About
With a history as colorful and inviting as Old Florida, and a menu showcasing the area's best, The Waterfront Restaurant offers fine dining in a low-key home.
Built in 1922, the dwelling was named "Lorraine Cottage" for the builder's daughter. Its main room featured wood-paneled walls salvaged from the inside of an old ship, plus a stone-and-brick fireplace. A wagon wheel was used as the masonry support, giving the fireplace an unusual circular pattern.
The cottage changed with the times, opening as an art gallery in the 1970s and in the 1980s as Candy Cane's, an ice cream parlor known for its player piano. Later, it became Ato's, a family-run Polynesian restaurant until 1999, when an English couple took over and christened the home with the name it holds today: The Waterfront.
Currently, the Suzor family manages the eatery, but their journey took a hard turn on March 18, 2004. A fire ravaged the cottage, leaving only the fireplace and back building. Instead of demolishing the remnants to start anew, the Suzors rebuilt with the Lorraine Cottage in mind. In October 2005, The Waterfront reopened with much of its original staff and management.
While its origin story is heartwarming, it's the setting and cuisine that keep diners returning year after year. Just steps from the sandy shoreline and turquoise waters, with a menu showcasing sea, turf, and creative cuisine, The Waterfront is in a class of its own.
Whether you grab lunch after a morning at Anna Maria Island Beach or dinner after a day with CoastLine Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions, The Waterfront Restaurant is a rite of passage on your AMI vacation.
Vibe
While the original 1922 exterior was destroyed in the fire, the silver tin roof and white-and-black awning front porch set the tone for a classic Old Florida setting.
Inside, the wood paneling is a tip of the hat to the original salvaged ship paneling and wraps the dining room in warmth. Sections of wainscot add elegance, while the original wagon-wheel stone fireplace remains the centerpiece. Wood flooring, beams, and contemporary lighting connect the cottage's past with its future.
Seating options suit every plan, from the open-air front patio with expansive views of Tampa Bay to bar seating that gives solo diners and small groups a friendly perch. Bar seating gives solo diners and small groups a friendly perch, while other rooms cater to families, romantic dinners, or groups.
Such amenities and atmospheres make The Waterfront an inviting stop on your Anna Maria Island vacation.
The Waterfront Restaurant: Menu & Drinks
The choices under the Soups & Appetizers could suffice for a tapa-style feast. From the creamy sherry-infused lobster bisque to the grouper tacos, brie, and peel-and-eat shrimp, you'll find a vast array of flavors and options.
Seafood fans will appreciate the Grouper Cakes, a creative twist on crab cakes. Seasoned with Creole mustard and lemon and formed into small patties, the fish is fried to a golden brown and served with a house potato and seasonal vegetables.
When craving fresh-off-the-farm flavors, try the Chargrilled and Sliced Pork Tenderloin. The juicy medallions are coated in a delicious orange glaze, offering a sweet-and-tangy contrast to the pork's saltiness. Add the house potato and seasonal vegetables for a hearty, Gluten-Free meal everyone can enjoy.
The Frutti di Mare showcases succulent diver scallops, plump shrimp, tender mussels, and clams sautéed in a garlic-and-olive-oil sauce with juicy tomatoes and fresh basil. Served on a bed of linguini, it's sure to satisfy the most ravenous of appetites.
A unique dining opportunity is the Catch and Cook deal. The Waterfront works hand-in-hand with Anna Maria Island Fishing Charters, offering anglers the ultimate fresh-seafood experience!
The drink menu keeps the good times going, like the Mai Tai, whose tropical flavors fit the island setting. Craft cocktails round out the list, each made with the same attention as the food.
The Waterfront is a must on a Florida getaway, transforming an ordinary dinner into an Old Florida experience.
Local Tips
- Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially for brunch.
- The kids' menu makes The Waterfront family-friendly.
- Order curbside pickup and enjoy your meal back at your Casago rental.
- Visit for lunch to enjoy lower prices.
