Welcome to The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island.  We would like to share with you more than an outstanding dining experience; we invite you to escape to a simpler time – tropical, laid-back Florida the way it used to be.
Lush foliage, warm wood paneling, an elegant micro-brew and wine bar, and expansive open air patio views of the emerald green waters of Tampa bay provide the perfect atmosphere for enjoying the island charm of Anna Maria, recharging in the refreshing gulf breezes, and dining enjoyment that is truly memorable.
Using fresh, natural flavors and favorites many will recognize – picatta, au Poivre, pesto, mojo and others, we also devote one page of our daily menu to rare seasonal items provided by local watermen and special presentations we prepare with cutting edge techniques.  Our carefully crafted menu will provide delights for every taste, from the conservative to the more adventurous.
Complete your dining experience with a walk on our sugar-white sand beaches, experience the mystical “green” flash of our magical Gulf sunsets, or simply relax in charming and elegant surroundings.
If you live in the area and are dreaming of a vacation, let us take you away to paradise any day of the week.  If you are already on vacation, let us provide you with a few memories you won’t forget.
Hoping to share our little corner of paradise with you and yours, Your hosts,Jason and Leah Suzor
Our History

The original cottage dated back to 1922 and was one of the original homes on Anna Maria Island.  At that time and for many years later, it was referred to as "Lorraine Cottage" after the daughter of the couple who built the home.  The main room of the cottage had walls paneled with wood that came from the inside of an old ship and a fireplace made of stone and brick as you see today.

It is interesting to note that the builders used an old wagon wheel as the support when laying the bricks in the unusual circular pattern around the opening of the fireplace.  The cottage remained a seasonal home for many decades, and several additions were made over the course of time and different owners.  It wasn't until the 1970's that the cottage was converted to commercial use.

During the 70's the cottage was used as an art gallery.  In the early 80's it became a popular restaurant and ice cream parlor known as Candy Cane's and was famous for its player piano.  The cottage was then bought by a Polynesian family, who opened Ato's, a popular Polynesian style breakfast and lunch restaurant.

In 1999, the cottage was purchased by an English couple who started The Waterfront Restaurant concept and operated the business for several years.  In 2002, The Waterfront Restaurant was purchased by the Suzor family, who continue to operate it today.  Unfortunately, in the early morning of March 18th, 2004, most of the original cottage was destroyed by a fire.

Only the original fireplace and back building could be salvaged, but the new building was constructed around them in a manner to best resemble the original cottage, while still meeting current building codes.  After nineteen months, The Waterfront Restaurant finally re-opened in October of 2005 with much of the original management team.

Your hosts Jason and Leah Suzor and the entire Waterfront team are pleased to welcome you and hope you will have a very pleasurable dining experience.  If there is anything we can do to make your meal more enjoyable, please do not hesitate to let us know.