Things are heating up here in the Sarasota-Manatee area and we’ve got a guide to keep you satisfied all summer long! Whether you are looking for a delicious burger or fresh seafood, these waterside restaurants will guarantee to satisfy any of your cravings. Here are 7 local spots we want you to give a try this summer.

Summer Dining on the Suncoast

 Beach House Waterfront Restaurant

The Beach House Waterfront Restaurant is set on 650 feet of pristine Gulf front beach, the restaurant was purchased in 1993 by Ed Chiles. His vision of a moderately priced restaurant serving great seafood both indoors and outdoors transformed into what is the Beach House Restaurant. You can find delicious fish tacos to NY strip steak – there is something for everyone! Their climate friendly outdoor deck provides beautiful oceanfront vistas and signature Anna Maria Island sunsets on display every evening. This is a Manatee County MUST!

Pier 22 Restaurant • Patio • Catering

Pier 22 is a foodie's riverside paradise, with a welcoming ambiance and a wide-ranging selection of scratch-made meals. Serving delicious flatbreads, fresh salads, and every seafood you could wish for, there is no wrong choice to make! The stunning Manatee River views and an active onsite marina captivate guests not to be outdone by the chef's local Gulf-Coast fish offerings and fresh game dishes that often take center stage. For a true authentic waterfront dining experience, look no further than PIER 22 in historic downtown, Bradenton!

Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant

The Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant sits right on the Manatee River and features three distinct dining options under one roof bringing an exclusive waterfront experience to Palmetto’s historic district. Located on the ground level is their full-service bar and restaurant, the Reef & Grill, along with a casual, waterfront patio bar, the Snook Deck. On the second floor, you’ll find their elevated coastal kitchen, called The Second Floor. In addition to their natural aesthetic and clever hints of nostalgia, the common thread among their three concepts is the coastal charm & breathtaking sunset view. There are landside and seaside entrees for all!

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub 

The Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub is a local treasure rich in history with a casual, laid-back, authentic Florida atmosphere. Search no further because this charming restaurant is top-rated for serving the most locally sourced seafood and heritage items the area has to offer. Mar Vista’s private dock with 14 convenient slips awaits you. Plus, they have a private beach, which includes dining under the trees or on the covered patio. Their pub has a full bar and a convenient package service with beer and wine. Dine with Mar Vista for an original Florida moment.

Ophelia's on the Bay

When you visit Ophelia’s, one of the first things you’ll notice is the view. They have gorgeous two glass-walled dining rooms and an outside open-air patio that will give you an unfettered, eye-level view of Little Sarasota Bay. Their executive chef Daniel Olson is constantly reinventing the menu to offer guests new and appealing tastes. You’ll enjoy classic American cuisine enhanced with international flavors, leading to a unique and truly memorable culinary experience. The best part? A nightly printed menu featuring the freshest possible ingredients: Florida-grown fruits and vegetables and fish that is flown in daily. Need we say more?

The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria 

The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island is a true island treasure. More than just an outstanding dining experience; they invite you to escape to a simpler time – tropical, laid-back Florida the way it used to be. They try to find finfish that are underutilized local species, showcase them with fitting compliments, and take advantage of their small format to use items that are hard to get, and available only in small quantities. Local watermen provide them with things that larger and more commercial enterprises would have little use for, but our format thrives on. What a treat!

Fin's at Sharky's

Fins at Sharky’s pairs exquisite culinary creations with magnificent views of the Gulf of Mexico, they are situated right on the coveted Venice Fishing Pier. Soak in the Gulf breeze and discover a place where you can sit back, relax, and savor a true craft dining experience. With an ever-changing menu inspired by an array of global cuisines and seasonal South Florida ingredients, their premium cuts of steak and pork are always juicy, and their Gulf seafood and sushi, always fresh. This is truly a unique dining experience for all!

With local cuisines like these, we truly live in paradise. Let’s take advantage of these local, family-owned and operated restaurants, and support these businesses all summer long. Gather up the family, or get the girls out for a night, and enjoy all that these waterside restaurants have to offer!

We love every restaurant here with The Originals, check out our full list of member restaurants here.