“The food is sooo fresh and delicious that it's worth the wait! Every time I go to Bradenton, I insist that I have to eat here. The clam strip are so tender and huge!! I always liked clam strips, but Starfish has spoiled me that I can't eat them anywhere else but here!!“
“I was visiting Bradenton last weekend with some friends and it was recommended to us, to have dinner at Cortez Kitchen. I had the Braised short ribs dinner and it was amazing. I also had the calamari which was properly seasoned and lightly battered. The Key lime cheesecake delicious. We had small children and the staff was supper accommodating. The food the service and atmosphere awesome! I give the Cortez Kitchen ????“
“Coolest place to dock your boat. One stop set up. Baitstore eating and docking. Harvey is a cool dude. Stop in and ask for him. Super nice and helpful. We tore the trout up. Best fishing weekend. Made it easy with being able to use a private boat ramp and park your trailer and truck at the marina.“
“Dry Dock is consistently a great place to get a well-prepared lunch or dinner and the service is friendly without being intrusive. Being on the water (where we experienced a whole pod of dolphins swimming by our window seat) is just an extra inducement to visiting there.Parking: Limited and hard to get in and out of, if you go too far and haven't found a spot, you are forced to back yourself all the way out because there is no turnaround.“
“Our family stopped by while on Spring Break, and we enjoyed the experience. I ordered the grouper tacos, which were large and tasty. Kids generally enjoyed their food. The ambiance was pleasant and fun. The bathrooms were gross and should have included a complimentary tetanus shot.“
“It was fine.For a restaurant on an island near the sea, I would expect more variety in seafood dishes. The taste of the protein was good, I would expect an improvement in the presentation of the companions, the phenomenal service, the person in charge of the bar is great. It is a cozy place. The place has a lot of potential.The baguette [bread] is delicious. ?“
“Our second dinner to Tiramasu was beyond expectations. Best Italian in Bradenton and offers the ala Parmigiana Cheese wheel pasta (pictured) prepared at your table. . Service was top-notch. Cozy setting where you can actually hear your table conversation. Veal Valdestano (pictured) was tender, flavorful, and delicious the next day. Wine pours are generous. Highly recommend!!!“
“One of my favorite breakfast spots in Longboat Key is Harry’s Continental Kitchen. The servers are so friendly, and the ambiance is always inviting. It's a nice touch when you see the owner greeting guests. The food is amazing; whenever we visit Longboat Key, this place is our go-to for breakfast. Plus, they have a gluten-free option, which is a big plus.Dietary restrictions: “They offer gluten-free bread as an option for those with gluten allergies”.“
“I wanted to be able to give a higher rating as the food, the location and overall vibe here is amazing. An art deco culinary experience in one of the most serene settings in Florida. However, the service staff, in particular our server was beyond terrible. A foul attitude and no professional server skills whatsoever. From the fact that she never asked my wife and I if we wanted another drink, to not giving us a kids menu even though we came with our 18 month old.The restaurant has a beautiful waterfront walkway and so my wife and I went to take pictures. Instead of understanding that this is common for guests to do, our server thought we were leaving entirely and chased us down. Why don’t toy worry if we have enough to drink or are ordering dessert instead of thinking we were just leaving.To the management, you need to address a cancer to your business with servers like this. Just terrible and if we’re do go back I worked refuse to be served by this amateur with a terrible attitude and no ability to understand what professional hospitality means.“
“It was mostly a good experience, but for some reason, the person at the Tiki bar felt that he had to first inform us of all the rules and things we can't do. After we finally got seated at the main bar for dinner, we had a great time!“
“We come in every year while visiting family in FL. We’ve always been happy however this year was exceptional! From all the food to our server Cecelia we could not have been more satisfied. Thank you for another enjoyable experience for our yearly visit!“
“We had a beautiful baby shower today. The food was amazing, the servers were stupendous and Dean was so very welcoming and helpful. It was a total home run. Thanks for batting it out of the ballpark! It was a wonderful event and you all made it extra special!“
“The atmosphere is vibrant and chic, perfect for a night out. The food is a culinary masterpiece, with every dish bursting with flavor and artfully presented. Service is top-notch, attentive without being intrusive. Definitely the go-to spot in Sarasota for an unforgettable dining experience. Can't wait to go back!“
Seafood • $$
“First time I ever went there and I have no complaints. Everything was from the service to the food, which was great. My family from Michigan came down wanted oysters, and i suggested this restaurant they never stopped raving how good the oysters and their food were. Thank you, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, for making part of their visit worth talking about. ??“
“We were on vacation looking for fresh seafood to grill. That's just what we got. Amazingly fresh. We got the mahi mahi and the snapper cooked both with some butter and onion. That's all it needed being as it was so fresh. Definitely worth bookmarking. Please like my review?“
“We recently visited Lazy Lobster in Longboat Key, Florida, with a group of friends. It was my first time there, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Unfortunately, the staff didn't seem as friendly as I've experienced in other places. Additionally, our food took quite a while to be ready. However, despite these initial setbacks, the food was truly outstanding, and the drinks were equally impressive. The unexpected quality of the food definitely made up for any shortcomings in service. I was pleasantly surprised by the delicious flavors, especially considering the restaurant's unassuming appearance. I was also pleased to find that they offer gluten-free options, which is always a plus. Compared to other restaurants in Longboat Key, Lazy Lobster is reasonably priced. Overall, I would recommend giving it a try, especially if you're a seafood lover looking for a tasty meal at a decent price.Dietary restrictions: “They offer gluten-free option just ask the server”.“
“My son is in the Air Force. We are from Central PA, but he is currently stationed in SD, and seafood options for him aren't of the best quality. A couple months ago I accidentally stumbled upon TopSail Steamer Pots on FB and saved the page. His 23rd birthday was this past week and I chose to send him a pot shipped via Fedex. It was scheduled to arrive Friday, so he could cook it Saturday for lunch. It arrived on time. He was extremely excited and happy to receive it. I ordered the pot to serve 4-6 (for 3 hungry airmen). It was more than enough. He said it was really good, and he's a seafood boil snob. He told me it was very fresh seafood. Thank you TopSail Steamer for making my son and a few of his fellow land-locked airmen happy this weekend with some quality seafood. (Picture is half of the food left from what was sent)“
“Visited on a mid April Saturday night. They don’t take reservations, so you go first come first serve. We waited an hour and a half for a table. The bar is cramped and it was filled with people eating their meals at the bar since they didn’t want to wait for a table. The bartenders work slow. It took us 20 minutes to get a drink, then had to leave the cramped bar.The food was great. The presentation was very nice. Our server must have been having a bad night. She wasn’t very personable or friendly. Sort of a Joe Friday type of personality. Just the facts ma’am.Next time, we will put our name in and go for a walk across the street to take in the view of the bay. It’s really nice.Overall the food will bring us back. We will come back in the off season when maybe it’s not so packed.“
“Maison Blanche in Longboat Key, Florida, is truly one of the nicest and most elegant dining experiences I've had. Despite its elegance, the restaurant has an inviting atmosphere. The food is simply amazing, with each dish offering a complex and delightful taste. One thing I particularly love about this place is their practice of offering samples of soup or small desserts, allowing you to savor the flavors before committing to a full serving.We celebrated my father-in-law's birthday at Maison Blanche and were pleasantly surprised to find out that the chef's wife, who is also the owner, was celebrating her birthday too. She is incredibly nice, very approachable, and always has a warm smile.Overall, Maison Blanche is a hidden gem, perfect for a lovely formal dinner with a few close people. I would highly recommend calling ahead for reservations to ensure a wonderful dining experience.Dietary restrictions: Maison Blanche in Longboat Key, Florida, offers gluten-free options and can accommodate dietary restrictions by making some of their dishes gluten-free. When you call ahead for a reservation, they inquire about allergies, showing their preparedness to cater to various dietary needs.“
“Must have been an off night. We heard the bacon wrapped scallops were good and fresh. We ordered them and unfortunately they were small and dry. Everyone else at the table tried different burgers. They were good and the portions were very generous.“
“The Feast had a good selection of local beers to start with. Appetizers and main course selections were a mix of land and sea. The caprese salad was great, and the baby back ribs were truly "fall off the bone". The place is small, so reservations are highly recommended. I would eat here again.“
“We came to this location for the first time! When walking in it seemed very unorganized, but once we were seated we were hopeful. We sat in RJ’s section- what a friendly super welcoming waiter. He made us feel very welcome even made us laugh a few times. He continued to check on us and was exceptional at his job. We will definitely be back and ask for his section next time. We ordered the chef special boil with medium heat, omg everything was so delish. Muah“
“Can't say much except for the drinks as we did the walk up bar. The Miami vice was great. Our friends ate lunch there and we asked them to bring us something if it was good. They said the food was mediocre and the service was incredibly slow.“
“I'm from Ohio. My uncle, when he lived in Florida, loved this restaurant. He would take me there. Even though he has passed when I'm in Florida, I stop in for memories and the best tasting Ruben Sandwich that I've ever tasted. Service is always great also.“
“This was a delicious stop! The fish shrimp combo was perfectly cooked. You can choose to grill or fry the fish or shrimp and I asked for extra crispy fries. My husband had a grilled shrimp bowl which was a ton of food but delicious. Service was quick and friendly. Don't hesitate to stop here for fresh seafood!Dietary restrictions: Grilled seafood option and side salad and steamed vegetables are available.“
“5 starts BUT READ!To be honest the food is amazing, fresh and you can tell it is made with love, BUT portions are not like in the pictures, they serve pretty small portions for mexican food and special for this kind of places, we had to come back and buy some tacos in another little places, they came with a lot of protein and they were just 1$ each, in Mexi-Peru they were 3$ each with just a little bit of carne asada on it. Too bad I didn't take pictures because initially I wasn't planning to leave a review, but after being still hungry and having to come back for more food I think this review could be useful, don't get me wrong excellent taste but portions - price not at all!To be honest, the food is delicious! It is fresh and you can see that they cook with love, BUT the portions for Mexican food and this type of place that is like a fair, were very small, they are not like the photos! After eating we were hungry and had to go back to buy $1 tacos at another stall that were also delicious. It is not a negative comment and it is too bad that I did not take a photo, because initially I did not plan to leave any comment, but after having to buy at another stall, and cheaper with more food to be satisfied, I think that this comment would be useful for both The owner and the customers, the food is seriously good but the prices for what they serve are not!“
“Just went tonight and had an absolutely amazing time and food, sat on the water and was served by Amanda, She was super kind and friendly. The food was fantastic and couldn’t have asked for anything else. Priced fairly and service was quick! Are biggest regret is finding this place on our last night :(“
“The is the best spot! I am reluctant to give it a super review because I don't want all the tourists to find it. But Deb and the staff are amazing, so I have to say...5 Stars!! Best Burger in town! Sorry Patrick!Parking: Don't be afraid to park away and walk a little. Park down by Mote & Save Our Seabirds. Then walk the short distance up to the Bait Shop. You'll work up an appetite and avoid getting tied up with people who don't know how to park if there aren't lines on asphalt“
“Excellent dinner last night at Mar Vista. Sitting under the trees by the bay can’t be beat. You must try the gourmet tator tots to start. We had shrimp and grits and their fresh catch risotto. The seafood was cooked perfectly with great flavors on both. Our server, Hannah, was great!“
“Lunch there was very good. There is an extensive seafood menu with other options as well. I had the cobia tacos and my friend had the cobia sandwich. She has eaten there many times and said the food is always good especially the fish and chips and everyone loves the chowder. Oysters on the half shell looked delicious. I will go back soon.“
Seafood • $$
“Food was ok! Jumbo shrimp were not what I consider jumbo. Typical size you get in a cocktail. The monkfish was ok. I was really anticipating better food compared to the local restaurant in Ohio and was disappointed. It wasn't bad but not great.“
“Brad is the best!! He’s always so friendly and attentive! Hallie is so sweet and is always smiling! We just love them!!Kid-friendliness: We bring our kids in all the time and everyone is so welcoming and kind to them! They love the Mac and cheese and chicken tenders!!“
“A Pleasurable Dining Experience at R.J. Gator’s Restaurant in Bradenton, FL Rating: 4 out of 5 stars We just went to visit to R.J. Gator’s Restaurant in Bradenton, FL and it was an overall pleasurable dining experience. From the moment we stepped in, I was captivated by the restaurant’s neat and inviting atmosphere, accompanied by an awesome menu that delighted my taste buds. R.J.’s has done an exceptional job in creating a welcoming environment. The restaurant was clean, and the tastefully neat decor contributed to a cozy and comfortable ambiance. I found myself instantly relaxed and ready to enjoy a fantastic meal. Speaking of the menu, R.J.’s certainly knows how to impress. The array of options available was remarkable, showcasing a diverse range of culinary delights. I was delighted to find both familiar favorites and unique dishes that piqued my curiosity. Each bite I took was a testament to the chef’s skill and dedication, as the food was undeniably yummy. In addition to the delectable flavors, Gator’s also excelled in providing reasonable prices and generous portions. I felt that the value for money was excellent, and the portion sizes were more than satisfactory. It was evident that R. J.’s takes pride in ensuring their customers are satisfied both in terms of taste and quantity. While my experience was largely positive, I did encounter a minor setback with the service. The waitress seemed slightly inattentive during my visit, which occasionally required me to seek her attention multiple times. However, this did not overshadow the overall excellence of the restaurant. In conclusion, Gator’s Restaurant in Bradenton, FL offers a delightful dining experience. The neat atmosphere, awesome menu, and delicious food combine to create a memorable visit. Despite a minor issue with the service, I wholeheartedly recommend here for anyone seeking a satisfying meal in a cozy setting!!“
“Very impressed and Very full! Great portions for great prices! My hubby said he felt like he was in Louisiana half way through our meal. Definitely worth the drive from Longboat Key where we are staying. Note: cannot eat inside-- takeout only type of place“
“Absolutely stellar experience at Swordfish Grill! From the moment you step onto the outdoor tiki patio, you're greeted with Cortezian ambiance that sets the tone for a relaxed dining experience. The seafood is fresh and expertly prepared, bursting with flavor in every bite. The waterfront views are the perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal. The staff are friendly, attentive, and truly elevate the overall experience. Whether you're a local or just passing through Cortez, Swordfish Grill is a must-visit destination for anyone craving exceptional food and a memorable atmosphere. Five stars all the way!“