A Heartfelt Thank You from The Waterfront Restaurant:
“We’re Blown Away – Thank You for Voting!”
The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island is honored and deeply grateful to be named “Favorite Overall Restaurant,” “Favorite Fine Dining,” and “Favorite Most Romantic Restaurant” in the 2025 Readers Choice Awards by The Anna Maria Island Sun. This recognition means the world to us, and we owe it all to our loyal guests, the incredible AMI community, and the team at AMISUN.com for shining a light on the island’s finest.
To be chosen by our community—year after year—is more than an award. It’s a heartfelt compliment, a vote of confidence, and a reminder that what we do every day truly matters. From everyone at The Waterfront Restaurant, thank you for your love and support.
Our Story – A Slice of Island History
Nestled in the heart of Anna Maria Island, The Waterfront Restaurant has grown from a beloved local eatery into a regional icon. For years, we’ve stood proudly along the island’s shoreline, providing our guests not only with incredible food but also an unforgettable coastal experience. We’ve weathered hurricanes and hard times, celebrated holidays and happy hours, and shared sunsets and special moments with countless visitors and island locals alike.
Our mission has always been simple: serve amazing food, in a beautiful setting, with genuine hospitality. We’ve been dedicated to this vision since the beginning, and it’s why generations of guests return year after year.
A True Scratch Kitchen – Quality Without Compromise
One of the cornerstones of our restaurant’s success is our commitment to being a scratch kitchen. Nearly everything that leaves our kitchen is made from scratch—right down to our sauces, soups, and dressings. The only exception? Our French fries. (Yep, even we have a tiny cheat.)
But when it comes to quality, we never compromise. Our chefs use fresh, locally sourced ingredients and take great pride in preparing dishes that reflect the vibrant, coastal flavors of the Gulf. Whether it’s our signature seafood creations or our mouthwatering steaks, you can taste the care in every bite.
Only Real Gulf Shrimp – No Imitations Here
Unlike many restaurants that rely on farm-raised or imported shrimp, The Waterfront Restaurant is proud to serve only real Gulf of Mexico shrimp. It’s part of our pledge to authenticity and flavor. These shrimp are wild-caught, fresh, and full of the natural sweetness that defines Gulf seafood. We wouldn’t serve anything less to our guests.
From our blackened Gulf shrimp with zesty orange-cilantro dipping sauce to our classic fried shrimp dinner, our shrimp dishes are consistently top sellers and a highlight of our seafood-forward menu.
Romance with a Waterfront View
It’s no wonder we were named “Favorite Most Romantic” restaurant—just take one look at the view. With twinkling string lights, outdoor seating steps away from the sand, and sunsets that stop conversations mid-sentence, The Waterfront Restaurant offers one of the most enchanting dining experiences on Anna Maria Island.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or just enjoying date night with someone special, there’s something magical about dining with us. It’s cozy, elevated, and intimate—all the right ingredients for a romantic escape.
Our Guests Are Everything
We could not have received these honors without you. The families who make us their vacation tradition. The couples who toast with us year after year. The locals who stop in after work for a bite and a laugh. You are the reason we do what we do.
Your votes in the Readers Choice Awards reflect more than our food or view—they reflect your trust, your loyalty, and your appreciation. That means everything to our team, from the front-of-house to the line cooks in the kitchen.
Why These Awards Matter So Much
There are many ways to measure a restaurant’s success. Reviews, stars, and social media mentions have their place. But when recognition comes directly from you, the people who dine with us and make us part of your memories, that’s the kind of award we cherish most. It tells us we’re doing things right—and that we’re making a difference in your experiences on Anna Maria Island.
More Than Just Dinner – An Island Institution
The Waterfront Restaurant isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to gather. We’ve watched kids grow up into adults who now bring their kids. We’ve hosted engagement dinners and milestone birthdays, impromptu happy hours and sunset serenades. We’re part of the rhythm of this island and we love every second of it.
We’re especially proud to be part of a community that supports local businesses and uplifts each other. The island spirit of generosity and resilience is unmatched, and our success is truly a reflection of that strength and heart.
Special Thanks to the AMISUN and Our Island Community
A huge thank you to The Anna Maria Island Sun for organizing the Readers Choice Awards and spotlighting so many incredible local establishments. And of course, to our wonderful community on AMI—you are the heartbeat of this restaurant. Your support has sustained us through every season, storm, and celebration.
We invite everyone to follow along and celebrate with us at our Facebook page, where we share behind-the-scenes peeks, dish features, event updates, and more.
Here’s to What’s Next
We’re not slowing down. With these honors fueling our passion, we’re ready to keep evolving, keep innovating, and keep serving you with heart. New seasonal menus, unforgettable specials, fresh local seafood, and of course—those stunning Gulf views await.
So if you haven’t yet experienced The Waterfront Restaurant—or if it’s been a while—make your reservation, bring someone special, and see for yourself why we’ve been named 2025’s Favorite Overall Restaurant, Favorite Fine Dining, and Favorite Most Romantic spot on Anna Maria Island.
Come Celebrate With Us
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, we’re ready to welcome you with warm smiles, incredible food, and an atmosphere you’ll never forget. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you for letting us be part of your story.
The Waterfront Restaurant
111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216
thewaterfrontrestaurant.net
