Anna Maria Island (AMI) is a small barrier island just west of Bradenton Florida. Arguably, Anna Maria Island has some of the most beautiful beaches in all of the United States. Growing up close to this area, Anna Maria Island was always a fun destination to visit, but wasn't really booming until the last 10 years. My husband grew up here and has watched it transform over the last 30 years. Now, when you visit AMI, you will see an abundance of restaurants, gift shops, stores, and more. Most of the beaches have been preserved and still boast that soft, powdery, white sand that squeaks when you walk on it!
Due to Anna Maria Island become more developed, it is home to a ton of delicious eateries unique to the area. This list below outlines the Top 10 Best Eats on Anna Maria Island from a local's perspective.
Top 10 Best Eats on Anna Maria Island
The Donut Experiment is a really unique donut shop on Anna Maria Island. Founded by a husband and wife team in 2012 after visiting AMI and realizing there wasn't a donut shop on the island! The Donut Experiment allows you to customize your donuts right there on the spot. You simply fill out a donut form including icing, toppings, and sauces, hand it over to the donut pros, and watch them do magic right in front of your eyes!
TIP - be the first one in line or you may be waiting over an hour for your donuts. I went at 7:30am (30 minutes after opening) and it was already busy. I waited 40 minutes to 4 small donuts... yikes.
Ginny's & Jane E's Bakery Café is not your usual find in a beach town. Two sisters came up with an idea to combine their greatest strengths to create a unique experience. An antique shop combined with a delicious bakery & café serving up scrumptious eats! Their breakfast burritos are hearty and the bakery is wonderful.
3. My AMI
My AMI is an adorable French spot in Anna Maria Island serving up delicious breakfast, sandwiches, cocktails, and beer. There is seating in the garden area behind the restaurant that makes you feel like you are in a little French village. Food is super good and the atmosphere is quiet and quaint.
Poppo's is a popular Mexican spot on Anna Maria Island. Laid out similar to a Chipotle, it's a quick stop to grab some yummy Mexican-inspired food. Tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, and more. The ingredients are super fresh and flavorful.
5. Pizza Social
Located on the main strip off Pine Ave, Pizza Social is a tasty pizza joint and always has great service, despite how busy they appear to be. The coal-fired pizzas are outstanding, serving up a variety of pizza options, salads, and fresh warm breadsticks... yum! Order to-go and take a pizza out to the beach at sunset!
Serving up scrumptious, gourmet handheld waffles in Anna Maria Island! The Waffle Press is a cute little waffle shop offering a variety of handheld waffles piled high with mounds of deliciousness. If the smells don't bring you in, then let the picture above do it! They also serve waffle sandwiches, bagel sandwiches, and iced coffee.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! North Shore Café is a trendy spot with beautiful outdoor seating and a great, fresh menu. Enjoy eats on the lighter side, including smoothies, acai bowls, sandwiches, and avocado toast on their homemade breads. They also have games to play outside. Enjoy your meal with palm tree shade overhead and water views from every table.
A staple sushi restaurant in Anna Maria Island. Ocean Star is one of my favorite sushi spots of all time. The restaurant is located on the northeastern side of AMI, overlooking Bimini Bay and all of the beautiful sailing charters. The views are gorgeous and the food is delicious. Order in or take your order to go and bring it out to the beach for a sunset dinner!
Sandbar is the only restaurant in AMI that sits on the beach! Their seafood is great and the cocktails are delicious. This is a great spot for families, as it's easy to keep little ones entertained by walking around on the sandy beach areas where some tables are located. Be aware that the wait can be VERY LONG to get a table here. Sandbar is a super busy restaurant, but the beach views are gorgeous!
10. Rod & Reel Pier
Rod & Reel Pier is a cool spot located on the tip of the Pier on the north side of AMI, overlooking the ocean and the sunshine skyway bridge. You can't beat the views here! The food is good - not my first pick, but fresh, local, and the location is just awesome. Their grouper sandwich is delicious and HUGE.
Honorable Mentions
Two Scoops - a delicious ice cream shop on the northeastern side of AMI serving up delicious homemade ice creams, milkshakes, and more!
Harry's Grill - Traditional burgers, sandwiches, and American style food. Great spot to grab fish tacos and a beers
Turtle Shack - Traditional American food, burgers, sandwiches, and chili dogs. If you are a tater tot fan (like me), you'll especially enjoy this spot
Hometown Desserts - Heading to AMI for a celebration? This is your spot to get a delicious homemade cake or other dessert for a grand celebration
Enjoy your time in Anna Maria Island and eat well!
CHEERS.
Jenna
