Updated: May 2026
On Anna Maria Island, shrimp and grits are more than just a meal. They are a celebration of coastal flavors and Southern comfort, and no two versions are exactly alike. From creamy cheese grits to smoky gouda and crispy grit cakes, from blackened Gulf shrimp to chorizo gravies and chow chow, every restaurant on this list brings something worth trying. Here is where to find the best shrimp and grits on the island and what makes each one worth ordering.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
- 200 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-2662
- Sunday – Thursday · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Shrimp and grits at Anna Maria Oyster Bar is pure comfort with a coastal twist. Sauteed shrimp tossed with tomato, bacon, and garlic are piled over creamy cheese grits for a rich, savory bite that hits every note you want from this dish. It is the kind of version that reminds you why shrimp and grits became a classic in the first place.
Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant
- 121 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-896-9737
- Friday & Saturday · 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday – Thursday · 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Live Music · Friday and Saturday · 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Blue Marlin takes shrimp and grits in a direction that is hard to forget. Gulf pink shrimp are sauteed and blackened for a smoky, flavorful kick, then served over creamy smoked gouda grits and finished with fresh green onions. The gouda grits are the detail that sets this version apart and they are worth the trip to Bridge Street on their own. Reservations are required on nights with live music so plan ahead. For more on this spot, see my Ultimate Guide to Bridge Street on Anna Maria Island.
The Porch Restaurant
- 9707 Gulf Drive · Anna Maria
- 941-782-8683
- Lunch · 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Dinner · 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Porch Restaurant takes the boldest approach to shrimp and grits on the island and it pays off. Blackened Gulf shrimp are paired with crispy bacon, tangy chow chow, and a spicy barbecue sauce, all served over creamy three-cheese grits. The chow chow is the unexpected touch that makes this version genuinely memorable and unlike anything else on this list. If you like your shrimp and grits with a little attitude, this is your dish.
Sandbar Seafood and Spirits
- 100 Spring Avenue · Anna Maria
- 941-778-0444
- Sunday – Thursday · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Sandbar keeps things rich and deeply satisfying with blackened royal reds over gouda grits with a chorizo tomato gravy. The royal red shrimp bring a natural sweetness that plays beautifully against the smoky chorizo gravy, and the gouda grits tie it all together in a way that is hard to put down.
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
Star Fish Company sits right on the docks in Cortez, one of the last remaining working fishing villages in Florida, and eating shrimp and grits here feels exactly as authentic as it should. You get your choice of fried or sauteed shrimp over creamy cheese grits, topped with fresh chopped tomatoes and served alongside hush puppies and crisp coleslaw. It is a classic, no-frills bos done with real care and the kind of setting that makes everything taste better.
Swordfish Grill
- 4628 119th Street West · Cortez
- 941-798-2035
- 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Monday – Saturday · 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Live Music · Daily · evenings · Saturday and Sunday additionally in afternoon
Swordfish Grill brings a rich and satisfying approach to shrimp and grits that earns its place on this list. Shrimp sauteed with bacon in a creamy sauce are served over cheesy grits and finished with fresh chopped tomatoes and scallions. It is a comforting, well-balanced version that fits perfectly with the casual Cortez atmosphere, and reason enough to make the short drive over the bridge. For everything you need to know about the village itself, see my Ultimate Guide to the Historic Cortez Fishing Village.
The Waterfront Restaurant
- 111 Bay Boulevard South · Anna Maria
- 941-778-1515
- Sunday – Thursday · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
The Waterfront Restaurant saves the most creative interpretation for last. Juicy shrimp are paired with spicy chorizo and roasted red peppers, served over a crispy grit cake, and drizzled with a rich Parmesan cream sauce. The grit cake is the detail that elevates this version above a standard bowl, giving the dish texture and presentation that feel a step above.
Final Bite
Seven restaurants, seven takes on one of the South’s greatest dishes. Whether you prefer yours classic and comforting, bold and spicy, or elevated with a creative twist, Anna Maria Island has a shrimp and grits worth sitting down for. The only way to settle the debate is to try them all.
For more on dining around the island, visit my Anna Maria Island Restaurant Guide.
Until next time…
· izzy