One of the best ways to explore Anna Maria Island’s vibrant food scene is by arriving by boat. Imagine cruising up to a dock, stepping off your vessel, and sliding into a waterfront table with the sparkling Intracoastal Waterway as your backdrop. From casual fish shacks to polished fine dining, the island is dotted with restaurants that welcome boaters. Nearby docks, slips, or marina access make it easy to enjoy fresh seafood, sunset cocktails, or a leisurely dinner without ever leaving the water.
Whether you’re planning a quick lunch after a morning on the Gulf, a sunset outing with friends, or a romantic evening by the bay, this guide highlights the best boat-friendly dining spots across Anna Maria Island. Each restaurant in this list offers something unique: breezy outdoor seating, casual dockside vibes, or elevated menus paired with sweeping water views. Plus, we’ve included tips for docking, reservations, and amenities so you can plan your day on the water with confidence.
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Docking, Reservations, and Amenities
Before you tie up at any Anna Maria Island restaurant, it helps to know a few key tips to make your boat-up dining experience smooth and stress-free. While each restaurant has its own dock policies, slips, and accessibility, these general guidelines apply to most locations on the island:
Docking Tips
- Check if the restaurant’s dock is first-come, first-served or requires a reservation.
- Keep fenders and lines ready and be mindful of tides and currents when docking.
- Approach slowly and follow posted guidelines to avoid blocking other boats.
Reservations
- Popular spots, especially during sunset or weekends, fill quickly—call ahead to reserve both your table and dock space when possible.
- Some restaurants allow you to request boat-side service or note your estimated arrival time for staff preparation.
Amenities
- Look for shaded patios, dog friendly areas, and nearby restrooms for convenience.
- Some locations provide dockside pickup for drinks, ice, or snacks, so you can enjoy your time on the water without a long walk.
- Check each restaurant’s website or contact them directly for current dock policies and amenities.
Restaurants
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
- 200 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 27.4981° N, 82.7354° W
- 941-778-2662
- Sunday through Thursday · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday · 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier is a laid-back, family-friendly seafood spot in Bradenton Beach that combines fresh seafood with stunning Intracoastal Waterway views. This casual eatery offers waterfront dining with breezy outdoor seating, funky nautical décor, and even boat parking for those arriving by sea.
The menu is full of crowd-pleasers, from roasted oysters with tequila lime and creamy lobster bisque to coconut shrimp with apricot horseradish sauce and a flavorful Pier Poke Bowl.
The Bridge Tender Inn
- 135 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 27.4987° N, 82.7348° W
- 941-778-4849
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
- Live Music · Daily · afternoon and evening
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 Blackened Fish Tacos, a Crab Cake Sandwich, and even Fried Chicken Livers for those looking to try something different. It’s also pet-friendly, with a special doggie menu—so bring your pup along for a Doggie Burger!
The Chateau Anna Maria
- 5325 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- 27.5096° N, 82.6768° W
- 941-238-6264
- Tuesday through Thursday · 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday · 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday · 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour · 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The Chateau Anna Maria, an upscale waterfront restaurant located inside the Waterline Marina Resort, blends French-inspired cuisine with fresh Florida flavors, featuring seafood, steaks, and refined seasonal dishes. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with elegant interiors and a spacious patio overlooking the marina. Chandeliers, velvet seating, and sweeping water views create a romantic, refined atmosphere ideal for special occasions. Guests arriving by boat can take advantage of the resort’s marina dockage, making it an easy stop by land or sea (availability and marina policies apply).
Cortez Kitchen
- 4528 119th Street · Cortez
- 27.4614° N, 82.6928° W
- 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
The Cortez Kitchen is a popular local eatery known for its hearty, home-style meals and laid-back, welcoming vibe that makes diners feel right at home. The menu features local favorites like jumbo shrimp cocktail, a classic grouper sandwich, and a seafood sampler. Even better, it’s boat-friendly, with nearby dock access so you can pull up by water and come hungry.
Island Ocean Star
- 902 South Bay Boulevard · Anna Maria
- 27.5037° N, 82.7109° W
- 941-251-6940
- Tuesday through Sunday · 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Island Ocean Star delivers a unique blend of authentic Japanese cuisine and serene waterfront dining. Nestled along the edge of Bimini Bay, this hidden gem is the island’s only hibachi grill, offering an exciting, interactive culinary experience. The menu features a wide range of classic Japanese fare—from beautifully prepared sushi and sashimi to tempura, teriyaki, and noodle dishes—crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. Boaters can pull up by water, with nearby dock access making it an easy and memorable stop by boat.
Mar Vista
- 760 Broadway Street · Longboat Key
- 27.4811° N, 82.5728° W
- 941-383-2391
- Monday through Friday · 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday · 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Mar Vista’s private dock, featuring 14 convenient slips, welcomes boaters looking to dine, relax, and unwind. Guests can enjoy a meal under the shade of buttonwood trees, on the covered patio, or on the private beach—all while choosing from a diverse menu that ranges from juicy burgers to fresh-caught seafood. The full bar serves up tropical cocktails, wine, and craft beers. For added convenience, boat-side pickup is offered along with bags of ice, six-packs, and bottled wine.
The Shore
- 800 Broadway Street · Longboat Key
- 27.4826° N, 82.5668° W
- 941-259-4600
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
The Shore is an inviting waterfront restaurant celebrated for its fresh Gulf seafood, perfectly cooked steaks, and approachable American fare. The menu features everything from hearty seafood platters and chef-inspired entrées to shareable appetizers and creative sides, all prepared with an emphasis on quality and flavor. Guests can dine indoors in a bright, comfortable space or outside on the spacious patio with beautiful bay views. Boaters can dock along the adjacent bayfront marina, with slips located just steps from the restaurant (availability may vary).
Star Fish Company
- 12306 46th Avenue West · Cortez
- 27.4680° N, 82.6860° W
- 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
Star Fish Company in Cortez is a no-frills fish shack and market serving ultra-fresh Gulf seafood right on the waterfront. Dining is casual—order at the counter, then grab a seat at picnic tables or along the dock to enjoy your meal straight from the box. The menu highlights local favorites like grouper sandwiches, stone crab claws, conch fritters, and smoked mullet, all prepared simply and perfectly.
Boaters can tie up at the docks directly in front of the market along the Cortez waterfront, making it an easy stop by boat. With its Old Florida charm, cash-only policy, and water views, Star Fish Co. has earned national recognition and a loyal local following.
Swordfish Grill
- 4628 119th Street West · Cortez
- 27.4678° N, 82.6873° W
- 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
Swordfish Grill & Tiki is a vibrant waterfront gem in Cortez, 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—served in a casual yet flavorful setting.
Boaters can dock right at the restaurant, and indoor-outdoor seating ensures guests enjoy both breezy canal-side views and the open kitchen energy. Recently honored as one of USA Today’s Restaurants of the Year, Swordfish Grill’s commitment to sustainability and community shines alongside its unforgettable coastal dining experience.
Tide Tables Restaurant
- 12507 Cortez Road West · Bradenton
- 27.4654° N, 82.6892° W
- 941-567-6206
- Open · Daily · 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
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.
Top 3 Tips for Sunset Boat Dining
- Arrive Early
Sunset is the most popular time for waterfront dining. Give yourself plenty of time to secure a dock slip and your table so you can relax and enjoy the view without rushing. - Check the Weather and Tides
Evening winds, tide changes, or passing boats can affect your docking and dining experience. A quick check before you head out ensures a smooth arrival and a perfect sunset view. - Bring Essentials for Comfort
Pack a light jacket or blanket, sunscreen, and maybe a small cooler for extras like beverages or snacks. Consider binoculars or a camera—Anna Maria Island sunsets over the Intracoastal are truly picture-perfect.
Whether you’re cruising in for a quick bite, lingering over sunset cocktails, or planning a full day on the water, Anna Maria Island offers boat-up dining experiences that combine fresh seafood, breezy views, and Old Florida charm.
For even more waterfront dining options, check out my Anna Maria Island Restaurant Guide, where you’ll find casual shacks, upscale spots, and hidden gems across the island. You can also explore Family Fun on Anna Maria Island for kid-friendly activities or the Ultimate Guide to Sunset Cruises if you want a captain to do the driving. Bookmark this guide and plan your next boat adventure—you’ll never run out of delicious spots to try.
Until next time…
· izzy
Discover the best spots to eat, sip, and unwind across Anna Maria Island with this comprehensive restaurant guide. Whether you’re craving fresh Gulf seafood, sunset cocktails, or hidden local favorites, this ebook makes planning your next meal easy and delicious.
Perfect for visitors and locals alike, vacation rental owners, and foodies — it’s your go-to resource for dining on Anna Maria Island.
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One response to “Ultimate Guide to Anna Maria Island Restaurants with Boat Parking”
[…] if you’re arriving by boat, Mar Vista is a great stop—be sure to check out my Ultimate Guide to Anna Maria Island Restaurants with Boat Parking for more dock-and-dine options around the […]