Clams and mussels steamer bowls at The Waterfront Restaurant

clams and mussels Steamer Bowls: 7 Irresistible Reasons This Fresh Duo Is Perfect right now on Anna Maria

clams and mussels Steamer Bowls: 7 Irresistible, Ultimate Reasons This Fresh Duo Is In Season on Anna Maria

Clams and mussels steamer bowls at The Waterfront Restaurant 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.

Let’s dig into what makes this combo so wildly popular right now, why these ingredients matter, how clams and mussels became beloved from Ancient Rome to modern coastal kitchens, and—most importantly—what to pair with your Steamer Bowl for peak “Anna Maria night done right.”

The Waterfront’s Steamer Bowls: One Bowl, Two Oceans, All the Flavor

Here’s the Steamer Bowl magic, straight from the heart of the menu:

“Savor the fresh flavors of the sea with our Steamer Bowls appetizer. Made with your choice of Terra Ceia Clams or Pei Mussels, each bowl is served with a delicious sauce that perfectly complements the delicate flavors of the seafood. Choose from our velvety Garlic Cream sauce or our savory Tomato Basil sauce to customize your dining experience…”

And now—cue the happy dance—you can go beyond “either/or” and order the clams + mussels combo. It’s the best of both worlds: Florida-grown clams with that clean, ocean-fresh bite, plus PEI mussels that are famously plump and sweet thanks to cool, nutrient-rich waters.

Why they’re extra popular right now

On the Gulf Coast, “in season” doesn’t always mean “not available the rest of the year.” It usually means the conditions are just right—cooler winter temps, steady waters, and peak cravings for warm, comforting seafood you can share (or not share… no judgment).

Right now on Anna Maria, Steamer Bowls hit that perfect seasonal sweet spot: the weather is gorgeous, the island energy is buzzing, and a steaming bowl of shellfish feels like the coziest, most coastal way to celebrate it all—especially when you can enjoy it with a view at The Waterfront.

Terra Ceia Clams: Florida’s Local Treasure

Let’s talk about the clams—because these aren’t just any clams. Terra Ceia is part of Florida’s working waterfront story, and the area is known for shellfish aquaculture and clean, productive waters that help make Florida clams a true local point of pride. One notable local producer in Terra Ceia is Bay Shellfish, which has long been connected to Florida’s clam industry and aquaculture efforts.

Florida’s Department of Agriculture also highlights that Florida hard clams are harvested year-round and that clam farming is a growing part of Florida seafood. That matters because farmed clams are typically raised under regulated, monitored conditions—helping deliver consistent quality and freshness.

What Terra CeDC—er—Terra Ceia clams bring to the bowl

Clean brininess that tastes like pure Gulf Coast salt air
Firm, satisfying texture that holds up beautifully in sauce
That “local” feeling—because yes, Florida seafood just hits different when you’re eating it in Florida

When The Waterfront sources Terra Ceia clams, it’s not just a menu choice—it’s a statement: fresh matters, and local matters when you’re serving shellfish that deserves a spotlight.

PEI Mussels: Why Prince Edward Island Is a Mussel Mecca

Now for the other half of the duo: Prince Edward Island mussels—often called “PEI mussels”—are widely celebrated across North America. PEI’s mussel industry is a major part of the region’s identity, with Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) being the predominant aquaculture species and a significant share of Canadian mussel production coming from the island.

PEI mussels are commonly grown using longline systems, where mussels are suspended in the water column and feed naturally from the surrounding nutrient-rich waters—no feed additives required.

What PEI mussels bring to the bowl

Plump, tender bites that feel luxurious without being heavy
Natural sweetness that plays perfectly with garlic cream or tomato basil
High “sop-the-sauce” potential (this is a technical culinary term)

Put simply: PEI mussels have a reputation for quality and consistency, and that’s exactly what you want when your appetizer is the main event.

From Ancient Rome to Anna Maria: The Delicious History of Clams and Mussels

Clams and mussels might feel like a modern coastal trend—something you order with a crisp white wine while wearing sandals you pretend are “dressy.” But the truth is, humans have been obsessed with shellfish for ages. Long before “small plates” existed, people were gathering shellfish along shorelines because they were accessible, nutrient-dense, and honestly… pretty amazing when cooked over fire with herbs and salt.

Ancient Rome: shellfish as status, comfort, and cuisine

Ancient Romans weren’t shy about seafood. Historical accounts and food-history sources note that clams and mussels were commonly enjoyed alongside other shellfish in Roman diets.

Romans valued seafood for flavor, nutrition, and social status. Coastal regions supplied cities with fish and shellfish, and dining could be both practical and lavish depending on the household. You can picture it: a Roman seaside meal with bread, olive oil, herbs, and bowls of shellfish—basically the ancient version of “Let’s grab a bite by the water.”

Medieval coastlines to modern seafood culture

Across centuries, shellfish remained an important coastal food—especially for communities living near bays, estuaries, and islands. Over time, cooking techniques evolved, but the fundamentals stayed the same: fresh shellfish + heat + flavorful liquids = happiness.

In modern times, aquaculture has made clams and mussels more consistently available while emphasizing monitoring, safety, and sustainability. And that brings us right back to today—where a Steamer Bowl at The Waterfront can represent both old-world tradition and today’s best sourcing in one steamy, sauce-friendly package.

Choosing Your Sauce: Garlic Cream vs. Tomato Basil

One of the best parts about The Waterfront’s Steamer Bowls is the “choose your adventure” element. The shellfish is the star, but sauce is the stage lighting. Pick the right one, and everything shines.

Garlic Cream: velvety, indulgent, and ridiculously comforting

Garlic cream turns the bowl into pure cozy luxury. The richness clings to the shells, the aroma makes the table go quiet for a second, and suddenly everyone’s debating whether it’s socially acceptable to drink the sauce with a spoon. (It is. Probably.)

Best for: anyone who loves creamy pasta sauces, buttery garlic bread energy, or wants the mussels’ sweetness to pop.

Tomato Basil: bright, savory, and coastal-classic

Tomato basil brings a lighter, tangier vibe—like a Mediterranean coastal kitchen met a Florida sunset and decided to throw a party. It’s vibrant, herbal, and especially great when you want the briny flavors of clams and mussels to stay front and center.

Best for: fans of marinara-style seafood, brighter acidity, and “this would be amazing with a crisp glass of wine.”

What Pairs Best with Clams and Mussels at The Waterfront

Steamer Bowls are naturally social food—perfect for sharing at the table while you watch the island go by. And pairing them right turns a great appetizer into a full experience.

1) The obvious hero: crusty bread

Let’s be honest: sauce happens. And when sauce happens, bread becomes a necessity. If you’re ordering Steamer Bowls, you’re basically signing a contract that says, “I will not waste this sauce.”

2) Bright whites that love the sea

Sauvignon Blanc (zippy, citrusy, perfect with tomato basil)
Pinot Grigio (clean and crisp, great with either sauce)
Dry Rosé (refreshing, coastal, and versatile)
Sparkling wine (because bubbles + shellfish = timeless)

3) Beer pairings that actually make sense

Belgian witbier (citrus + spice = magic with shellfish)
Pilsner or lager (clean, crisp, never fights the flavors)
Light IPA (especially with tomato basil, if you like a little hop bite)

4) Cocktail pairing for the “I’m on island time” crowd

If you’re leaning cocktails, go for something bright and refreshing—think citrus, herbs, and bubbles. Those profiles echo what makes shellfish so addictive: briny + fresh + clean finish.

And if you’re doing the garlic cream sauce? A cocktail with a crisp backbone (like citrus or a sparkling element) is your best friend, keeping the pairing balanced instead of heavy.

Why the “Clams + Mussels Together” Option Is Worth Writing About Again

We’re writing about Steamer Bowls again for a simple reason: this new combo option changes the whole experience.

You get two textures: clams with that firm bite, mussels with tender sweetness.
You get two flavor personalities in one bowl—briny and rich, clean and comforting.
You get a bowl that feels like a mini seafood feast without committing to a full entrée (unless you want it to be your meal… which you absolutely can).

And when the shellfish is this fresh and this popular right now, it’s exactly the kind of seasonal moment that deserves a little spotlight—especially at a restaurant as iconic as The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island.

Plan Your Steamer Bowl Moment at The Waterfront Restaurant

There’s something wonderfully “Anna Maria” about this whole experience: warm bowls, fresh shellfish, sauces you’ll dream about later, and a view that makes you forget what day it is (in the best way).

So whether you’re a long-time local, a first-time visitor, or someone who came for a sunset and accidentally found your new favorite appetizer, now is the time to order the clams and mussels Steamer Bowl—while this duo is stealing the show.

The Waterfront Restaurant
111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL

External links for the seafood-curious (and the “I like receipts” crowd)

If you want the short version: get the combo bowl, pick your sauce, order something crisp to sip, and don’t forget the bread. Because the only real mistake you can make with Steamer Bowls… is letting that sauce go to waste.