offers takeout for those who prefer to enjoy their meals at home.
Vinny’s Italian Kitchen DONE
- 5337 Gulf Drive Suite 500 · Holmes Beach
- 941-896-9754
- Monday through Saturday · 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Reservations · no
Vinny’s Italian Kitchen, led by Chef Vincenzo “Vinny” Esposito, combines the authentic flavors of his Italian hometown, Bagnaia, with the family recipes honed in his New Jersey restaurant and deli. It opened on Anna Maria Island in 2010, quickly establishing itself as a go-to spot for real, old-school Italian food.
The menu features handcrafted pastas, rich sauces, and traditional favorites like eggplant parmigiana, meatballs, and antipasti, with many ingredients imported or specially sourced to capture true Italian flavors. Guests can enjoy full lunch and dinner menus for take-out, as well as a bakery section with artisan breads, Italian deli meats, cheeses, wines, and desserts.
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.
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Get ready to explore the island’s top sushi destinations where freshness and artistry meet island charm.
Craving smoky, slow-cooked goodness by the beach? Anna Maria Island might be known for its fresh seafood and tropical vibes, but it’s also home to some seriously satisfying barbecue.
Whether you’re in the mood for tender ribs, juicy brisket, or pulled pork piled high on a bun, this laid-back island serves up BBQ with a side of Gulf Coast charm.
In this post, we’re diving into the best spots to grab finger-lickin’ barbecue on Anna Maria Island—no grill required.
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.
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.
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