So you are having an amazing beach vacation on Anna Maria Island in Florida (or you are planning one) and you want to know where to eat! I just got back from a super fun trip that I took in partnership with the Bradenton Area CVB so let me share my favorite Anna Maria Island Restaurants with you here and photos of the drool worthy dishes I ate.
Best Anna Maria Island Restaurants To Experience
Looking for the best breakfast on Anna Maria Island? I couldn’t pick just one. Neither should you.
1. Ginny’s and Jane E’s
If you are looking for fun, funky, and oh so yummy, Ginny’s and Jane E’s is for you. This impressive café and quirky coastal gift shop in one is more than just a quick bite, it is a feast for the mouth and eyes. Ginny’s and Jane E’s is full of cool local art to look at while you eat and then afterwards you can wonder about all see all sorts of cool, unique gifts for you and your friends. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere, gourmet cinnamon buns and oversized sandwiches.
I got the sticky bun. It was huge and fresh and oh so delicious. It was dripping with fresh caramel stickiness and nice fresh chopped pecans. It was so good. My mom got the Creme Brulee French Toast. Amazing! It was so unique and so good. I have to say that I am totally picky when it comes to food but both of our dishes were 10 out of 10. A friend who dined with us got a croissant sandwich with home fries and it looked amazing too. Plus, they had a whole savory skillets section that I can’t wait to try when I go back with my family!
2. Donut Experiment
If you are looking for a delicious breakfast and a fun experience customizing flavor combinations to your taste, you will love The Donut Experiment. You start with an amazing, fresh-made cake donut and then you get to 1. pick an icing 2. pick a topping 3. pick a drizzle.
My mom played it safe with classics like chocolate icing and maple icing. I went a little more adventurous with maple bacon, key lime pie, and chocolate raspberry. Yes, I did eat 3 donuts, but they were really good and I was on vacation. Don’t judge me! In addition to your classic coffee, they have espresso drinks too! Tag me in your photos on social media so I live vicariously! @familyfocusblog @thedonutexperiment
Bonus Suggestion: Anna Maria Island Beach Café
I was only there for a weekend getaway so I didn’t get to try the Anna Maria Island Beach Café myself. However, while I was soaking in the hot tub at Anna Maria Beach Resort a couple told me they had eaten at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café and loved it. He said he went back for seconds because you can get all you can eat pancakes, sausages, French toast, omelets and more. It is right by Manatee Public Beach and it was only about a mile walk along the beach from my resort so I stopped by for a cup of coffee while we were out on a stroll. What a great spot to enjoy the morning sun sparkle over the crashing waves with the white sand at your feet.
More Anna Maria Island Florida Restaurants:
3. Poppo’s Taqueria
This laid back Anna Maria Island restaurant is located on Pine Street and it reminds me a lot of a Chipotle, only even better! At Poppo’s Taqueria, you can pick your meal and then pick your fixins for tacos, burritos, bowls, or quesadillas. Everything is so fresh and high quality. You have got to try the honey lime slaw and their brown rice was delicious too. The ancho chicken and spicy beef were super good and they had tempeh if you prefer a non meat option. This was nice healthier option from your typical vacation food and it was every bit as tasty.
4. Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
This family-friendly restaurant has a show stopper location right on the Bradenton Beach Pier so you can enjoy the view from inside or sit outside under the covered deck. Anna Maria Oyster Bar has a large menu so you are all covered whether you are in the mood for fresh seafood, or they want juicy burgers. I went for the fried fish sandwich and it was perfectly fried with a nice stack of fresh tomato, lettuce, and onion. Yum. My mom got a special- the tuna stack. We couldn’t resist trying the key lime tart too. Delish!
5. Gulf Drive Cafe
Established in 1981, Gulf Drive Cafe has been a part of Anna Maria Island’s beach going culture for over thirty years. It sits directly on the beach with a spectacular view of the white sand and turquoise water. It offers a chance to watch the sunset while you eat and kids can amuse themselves on the beach while you wait for appetizers or sip on your beach cocktails. I got the steak and my mom got the grouper. We finished dinner off with a delicious slice of key lime pie.
Besides plenty of Anna Maria Island Restaurants to choose from, they had a bunch of homemade ice cream shops! We tried Two Scoops. I had the blueberry pie ice cream and my mom had the butter pecan. Both fantastic!
Have you been to the Bradenton Gulf Islands before? If you have, what are your favorite Anna Maria Island Florida Restaurants?
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Ginny & Janes is Excellent food, service and deserts! Yum, yum!
Never miss stopping by and saying hi and getting some food while I’m on Anna Maria doing my weddings!
I met a couple there who said their daughter was getting married on Anna Maria Island. What a gorgeous spot for a wedding!
So. You drank the koolaid? — 46-year AMI resident.
I sure did. It was so nice. I can see why people go back year after year and then just go ahead and move on down!
Loved the Anna Marie oyster bar great food