EAt Well

Restaurants, Bars and Coffee Shops galore!

Starfish

Seafood as fresh as it gets.
Located just up the street in the old time Cortez Fishing Village, this no-frills establishment is a hidden gem and a local favorite. With its friendly service and vibrant outdoor seating, you do not want to miss this fresh taste of Florida. Cash only.

Swordfish

Support Local
Owned by a neighbor of “The Estate on Sarasota Bay” this restaurant is a must visit. Sit in the huge outdoor tiki deck overlooking the water and the owner’s commercial fishing facility next door. If you are lucky, you’ll see a boat come in and witness a commercial fishing operation in motion. Live music nightly on the tiki deck.

Tide Tables

Rustic outdoor bar with stellar local seafood.
Tide Table is a rustic waterfront eatery that specializes in local seafood. Similar to Starfish, it isn’t much to look at but the food and vibe speak for itself.

Mar Vista

Dine Bayfront among Century-old button wood trees.
The majestic trees adorned with outdoor light strings provide a picturesque setting with a touch of romance.

Fox Merchantile

Coffee Shop & Homewares
The Fox Mercantile is a unique shop that offers great coffee, small eats, and an eclectic mix of seaside and cutesy goods. It serves as a treasure trove for visitors looking to find one-of-a-kind items that capture the essence of Cortez and Anna Maria Island. This is a delightful stop on your morning bike ride to the beach.

Whitneys

Fun Vibe, Good Food
This fun restaurant in an old gas station is a bit nostalgic. The craft cocktails are amazing and the food is just as good. This is a great place to visit for lunch during your beach day on Whitney Beach.

The Kokonut Hut

This is the place to be to watch a sunset over the water.
This casual restaurant directly on the beach is just okay for the food but the view can’t be beat. Go for dinner or drinks and consider spoiling yourself with the Patron Margarita tower….expensive but Instagram worthy.

The Doctors Office

This is one Drs appointment you won’t mind keeping.
The quirkiest bar on Anna Maria Island. Amazing crafted cocktails with a culinary experience to match. This one is best for 21+ but if you must bring children, you can sit outside in the garden. Bar area is 21+. Reservations required.

Shore

Upscale Contemporary Dining
This restaurant is perfect for a special occasion. The dining room is set under a retractable window wall that disappears on nice evenings leaving you feeling as if you could be outside. Impressive fire features and cozy seating areas to sip on cocktails.

Blue Marlin

Bridge Street Classic
Love the outdoor seating here on the covered patio when live band is playing in the courtyard. Great vibe and entertaining musicians. Good food and nice drink selection.

North Shore Cafe

Breakfast
This outdoor coffee and breakfast shop on Pine Street is a teenager favorite. Acai bowls, avocado toast a cool atmosphere. Long lines are common so take your patience. After breakfast, walk Pine Street and take in the shopping.

Bridge Street

  • Multiple restaurants, bars and shopping. Chill casual beach vibe environment great for chill evenings. Not fancy.
  • Limited Parking available. Bikeable during day. Drive or Uber at night.
  • Daiquiri Deck is touristy but they have a happy hour with live music and the top floor has ocean views.

St. Armands Circle

  • A bit of a drive (25-30 minutes) but the drive is along Gulf blvd providing for some great views.
  • Lots of restaurants to choose from, shopping and art galleries. A bit more upscale vibe.
  • If you go up this way, stop off at the Salty Dog for a drink. Great casual open air bar directly on the water with fair prices.