Updated: July 2026
You have the vacation rental. You have the crew. Now you just need someone to handle the food and on Anna Maria Island, you are in very good hands.
Whether you are celebrating a birthday on the beach, hosting a rehearsal dinner at your Gulf-front home, planning a family reunion, or simply want to skip restaurant lines and eat something incredible without lifting a finger, AMI has a catering option built for exactly that. From tropical BBQ and fresh-caught seafood platters to grazing boards big enough to feed a small army, this island punches way above its weight when it comes to feeding a crowd well.
For the full picture of where to eat on the island, start with my Dining on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide.
Here is everything you need to know.
Personal Chefs
Nothing upgrades a vacation like having a private chef show up, cook an incredible meal, and clean everything up before you finish your last glass of wine. Anna Maria Island has several exceptional options. If you are looking for a more intimate experience, my Personal Chefs on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide covers everything you need to know about booking a private chef for your vacation rental.
Chef Bruno Wu
Born in São Paulo and trained at The Art Institute of California, Chef Bruno Wu refined his craft in acclaimed Los Angeles restaurants before bringing his talents to Florida’s Gulf Coast. He specializes in bespoke in-home dining: personalized menus, polished presentation, and stress-free execution. For larger groups, his family-style buffet can accommodate up to 50 guests while keeping quality front and center. If you want a truly memorable dinner at your vacation rental, Bruno is a top pick.
Chef Amalia Private Chef
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and former MasterChef Latino contestant, Sarasota-based Chef Amalia Flores brings more than 25 years of international culinary experience to every table. Her background spans Mexico, Puerto Rico, Indianapolis, and Florida, and that global range shows in her menus. She is also a Certified Gluten-Free Professional Chef, meaning dietary restrictions are never an afterthought. Think multi-course gourmet meals, themed dining experiences, paella feasts, and decadent dessert menus.
Personal Chef Cheryl
Chef Cheryl’s boutique approach is ideal when you want the food and the presentation to be special. Small to medium-scale events are her sweet spot, and her team can enhance your gathering with custom tablescape and presentation details that make a birthday dinner or anniversary celebration feel genuinely curated.
A Touch of Salt
Led by Chef Thomas Villetto A Touch of Salt is one of the most refined catering options serving AMI. They offer everything from cocktail-hour hors d’oeuvres and buffet spreads to elegant plated dinners and brunch packages. If you are hosting a wedding, upscale rehearsal dinner, or corporate event on the island, this team delivers the full package: exceptional food, seamless service, and a genuinely personalized touch.
Taste & Design Catering
Co-owners Anna and Shaun bring a rare combination of chef expertise and event design sensibility to every booking. They do not just cater. They help shape the whole experience, from menu concept to how dishes are served and styled. Great choice for milestone events where you want both the food and the atmosphere to feel cohesive and intentional.
BBQ Casual Catering
If slow-smoked meats and bold flavors are what your crew is after, AMI has you covered. For a deeper look at the island’s BBQ scene, check out my Best Barbecue on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide.
gRub Tropical BBQ
Founded by Chef Ben Sato, gRub is where slow-smoked barbecue meets island living. Their catering menu hits all the right notes: brisket, mojo pork, honey spare ribs, and the fan-favorite Willow Wrap (sweet-chili BBQ pork with fresh slaw). Sides like coconut cream corn and house-made banana bread round out a spread that works beautifully for beach parties, family reunions, and casual group dinners. They are also great about clearly labeling gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan options, which matters when your guest list has mixed dietary needs.
Locals BBQ
Locals BBQ is exactly what the name promises: a no-frills, deeply satisfying barbecue experience that has earned a loyal following among the people who live and vacation on Anna Maria Island. If your group is the kind that believes great food does not need a fancy introduction, this is your spot. Think slow-smoked meats, generous portions, and the kind of comfort food that disappears fast at a picnic table or a rental porch. Give them a call to ask about large orders and catering options for your group.
SmoqeHouse
SmoqeHouse brings serious smokehouse energy to Anna Maria Island, with slow-cooked meats and bold Southern-inspired flavors that hold up beautifully for group events. If your crew is happiest with a heaping plate of smoked protein and all the fixings, this is the kind of casual catering that delivers exactly that without overcomplicating things. Perfect for beach gatherings, family reunions, or any occasion where the vibe is relaxed and the appetite is big. Reach out directly to ask about large orders and catering availability for your event.
Restaurant Platters and Pickup Catering
Sometimes you just want great food ready to go. No production, no coordinating. These spots make it simple.
Anna Maria Island General Store
An AMI institution since the 1950s, the General Store is far more than a place to grab sunscreen and a cold drink. Read more in my Island Living Made Easy with Anna Maria General Store guide. Their party platter menu covers serious ground: jumbo wings in five sauces, Cuban sandwich platters with house-smoked pulled pork, cold cut subs, shrimp cocktail, charcuterie trays, and more. They also offer full pans of hot comfort dishes like salmon piccata, shrimp scampi, chicken marsala, lasagna, all with reheating instructions so everything comes out right. Most platters serve 8 to 10 or 16 to 20 guests. Have something specific in mind? Just ask and they will do their best to make it happen. Call ahead to reserve your order and pickup time.
Island Fresh Market
This neighborhood gem doubles as a specialty grocery and deli, and their party platters are genuinely impressive. I am talking caviar service, wild-caught shrimp cocktail, smoked fish and dip, blue crab and artichoke dip, Ahi tuna platters, crab cake trays, and full charcuterie boards, all sized to your group. They can handle non-seafood requests too and are happy to personalize orders. For a laid-back beach picnic or welcome spread at your rental, Island Fresh Market is hard to beat. For more on sourcing fresh Gulf seafood while you are on the island, check out my Purchasing Fresh Seafood on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide.
Scott’s Deli
Scott’s Deli is a family-run institution known for gourmet sandwiches, wraps, and fresh ingredients. For catering, they put together party trays, sandwich platters, deli meat and cheese boards, salad trays, and boxed lunches that travel well and satisfy a crowd. Call ahead to customize based on guest count and dietary needs. Ideal for casual group lunches, beach picnics, or corporate outings. For more beachside dining inspiration, visit my Beach Chair Dining on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide.
Kiwi Style Fish and Chips
This beloved beachside spot brings its signature Kiwi twist to catering with party platters featuring fish cocktails: crispy fish bites, shrimp, and calamari. Their combo platters are the most popular option, and they just ask for 24-hour notice on larger orders. Give them a call and they will handle the rest. Easy, delicious, and very AMI.
Vinny’s Italian Kitchen
Chef Vincenzo’s family recipes and old-world technique make Vinny’s a fan favorite for casual Italian catering. Their large party trays feature baked pastas, handcrafted pizzas, hearty salads, classic entrées, and antipasti, all made with the same care you would find in the restaurant. Great for buffet-style events where you want comforting, crowd-pleasing food that travels well. Pizza lovers, do not miss my Best Pizza on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide.
Isola Bella Italian Eatery
A family-run restaurant serving authentic Sicilian-inspired cuisine with handmade pasta at the heart of it all. They offer on-site full-service catering, family-style spreads, and prepared meals for pickup or delivery. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A lovely choice for a rehearsal dinner or celebration that calls for something a little more special. For more Italian dining options on the island, visit my Italian Restaurants on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide.
Fluffy’s
If you want a catering experience that doubles as entertainment, Fluffy’s Mobile Hibachi is genuinely hard to beat. They bring the full traditional Japanese hibachi setup right to your vacation rental or event space, with skilled chefs cooking teppanyaki-style in front of your guests, complete with fire tricks, tableside flair, and a whole lot of energy. Every meal includes fried rice, hibachi vegetables, noodles, and a salad with ginger dressing, with protein options like NY strip, chicken, shrimp, and ribeye. It is a crowd-pleaser for birthdays, group vacations, and any gathering where you want the meal to be an event in itself. Contact them ahead of time as availability fills up quickly.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar
With more than 25 years serving Gulf Coast seafood, the Anna Maria Oyster Bar is a regional institution with a menu built around fresh, family-friendly coastal fare. For events, they offer customizable catering packages covering everything from fresh seafood and classic Gulf favorites to tropical cocktails, making them a natural fit for corporate gatherings, family celebrations, and casual get-togethers alike. Contact their catering and event team to start building your menu. Oyster lovers, do not miss my Best Oysters on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide.
Poppos
Poppos is a family-owned taqueria inspired by the Mission District taquerias of San Francisco, and it has built a fiercely loyal following on the island. They specialize in burritos, quesadillas, and tacos made fresh to order. Their catering packages are well-suited for groups, with options like the Classic Plus Package covering proteins, rice and beans, pico de gallo, jack cheese, salsa verde, and more. For more on the island’s Mexican food scene, check out my Mexican Restaurants on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide.
Charcuterie Boards
Gulf Shore Charcuterie
For a beautiful grazing spread without committing to full catering, Gulf Shore Charcuterie is the move. They design and deliver custom grazing boards and boxes loaded with artisan cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, bread, and accompaniments, all styled for visual impact and easy sharing. Boards range from extra small (serves up to 15) to extra large (serves up to 125), and everything comes with themed decor, utensils, and delivery. Perfect for welcome parties, bridal showers, birthday celebrations, or just a spectacular afternoon snack situation at the rental.
Unique and Specialty Catering
AM I Coconuts
For something genuinely memorable, AM I Coconuts? is a family-owned shop serving USDA-certified organic coconuts straight from the shell, sourced primarily from Costa Rica and served fresh to order. Their menu runs from pure chilled coconut water to playful blends like the Cocolada (pineapple and coconut), Cocojito (lime, mint, and coconut), and the Cocorita (lime, agave, and triple sec). They offer customizable coconuts with branded designs for private events and weddings. Not a full catering solution on its own, but an unforgettable add-on for beach parties and tropical-themed gatherings.
The Laughing Flamingo
If your event needs a sweet finishing touch, The Laughing Flamingo Cafe brings a beautifully styled ice cream cart right to your celebration. Think premium cones, artisanal sundaes, and carefully curated flavors served with genuine flair, making it a memorable addition to weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, and intimate gatherings alike. It is the kind of detail that guests actually talk about afterward. Email to reserve your date and ask about availability.
A Note on Booking Timing
Anna Maria Island fills up fast, especially from February through August. The private chefs and full-service caterers book weeks (sometimes months) in advance during peak season. If your trip is centered around a milestone event, reach out as early as possible. For more tips on planning ahead, check out my Restaurant Reservations on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide.
Coastal Close
Anna Maria Island is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, gather everyone you love, and share a really good meal together. Lucky for you, the island has the catering talent to match that feeling. Whether you want a heaping tray of Gulf seafood on the porch, a grazing board that spans the length of your dining room table, or a fresh coconut with your name on it (literally), there is a way to feed your crew well here without spending your vacation in the kitchen.
For the complete picture of the local culinary scene, pick up my downloadable Anna Maria Island Restaurant Guide on Etsy.
— izzy