Bradenton Seafood Restaurants: Top 6 for Fresh Florida Flavors

Bradenton’s location provides access to three major waterways: Manatee River, Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay in Florida. This means fresh seafood is easy to catch and even easier to eat. So if crab, oysters, daily local goodies and sushi sound good, check out these Bradenton seafood restaurants for local flavor.

6 Bradenton Seafood Restaurants: Pick Your Favorites

Mattison’s City Grille

Located in downtown Bradenton, Mattison’s City Grille serves weekend brunch, lunch and dinner in the Riverwalk district. This hot spot was created by an award-winning chef included in Florida Trend‘s Golden Spoon Brand Awards.

Lunch and dinner offer a selection of smaller portions and fresh flavors. Starters include blue crab and mussels. For larger portions, try homemade soups, sandwiches and seafood entrees. Examples range from seafood gumbo and grouper piccata with seasonal vegetables. In addition, Mattison’s serves a selection of sushi rolls and has non-seafood options.

Anna Maria Oyster Bar

This oyster bar has a few locations in Bradenton-Sarasota, however those in Bradenton should visit the Cortez location. Anna Maria Oyster Bar offers indoor and patio dining, and ranks among the best family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Open for lunch and dinner, visitors find coastal cuisine as well as a full oyster bar. Appetizers are designed for sharing, and popular options include coconut shrimp and calamari. Then select from salads, soups, oysters and fresh fish. Salmon specialties feature this tasty fish, or try some local favorites such as captain’s combo. To customize the experience, the staff at Anna Maria Oyster Bar is happy to share fish of the day and different recipes.

PIER 22

Pier 22 – one of the most iconic Bradenton seafood restaurants – sits on the water. While dining, guests enjoy waterfront views of Manatee River and casual fine-dining experience.

Also open for lunch and dinner, Pier 22 has sandwiches, seafood and non-seafood entrees, and small plates. Fish lovers should try the daily fresh catch, swordfish, cod or grouper, to name a few. In addition to seafood favorites, the restaurant serves sushi. Its sushi menu includes signature rolls such as the house name with eel, volcano roll, Hawaiian roll, and river roll.

Caddy’s Bradenton

Looking for a kick-back spot? Head to Caddy’s Bradenton, one of the top Bradenton seafood restaurants and known for its living room-style atmosphere. Caddy’s at the Pointe is located in one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods directly on Manatee River.

Suited for all ages and pet-friendly, Caddy’s serves lunch and dinner. Start with grouper nuggets, calamari or smoked fish spread. Then try sandwiches, soups and salads. Hungry visitors can order big plates with shrimp, crab cakes and daily catches. While digging into local food, listen to live music and order a Caddy’s classic cocktail.

Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant (Palmetto)

Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant in nearby Palmetto also sits on Manatee River, providing three distinct waterfront dining options. Here guests enjoy both casual and upscale atmospheres.

Reef and Grill – located on the first floor – has a large menu featuring island tacos, lobster pot pie and fresh fish. The Snook Deck operates as an outdoor patio bar with seafood sandwiches, island tacos, and fish and chips. For a more gourmet feel, head to the second floor for coastal dining with a twist. Additionally, Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant has Sunday brunch and daily lunch specials.

Woody’s River Roo Pub and Grill (Ellenton)

This favorite is located in nearby Ellenton on Manatee River. Affectionately known as the Roo, Woody’s River Roo Pub and Grill provides Old Florida-style dining in a fun atmosphere.

This family-owned restaurant offers fresh seafood in a casual environment. Visitors have a large collection of seafood in baskets and entrees. Baskets feature grouper, shrimp and haddock. Specialty entrees include salmon, blue crab and shrimp. Or try the salmon BLT, fish tacos and grouper Roo-ben, a spin on the Reuben sandwich. While sampling the menu, diners listen to live music every night.

Visiting Bradenton soon? Don’t forget to take some Sarasota tours with locals and stay in the Bradenton area.