Golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with fresh Gulf flavor. Crab cakes on Anna Maria Island are part of the island’s coastal identity. From waterfront restaurants with sunset views to tucked-away local favorites in Cortez and Longboat Key, each spot puts its own spin on this classic seafood staple. Some go…

On Anna Maria Island, dining doesn’t always come with white tablecloths, sometimes it comes with sandy toes, salty air, and the steady sound of waves crashing on the shore. Here, meals are best enjoyed barefoot, with a sea breeze drifting through and a sunset that steals the show. From beachfront cafés to laid-back tiki spots,…

When the Gulf breeze turns a little cooler and you’re craving something warm and hearty, Anna Maria Island answers the call with bowl after bowl of incredible chowder, and a few standout gumbos too. From classic New England clam chowder to spice-kissed Cajun-style gumbo, island restaurants put their own spin on comfort food, often using…