A Foodie’s Paradise: The Best Food On Anna Maria Island

Vacation and time away from the typical day-to-day should be celebrated! And is there any better way to celebrate than with good food? Get ready to plan a delicious getaway and check out the best food on Anna Maria Island. 

When you open the dictionary to the word “foodie,” you will find : 

Foodie: food·ie |/ˈfo͞odē/

 a person with a particular interest in food; a gourmet, a person having an avid interest in the latest food fads

(Merriam & Webster Dictionary)

Surprised it doesn’t also include a picture of you? 

Do you plan your vacations around food trends and dining experiences? Do you always have to check out the new coffee shop in town? Have a refined palate and a taste for adventure? Or maybe you just like food. Get ready to tuck into the delectable dining that awaits you on the foodie paradise that is Anna Maria Island. 

Grab a Bite in Bradenton Beach

Bradenton Beach is the southernmost city on the island. It boasts beautiful ocean views, unique shopping and markets, and, most importantly, delicious food. These are our foodie favorite picks for Bradenton Beach. 

Bridge Street Bistro | 111 Gulf Dr. S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

_{Drinks | Dinner} 

Located off historic Bridge Street, The Bridge Street Bistro is the perfect combination of refined and relaxed. Happy hour runs from 1-4 with a specialized menu, and dinner service runs from 5-11 most days. With fresh catch offerings, this cafe surely has something to delight everyone at your party. Bridge Street Bistro does have a resort casual dress code and encourages reservations. 

_{Our Pick: Crab Stuffed Shrimp Drink Pick: Old Forrester Old Fashioned}

Salt Bar and Table | 2519 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

_{Brunch | Drinks | Dinner}

Salt Bar and Table offers gourmet food and craft beverages in a beautiful environment. According to their website, they boast meticulously designed dishes with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and promise impeccable service. The food at Salt Bar and Table is just as beautiful as it is delicious, and while you might think that it is just too pretty to eat, trust us–you will want to eat it. Reservations are recommended.

_{Our Pick: Moroccan Mushroom and Couscous Drink Pick: Basil and Smoke Bonus Brunch Pick: Crab Cake Eggs Benedict}

Smoqehouse | 1701 Gulf Dr. N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

 _{Lunch | Dinner | Takeout}

Smoqehouse is home to Instagram-worthy BBQ that is sure to give you that summer paradise feeling. This casual eatery is a true gem full of flavor that will have you coming back for more. The small menu offers chicken, pork, beef, and vegetarian options. It’s perfect to call ahead and pack for your beachside picnic! 

_{Our Pick: The Islander w/hand cut fries} 

Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier | 200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

_{Lunch | Dinner | Drinks} 

Anna Maria Oyster Bar is a staple in Bradenton Beach. This no-frills, family-friendly dining option is a favorite of locals and vacationers alike and is one of the best places for oysters on the island. Foodie favorites Fish & Chips keep things delicious and simple! There is something for everyone on the menu, but there are more options out there for our seafood-loving friends! 

_{Our Pick: Southern Fried Oysters, Blackened Salmon with Chimichurri  Drink Pick: Tiki Cocktails}

Holmes Beach Hankerings 

Holmes Beach is in the middle of the island and home to multiple parks, over 20 beach access points, and, you guessed it, an array of foodie dreams and possibilities. 

Isola Bella Italian Eatery | 5904 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

_Dinner 

Isola Bella Italian Eatery is located just off the trolly stops on the island and is well worth the visit. This elegant and traditional Italian restaurant serves handmade pasta and makes its sauces from scratch. Portion sizes are curated to encourage guests to try more than one course. Reservations are recommended, and Large Parties are permitted. 

_{Our Pick: Gnocchi al Pesto, Caprese Deluxe Drink Pick: Roero Arneis}

The Chateau Anna Maria | 5325 Marina Dr Main Floor, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

_{Brunch | Drinks | Dinner}

This fine dining establishment will make you feel like you are dining with royalty. They have a wide offering of late lunch and drink specials available late afternoon, and then they transition to an absolutely scrumptious dinner menu. Le Premier Menu is a wonderful opportunity to explore the menu offerings. There are so many standout dishes that it will be hard to choose just one. Reservations are not required but are highly suggested. 

_{Our Pick: Baked Brie en Croute, Duck Confit Fettuccini Bonus Brunch Pick: Creme Brulee Pancakes}

Beach Bistro | 6600 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

_{Drinks | Dinner} 

The Beach Bistro is an award-winning restaurant with an incomparable view of the Gulf of Mexico. According to its website, its Executive Chef, Seth Groseclose, strives to create a memorable experience through a variety of dishes that are just as colorful as they are delicious. They use fresh shrimp and seafood directly from the Gulf Coast and partner with local farms for produce. Dietary restrictions are no problem, and the Bistro even boasts a variety of Vegan Options. 

_{Our Pick: Chef-led Four-Course Tasting Menu Drink Pick: The Little Cocktail}

Eating Pretty in Anna Maria City

Anna Maria is the northernmost city on the island and shares its name. Anna Maria welcomes visitors yearly to watch nature’s beauty at its best during sea turtle hatchling season. With picturesque beaches and Old Flordia charm, it is no surprise that the city has become a popular vacation destination. Not only that, but the city also hosts what might be some of the best food on Anna Maria Island. 

Rod & Reel Pier | 875 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216

_{Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Carry-Out}

Rod & Reel Pier is another no-frills seafood institution on Anna Maria Island. The Pier has been running and going strong since 1947 and carries an Old Florida Feel that begs for a selfie. While simple, the food is delicious and should not be missed. There is a reason that this is a favorite among the locals. 

_{Our Pick: Blackened Garlic Grouper} 

Mademoiselle Paris | 9906 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216

_{Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner} 

With a delightfully light faire, Mademoiselle Paris will make you feel like you are on a romantic getaway in France. This traditional French Bakery also offers Bistro foods and crepes alongside handcrafted cocktails. There is a reason that Mademoiselle Paris has made so many of our lists. It serves some of the best food on Anna Maria Island and is simply a must-stop for foodies of all degrees. 

_{Our Pick: Croque Monsieur  Drink Pick: Aperol Spritz}

The Porch Restaurant | 9707 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216

_{Lunch | Dinner} 

The Porch is a first-come-first-served, upper casual dining experience exploring a freshly made menu with no additives or preservatives. The building that is home to The Porch Restaurant, The Royal Palms, was one of the first cottages on the island and has since been renovated many times to become the bright spot in the community it is today. 

_{Our Pick: Pork Chop Entree with Sweet Corn Succotash Dessert Pick: Burnt Basque Cheesecake}

The Donut Experiment |210 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216

_{Sweets & Treats}

As a foodie, one of the best things is experimenting with different flavor and texture combinations. Is there really any better canvas for this than a delightful donut? The Donut Experiment allows you to let your creativity be the guide. Start with a plain cake donut, choose your icing and toppings, and enjoy! Want to let someone else take charge of your donut experimentation? They also offer monthly special donuts, Key Lime, and Peanut Butter Sriracha. 

_{Our Pick: Peanut Butter Sriracha (Yes, we know it sounds strange, but trust us on this.)} 

Bonus: Personal Chef Services

For those days when you want to stay in, Serendipity’s beautiful rentals are perfect. I can’t say we blame you. 

Why leave fine dining for nights out? Treat yourself to a personal chef experience and enjoy all of the delights of a five-star restaurant in the comfort of your own space. Check out these Chefs who serve the AMI area. 

The Traveling Gourmet

Chef Cheryl

Read more about Personal Chef Services in our previous blog post here!

More questions about food, fun, or Anna Maria Island in general? Serendipity is ready to help you plan your perfect AMI getaway. Reach out now!