Away from the daily grind of work, you can find the quintessential romantic getaway on Anna Maria Island. The radiant views, the bouncing dolphins, and, perhaps most importantly, the fantastic sunset dining all help make Anna Maria a divine destination for your upcoming Valentine’s Day.
Sign of the Mermaid
Location: 9707 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Sign of the Mermaid is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of place. On Gulf Dr, about a block from the beach, you can find this rustic and beaming little seafood café. It lacks grandiose size and spaciousness, which makes it wonderfully suited for an intimate and subdued evening out.
The dinner menu is tied to fresh catch seafood, featuring fish, stuffed shrimp, and shell stuffed crab, among other local delicacies.
Fish is prepared in a diverse number of ways. For example, the Florentine style mixes Boursin cheese and spinach. Francoise style soaks the fish in a lemon butter caper sauce and tosses it in panko breadcrumbs. The fish trio is a triage of prepared fish fillets, blackened or broiled.
The adorably continental Sign of the Mermaid café can be reached at (941) 778-9399. You will find the café open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
French Table
Location: 103 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
The French Table seems helicopter-lifted right from Paris, France and dropped, fully intact, onto the shores of Anna Maria Island.
Deliciously Parisian, the restaurant simply oozes romance in a distinctly European-inspired room of red décor, wine racks, and deep colored wood against sleek white walls. The moody haven sets a romantic and intimate tone.
Relax over duck breast, fresh grouper, or grilled mussels. While many vacationers are enjoying the bombastic beach-themed restaurants, romantic couples are soaking in the pleasures of the quiet and fine French dining of this classy experience.
French Table utilizes the traditional Paris dinner approach with limited hours. The small crew is only open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 941 779 1930 for more.
The Sandbar Restaurant
Location: 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
The Sandbar Restaurant offers a distinct beachside Anna Maria Island dining experience. It is one of the only local restaurants where you can literally sit on the beach while dining.
The American bar and restaurant offers a number of seafood staples, including the red grouper and a series of assorted fish baskets. But, it’s the stunning sunset that earns the Sandbar its reputation. For a romantic getaway focused around sitting on the beach and snacking on the freshest seafood over the sunset, you can’t get any better than this restaurant.
The hours are roughly 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with 10 p.m. closing on weekends and early 10 a.m. opening on Sundays. Call (941) 778-0444 for reservations, especially during the spring and summer.
Island Ocean Star
Location: 902 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Salmon, tuna, rice bowls, sushi, and a range of other Japanese-drawn dishes bring out the best of this seafood nook. There’s something inherently romantic about having food prepared right in front of you.
This interactive component of Island Ocean Star gives it an edge over traditional American-styled restaurants. Guests can choose the hibachi grill experience inside or an unforgettable outdoor view of the marina and surrounding Bimini Bay on the expansive patio.
The romantic view of the water elevates this family-owned sushi diner above others. It’s open from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
These are some of the best Anna Maria Island restaurants for a romantic and beautiful Valentine’s Day dinner. See Florida’s quietest and most personal island escape.
Our Anna Maria vacation rentals offer high-quality amenities and instant access to the many nearby and Bradenton attractions. Give us a call at (941)-778-4178 for more.
