Fine Dining on Anna Maria Island

If you are like many people staying in our luxury vacation rentals, you will spend a lot of time in shorts and flip-flops. Being casual just seems like the norm when you’re living on the beach. Still, there are times when you want something different. Maybe it’s a special occasion or just a romantic night out with someone special. Or maybe you just appreciate fine dining. No matter the reason, there are great choices for fine dining on Anna Maria Island.

The Porch

Don’t let the name fool you, The Porch is not only upscale dining but has a focus on offering healthy choices. Their menu consists of dishes that are made from scratch and don’t use preservatives or additives. Their dressings and sauces are made in-house, and the menu is free of antibiotics, nitrates, and steroids. They offer vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. The restaurant is in one of the oldest homes on the island, built in 1913. The Porch does not require reservations but does make them available on its website.  You can find The Porch Restaurant at 9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria Island, FL 34216. They serve lunch from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and dinner from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm seven days a week.

Euphemia Haye

Just south of Anna Maria Island, you will find the Euphemia Haye, what Frommer’s Travel Guide referred to as “This area’s most extraordinary restaurant.” That’s a pretty high bar, but the restaurant does its best to live up to it. This fine-dining restaurant lists Crispy Roasted Duckling and Prime Peppered Steak among its signature dishes. The establishment boasts an extensive wine list, as well as an upscale lounge and dessert room known as the Haye Loft in the upstairs area. Reservations are strongly encouraged because the restaurant has limited seating. You can make reservations on their website, as well as view their menu. The Euphemia Haye is located at 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Florida 34228. They are open starting at 5:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday.

Beach Bistro

When a restaurant has a 4.9 rating from Zagat, you can be sure that this will make our list of fine dining on Anna Maria Island. This restaurant is known for its beautiful views of the Gulf and its dining experience. Seating can be actually on the beautiful beach or just a view of it. Beach Bistro is a complete dining experience. Unlike many restaurants, dinner here is a five-course meal.

The Beach Bistro prides itself on using the best American beef and lamb it can find, as well as seafood fresh from the Gulf. Reservations are required and can be completed on their website. Plan ahead because they are often booked weeks in advance. As a fun extra, The Beach Bistro has a streaming beach cam. Check it out. The restaurant is located at 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, Florida 34217. They are open seven days a week from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

The Waterfront Restaurant

Local seafood is one of the most popular choices at the restaurant, as is the Braveheart Prime New York Strip steak. Located at 111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216, The Waterfront is another restaurant built in a historic home. Seating options let you choose indoor or outdoor seating and views of Tampa Bay. The Waterfront boasts a wine list of 75-100 different bottles, a selection of bottled craft beers, and a full bar. The menu varies seasonally to take advantage of the freshest ingredients available and their seafood is locally caught. The Waterfront is open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and until 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.

These are a few options for fine dining on Anna Maria Island. If you want other suggestions, our local experts would be happy to help. We want your stay here to be memorable. Just contact us and we will help you plan your trip to our beautiful island.