A question that plagues couples, travelers, families, solo diners, and anyone who has literally any interest in food - which, let's face it, is all of us. Whether you're local to Bradenton Beach or are staying at one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, we've broken down the best restaurants in town to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Most Affordable Restaurants in Bradenton Beach
Back Alley Treasures

- Address: 108 Historic, Bridge St, Bradenton Beach
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday; 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday
- Address: 103B Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach
- Hours: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM Sunday through Thursday; 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday
Try the Kahlua Krunch or Toasted Coconut Almond Joy to sample some of their most popular flavors. Not a fan of ice cream? No problem! They also offer a wide variety of pastries such as cupcakes, pies, eclairs, cheesecakes, cookies, and more.
Mid- Range Restaurants in Bradenton Beach
Sharky's Seagrill
- Address: 2519 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach
- Hours: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily
In terms of what to order, you can't go wrong with the escargots, which is one of the most popular appetizers with tourists and locals alike. For a main course, try the macadamia nut crusted red snapper with golden fig brown butter sauce - yum! If you're not a fan of seafood, not to worry - the prime rib will be perfect for you.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier

- Address: 200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday; 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday
There are so many delicious menu items to choose from, it's hard for us to narrow down which to recommend to you! However, the ultimate winners are the coconut shrimp, the grouper bites, and the lobster bisque - all of them are home runs, you won't be disappointed.
Parking is the only aspect of Anna Maria Oyster Bar that we don't love - keep circling around the loop and someone's bound to pull out eventually! Even better if you find a place a few blocks away and take a leisurely stroll down Bridge Street.
Wicked Cantina Bradenton Beach

- Address: 101 7th St N, Bradenton Beach
- Hours: 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM daily
Wicked Cantina offers a little bit of everything, from traditional Mexican fare such as carnitas street tacos to Tex-Mex favorites including the Wicked Quesadilla. We absolutely love the grouper tacos.
Settle in, order yourself a classic marg, and enjoy a fun-filled evening at Bradenton Beach's best kept Mexican secret. You can even sneak in here for a yummy breakfast - you can't beat the breakfast burritos!
Bridge Street Bistro

- Address: 111 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach
- Hours: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Sunday through Thursday; 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday
Popular dishes here include Scallops Oscar and the island-renowned Key Lime Pie.Try to make your reservation during sunset and request a seat upstairs or outside. These seats tend to fill up quickly, so err on the side of caution and make your reservation in advance.
Gulf Drive Cafe & Kokonut Hut

- Address: 900 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach
- Hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily
For lunch, try the Reuben with homemade Thousand Island dressing - it's to-die-for! Kokonut Hut is the sister bar to Gulf Drive Cafe, and makes the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon or evening cocktail with your toes in the sand overlooking the beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Smoqehouse

- Address: 1701 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday; Closed Sundays
We love The Islander which is a smoked chicken and ham sandwich piled high with fresh pineapple, pepper jack cheese, and teriyaki mayo. Another popular favorite is the Korean Beef sandwich with shaved beef, Korean BBQ, and ginger lime slaw. Their menu is rather small, but they've perfected the sandwiches that they offer. For a side, don't miss out on the fried brussels!
They have gluten free options if you are celiac or simply prefer to avoid gluten, which is great for a small sandwich shop, as well as a vegetarian/vegan sandwich for all you herbivores.
The industrial ambiance of Smoqehouse is a nice reprieve from the normal tiki-inspired decor that you find around the island - perfect for when you've had enough sand and sun.
Tahini Beach Cafe

- Address: 103 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM Daily
The best part? Breakfast is served all day - well, until they close in the afternoons! Definitely try the Shakshuka and the Turkish Avocado Toast.
The Bridge Tender Inn

- Address: 135 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach
- Hours: 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM Sunday through Thursday; 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM Friday and Saturday
Try the fried oyster appetizer, fish tacos, or virtually any dish with fresh seafood. They also offer a regular schedule of live music and Bingo nights, giving this Bradenton Beach restaurant a fun-filled ambiance perfect for a weekend night out.
Traveling with your furry friends? The Bridge Tender Inn is dog friendly! They even have a few menu items specifically made for dogs.
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant

- Address: 200 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach
- Hours: 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM Daily
The house smoked fish dip is great for a starter. For entrees, we love the seafood gumbo or the fried shrimp. There are plenty of non-seafood options available as well.
The outdoor patio opens right up onto the shore, so if you're dining with kids, they'll have a fun place to play (in addition to the sweeping views the location offers). Beach House Waterfront Restaurant is one of the best places in Bradenton Beach to enjoy sunset dining if you secure a table on the patio. Complimentary valet parking is another perk of dining here, since parking in the area is a bit scarce.
Island Time Bar & Grill

- Address: 111 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Daily
The Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are among the most popular (though, if you're looking for something with a lot of heat, be sure to order them extra spicy). Another crowd favorite is the Grouper Sandwich.
Be forewarned, however, that if you are coming here at night, the bar can get very loud with the combination of music and patrons. If you're looking for a quiet place to relax, we'd advise you look elsewhere.
High End Restaurants in Bradenton Beach
Bamboo Island Bar

- Address: 119 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach
- Hours: 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM Sunday through Thursday; 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday
This hidden gem on the island is even unknown to some locals, so be sure to try it before word gets out and you can't get a table. The food is unique and artfully presented, without skimping on flavor.
If you're the carnivorous type, be sure to try the Steak Platter. For locally caught seafood, you can't go wrong with the Grouper Medallion with Shrimp and Capers.In terms of drinks, Bamboo Island Bar boasts the best mojitos on AMI - and they aren't wrong. You'd be remiss to skip out on this refreshing libation!
Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant

- Address: 121 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach
- Hours: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Monday through Saturday; Closed Sundays
Reservations are required on Friday and Saturday nights and strongly recommended all other nights. This place fills up fast, particularly in the throes of the busy tourist season. The boho beachy vibes of Blue Marlin's outdoor seating area is the perfect option for diners who want five-star service and food quality without the pretentious atmosphere that comes along with many fine dining establishments.