Best Places to Eat in Bradenton

Are you looking for a delicious restaurant to visit in Bradenton, Florida? Follow along as we discuss some of the best places to eat in Bradenton. 

Bradenton is a suburb of Tampa and St. Petersburg, so you can only imagine the amazing restaurants that are located in this small town and around it. The delicious dining establishments located within this city are one of the main reasons why the locals love living in Bradenton. As of 2020, the total population of Bradenton was around 55,000 residents. This town may be small but it has amazing qualities and a great community.

Bradenton, Florida, is known as the birthplace of horse surfing. Also located here is the historic Gamble Mansion, which is the oldest antebellum plantation in southern Florida that is still standing. Another exciting thing about this city is that it is also home to the oldest working fishing village in Florida, Cortez Historic Fishing Village. Not only does Bradenton have some of the coolest historical attractions, but it is also located on the Manatee River.

This city is an excellent place for people of all ages to call home. Bradenton has a young median average age compared to other cities surrounding it. Bradenton has plenty of places for you to enjoy sun, sand, and fun. It is only a short 20-minute drive to the nearest beach. 

People love living in Bradenton for all of its exciting history and small-town feel. But another great thing about this town is that it is a super affordable area to reside in. Keep reading to learn more about the best dining destinations in Bradenton.

Here are the nine best restaurants in Bradenton, Florida.

Ortygia

Address: 1418 13th St W, Bradenton, FL

Specialty: Italian

Price: $$

This is a chef-run restaurant that serves homestyle Sicilian specialties in a colorful, cozy environment. Nestled in the Village of the Arts in Bradenton, Florida, you will find this quaint and authentic Italian restaurant. Ortygia is a highly-loved establishment in the Bradenton community.

The Ortygia family has always taken pride in serving its customer's authentic food prepared with love in a clean environment. This restaurant is in the running to be the best Italian restaurant, best date spot, and best all-around restaurant. 

Anything you eat at Ortygia is organic or locally sourced whenever possible. This establishment has won many titles on Tripadvisor and OpenTable. This place is 100 percent a must-try.

PIER 22

Address: 1200 1st Ave W, Bradenton, FL

Specialty: American, Seafood, Sushi

Price: $$

PIER 22 is known as Bradenton's Historic Waterfront Destination. Here you will find an upscale yet casual eatery by a marina that serves seafood and sushi with a riverside deck. PIER 22 has been a part of the Bradenton community for over four decades. It is the local's go-to spot for fine dining and amazing views of the Manatee River. 

For an appetizer, the favorite at PIER 22 is the Ahi Tuna Nachos. This is served with seared yellowfin tuna, wakame salad, avocado, soy glaze, sriracha, mustard aioli, and sesame seeds on wonton chips. It is the perfect starter dish to share with your table. 

They have a variety of dishes at this restaurant. From flatbreads, sandwiches, soups, salads, seafood, land food, and many desserts, PIER 22 has it all. Our favorite entree to order at this restaurant is the Thai Beef. This is a gluten-free meal that is served with shaved tenderloin, peanuts, shiitake mushrooms, wok vegetables, sweet and spicy peanut sauce, and sticky rice. 

There is a little bit of everything at this dining destination. 

Michael John's

Address: 1040 Carlton Arms Blvd, Bradenton, FL

Specialty: French, American Steakhouse

Price: $$$

This French-influenced steakhouse is absolutely divine. At Michael John's, you will see a menu full of steak and seafood dishes. MJ's is a fine dining restaurant in all of Sarasota/Manatee. This restaurant has been a part of the community since 2006. 

For starters, we love to begin the night with Blackened Jumbo Shrimp. This shrimp is broiled with lemon butter, herbs, and creamy garlic sauce and served with Parmesan toast. It is the perfect dish to order to get a taste of the deliciousness you are about to endure. 

We highly suggest trying Raspberry and Port Wine Glazed Duck. The duck is cooked to perfection, and the glaze is phenomenal and compliments the duck perfectly. Another amazing dish at MJ's is the Sauteed Blue Crab Cakes which are served with spicy red chili aioli. 

If you are looking for the perfect restaurant to enjoy a fine dining dinner with your friends or family, Michael John's is a great place to try.

Chateau 13

Address: 535 13th St W, Bradenton, FL

Specialty: French

Price: $$

This restaurant earned its name for many reasons. The '13' comes from the building being located on 13th Street, and it is also considered the team's lucky number. Chateau is a French word that means "castle." The team affiliates the word Chateau, or castle, with home and wine. The owners wanted to name their restaurant after something that lets the guests know that they are unique.

Chateau 13 has an intensive menu full of some of the best dishes you will ever have. Our favorite appetizer at this restaurant is the Braised Octopus. This dish is served with chili pepper citrus marinade, a crispy fingerling, an olive salad, smoked paprika, and citrus aioli. This dish is so unique and hands down amazing.

When it comes to entrees, they are all fantastic. Our go-to dish is the Pan Seared Sea Scallops. These scallops are served with orange cognac cream, guanciale, summer corn and English pea fricassee, and speckled pea tendrils. 

Chateau 13 is a great place to go if you are celebrating a special occasion or simply for a date night. 

Cottonmouth Southern Soul Food

Address: 1114 12th St W, Bradenton, FL

Specialty: Soul, Southern 

Price: $$

This establishment is Bradenton's newest venue serving southern soul cuisine and live music on the beautiful patio in the Village of the Arts district. Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen is known for its electric southern dining. Chef Dave Shiplett puts his creative spin on Southern classics. You will leave this restaurant wanting to go back for more.

Our first favorite dish here is the Truffle Tots. These tots are served with white truffle oil, parmesan cheese, and smoked chili aioli. Our second favorite dish is the Crispy Calamari Salad. This dish is unique and something you won't find at any other restaurant in Bradenton. It is served with a wasabi vinaigrette on a bed of mixed greens.

When it comes to the main dishes, our favorite is the Fried Chicken Breast which is served with sweet chile butter, mac and cheese, and collard greens. 

If you are looking for a good, filling meal, stop by Cottonmouth for some delicious dishes.

Mattison's Riverwalk Grille

Address: 101 Riverfront Blvd Ste 120, Bradenton, FL

Specialty: American

Price: $$

Mattison's Riverwalk Grille is a gastropub that has a large menu of bar classics and draft beer. The environment at this restaurant is casual and laid back. You can find this restaurant in downtown Bradenton on the river. The main focus of Mattison's is creating meals with all-natural, antibiotic and hormone-free ingredients. Here you will find a variety of cuisines like American, Mediterranean, Asian, Caribbean, and Italian. 

For starters, you must try the Goat Cheese Bruschetta. This comes with marinated tomatoes, basil pesto, goat cheese, and parmesan cheese on rustic bread drizzled with basil, olive oil, and balsamic. Another delicious appetizer is the Shrimp Rangoon with Thai chili sauce and a sweet soy drizzle.

If you are looking for something on the lighter side, Mattison's has a wide variety of soups and salads. Our go-to entree dish at this establishment is the Herb Butter Filet Mignon. This comes with fresh vegetables, truffle mashed potatoes, horseradish cream, and a port wine demi glaze. They also have sandwiches, burgers, and even brick oven pizza.

Lucky Frog Restaurant

Address: 4625 Cortex Rd W, Bradenton, FL

Specialty: German

Price: $$

If you are looking for authentic German cuisine, look no further than Lucky Frog. This restaurant is located in a lively strip mall and offers a mix of German and Mediterranean cuisine. All of the dishes you will find on the menu at Lucky Frog are made with fresh ingredients or made from scratch. 

A great thing about this establishment is that they have different menus to cater to your specific needs. If you are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, the Lucky Frog has a menu dedicated to each.

Our go-to starter at this restaurant is the Golden Tent. This is two potato pancakes that are served with sour cream and smoked salmon. It is so unique and amazing. When it comes to the main course, our favorite dish is the Lions Special. This is bratwurst, frankfurter, sauerkraut, and potato salad.

Oak and Stone

Address: 102 Old Main St, Bradenton, FL

Specialty: American

Price: $$

Located in the heart of downtown Bradenton, you will find Oak and Stone. This unique space boasts an open kitchen, self serve beer wall, and a beautiful rooftop dining area that allows you to enjoy a meal with views of the Manatee River.

Oak and Stone are known for their slow-roasted stone-oven wings. There are a variety of flavors, but our favorites are garlic parmesan, Asian zest, or buffalo. These wings are all soaked overnight in a secret brine, then slow-roasted in the oven, and finally, tossed in one of the signature sauces.

If you are looking for something light, check out the amazing salad options. Our favorite starter dish is the Fried Pickles. You can never go wrong with fried pickles, especially served with homemade remoulade. Oak and Stone also have tons of pizza to choose from.

Our favorite meal to order at Oak and Stone is the Classic Rueben. This sandwich comes with corned beef, swiss cheese, a secret sauce, and sauerkraut served on rye bread.

This establishment is a great place to get together with your friends and family and eat a great meal while sipping on fresh, cold beer straight from the tap.

O'bricks Irish Pub and Martini Bar

Address: 427 12th St W, Bradenton, FL

Specialty: Bar and Grill

Price: $$

This small establishment may look like a watering hole on the outside. But as soon as you walk through the doors of O'bricks Irish Pub, you will be met with urban American classics in a fashionable environment. O'bricks is known for its fabulous and creative mix of a Manhattan-style martini bar and an Irish pub. 

To begin your meal, we highly suggest ordering the Firecracker Shrimp. This is panko-crusted shrimp, lightly fried and then tossed in an Asian spicy chili sauce. Another great appetizer is the Stuffed Hot Banana Peppers. These peppers are baked with cheese, herbs, and spice and then served over garlic bread.

Our go-to salad at O'bricks is the Bricks Buffalo Blue Chopped Salad. This salad is iceberg lettuce with bacon, diced tomatoes, and Blue dressing served inside two buffalo fried onion rings and then topped with blue cheese crumbles. Another great dish at this restaurant is the classic Fish-n-Chips served with coleslaw, fries, and tartar sauce.

If you are looking for a restaurant that serves comfort food in a laid-back environment, O'bricks is the perfect place to visit. 

Best Places to Eat in Bradenton, FL - Our Final Words

After reading this guide on the best restaurants in Bradenton, we bet you are hungry. Head over to any of these destinations, and we guarantee you will leave with a full stomach and a new favorite restaurant. Bradenton is full of various cuisines with different atmospheres. Whether you are looking for a fine-dining restaurant or a laid-back casual one, this city has it all. 

If you are considering moving to Bradenton, Florida, contact us today to speak with a local Real Estate specialist for further guidance in the buying and selling process.