The Waterfront Restaurant

While on vacation at Anna Maria Island, we chose this restaurant for dinner one night. There was about a 45-minute wait, but it was worth it. We were seated outside on the back patio, which had a really nice, relaxing atmosphere. The food was absolutely delicious — everyone in our party enjoyed their meal. Our waitress wasn’t particularly friendly, and it felt like our group of eight may have overwhelmed her a bit. Still, the overall experience was positive, and we’ll definitely be back the next time we visit Anna Maria Island.

I completely understand the popularity of this place now that I’ve had a chance to visit. I live near the island and this has been on my list of popular dining spots. Now I see the hype 😊 The esthetic appeal was the selling point. Relaxing, quiet with a calming ambiance! The best calamari I have ever eaten and I’m not a fan of this dish. Service was top notch. Highly recommended ✌🏼💛🌊☀️

Wait was around 15 min and well worth it. Started out with a fresh loaf of bread with a vinaigrette sauce. Ordered the fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese and they were delicious. Ordered the fried shrimp and it was some of the freshest and biggest shrimp I have eaten. Shrimp was served with the best tasting mashed potatoes that we all loved. Others in my party had the shrimp and grits and it was like no other shrimp and grits we have had before. The shrimp was served over the grits with a sauce that was delicious. I would have a hard time choosing between the two if I ate at this place again. A little expensive but worth every dollar

10/10. Amazing food. we all loved our dishes - grouper tacos with the orange cilantro sauce… lamb chops… pork chops. All incredible. Our server was very sweet as well. Very accommodating for gluten-free. So glad we found this spot!!!

Group of 7, wait was only about 15 minutes. Appetizers were great especially the fried tomatoes. Most of the group got the rib eye special. I went with the classic fried shrimp. Jalapeño margaritas were amazing. Bridget our server was awesome and the bartender Bailey made great drinks

I don't think words can properly describe how amazing our experience was. The food was absolutely to die for, best burger and Mac and cheese we've ever had! On top of that, the service was astounding!! Our server was Sarah and she was wonderful. My mom was unable to eat her food due to a dietary restriction and they were kind enough to accommodate that. If I could give them more stars, I would!

My family and I went for dinner last night and we were served by (could be wrong I hope I’m not) julian. He himself was a wonderful server who was definitely busy but gave all his tables good attention and made sure we were content with our food. As for the food it was one of the best dinners I have had in a while. I often feel when I go out to eat that the quality of certain foods is off or not fresh but I Genuinely felt like the food is well prepared and more importantly SUPER good!!! My father got a plantain curry,my mom got lobster bisque with a beet salad,my friend got tuna and I got shrimp and grits.we all tried each others meals and I can personally say that every single meal was so amazing!!! I totally reconvened this place to incoming tourists,or people who want to just eat good food. It was busy when we went and if you can I’m sure it’s best to call ahead or make a reservation. Oh also the desserts are worth a try to! I was a big fan of the chocolate flourless cake. Thanks to Julian again for being so friendly and attentive :))

Stopped here for lunch after the beach. Food and drinks were tasty and delicious. Service was great and we had a nice view of the beach. Highly recommend!

As with anything on the island, it's pricey. However, it is rated #1 for a reason. Hot tip, we went on a saturday to the beach with my friends . We were a large group but they decided they wanted to head out so my husband and I wanted to go get a bite. We both went to The Waterfront restaurant as its the best rated on the island and had to way about an hour to be seated outside (we had our service dog and it was just 2 of us) next time I recomend during busy season to send someone to get on the wait list about an hour before you actually want to eat. They text you confirming you are on the list, go back to the beach enjoy a little bit more beach time, clean up put everything in the car except a couple of chairs, and enjoy what's left of the day. By the time they text you all you have to do is put the beach chairs in the car and walk over to the restaurant! Drinks: get the japaleno margarita, the best margarita ive had in a LONG TIME. I had 2 Food: we ordered the calamari as an appetizer, wasabi crusted tuna and grouper tacos as an entre with the gouda Mac n cheese as a side! Oh lord was the food good. I would have skipped the grouper tacos and shares the tuna because they sevre large portions! The grouper tacos are amazing though but I wasnt super hungry and ended up taking some home. We had the creme brule for dessert because we wanted something not too heavy. It was perfect. Overall had a great day on the island. Disclaimer: dogs aren't allowed on the island, we have a certified service dog and we have her license and papers with us. She never went in the water on the beach and is trained as a service animal. The police will stop you and ask for papers if you go and claim you have a service animal. They treated her very kindly at the restaurant and brought her water.

The espresso resposado tequila was delicious & a must order. Everything else I'd give this place zero stars. The food is terrible. Do not get the chicken club it was absolutely terrible. Chicken was rubber hard & small. It took the server 30 mins to bring us water... we had to ask another server if we even had a server & when she finally arrived, didn't even bring water we had to ask & it took her another 15 mins to bring water. My friend had to ask for a water refill. It was not even busy lots of empty tables so not sure why the service was so awful. My friend had the tuna salad sandwich that she said reeked of onions galore. She said the side pasta was terrible. Asked for mayo & the server brought it out an hr later which by that time she said she didn't need it anymore. It took 1.5hrs for the food to arrive. This place is awful. Wasted 2 very long hours here, the service is the worst I've ever had in Florida. Will not be back.

My family and I were on Anna Maria Island for vacation and wanted to enjoy a nicer dinner outside on the water. We searched some Facebook groups, Yelp, and Google and The Waterfront Restaurant got overwhelmingly great reviews. I would give 5-Stars for the food. The food was exceptional. My wife got Shrimp and Grits, I got the Filet Daily Special (6oz., with green beans, onions, and incredible mashed potatoes), my daughter got the Chicken Parmesan, and my 3 boys got varying kids meal items. All of our food was excellent - even the kids meals looked to be made from scratch (sometimes kids meals look like a frozen afterthought). While we waited they bring out an incredible loaf of homemade bread. The restaurant was very clean, had a nice ambiance, and wasn't overly crowded (we got there early around 5:00PM). The only reason I'm giving it 4-Stars is because we didn't feel our waitress was very attentive and almost seemed bothered by us and because the restaurant wasn't on the water where we could enjoy a nice view - granted, not much they can do about that, I understand. It was on the pricier side, which we planned for an expected. I wouldn't say it was overpriced - we think it was within reason of the quality of food, being on an island, and a nicer restaurant. We had 2 adults, 4 kids (3 kids meals and 1 adult entree), and my wife enjoyed 1 glass of wine. All in, including tip, our total meal was roughly $225 - so roughly $37 per person.

Had a late lunch here on vacation. Nice staff, great outdoor seating (if not too hot), and good food. We had the king pao calamari for appetizer. It was probably the favorite of the table. Then we had grouper sandwich, grouper tacos, and gulf shrimp. All were very good.

The waterfront was awesome! Highly recommend if you're on the island. The food was delicious, drinks were yummy, and service was great. This is a long wait so be prepared, especially if you have a large group. We only had 2 people and it was an hour wait. The night before was about a 90 minute wait which we went somewhere else. It's great food so I would say put your name down and maybe go back to your place to chill until about 10 min within the time they suggested.

My family and I had an excellent dining experience at The Waterfront Restaurant. The atmosphere is very relaxing with lots of beach decor and a beautiful view of the water and Anna Maria Pier. The service was excellent with a quick turn around. For appetizers we ordered: lobster bisque, calamari with peppers and cheese in a Thai chili sauce, and a strawberry arugula salad. We really loved all of these dishes! Our dinner orders included the salmon lunch special, blackened shrimp, Caesar salad, and the portobello sandwich. All dishes were packed with flavor. I really loved the pineapple Cole slaw side as an option. Very refreshing!

Definitely a must go if you are visiting the island. They don't do reservations, so if you go during peak dinner hours, keep that in mind and be prepared to wait. One of the nights we tried to go we were told we'd have to wait for 2 hours for a table for 2. The night we did go they told us 45 min to an hour yet ended up seating us 5 minutes later. There's plenty to do around the restaurant, so the time does pass by quickly. I would recommend sitting outside as the patio offers a fantastic view of the bay! The server we had was ok, she seemed to be busy and didn't give us the most attention, but nonetheless we had no issues and didnt really mind. The food was fantastic. We started with the baked Brie which was absolutely delicious. A great and light starter. Baked in puff pastry and served with crackers and honey it's actually kind of a nice sweet dish. My wife had the grouper cakes, which were delicious! It seemed to be a popular dish as most of the tables beside us had at least one person ordering them as well. I had the wasabi crusted tuna and ordered it rare per the chef's recommendations. It was sushi grade and melted in your mouth! The crunch of the wasabi crust gave it a nice contrast to the soft tuna. Would recommend to go, though we did like other options on the island better.

While spending the day on Anna Maria Island, we stopped by for a light bite, and I'm so glad we did! The location is fantastic--you can see the water just across the street, creating a perfect island vibe. Plus, the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. We started with the calamari, which was perfectly crispy and not overly chewy--so tasty! The sangria was also delicious and refreshing. I couldn't resist ordering an espresso martini, but it was missing a bit of sweetness and didn't quite hit the mark (hence the one less star). Thankfully, our server worked some magic by adding Baileys, which saved it! To top it all off, we had to try the crème brûlée, and it did not disappoint--absolutely delicious! And I have to mention the bread--warm, toasted just right, and so good. Overall, a great stop with beautiful views and some standout bites!

We actually ate dinner here two nights in a row! The service was top notch as well as the best Caesar salad I've ever eaten! Our dinners were perfection and this was the best food we had during our week long vacation. Most places are a tourist trap but this place is amazing!!

This restaurant was everything I didn't know I needed! The vibe was chill but still felt really nice and put-together. The whole place just had that relaxing, island-y feel that makes you want to stay a little longer. The food was so good--fresh, flavorful, and just really well done. You could tell everything was made with care. I had the scallops and pork belly and I'm still thinking about it. Our server was super friendly and on top of everything, but not in a fake or annoying way--just genuinely kind. If you're ever in Anna Maria Island, this spot is a must. Good food, great views, and such a good energy. I'd 100% go back!

This is one of my favorite restaurants to visit when I'm in the Anna Maria Island area. The water view is beautiful and the food is always amazing. The scallops with pork belly and kimchi fried rice is delicious the fried rice is on the spicy but I was able to handle it. I will be definitely come back when I'm back in the area.

Waterfront remains as good as ever -- perhaps better! We were so glad they were open this week after the hurricanes. They've repaired the inside/renovated and it seems like nothing ever happened -- except the inside got a lighter paint refresh, new light tile flooring, and it really jazzed the place up. And the food is as top notch as ever. The service was great. They accoadated our large party of 10 well both visits in the past week. Very kid friendly and nice options on their menu for families. Get here early or you'll be waiting a while peak times, as there's still no reservations even for large parties. The fruiti de mare still stands out as the one of the best seafood pastas I've ever had including in Italy. It's well balanced -- not too creamy or acidic. The seafood is plentiful and all cooked just right. A nice al dente noodle. Amazing. The pork belly and scallop dish was new to us this trip. The pork belly are two long thick strips glazed in gojuchang. The accompanying kimchi and fried rice is surprisingly great. The rice is not too greasy or heavy and the kimchi is light, flavorful, and has great bite. Wow. Keep thinking about it. All the food dishes are a hit. You can't go wrong eg Tropicale salad. I missed their Bay Cooler and 1944 Mai Tai. All the cocktails. Still refreshing and substantial. Given the price hikes around the island, the restaurant isn't that expensive anymore. So an even better deal! Any visit to AMI is incomplete without a trip to Waterfront.

Chose this restaurant based on the reviews. It did not disappoint. Food tasted great. We chose to dine inside due to a storm about to come in. Inside dining feels like you're in a home versus a restaurant. It's welcoming, cozy and comfortable. I had the black grouper based on the recommendation from our server. Nice portion. My husband had the halibut from their "specials" menu. He enjoyed his food as well. The only disappointment was that they were out of ice cream for their Affogato. I really wanted to try it. I will definitely go back when I'm in the area again.

This is definitely the best place to eat on Anna Maria. I can't say that that's a great compliment because the island restaurants are really not that good, frankly. However, this really is a good place....great choices. Even better service.

Very cool place with a view of the Bay. The restaurant is well decorated inside as well. Now for the most important part - the food. The Pork Belly and Scallops was delightful. Everything was cooked perfectly. My wife had the shrimp and grits and they were flavorful as well. The wagyu was excellent as well along with the mashed potatoes. Well seasoned and cooked to perfection. The kids steak bites were excellent as well. Staff were friendly and attentive.

The Waterfront Restaurant and Craft Bar was everything we hoped it would be: Crazy good food and beautiful atmosphere in a wonderful location. This restaurant and bar were by far the best part of our trip to Anna Maria Island. The wait was long and worth it. We arrived on a Sunday evening and the wait was promised to be over an hour with later guests given a 2 hour wait time. No problems - There were many comfortable benches and chairs to wait on the covered patio with nice drinks and extensive wine and craft drink choices from the bar. Sitting on benches at the beach across the street was also really nice. We started with drinks including a really nice house made white Sangria that was light, fruity and bubbly along with a Clear Slate German Riesling that was sweet like a Moscato but with more depth while enjoying the nice breeze on the patio. We them moved across the street to watch the sailboats from our bench. Our table on the patio gave us nice views of the water with a perfect breeze under warm rope lights. There were many nice appetizer options but We chose to get the Pretzel crusted Mahi Mahi Entree from the Daily Special Menu and the Wasabi Crusted Yellowfin Tuna served on a Bacon Kale salad. Both of these dishes were unbelievably good and a must try for fish lovers. A shared side of the Mable Glazed Bacon Brussel Sprouts took our meal to the next level along with the house bread served with a crazy good Balsamic and Herb spread. We finished our meal with two very special desserts: a flourless Chocolate Ganache Torte (as good as it looked) and the Toasted Coconut crusted Key Lime Pie which was the best I've ever had. Our server Savannah was very helpful in making meal choices and she definitely steered us to the right food for us. We look forward to our next trip to Anna Maria Island for this foodie Heaven.

The food was great, I highly recommend the truffle mac n cheese with bacon. The food was not the only thing that was exemplary, our waitress was very kind and was quick to get what we needed. Overall this has been a stand out part of our trips to Ana Maria Island, and I highly recommend trying it.

Love the Waterfront! The food is always delicious. Great menu selection of seafood and non-seafood options . If you like Fried Green Tomatoes you will love these and the pimento cheese served to top them is delicious! Inside and outside seating options. This is a favorite so be prepared for a wait during peak hours (they do not accept reservations). It's a typical FL casual atmosphere that's laid back and easy. The service every time we dine has always been great!

We had the best seating in the restaurant, right next to the aquarium. I was able to enjoy my delicious food and watch the fishies swim around. Our waiter was a master multitasker and helped us with anything we needed.

Come here for a more upscale beach al fresco dining experience. This doesn't mean dressy, just a fresh menu, a solid bar selection, and great service (thanks, Dave!). Catch of the day sandwich was a grouper. It was recommended to get fried and it was was fresh and delicious. Lobster bisque was also a pleasant surprise. Dave was outstanding and helped us best navigate the menu.

Went with a group of friends for dinner. We had 8 and they were nice enough to give us a cove of our own. Hannah was a terrific server especially since everyone had their particular food preferences! They have a nice wine list and a broad food menu. I had the lobster bisque and great fish tacos with Grouper. They have a big porch on the front for dining and a view of the bay. In the back they have a shaded deck. A great place to eat on the island!

Had a great dinner with the family here and everyone seem to love their meals. I had a fish bowl soup, sort of thing in which I had to add some rice to it to make it filling, but the taste was good and everything that was inside was good. However, I would rather come back and try something different because I was in a huge fan of what I had.

The Waterfront is a terrific spot for a quick lunch or dinner by the ocean. The food tasted fresh, the staff was kind. Big open space with lots of seating.

Every time I walk past this place every seat and every table is full and happy. We decided to try it out tonight, and it did not appoint. The beach yet classy vibe along with good service and delicious everything made the hour wait to get a table totally worth it. No reservations except on major holidays so go early to put your name in.

There is a reason it's named Waterfront! Great views of the water while sitting out on the covered porch. The tropical salad with hearts of palm and homemade basalmic dressing was fresh and hit the spot . Then the grouper tacos were good as well! I had the refreshing ice cold green tea which we all got and enjoyed !

Restaurant is adorable and a perfect location!! We ate outside this time and after seeing the beautiful decor inside we will eat inside next time for sure! We will definitely be back on our next trip!!! Food was outstanding!!!!!

Super cute spot right on the water. Our server, Savannah, was awesome--super friendly and helpful. The seafood was really fresh and tasty. Definitely recommend if you're in the Anna Maria Island area

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, the ambiance set the tone for a delightful evening. The restaurant is situated with some views of the water, making it the perfect spot dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends. The outdoor seating area is particularly charming, with a gentle breeze adding to the serene atmosphere. The service was impeccable from start to finish. Our server, Sky, was attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and provided excellent recommendations. The staff's friendliness and professionalism made us feel welcome and well-cared for throughout our meal. Now, onto the food - it was nothing short of exceptional. We were there for lunch so most of us had sandwiches. We started with the Tropicale Salad, which was perfect on a hot day, it's rare to find a salad with hearts of palm and this one was fabulous! I ordered the chefs special which was grilled chicken and brie sandwich, it was delicious! The others in our party ordered the Gulf shrimp, Turkey and Brie sandwich, and the Fresh Catch Sandwich blackened...everyone thoroughly enjoyed our meals! Overall, The Waterfront Restaurant exceeded our expectations. The combination of exceptional service, and delectable cuisine makes it a must-visit when on Anna Maria Island. We can't wait to return!

My wife and I left the kids at the condo for a dinner alone. The location is great, cool ambience, and the food was awesome as well. Highly recommend compared to other places on the island.

LOVE this restaurant so much. I was originally drawn in by the menu. It all sounded so good. Even my GF daughter was excited to try it. It was in fact so good that we went there twice and tried many of the wonderful options. You HAVE to get the calamari. It was the best I've ever had. The flavor was amazing. We loved the baked Brie too! The salads are really good and big. My daughter got the shrimp entree both times and it seemed like they could have given a few more shrimp, but she is small and seemed satisfied. Hubby wanted more when he got it. Flavor was great. The tuna appetizer was really delicious! The drink menu was fabulous. Loved all that we had and the wine selection was nice. They don't take reservations, but we went for an early lunch both times and didn't wait at all. We were worried about being waterfront, because it was cold and windy, but their patio is fully enclosed and was very comfortable. Super great bonus! We had Dave and Michelle as our servers there and they were both fabulous. So kind and friendly. We felt really welcomed there. I give this 5 stars!

Horrible service I asked for fish not a turkey with a pe*is seriously reconsider opening a restaurant if you can't meet basic needs of customers come on!

Great service - good atmosphere! Came in for dinner & was seated promptly. I enjoyed both dinner entrees. The Mai Tai is very strong but the bartender definitely modified it to my liking. Overall I would definitely recommend & come back .

We booked an outdoor table for what we thought was going to be an "upscale dining experience". We were seated in plastic chairs in the sand outside. Lovely view but not what we expected. We ordered two drinks. They were sub par. Our waiter delivered them and disappeared. We split a salad. Had the peel and eat shrimp and salmon. The salad was ok. The shrimp was nasty. Bad taste and mushy. I ate half of one. The salmon was tasty but the visual appeal of the plate was severely lacking. A pile of cooked spinach and roasted potatoes. The server never questioned why I left my shrimp uneaten. Lots of children running around and playing in the sand. Total bill was $175. If it weren't for our expectations of an upscale experience it would not have been so bad. But this was not in any way anything other than a mediocre dinner at a mediocre beach restaurant.

Second time reviewing...This used to be my favorite restaurant while visiting AMI but today's visit was definitely subpar. Waitress seemed annoyed with my daughter and I after asking for a kids menu. ( My daughter is 14 years old and has a rare brain disease and will only eat chicken tenders and fries.) I had to ask another waitress for straws. Food took a long time to come out. Grouper tacos dish tasted different than usual. It wasn't horrible but definitely not what it used to be. The ambience was different and felt like we were a bother. I was not asked if I would like to try a special drink or even a dessert which seemed off to me. I'm assuming maybe because it was just my daughter and I and thus my table of two wasn't a "moneymaker." Too many other restaurants on AMI to choose from with better service.

Food and service were excellent. Loved the atmosphere on the inside. Will definitely come here again next year.

The food is average at best. The bartenders were great. The woman at the front checking in was very rude. The waitress was good but clearly not happy. The fruit de mere entree had probably 30 garlic cloves which was way too much. The dessert was meh. It may be a popular place but I would never go back.

We love this place! It's a bit on the spendy side. There was two of us, we each had an entire and 2 drinks and the total over $150. It's definitely worth the price though! We go at least once every time we visit AMI

The service was good and we were seated in about 15 minutes on a busy night! The food was the most expensive we've had on the island so far, and it was our least favorite. It's definitely not worth the price. The portions are very small as well!! There are better places on the island to eat!

Always a great experience. My preference is to sit at the bar...but with a bigger group, we still enjoyed the dinner!

Ravishing Restaurant Great quality food and phenomenal service. The Tuna Sashimi appetizer was very high quality and absolutely delish I would say the best Tuna I've ever had :) def stop into The Waterfront you'll be impressed and you can't beat the view!!!

Wow! What a great experience. Started with Hannah and a great attitude. Lobster bisque fantastic. Bread warm out of the oven. Meals were very tasty and good size portions. Key lime pie delicious. Ambiance was relaxing and fireplace a bonus on chilly night. Highly recommend this place. We'll be back!

I should have taken more pictures but everything was delicious. I recommend the burger. They also whipped me up a delicious coconut mojito. Very classy place

If you're visiting Anna Maria Island, make sure to stop at The Waterfront Restaurant and ask to sit on their porch. Appetizer: Kung Pao Calamari Entrees: Shrimp & Grits, Fresh Catch Sandwich, Harvest Beet Salad, Shrimp Tacos I came here with my family on a Saturday afternoon and we already can't wait to go back! I would recommend sitting outside if you can so you can enjoy the beautiful weather while enjoying the view. Another suggestion... Order the Kung Pao Calamari! It was by far one of the BEST calamari dishes I have ever had. I honestly regret not barging into the kitchen to get the recipe (lol). My cousin ordered the Shrimp and Grits and was the first one to finish her plate because she couldn't put her fork down. My mom ordered the Fresh Catch Sandwich and loved every bite. My dad being the health guy he is ordered the Harvest Beet Salad. He said it was absolutely amazing and even asked me to send him the photo I took so he could replicate it at home. Instead of the Grouper Tacos, I asked for Shrimp Tacos and was so happy they were willing to accomodate my request. The only thing I didn't like about my tacos is that there wasn't more! I can't wait to come back and will definitely be coming at night so I can try their dinner menu.

The service was outstanding and spot on delightful. The view was amazing and the delicious food with its impeccable presentation amazed us with wonderful flavor. The young lady who waited on us made the lunch experience even more beautiful. What a wonderful spot that we didn't know existed and we are so happy we stopped by on our first visit to Anna Maria Island. We were going to order more food but was stuffed from the calamari and the waitress had timing that was perfect to inquire about our needs at always the right moment. Can't say enough! Highly recommend

Food was excellent, we brought our own snapper from a fishing trip. We had. We were lucky enough to get a table outside with a view of the water. Server did a great job too!

The restaurant is really cute inside and out. The food was great and the drinks were as well. Great service!

Lunch the an amazing view and delicious food. Took my mom here during her Easter week visit. I indulged in the Bay Cooler cocktail, very refreshing on a warm day. I ordered the beat salad with grilled Ahi Tuma. It was to die for. Mom enjoyed with portobello sandwich with a side of slaw. Do NOT miss this place if you are on the island!

Beautiful location but unfortunately did not live up to the hype! Steak was undercooked, belly and scallops way too salty, and the steak bites were cold - wait time 2h30. Our waitress was very nice and attentive, but unsure if I'd return.

Always a pleasure to visit. The presentation and the attention to detail is spectacular. The decor is oceanside relaxed, and, the drinks are spot on.