Florida is a great state for foodies, whether they prefer the down-home Southern cuisine of North Florida, the Caribbean-inspired dishes of Miami and the Keys, or anything in between. However, even among these many tasty options, one beautiful island off the central Gulf Coast stands out: Anna Maria Island. This gorgeous, popular vacation and retirement destination is home to a vibrant and diverse food scene that goes beyond what you might expect from a coastal tourist spot.
Anna Maria Island rose to tourism prominence in the early and mid-20th century for its miles of soft, white sand beaches and convenient location at the southern opening of Tampa Bay, part of a chain of barrier islands that stretch along much of Southwest Florida. In addition to the community of Anna Maria at the island’s northern end, visitors can enjoy distinct dining and shopping areas on the mid-island Holmes Beach or Bradenton Beach, which occupies the southern tip.
Foodies can start their day at Ginny & Jane E’s Cafe in Anna Maria. As of this writing, it has earned 4.6 stars on TripAdvisor with over 1,800 reviews, many of which praised delicious morning staples like coffee, cinnamon buns, and French toast. Meanwhile, those looking to grab a quick bite before heading out to the beach or on the water can find it at The Donut Experiment, a spot known for its out-of-the-ordinary menu options. (Some of the most notable offerings include a Caramel Reese’s Pieces donut and an item that features peanut butter and a sriracha drizzle .)
Local Seafood Stars On Anna Maria Menus
As with many coastal tourist destinations, seafood is found on the menu of many of Anna Maria Island’s restaurants, ranging from casual and quirky to upscale and sophisticated. These include Holmes Beach’s The Ugly Grouper (4.4 stars on TripAdvisor with over 1,800 reviews) and Coquina Beach Cafe, located at the island’s southern end. Make sure to try out local favorites like grouper sandwiches, stone crab claws, Gulf shrimp, and other options pulled from nearby waters…