Dining Review: The Porch Restaurant – Anna Maria Island, Florida

February 2025

Dining Review: The Porch Restaurant – Anna Maria Island, Florida

The Porch Restaurant which was one of the first places I knew we had to try when researching restaurants so I was very excited to give this a try. Reservations can be made a week in advance so set yourself a reminder in order to snag a table here. It is definitely a popular spot around this part of Anna Maria Island.

As the name implies, there is a generous covered outdoor porch section which is casual and inviting. We booked a table for the indoor tables and there is certainly a southern charm to this restaurant. The menu features The Porch Restaurant staples which sounded amazing, as well as seasonal items and nightly specials. The beverage and wine menu are definitely a highlight as well – the bar area is nautically decorated and The Porch features a great happy hour deal.

Bread Service

We always appreciate an included bread service. It is certainly a bummer when you have to pay for bread and generally we do not splurge for such a menu item. This baguette was fresh out of the oven and the butter that accommodated was delightful. We were pretty hungry when we arrived so the bread did not last very long.

Steak Oscar

Kevin ordered the Steak Oscar described on the menu as Filet Mignon, Asparagus, Crab, Béarnaise Sauce, and Shrimp. He was thrilled with this dish and everything that was going on – the cut of steak was excellent and cooked perfectly, and all the toppings made this quite decadent.

Surf and Turf

In reviewing the menu, nothing really jumped on the entree menu as I am not a huge meat eater to finish an entire entree portion. I really just wanted something seafood. And then the specials were read and while it still had meat, it had lobster. I ordered the Surf and Turf – something I never order – featuring a lobster tail and Filet Mignon with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and melted butter for the lobster. I was happy the Filet Mignon pieces were small so I was able to enjoy one of the pieces without hitting my meat max. The lobster was sweet and flavorful – didn’t even need the butter. And those garlic mashed potatoes were spectacular.

Basque Cheesecake

While we were both so full, the entrees were so good we knew we had to try a dessert. Kevin has been very interested in basque cheesecake recently so when that was listed as one of the desserts, it was an easy decision. And this basque cheesecake was divine – probably the best execution of this dessert we have had to date. I can only imagine how awesome the other desserts are here.

Without a doubt, make sure to stop by The Porch Restaurant during your trip to Anna Maria Island. We even went back the following day for happy hour drinks. Whether it be for drinks at the bar, casual lunch on the porch, or a full sit down dinner, a meal at The Porch Restaurant is a must do for your trip.

Continue reading all the details of our trip – here!

To see our full itinerary – here!

See all blog posts for visiting Anna Maria Island – here!

Planning your trip? Check out the Perfect Itinerary for Anna Maria Island here!