A lot of the fun of a vacation is dining out. On Anna Maria Island, the choices seem limitless – everything from kid-friendly fare to local seafood to international cuisine. We narrow down the list with some of our favorite selections.
Let’s start with breakfast. Order the cinnamon roll at Ginny’s and Jane E’s Bakery Cafe. It’s mouth-watering and enormous – enough for two. Get there early because these cinnamon rolls go fast.
While The Rod and Reel Pier serves delicious traditional seafood fare and burgers, many locals consider it a top choice for breakfast. Get there early to watch the sunrise while enjoying the Island Style French Toast, with three slices of Texas toast dipped in a coconut egg batter and grilled to a golden brown.
An island favorite since 1952, it’s all about the burger at Skinnys Place. Those with a hearty appetite can order the triple patty G3 or the four-patty-Mid Island Pounder. Skinnys also serves a Skinny Hamburger and their most popular, the Fatty Bacon Cheeseburger.
As for cocktails, the Sandbar Seafood and Spirits serves craft drinks with a beachside view of the sunset. Order the Malibu Punch Bucket, made with banana, passion fruit, mango, pineapple, or coconut rum, served with tropical juices in a souvenir bucket.
The Anna Maria Salad is a hit at The Feast Restaurant. It’s made with all the garden favorites, blackened chicken, Haas avocado and Chèvre goats’ cheese, then topped with a hazelnut vinaigrette. Here’s a local tip: The Feast may just make the best gourmet pizza on the island.
The Cajun shrimp and crab dip is a must-way to start your meal at The Porch in Anna Maria. You can’t go wrong with any of the entrees, but a favorite is the Tamari maple-glazed salmon served with rice and farro, and a choice of side.
The Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach serves a divine five-course tasting experience. Diners can’t go wrong with any choices, but we recommend the Course Two offering of Lobster Cargots. This combines Maine lobster bites with herbed spinach and seasoned garlic butter. For Course Three, choose Grouper Floribbean, pan-seared coconut/cashew encrusted Gulf Coast grouper served with bell pepper papaya jam.
If you love grouper, head to The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar in Anna Maria for tacos made with lightly blackened grouper served on grilled flour tortillas with Jicama slaw, cheddar jack cheese and pico de gallo. Or choose the grouper cake sandwich served with Creole mustard and house pickles on a toasted brioche bun.
And the list doesn’t even include dessert! Does that have your taste buds ready for your next AMI vacation?