Lunch on the Manatee River: MILA’s on the Manatee

If you’re like me and crave authentic experiences that echo Florida’s past, there’s no better place in Palmetto than the end of Main Street at the pier—955 Riverside Drive to be exact—where you’ll find MILA’s on the Manatee.

This charming waterfront eatery sits on the edge of history, just beneath the De Soto Bridge, on land that dates back to 1843 when Simon Turman chartered boats and secured a mile of this prized shoreline. What was once a bustling point of boat-supported trade has transformed into a true slice of Gulf Coast heritage—offering unbeatable views, fresh seafood, and a peaceful pause from modern life.

A Culinary Throwback in a City on the Rise

While Palmetto forges ahead with modern growth—including the newly opened Marriott Hotel & Spa and a $50 million renovation to the Convention Center—MILA’s offers a soulful contrast. It’s a tribute to the region’s enduring maritime legacy.

At the heart of this progress is Karon Dixon, who, alongside the Main Street Association, is helping guide Palmetto through a thoughtful revitalization. Plans for new apartments, retail spaces, and historic preservation are all on the horizon—positioning Main Street as both a destination and a reminder of the city’s storied past.

On the Menu at MILA’s on the Manatee: Gulf Coast Comforts

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