News from the island, food insights and Waterfront updates including events, specials, tastings and more.https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/best-appetizers-anna-maria-island-waterfront-restaurant/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/best-appetizers-anna-maria-island-waterfront-restaurant/Discover the best appetizers on Anna Maria Island at The Waterfront Restaurant. From Kung Pao Calamari to Baked Brie and Steamer Bowls, explore must-try dishes for your next visit.Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:38:14 GMTlunch-on-anna-maria-islandannouncementsdinner-anna-maria-islandhttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/kung-pao-calamari-anna-maria-island-steamer-bowls-waterfront/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/kung-pao-calamari-anna-maria-island-steamer-bowls-waterfront/Discover the best appetizers on Anna Maria Island including Kung Pao Calamari and Steamer Bowls at The Waterfront Restaurant. Fresh seafood, bold flavors, and unforgettable waterfront dining.Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:33:00 GMTlunch-on-anna-maria-islanddinner-anna-maria-islandhttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/baked-brie-anna-maria-island-waterfront-restaurant-review/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/baked-brie-anna-maria-island-waterfront-restaurant-review/Discover why Baked Brie on Anna Maria Island at The Waterfront Restaurant is a must-try appetizer. From honey-glazed perfection to incredible entrees like pork belly and scallops, see why this spot stands out.Mon, 23 Mar 2026 20:09:34 GMTannouncementsdinner-anna-maria-islandhttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/grouper-tacos-anna-maria-island-best-waterfront-restaurant-review/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/grouper-tacos-anna-maria-island-best-waterfront-restaurant-review/Discover why Grouper Tacos on Anna Maria Island at The Waterfront Restaurant are a must-try. From incredible service to unmatched ambiance, see why guests return again and again.Mon, 23 Mar 2026 20:04:55 GMTannouncementsdinner-anna-maria-islandhttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/mai-tai-cocktail-on-anna-maria/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/mai-tai-cocktail-on-anna-maria/The Mai Tai cocktail is more than just a drink. It is a symbol of sunshine, island vibes, and timeless tropical elegance. While we’ve discussed the Mai Tai before, this week it’s special — it’s the featured drink at The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria, and that means it deserves another spotlight. Few cocktails carry the mystique and story that the Mai Tai does. Its roots trace back to 1944, when famed tiki pioneer Victor J. “Trader Vic” Bergeron crafted what would become one of the most celebrated rum cocktails in the world. According to cocktail lore, after serving the drink to friends visiting from Tahiti, they exclaimed, “Mai Tai-Roa Aé!” meaning “Out of this world—the best!” The name stuck, and the 1944 Mai Tai was born.Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:41:23 GMTannouncementsbar-spiritshttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/ny-strip-at-the-waterfront-restaurant/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/ny-strip-at-the-waterfront-restaurant/If you’ve ever stared at a dinner menu on Anna Maria Island and thought, “I want something classic… but I also want it to feel like vacation,” congratulations—you’re having a NY Strip at The Waterfront Restaurant kind of evening.Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:29:13 GMTannouncementshttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/kids-menu/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/kids-menu/Dining out with children should feel joyful, not stressful. On beautiful Anna Maria Island, families come for sunshine, beach days, dolphin sightings, and quality time together. When it’s time to sit down for lunch or dinner, the experience needs to be just as memorable. That’s exactly where The Waterfront Restaurant shines.Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:32:37 GMTannouncementshttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/grouper-cake-sandwich/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/grouper-cake-sandwich/The Grouper Cake Sandwich at The Waterfront Restaurant is one of those menu items that makes you pause after the first bite—in the best possible way. It’s familiar yet unexpected, comforting yet elevated, and unmistakably rooted in Florida’s Gulf Coast seafood tradition. By taking the classic concept of a crab cake and reimagining it with fresh Gulf grouper, The Waterfront Restaurant has created something truly special: a sandwich that feels both timeless and excitingly new.Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:46:28 GMTannouncementshttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/dinner-party-on-anna-maria/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/dinner-party-on-anna-maria/When it comes to hosting a truly memorable Dinner Party on Anna Maria or Holmes Beach, there is one restaurant that consistently rises above the rest—The Waterfront Restaurant. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering, a lively family celebration, or an impressive client dinner, The Waterfront offers the perfect blend of coastal elegance, relaxed island charm, exceptional food, and warm hospitality. It’s not just a place to eat—it’s a place to connect, celebrate, and savor every moment. Located just steps from the water and steeped in Anna Maria Island history, The Waterfront Restaurant has become a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike who want a dining experience that feels special without being stuffy. For dinner parties of all kinds, it checks every box.Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:16:09 GMTannouncementshttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/clams-and-mussels-steamer-bowls/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/clams-and-mussels-steamer-bowls/Some appetizers are “nice.” Others are necessary. And then there are the dishes that land on the table like a salty sea breeze and instantly make everyone lean in—forks ready, bread poised, conversations temporarily paused. That’s exactly what’s happening right now with the Steamer Bowls at The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island. If you’ve enjoyed these bowls before, you already know the vibe: warm, steamy, saucy shellfish that tastes like vacation with a side of “we should absolutely order another round.” But here’s the new twist that has locals and visitors talking again: normally it’s either clams or mussels… and now, for a limited-time kind of delicious, you can have both together in one bowl. That means the briny snap of Terra Ceia clams (Florida pride!) and the tender, sweet richness of PEI mussels (Prince Edward Island perfection!) teaming up like an all-star seafood duo—then getting dressed up in the sauce of your choice: Garlic Cream or Tomato Basil.Sat, 24 Jan 2026 13:21:52 GMTannouncementshttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/suzor-wine-dinner-2/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/suzor-wine-dinner-2/We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of exceptional cuisine, elegant wine pairings, and the warm hospitality that The Waterfront Restaurant isFri, 16 Jan 2026 04:27:52 GMTannouncementshttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/anna-maria-winter-art-craft-show/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/anna-maria-winter-art-craft-show/Every January, the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida comes alive with art, culture, and community spirit at the Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show. Taking place this year on January 17–18 at Holmes Beach City Hall, this two‑day celebration attracts artists, musicians, and visitors from near and far for a weekend that highlights creative expression against the backdrop of sun, sand, and sea. Whether you’re an art lover, a music enthusiast, or someone searching for delicious food and drink, this event offers something special for everyone. For visitors planning their day around the show, The Waterfront Restaurant is the perfect destination for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or refreshing drinks. Located conveniently near the event, The Waterfront Restaurant provides a relaxing and tasty place to unwind before, during, and after the festival. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of the Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show, what to expect at this year’s event, and why The Waterfront Restaurant should be part of your weekend itinerary.Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:53:30 GMTannouncementshttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/anna-maria-city-pier/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/anna-maria-city-pier/The Anna Maria City Pier rebuild is officially underway, and the momentum is nothing short of inspiring for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. This beloved pier — an iconic part of Anna Maria Island’s history — was severely damaged in the 2024 hurricane season, with powerful storms splitting it apart and washing away its walkway. But today, work continues to bring it back stronger than ever, generating excitement across the community and setting the stage for what promises to be a major tourism boost once completed. Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:15:29 GMTannouncementshttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/suzor-wine-dinner/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/suzor-wine-dinner/If you love the kind of night where the first sip makes you grin, the first bite makes you pause, and the whole table somehow feels like old friends even if you just met—this one’s for you. The Suzor Wine Dinner is coming to The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria, and it’s shaping up to be an absolutely unforgettable winter highlight. Here are the essentials (aka the “don’t-miss-this” details): Suzor Wine Dinner at The Waterfront Restaurant Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026 Time: 6:30 PM Experience: A delicious 5 course meal with wine pairings featuring Suzor Wines Tickets: $175 per ticket Reservations: By reservation only Location: 111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria This is the kind of evening that’s equal parts culinary adventure and relaxed island celebration—an elevated, multi-course experience that still feels like Anna Maria: warm, welcoming, and effortlessly coastal.Sun, 04 Jan 2026 02:14:34 GMTannouncementshttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/scottish-salmon-on-anna-maria/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/scottish-salmon-on-anna-maria/When a dish earns a permanent place on the menu at a restaurant with decades of history, it has to be something special. The new Scottish Salmon at The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island delivers exactly that—an unforgettable balance of flavor, freshness, and tradition. Perfectly prepared Scottish salmon is finished with a rich maple-mustard glaze, served alongside fresh mixed greens and hearty wild rice, creating a dish that feels refined yet comforting.Sun, 21 Dec 2025 17:34:16 GMTannouncementshttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/smoked-margarita-on-abc-7/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/smoked-margarita-on-abc-7/On December 17, 2025, viewers across Southwest Florida were treated to something truly special when Chef Billy Hermaneau and Bartender Patricia Reese from The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island stepped into the kitchen studio of ABC 7  for an unforgettable Wine Down Wednesday segment on Suncoast View.Sat, 20 Dec 2025 17:34:05 GMTannouncementshttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/peel-eat-shrimp/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/peel-eat-shrimp/When a dish becomes synonymous with a destination, it deserves more than a passing mention—it deserves a celebration. That’s exactly the case with the Peel & Eat Shrimp at The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island. This iconic appetizer has reached legendary status among locals, snowbirds, and visitors alike, and its popularity continues to grow year after year. In fact, it’s become so beloved that we’re revisiting it once again to explain why it stands head and shoulders above similar offerings elsewhere.Sat, 20 Dec 2025 17:13:01 GMTannouncementshttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/history-of-holmes-beach/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/history-of-holmes-beach/Holmes Beach, one of the three charming cities on Anna Maria Island, is a beloved coastal gem with a history as vibrant as its turquoise shoreline. Today, tourists flock to Holmes Beach for its irresistible blend of Old Florida charm, pristine beaches, wildlife, shopping, recreation, and remarkable community spirit. But its story stretches far beyond its current popularity. From its earliest residents to pioneering development in the 20th century—and most recently, its inspiring comeback after the devastating hurricanes of 2024—Holmes Beach has earned its reputation as one of Florida’s most resilient and enchanting coastal destinations. And when visitors finish a day of island exploration, they often find themselves relaxing at just one perfect spot: The Waterfront Restaurant, the island’s premier casual dining experience and one of the most iconic establishments on Anna Maria Island.Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:33:17 GMTannouncementshttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/things-to-do-anna-maria/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/things-to-do-anna-maria/Anna Maria Island is one of Florida’s most beloved coastal gems—a seven-mile paradise where turquoise waters meet Old Florida charm. From historic landmarks to pristine beaches and unforgettable wildlife encounters, Anna Maria offers something magical for every traveler who steps onto its soft white sands. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a day trip, the island’s blend of culture, history, and natural beauty gives visitors endless opportunities for adventure.Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:03:09 GMTannouncementshttps://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/turkey-brie-sandwich/https://thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/turkey-brie-sandwich/If there’s one thing The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island has mastered over the years, it’s turning beloved classics into unforgettable, elevated culinary experiences. And now, they’ve done it again with the debut of their newest menu item: the Turkey & Brie Sandwich. Crafted entirely in their famous scratch kitchen (with the sole exception of the fries), this sandwich brings together beautifully roasted turkey, luxurious melted Brie, wholegrain honey mustard, and a toasted butter croissant that ties every flavor together. Even better—this irresistible creation is gluten-free, making it a feel-good favorite for so many visitors and locals.Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:51:04 GMTannouncements