The legendary Sandbar Restaurant on Anna Maria Island serves seafood favorites surfside to diners wearing everything from swimwear to wedding attire. Its cousin, the Beachhouse (also on Anna Maria) and Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant on Longboat Key's bayfront, also offer prime dining real estate.
Although it caters to Manatee County Beach visitors, the ultra-relaxed Anna Maria Beach Café is a hit with anyone who likes to eat pancakes or sandwiches with their toes in the sand.
Beach Bistro on Holmes Beach serves gourmet fare with picture-window Gulf views. On Bradenton Beach, try local grouper cooked every imaginable way at Bridge Street Bistro, Gulf Drive Café or Banana Cabana Caribbean Grill.
