Top Places for Breakfast and Brunch on Anna Maria Island: A Guide by Once Upon A Beach
There’s something about starting your day on Anna Maria Island that makes every morning feel magical. Maybe it’s the soft ocean breeze, the sound of waves gently crashing, or the laid-back island vibe. Whether you're looking for a quick, casual bite or a more leisurely brunch experience, Anna Maria Island offers plenty of delicious options to kick off your day in paradise.
At Once Upon A Beach, we want to help you discover the best breakfast and brunch spots during your stay. Here’s our curated guide to the top places for breakfast and brunch on Anna Maria Island, where you can enjoy everything from fresh-baked bagels to gourmet crepes with ocean views.
1. The Donut Experiment
- Location: 210C Pine Avenue, Anna Maria
A visit to Anna Maria Island wouldn’t be complete without a stop at The Donut Experiment, a must-visit for donut lovers. This creative donut shop lets you customize your own donuts, starting with a warm, fresh cake donut and topping it with your choice of glaze, sprinkles, and more. Whether you prefer classic flavors or more adventurous toppings like bacon and caramel, it’s a sweet and fun way to start your morning.
What to Try: Create your own donut masterpiece with maple glaze and bacon, or keep it simple with a cinnamon sugar donut paired with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
2. Ginny & Jane E’s Café and Coastal Store
- Location: 9807 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria
If you’re in the mood for a quirky, eclectic café with a relaxed island vibe, head to Ginny & Jane E’s Café. Known for its enormous cinnamon rolls and funky décor, this café is a local favorite. Located inside a historic general store, you can enjoy hearty breakfast options while browsing the shop’s collection of unique, locally made goods and coastal décor.
What to Try: Don’t miss the famous Cinnamon Roll. For a savory option, try the dangerously delicious Creme Brûlée French Toast. Make your brunch boozy with a mimosa in a frosty glass!
3. Anna Maria Island Beach Café
- Location: 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach (Manatee Public Beach)
For breakfast with your toes in the sand, there’s no better place than Anna Maria Island Beach Café. Located right on the beach at Manatee Public Beach, this casual café offers an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast alongside a menu filled with breakfast classics. Enjoy your meal while gazing out at the Gulf of Mexico, or take a morning stroll on the beach after finishing your pancakes.
What to Try: All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes with sausage or bacon is a crowd favorite. If you’re in the mood for something savory, try the Western Omelet. Wash it down with a mimosa or blood mary!
4. Island Creperie
- Location: 127 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach
For a taste of France on Anna Maria Island, head to Island Creperie on Bridge Street. This charming spot offers a variety of sweet and savory crepes, making it a perfect choice for brunch. Whether you’re craving Nutella-filled crepes or something more substantial like a ham and cheese crepe, the Island Creperie delivers a delightful meal in a cozy setting.
What to Try: The Nutella and Banana Crepe for a sweet treat, or the Ham and Swiss Crepe with egg for a savory option.
5. La Creperie
- 3216 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach
Another great spot for crepe lovers, La Creperie is a charming café offering a delightful selection of French-inspired sweet and savory crepes. Known for its bright, laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for breakfast or brunch with a European twist. Whether you're in the mood for a Nutella-filled crepe or a savory option like ham and cheese, La Creperie provides fresh, made-to-order dishes that bring a touch of France to Anna Maria Island. It’s an inviting destination for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and leisurely meal.
What to Try: The classic Strawberries & Whipped Cream Crepe is simple yet satisfying, while the homemade quiche or omelettes are perfect for those who prefer something more filling.
6. North Shore Café
- Location: 304 Pine Ave, Anna Maria
North Shore Café is a cozy and inviting spot located on Pine Avenue, perfect for a lighter breakfast or brunch. With a menu focused on fresh, healthy options like acai bowls, avocado toast, and smoothies, it’s the ideal place to fuel up for a day of exploring Anna Maria Island.
What to Try: The Acai Bowl is packed with fresh fruit and granola, or go for the Avocado Toast topped with a perfectly poached egg.
7. Bagels on Pine
- Location: 5318 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach
For a quick and delicious breakfast, Bagels on Pine is the go-to spot for freshly baked bagels, sandwiches, and coffee. Whether you’re grabbing something to take to the beach or sitting down to enjoy your meal, Bagels on Pine offers a variety of bagels and spreads, making it perfect for a casual morning bite.
What to Try: The Lox and Cream Cheese Bagel is a standout, or try the classic Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich on your favorite bagel.
8. Minnie’s Beach Café
- Location: 5360 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
If you’re craving a classic diner-style breakfast, Minnie’s Beach Café is a local institution known for its warm hospitality and generous portions. This family-owned café offers all your favorite breakfast staples, from fluffy pancakes to hearty omelets, in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
What to Try: The Biscuits and Gravy is a Southern favorite, or go for the Big Breakfast with eggs, bacon, pancakes, and toast for a hearty start to your day.
9. Breakfast at Victoria’s
- Location: 5315 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
Breakfast at Victoria’s serves up traditional breakfast fare with a Colombian twist. This charming café offers everything from classic American breakfast items to authentic Colombian specialties, making it a unique spot for a morning meal. The family-owned atmosphere and fresh, homemade flavors make Breakfast at Victoria’s a standout on the island.
What to Try: Try the Arepa with scrambled eggs and cheese for something different, or enjoy a plate of traditional pancakes and eggs.
10. Wicked Cantina
- Location: 101 7th St N, Bradenton Beach
While known for its Mexican food, Wicked Cantina also serves up a fantastic breakfast with Tex-Mex flair. Located just steps from the beach, this lively restaurant offers a unique brunch experience with dishes like breakfast tacos and huevos rancheros, alongside traditional breakfast favorites.
What to Try: The Breakfast Tacos are filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa, or go for the Huevos Rancheros for a flavorful start to your day. Spice up the day with a mimosa or bloody mary!
11. Rod & Reel Pier
- Location: 875 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria
For a true island experience, enjoy breakfast at Rod & Reel Pier, where you can dine with a view of the water and local fishermen bringing in their daily catch. This historic pier offers a laid-back, old-Florida atmosphere, and their breakfast menu includes everything from pancakes to fresh fish sandwiches.
What to Try: The Famous Fish Sandwich is perfect if you’re craving seafood in the morning, or keep it classic with Eggs, Bacon, and Hash Browns.
12. Mademoiselle Paris
- Location: 9906 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria
Mademoiselle Paris brings a touch of French sophistication to Anna Maria Island with its elegant breakfast and brunch offerings. From flaky croissants to decadent quiches, this charming French café offers a delightful selection of breakfast pastries and dishes that transport you straight to Paris.
What to Try: The Almond Croissant is perfectly flaky and buttery, or try the Quiche Lorraine for a savory, indulgent brunch option.
Start Your Day Right on Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island’s breakfast and brunch scene is as diverse and delightful as the island itself. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual beachside bite or an elegant French-inspired brunch, these top spots offer something for everyone.
At Once Upon A Beach, we’re dedicated to ensuring your stay on Anna Maria Island is as luxurious and enjoyable as possible. After a restful night in one of our beautiful vacation rentals, treat yourself to a delicious breakfast or brunch at any of these fantastic local spots. Bon appétit!