When visiting the beautiful Anna Maria Island, there is no shortage of delicious dining options. From fresh seafood to gourmet burgers, this charming island has something for every palate. In this menu guide, we will highlight some must-try restaurants and dishes on the island. Whether you are looking for a casual beachfront spot or a romantic dinner with ocean views, our guide will help you navigate the diverse culinary scene on Anna Maria Island.
Introduction to Anna Maria Island and its Unique Dining Scene
Anna Maria Island is a hidden gem on the west coast of Florida, known for its stunning beaches and laid-back island vibe. This barrier island offers visitors a true escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with quaint shops, charming streets, and delicious food.
One of the highlights of visiting Anna Maria Island is trying out the diverse dining scene. Despite being only 7 miles long, the island is home to a wide range of restaurants, from casual beachfront eateries to upscale fine dining establishments. Many of these restaurants offer outdoor seating with beautiful ocean views, making for a truly memorable dining experience.
What sets Anna Maria Island’s dining scene apart is its focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. With so many nearby farms and fisheries, the island’s restaurants take advantage of the abundance of fresh produce and seafood to create flavorful and unique dishes.
Visitors can also find international cuisine on Anna Maria Island. From Italian classics to Thai favorites, there is no shortage of options for those looking to expand their palates.
The Waterfront Restaurant: A Must-Try Dining Experience on Anna Maria Island
Located on the northern end of Anna Maria Island, The Waterfront Restaurant offers a dining experience that is both elegant and relaxed. With indoor and outdoor seating options, diners can choose to admire the stunning views of Tampa Bay from the waterfront patio or enjoy a cozy meal inside the charming dining room.
The menu at The Waterfront features a variety of dishes incorporating local seafood, meats, and produce. Some must-try items include the Lobster Mac & Cheese, made with Gulf shrimp, Maine lobster, and a blend of cheeses, and the Blackened Grouper Sandwich, served on a brioche bun with mango salsa and Cajun remoulade.
Often referred to as the best kept secret on Anna Maria Island, The Waterfront also offers an extensive wine list and handcrafted co*cktails. Be sure to save room for dessert and try one of their decadent options, such as the Warm Chocolate Lava Cake or the Key Lime Pie.
History and Background of the Waterfront Restaurant
The Waterfront Restaurant is a renowned establishment that has been serving delectable dishes and quality drinks since its inception. Located in the heart of Anna Maria Island, Florida, the restaurant boasts a rich history and background that has contributed to its success over the years.
As a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, the Waterfront Restaurant has become synonymous with excellent dining experiences and exceptional service.
The Waterfront Restaurant menu offers a diverse selection of dishes, ranging from seafood and steak to vegetarian options, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Along with a wide array of delicious meals, the restaurant also has an impressive drink menu, featuring an extensive wine list and carefully chosen craft beers.
But what makes the Waterfront Restaurant truly special is its charming location overlooking the Anna Maria City Pier and Tampa Bay. The picturesque views and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner, family gathering, or casual lunch with friends.
The history of the restaurant dates back to 1992 with passion and vision for creating a unique dining experience. Now, almost three decades later, the Waterfront Restaurant continues to be a celebrated dining destination in Anna Maria Island.
Throughout the years, the restaurant has undergone several renovations and improvements to keep up with evolving trends and tastes. However, its commitment to providing exceptional food and service has remained constant.
Unique Atmosphere and Ambiance of the Restaurant
The Waterfront Restaurant not only offers delicious food and drinks, but it also boasts a unique atmosphere and ambiance that sets it apart from other dining establishments on Anna Maria Island. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with warm and friendly service, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating options, each with its own charm. The outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning views of Tampa Bay and the Anna Maria City Pier. The indoor dining room offers a cozy and intimate setting with its rustic decor and beautiful artwork.
The restaurant’s ambiance is further enhanced by live music, which can be enjoyed on select nights throughout the week. From jazz to acoustic sets, these performances add an extra layer of ambiance to an already charming dining experience.
Signature Dishes and Must-Try Items at the Waterfront Restaurant
Looking for a memorable dining experience? Look no further than the Waterfront Restaurant! Our menu features a variety of delicious dishes, each crafted with care by our talented chefs. Here are some signature dishes and must-try items that you simply have to try when visiting us.
- d’Esclans Whispering Angel | 2020 (Provence) – a light and refreshing Provencal rose that pairs perfectly with our seafood dishes.
- Suzor “The Tower” 2018 (Oregon) – a bold red blend featuring notes of black fruit and spices, perfect for pairing with our steak or lamb dishes.
- Anna Bella Cabernet Sauvignon | 2020 (Napa) – a smooth and fruity Napa Cabernet that pairs perfectly with our red meat dishes.
- Mollydooker’s “The Scooter” Merlot | 2019 (Mclaren Vale, Australia) – a rich and flavorful Australian Merlot that pairs perfectly with our hearty dishes like beef stroganoff or lamb chops.
- Ghost Block Zinfandel | 2021 (Napa) – a rich and full-bodied Zinfandel with notes of dark fruit, perfect for pairing with our BBQ ribs or burgers.
- Catena Malbec | 2019 (Mendoza, Argentina) – a bold and velvety Malbec that pairs perfectly with our grilled meats or hearty pastas.
- Chappellet Mountain Cuvee | 2021 (Napa & Sonoma) – a well-balanced red blend featuring notes of dark fruit and oak, perfect for pairing with our signature dishes like the Waterfront Steak or Seafood Platter.
Extensive Wine List and Craft Beer Selections for Guests to Enjoy
Our restaurant offers an extensive wine list and craft beer selection for our guests to enjoy. From well-known varietals to unique blends, we have a wide range of wines from different regions around the world. Our draft and bottled beer menu includes both domestic favorites and handpicked craft beers for those looking to try something new.
Wine Selections:
We have carefully selected a variety of red and white wines to complement our menu. Our selection includes:
- Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red wine with notes of tart fruit and a dry finish, perfect for pairing with seafood or poultry.
- Argyle Estate | 2022 | Willamette Valley-Oregon
- Michael Pozzan | 2020 | Russian River Valley-California
- Chardonnay: A full-bodied white wine with buttery and oaky notes, pairs well with creamy dishes or rich seafood.
- Rombauer | 2021 | Carneros-Napa
- Kendall Jackson Vintners Reserve | 2020 | California
- Sauvignon Blanc: A light and crisp white wine with notes of citrus and herbs, great for pairing with salads or seafood.
- Kim Crawford | 2021 | Marlborough New Zealand
- Matua Valley | 2020 | Marlborough New Zealand
Red Wines:
Our red wine selection features a variety of bold and complex flavors, including:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: A full-bodied, tannic wine with dark fruit notes and a long finish. Perfect for pairing with red meat dishes.
- Alexander Valley Vineyards | 2019 (Sonoma County)
- Segla | 2015 (Margaux)
- Merlot: A medium-bodied wine with soft tannins and fruity flavors, great for pairing with pasta or poultry dishes.
- Markham | 2018 | Napa
- Mollydooker’s “The Scooter” | 2019 | Mclaren Vale-Australia
- Zinfandel: A bold and fruity wine with low tannins, pairs well with BBQ dishes or red meats.
- Ghost Block | 2021 | Napa
- Ridge | 2018 (Paso-Robles, California)
Seasonal Menu Changes and Special Events at the Cafe
At the Waterfront Restaurant, we believe in constantly evolving and keeping things fresh. That’s why we have seasonal menu changes to showcase the best and freshest ingredients each season has to offer. Our chefs work closely with local farmers and suppliers to source high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients for our dishes.
We also love to mix things up and host special events at our cafe. From wine pairing dinners to holiday-themed menus, we always have something exciting planned for our guests. These events not only give us a chance to showcase new and unique dishes but also create a fun and lively atmosphere for our patrons.
Anna Maria Island is famous for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere, but at the Waterfront Restaurant, we strive to offer a dining experience that is just as memorable.
Why the Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island Should be Your Next Dining Destination?
People choose to dine at a restaurant for various reasons, whether it’s for a special occasion, date night, or just a craving for delicious food. But when it comes to choosing the perfect dining destination, there are certain things that set one restaurant apart from the others. At the Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island, we believe in creating an unforgettable experience for our guests through our
The restaurant’s location is hard to beat. With stunning views of Tampa Bay and the Anna Maria City Pier, diners can enjoy their meal while taking in the beautiful scenery. The outdoor patio also provides a perfect spot for al fresco dining and watching the sunset.
The menu at the Waterfront Restaurant is carefully curated to showcase the best local ingredients and flavors. From fresh seafood to perfectly cooked steaks, every dish is crafted with care and attention to detail. And with a variety of options for wine and craft beer lovers, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
