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The Porch Restaurant Anna Maria
9707 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216
· Restaurant, Fine dining restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (885 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Small, charming island spot delivering strong seafood and steak with personable service, high prices, and limited seating; arrive early or reserve.
Restaurant Summary
Housed in a restored cottage with a cozy porch, this spot feels warm and intimate rather than showy. Servers like Karen and Alex earn repeated praise, and one guest raved that the cheesecake was “the dessert of the trip.” Do expect limited seating and seasonal waits, but most diners find the vibe quietly charming once seated. The cooking leans elevated comfort: steak Oscar, blackened grouper, and a tamari maple salmon that fans dream about. Portions are generous, and desserts like the Burnt Basque Cheesecake draw devoted followers. It is not experimental; think classic flavors with polish, a from-scratch kitchen, and a beer-and-wine program that suits an island date night more than a cocktail bar crawl. Families do fine here if you time it right. There is a kids cheeseburger and fries that parents praise, plus simple sides and approachable seafood. The room is small, so strollers and very large groups can be tricky; for picky eaters, stick to familiar dishes like burgers, Caesar, and grilled fish.
At a Glance
- Charming house setting with heated porch seating
- Standout steak and seafood; Basque cheesecake is a must
- Very limited seating; waits and reservation confusion in season
- Beer and wine only; no full liquor
- Service can slow at peak times; occasional overcooked fish or steak
What Sets It Apart
- restored_house_charm
- basque_cheesecake_signature
- limited_tables_intimacy
What People Love
- That first bite of Basque cheesecake
- Blackened grouper with bright salsa
- Friendly, conversational servers
- Cozy, historic-house ambiance
Points of Concern
- Small dining room with few reservations; first-come system frustrates some guests during peak
- Beer and wine only; specialty cocktails limited to wine-based
- Inconsistent pacing when busy; a few reports of overcooked fish or steak
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($30+ mains) which may surprise casual diners
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$62-$85 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair the filet with Brussels sprouts and garlic mash for a balanced plate.
- Choose salsa on Fresh Catch for a gluten-free preparation.
- Share a rich appetizer and dessert to manage costs on an expensive menu.
Perfect For
- A low-key island date night
- Seafood and steak cravings after beach days
- Small celebrations with dessert lovers
- Wine-focused happy hour on the porch
Location Insights
Area: Quaint, beach-town strip with cottages, boutiques, and relaxed island tourism.
Safety: Generally safe, walkable tourist area with steady foot traffic into evening.
Nearby: Near Gulf beaches, souvenir shops, ice cream spots; residential streets close by.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–15:00, 16:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–15:00, 16:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–15:00, 16:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–15:00, 16:00–21:00
Friday11:00–15:00, 16:00–21:00
Saturday11:00–15:00, 16:00–21:00
Sunday11:00–15:00, 16:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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