Waterfront Dining

Restaurants  on Florida’s Gulf Coast can choose to set up shop on a variety of water front locations. Pristine views and availability of locally sourced food makes the Anna Maria Island/Bradenton/Sarasota areas primo eateries for fresh epicure, a well plated dish and a scenic maritime backdrop.

• The Waterfront Restaurant – Located across from the Tampa Bay on Anna Maria Island, they have a gourmet menu (great gluten free selection), and covered patio seating for a view!
• The SandBar Restaurant – A  Gulf front restaurant on Anna Maria Island, check out their wedding pavilion while your there, it’s the most popular one on the Island!
• Beach Bistro – Anna Maria Island’s place to go for an upscale dining experience, located on the Gulf. A carefully curated menu and panoramic views of the water, you can see the sunset as you dine.
• Beachhouse Waterfront Restaurant – Set up on the Gulf of Mexico on Anna Maria Island, they are open for breakfast/lunch/dinner and have a fabulous newly remodeled bar with specialty drinks that rival the amazing beach view.
• Gulf Drive Cafe’ – Casual dining alongside the Gulf of Mexico on Anna Maria Island. They are open all day and often have a live band playing on the large beach front pavilion or you can get even closer to the beach and head to the tiki hut to stick your toes in the sand.
• Anna Maria Island City Pier – Located on the Tampa Bay, it was the first pier on the Island! Now a full restaurant you can sit inside or outside while enjoy elevated water views.
• Rod & Reel Pier – A laid back local spot on Anna Maria Island that hovers over the Tampa Bay. The restaurant offers inside or outside seating and one of the best spots to fish on the North end!
• Ocean Star – Waterfront dining on Anna Maria Island’s Bimini Bay. The restaurant has upscale Japanese dining, a full bar and an upstairs deck for viewing the water.
• Anna Maria Island Oyster Bar – Located across the Gulf on the Palma Sola Bay on the Historic Bridge Street. They offer a unique dining experience, great views and a quick dash to the Gulf.
• Seafood Shack Marina Bar & Grill – Take in views of beautiful sailboats docked in the Anna Maria Island’s Palma Sola Bay. The restaurant has great specials, a delicious menu and the sunset makes for an amazing backdrop to the boats.
• Cortez Star Fish Co. – For a true fisherman’s experience, check out this spot nestled in the Cortez Fisherman’s Village. Watch as they pull up to port with their catch of the day and unload, get fresh local caught dishes at their dock-front restaurant. Bring cash!
• Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant – Located on bay in Sarasota, this place has a delicious  upscale menu, great wine and a light-streamed outdoor deck.
• Old Salty Dog – Waterviews of the Sarasota Bay are provided with an easygoing local crowd, legendary hotdogs, and a newly famed breakfast menu!
• Dry Dock Waterfront – An enchanting place to dine on the Sarasota Bay with a light streamed patio, night time underwater bay lights alongside the dock that illuminate the water and a casual flare to enjoy a deliciously crafted meal.
• Marina Jacks – Sarasota’s prized downtown waterfront dining location; the gorgeous architecture, chic ambiance and seafood options keep the restaurant a very popular location. Enjoy the views from the restaurant, the bayfront tiki cafe or take one of their dinner cruises!
• Pier 22 – Elegant dining on the Manatee River, walking distance to downtown the water views draw a steady crowd. The restaurant has ample seating, event rooms, and marina views for diners.
• Riverhouse Reef & Grill – Take a trip to Palmetto for this waterfront location on the Manatee River. They offer a great happy hour, elevated views and casual local fish fare.
• Chart House – A very upscale dining option on the Sarasota Bay. The restaurant has an amazing gourmet restaurant full of delicacies and crystal clear waters to look out on.
• Ophelia’s on the Bay – A award winning dining spot on the Sarasota Bay. They have fancy well plated food that is picture perfect and equally delicious!
• Phillippi Creek Restaurant – A mecca for oyster lovers, this place has a great menu and is located on the Phillippi Creek outside of the Sarasota Bay!