Love is in the air again with Valentine’s Day right around the corner.
If you’re planning to vacation at Anna Maria vacation homes through February 14, you’ll want to be sure to check out some of the island’s best dining for your special night.
Anna Maria Island is romantic enough on its own, but the assortment of cozy little Anna Maria restaurants makes it an even better place to spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart.
Below are three under-the-radar restaurants offering a romantic intimacy and a quiet ambiance for a special Valentine’s Day dinner.
Beach Bistro
Location: 6600 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach, FL
A single photograph of the waterfront deck of the Beach Bistro is enough to make anyone want to spend an evening here chatting over a glass of wine.
Wine glasses clinking, red roses on a white tablecloth, and an explosion of color in the sky as the sun sets – it’s everything you could possibly hope for in a Valentine’s Day dinner on your island escape.
This award-winning waterfront bistro delivers upscale dining focused primarily around high-end local seafood, including grouper coated in aioli, “lobstercargots” baked in garlic butter, and pan-roasted neck clams soaked in chardonnay and fresh herbs.
Wine aficionados will find an all-encompassing range of selections from Napa Valley, to Italy, to Spain. Further options include wine from South America, South Africa, and Australia.
The upscale and American fine dining bistro is only open from 5 to 10 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended and essential for Valentine’s Day, so contact the bistro at (941) 778-6444 well ahead of time.
Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant
Location: 121 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, FL
While many Anna Maria restaurants retain a specific menu from day to day, the Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant switches it up based on the freshest local catches.
The menu is always evolving based on the season, offering only the finest and freshest steamed clams, garlic shrimp, and dusted Thai-style filets.
The blackened grouper is a menu favorite, and the seasonal stone crabs are delicious. Seafood is sourced from the Village of Cortez at AP Bell Fish Company, just 10 minutes from the restaurant.
The Blue Marlin is great for vegetarians, with plenty of meat-free options. Guests will find the Brussel sprouts and Blue Marlin Salad, covered in balsamic, honey, and pecans, a particular treat.
Open daily from 5 to 10 p.m., Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant features warm and welcoming décor and nautical-themed art in a rustic, Old Florida ambiance. Call the restaurant at (941) 896-9737 for reservations.
The French Table
Location: 103 Gulf Dr. N., Bradenton Beach, FL
No one knows romance like the French.
The French Table leans into this heavily, by offering a quaintly European atmosphere of subtle romance and coziness. The restaurant has just a few tables and is typically quiet. Guests are treated to a traditional French meal, which includes multiple courses over the duration of the evening.
Duck, onion soup, and mussels make up some of the restaurant’s upscale French cuisine loved by locals and visitors alike. The wine list consists mostly of French favorites, both red and white. The cuisine is sophisticated, with a focus on quality over quantity. Portions are modest, but the flavor is big and eclectic, catering to the more adventurous palates.
Call The French Table for reservations and other questions at (941) 779-1930. The French Table is open Monday to Saturday 5 to 9 p.m. (closed Sunday). Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a traditional French dining experience for the night, arriving when they open and staying until close, indulging in a little bit of Paris on our Florida island.
Our Anna Maria vacation rentals feature all amenities you could ever want for your romantic escape. Call us today at (941)-216-3793 to learn more about our waterfront rentals that allow you to take in every moment of your spectacular Valentine’s Day evening, with the setting sun in the sky and love in the air.
