About
A boutique eatery whose scratch-made cuisine has earned it the "Best Gourmet Restaurant" reader's poll award, The Porch Restaurant is a dining experience you don't want to miss.
Joshua and Brianna Foster opened the doors of this 1913 establishment on July 2, 2021. Joshua oversees the kitchen, and Brianna manages the front of house, and together, they've created a one-of-a-kind restaurant not only on AMI but along the Sun Coast.
Beyond its Old Florida setting that attracts diners, it's the scratch-kitchen menu that has put this quaint eatery on Florida's culinary map. Key to its success is Joshua's insistence on making every plate from scratch, with no additives or preservatives, and sourcing top-tier proteins and garden-fresh sides.
Centrally located on Gulf Dr., The Porch is easy to get to after a day on the water with Anna Maria Island Adventures Boat Tours or catching a golden sunset at Bean Point Beach. And because it offers lunch and dinner seatings, you can plan your itinerary around a meal that best suits your Florida getaway schedule.
To better help you determine when to visit The Porch, lunch offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those traveling with children. The vibe shifts at dinnertime to an upscale ambiance, with an upper-casual dress code. The ambiance is perfect for a romantic meal or to seek sophistication on your vacation.
Another key component of The Porch's success is its daily specials and vegetarian options. Combine that with its homey setting, homemade fare, and various menus, and it's easy to see why this restaurant is an AMI hotspot.
Vibe
As one of AMI's earliest homes, this location oozes Old Florida charm. From the silver tin roof to the maize-colored facade and seafoam green front door, you know you've found the Real McCoy.
When you enter the cottage, you'll discover wood-framed character, soft tones, and refined furnishings for a shabby-chic meets beachside vibe. A standout is the original stone fireplace that Joshua and Brianna had revitalized, making it a popular spot to dine beside.
The dining space inside is sparse, while bar seating adds a casual option. Out back is the porch that is popular when the weather suits.
Together, these elements create a posh setting that feels warm and unpretentious.
The Porch Restaurant: Menu & Drinks
We'll focus on the dinner menu, but many of the delicious offerings are also at lunchtime.
A seafood appetizer that will prepare your palate for the main course is the Coastal Calamari. The fresh seafood is prepared perfectly and comes with pickled peppers and sweet chili sauce.
Steak lovers have plenty to choose from, like the 8-oz Steak Oscar. The filet mignon is cooked to your specifications and comes with asparagus, crab, shrimp, Béarnaise sauce, and your choice of one side.
If you enjoy fresh seafood with a creative culinary twist, look no further than the Tamari Maple Glazed Salmon. The fish is seasoned with Vermont maple syrup, Tamari soy sauce, garlic, and whole-grain mustard. It comes with a rice and farro blend, which isn't gluten-free, but a substitution is available.
A regional comfort classic is the Shrimp 'n Grits. The entree features fresh Gulf shrimp, blackened and then sautéed with bacon, chow chow relish, and spicy BBQ sauce. When you combine this savory concoction with the three-cheese grits, you’ll have a hearty, lip-smacking meal!
Along with other options like pork and chicken dishes, the desserts are on point. From the three-layered chocolate mousse cake to key lime pie and the burnt Basque cheesecake, you'll want to save room for these dynamos.
The adult beverages offer something for everyone, from craft cocktails to an array of beers and wines. You'll find plenty to pair with your gourmet meal.
Dining at The Porch will enhance your Florida getaway with its made-from-scratch coastal flavors, genuine hospitality, and historic setting.
Local Tips
- Happy Hour is from 2–3:00 p.m. and 4–5:00 p.m.
- The Porch is first-come, first-served, with only a few reservable tables.
- The dress code for lunch is casual, while dinner is upper-casual.
- The kids' menu makes The Porch family-friendly.
