Updated: May 2026
Fish tacos and island living were made for each other. Fresh catch, bold toppings, warm tortillas, and a Gulf breeze to go with it. On Anna Maria Island the options run from blackened mahi drizzled with tropical sauces to crispy panko cod tucked into charred corn tortillas with house-made aioli. Whether you’re a taco purist or someone who wants every topping on the menu, the island delivers.
Here’s where to find the best fish tacos on Anna Maria Island and the surrounding area.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
- 200 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-2662
- Sunday – Thursday · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Two strong options here. The Island Tacos feature blackened cobia with cabbage, pickled red onions, jalapeño, and Baja crema. The AMOB Tacos go bolder with blackened cobia, mango pico de gallo, avocado, queso fresco, and Baja crema. Both come with AMOB slaw and house chips, with a $1 upgrade to any side. Arriving by boat? AMOB on the Pier is one of the best boat-accessible stops on the island. See my Ultimate Guide to Boat Accessible Restaurants on Anna Maria Island for the full list.
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant
- 200 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach
- 941-779-2222
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour: Daily · 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM · inside bar only
The Grouper Tacos here are packed with fresh island flavor. Blackened grouper pairs with mango salsa, pepper jack cheese, cabbage, and cucumber slaw, all finished with fresh lime. Served with fries.
Bridge Tender Inn Dockside & Tiki Bar
- 135 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-4849
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
- Live Music: Daily · afternoon and evening
Lightly blackened mahi with cheese and crisp coleslaw, finished with a sesame garlic glaze. Fresh, savory, and a little sweet. Best enjoyed dockside with live music in the background.
Los Chiludos Fresh Mexican Grill
- 3232 East Bay Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-345-4102
- Monday – Saturday · 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Cali-style fish tacos done right. Crispy breaded fish topped with fresh red cabbage, mango salsa, and smoky chipotle aioli. Light, zesty, and a perfect fit for the island vibe. For more of the island’s best Mexican dining, see my Ultimate Guide to Mexican Restaurants on Anna Maria Island.
Coquina Beach Cafe
- 2650 Gulf Drive South · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-4757
- Open · Daily · 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Two fish tacos served your way, grilled, fried, or blackened, in soft tortillas with fresh toppings. Steps from the sand and one of the most casual spots on this list.
Cortez Kitchen
- 4528 119th Street · Cortez
- 941-900-1506
- Sunday – Thursday · 12:00 to 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 12:00 to 10:00 PM
- Live Music:· Friday – Sunday evenings
Catch of the day marinated in chimichurri, layered with crisp coleslaw and avocado crema in soft tortillas. Bright, tangy, and worth the short drive to Cortez.
Daiquiri Deck
- 107 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-253-3300
- Sunday – Thursday · 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Happy Hour: Daily · 3:00 to 7:00 PM · 8:00 PM to close
- Live Music: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday · call for times
The Cod Damn Tacos come three to an order in your choice of corn or flour tortillas, filled with panko-crusted cod, Chihuahua cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado, pickled red onions, and chipotle aioli. Served with rice and beans. Bold Baja flavor with a happy hour worth planning around.
The Doctor’s Office
- 5312 Holmes Boulevard · Holmes Beach
- 941-213-9926
- Sunday – Thursday · 5:00 to 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 5:00 to 11:00 PM
Pan-seared Gulf grouper in house-made tortillas, topped with creamy aioli and island salsa. An elevated take on the classic that earns its place on the list.
Freckled Fin Irish Pub
- 5337 Gulf Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-251-3930
- Sunday – Thursday · 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Live Music: Tuesday & Thursday – Sunday · 7:00 to 11:00 PM
- Live Music: some Saturdays · 3:00 to 6:00 PM
- Happy Hour: 3:00 to 6:00 PM
The Ahi Tuna Tacos are the standout here. Blackened and seared ahi with pico de gallo, spicy mayo, sweet soy glaze, pickled cabbage, and arugula. A genuinely elevated coastal take on a taco. Order them at happy hour and you are doing it right. See my Ultimate Guide to Happy Hour Spots on Anna Maria Island for the best deals across the island.
Gulf Drive Cafe & Kokonut Hut
- 900 Gulf Drive North · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-1919
- Cafe · Sunday – Thursday · 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Cafe · Friday & Saturday · 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Hut · Daily: 7:00 AM to Midnight
- Live Music: Daily · 6:00 to 9:00 PM
Crispy fried grouper in charred corn tortillas with cabbage slaw, radish, jalapeño, and tomatillo salsa. Served with coconut rice. Bold, fresh, and very island. For more of the island’s best waterfront dining options, see my Ultimate Guide to Waterfront Dining on Anna Maria Island.
Harry’s Grill
- 9903 Gulf Drive · Anna Maria
- 941-567-5999
- Monday – Saturday · 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday · 1:00 to 9:30PM
- Sunday · Harry’s Hallelujah Brunch · 10:00 to 11:30 AM
- Live Music: Daily · 6:00 to 8:30 PM
- Happy Hour: Monday through Friday · 3:00 to 5:00 PM
Fish of the Day Tacos served three to an order in flour or corn tortillas, featuring the chef’s daily selection of grouper, snapper, or mahi, or jumbo shrimp if you prefer. Simple, fresh, and consistently good.
Hurricane Hanks
- 5346 Gulf Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-778-5788
- Food · Sunday – Thursday · 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Food · Friday & Saturday · 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Bar · Daily · 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Golden fried grouper in charred corn tortillas with crunchy slaw, fresh veggies, and zesty salsa. Served with a lime wedge and a side. A solid, no-fuss island fish taco.
Island Time Bar & Grill
- 111 Gulf Drive South · Bradenton Beach
- 941-782-1122
- Wednesday – Saturday · 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – Tuesday · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Live Music: Daily · 7:00 to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour: Monday through Friday · 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Blackened grouper with pineapple slaw, fresh avocado, and chipotle sour cream drizzle in soft tortillas. Fresh, tangy, and satisfying with one of the best happy hours on the island.
Kiwi Style Fish and Chips
- 3608 East Bay Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-704-5040
- Monday – Saturday · 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Open-face and build-your-own style. Freshly fried or grilled fish with crisp toppings and island-inspired garnishes. Customizable and fun, every bite is yours to design.
Mar Vista
- 760 Broadway Street · North Longboat Key
- 941-383-2391
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Grouper in soft flour tortillas with cabbage, cilantro, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Simple, fresh, and worth the drive to Longboat Key.
The Porch
- 9707 Gulf Drive · Anna Maria
- 941-782-8683
- Daily · Lunch · 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Daily · Dinner · 4:00 to 9:00 PM
Taco Duos featuring your choice of daily fresh catch or shrimp, with salsa, pickled cabbage, and mixed greens. Bright, light, and a good fit for the relaxed Porch atmosphere.
Salt Bar & Table
- 2519 Gulf Drive · Bradenton Beach
- 941-896-9897
- Daily · 3:30 to 10:00 PM
- Live Music: Friday & Saturday · 6:00 to 9:00 PM
- Happy Hour: Daily · 3:30 to 5:00 PM
Fresh catch tacos with cilantro lime slaw, pico de gallo, feta, chipotle aioli, and avocado aioli in flour or corn tortillas. A gluten-free option is available. One of the more creative topping combinations on the island. If you’re timing your visit around the music, see my Ultimate Guide to Live Music on Anna Maria Island for the full lineup across the island.
Sandbar Seafood and Spirits
- 100 Spring Avenue · Anna Maria
- 941-778-0444
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Grouper Tacos loaded with chow chow coleslaw, pico de gallo, cilantro, cheddar-jack cheese, and cilantro lime crema, brightened with lemon. Served with rice and beans. A classic AMI taco done right. For the full toes-in-the-sand dining experience, see my Ultimate Guide to the Best Toes-in-the-Sand Dining on Anna Maria Island.
Slim’s Place
- 9701 Gulf Drive · Anna Maria
- 941-567-4056
- Tuesday – Sunday · 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Monday · 3:00 to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour: Monday – Friday · 3:00 to 5:00 PM
Fresh, tender fish with crisp slaw, pico de gallo, and creamy sauce in soft tortillas. Simple and satisfying, consistent every time. If you’re catching a game while you eat, Slim’s is one of the best spots on the island for it. See my Ultimate Guide to Watching Sports on Anna Maria Island for all the best options.
Star Fish Company
- 12306 46th Avenue West · Cortez
- 941-794-1243
- Tuesday – Saturday · 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday & Monday · 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Spicy grouper chunks in soft flour shells with shredded lettuce, tomato, onions, pepper jack cheese, and their signature special sauce. A no-frills Cortez classic worth the trip.
Swordfish Grill
- 4628 119th Street West · Cortez
- 941-798-2035
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Happy Hour: Monday – Saturday · 4:00 to 6:00 PM
- Live Music: Daily · evenings · Saturday & Sunday additionally in afternoon
Blackened fish in soft flour tortillas with pineapple coleslaw, shredded cheese, and pico de gallo. Served with yellow rice. Colorful, casual, and a great waterfront option in Cortez. While you’re there, the historic fishing village is worth exploring on foot. See my Ultimate Guide to the Historic Cortez Fishing Village for everything the neighborhood has to offer.
Tide Tables Restaurant
- 12507 Cortez Road West · Cortez
- 941-567-6206
- Daily · 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Blackened mahi in flour tortillas with coleslaw, cheddar jack cheese, and sesame ginger sauce. Smoky, tangy, and satisfying. A local favorite in Cortez.
The Toasted Mango Cafe
- 3240 East Bay Drive ·Holmes Beach
- 941-213-9948
- Daily · 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
The Mahi Tacos at Toasted Mango are a flavorful favorite, topped with crisp arugula, homemade mango salsa, creamy avocado sauce, and a sprinkle of feta for the perfect balance. Served in warm flour tortillas, they’re packed with vibrant island-inspired taste. For those with dietary preferences, gluten-free or soft corn tortillas are also available, so everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
The Ugly Grouper
- 5704 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-896-8033
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
The Grouper Tacos at The Ugly Grouper are truly world-famous, served in their signature cheese fan shells for a fun and flavorful twist. Each taco is filled with perfectly blackened grouper, crisp cabbage, and fresh salsa. Topped with house-made Dyno sauce and served with your choice of side, these tacos are a must-try island favorite.
The Waterfront Restaurant
- 111 Bay Boulevard South · Anna Maria
- 941-778-1515
- Sunday through Thursday · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
At The Waterfront Restaurant, the Grouper Tacos lunch entree are a flavorful favorite with a fresh island twist. Lightly blackened, succulent grouper is tucked into warm grilled flour tortillas and topped with tangy cheddar jack, crisp jicama slaw, and zesty pico de gallo. Offered as a gluten-free option (GFO), these tacos are a delicious choice everyone can enjoy.
Wicked Cantina Bradenton Beach
- 101 7th Street North · Bradenton Beach
- 941-281-2990
- Daily · 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Happy Hour · Monday through Saturday · 12:00 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 to 5:00 PM
Wicked Cantina on Anna Maria serves up fresh coastal flavor with their signature tacos. The Blackened Mahi Tacos are seasoned to perfection, topped with jalapeño ranch slaw, pickled onions, and cilantro, for just the right balance of heat and zest. Their Grouper Tacos showcase beer battered or grilled Gulf grouper, topped with pepita cilantro slaw, pickled onions, cilantro, and drizzled with chipotle aioli. Both options deliver that perfect mix of Tex-Mex flair and island freshness in every bite.
Final Bite
Fish tacos on Anna Maria Island are not an afterthought. They are the whole point. Blackened, fried, grilled, open-face, dressed in chipotle aioli or chimichurri or house-made Dyno sauce. The island has done something serious here and the only way to appreciate it is to work your way through the list. Start anywhere. Come hungry.
Until next time…
· izzy