Anna Maria Oyster Bar Ellenton — Restaurant in Palmetto

Don’t let the parking or line deter you! Food and service is great! We arrived before 5 pm. We almost turned around to go elsewhere because there was already a line of vehicles waiting to enter the parking lot. We decided to take our chances and see what the wait was. People were coming/going at an equal rate. We found suitable parking promptly. It’s snowbird season and we understood there could be a bit of a wait and lag in service. They had outdoor seating, bar seating, and indoor seating. We chose indoor seating. They have a separate check-in stand for outside service. We were seated within 20 minutes. Our appetizer was half order of Southern fried (chicken-fried) oysters. They actually tasted a bit like chicken. Next time, I’ll order oysters on the shell. Our waitstaff was quick and attentive. She didn’t miss a beat. Very friendly and accommodating. Mixed drinks are half the price of the restaurants on the beach and they tasted quite good. We both had the special of the day which was half-lobster stuffed w/breaded deep fried shrimp and two sides. Lobster was very small, but appropriate for the price and quantity of food altogether. Coleslaw was good. I ordered potatoes which were just regular small steamed whole red potatoes which I did not eat. I was already full by the time I got to them. We didn’t take home any leftovers. My husband finished off what was left of my shrimp. Portion size was average and not much for leftovers. I don’t eat much, so it was fine for me. I would recommend ordering a whole sized lobster or one of the larger meals that’s not on the nightly specials if you eat large portions in one sitting. You can’t be upset with portions sizes if you’re ordering off daily specials menu at any restaurant. They were well-staffed. Which means they pay well, tip well, have decent perks, or the owners are outstanding and treat their staff appropriately. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this place to someone who’s seeking a job in the area. They seem to have a system in place where multiple people help set the plates and deliver them to their guests. Appears to be a very efficient process much like a fast food service. (Food doesn’t taste fast food.) We were in and out in less than an hour. We did not use the facilities. Restaurant appeared to be clean and well maintained. You could probably bring a group of 6-8 people and have no problem getting a table together in a reasonable amount of time. Plenty of room in their outdoor seating for those who prefer open air spaces. (No vax/pcr checkpoints in this...

I visited Anna Maria Oyster Bar Ellenton for the first time last night and will definitely be returning! Not only was the food amazingly delicious, but the service was stellar, as well.

From the moment we entered the restaurant, we were treated cordially by their staff and made to feel welcomed and appreciated as patrons. Our server, Noah, was attentive, friendly and very accommodating and the manager even came over to thank us for our patronage before we left.

Because of the pandemic, I am very apprehensive about dining out. As a result, before entering the restaurant, we’d decided to request outdoor seating. However, upon entering the restaurant, we were immediately put at ease and comfortable with dining indoors. All of the staff wore masks, the tables were spaced out appropriately, there were dividers hanging from the ceiling between each booth, the greeter and wait staff informed us that they sanitize seating areas throughout the day, and this was confirmed by the manager, without soliciting it, when he visited our table. In addition, they accommodated our request to be distanced away from other diners, and provided us with plastic utensils and to go cups, when we requested them, without judgement or hesitation.

Back to the food….I ordered the Catch of the Day, Rainbow Trout, and at Noah’s recommendation, had it prepared with the Island Sauce, which was an outstanding recommendation. The portion size was generous, the fish was moist and well-prepared, and I don’t even know where to begin to describe how scrumptious the Island Sauce was!

I ordered cheese grits as one of my sides and iced tea for my beverage. As a native Southerner/Floridian, I am very particular about my grits and my iced tea and both were some of the best that I have ever had!

Kudos, Anna Maria Oyster Bar. I can’t wait to return and you now have a very loyal...

They definitely live up to their name. The problem is, everybody knows it. The service was exceptional. Stacey was extremely helpful, patient, kind, knowledgeable, and professional. If she was busy with a bunch of tables, she definitely didn't let us know because she made us feel like we were her only table.

We had a question about allergies, she explained how the kitchen separates their food for cross contamination to prevent some one with certain shrimp allergies from getting sick, then one of the chefs came out to support and explain with more detail. Wow, I was impressed!

We asked for hot sauce, and didn't realize they had so many. Stacey explained them, and then one of the managers, Chris, came to the table with their special house blend of hot sauce and explained their tastes and blends in detail. I felt like royalty in an Oyster Bar... 😍

I couldn't decide which style of oysters to eat, so I tried an oyster sampler plate. Wow! Whether you like fried, Rockefeller, garlic, spinached, raw, boiled, steamed, etc., you can't make a wrong choice. They were great! And hot when they out them on the table.

Before I forget, the coleslaw was really good. They put some thought and love into it. They're going to have to give me more next time...😋

The price is really reasonable. The atmosphere is a relaxed family space. There is outdoor sitting with nice views also.

Their fish is fresh. There are so many choices. We will be going back again and again to try more.

I would definitely recommend this place. I wish I had found it sooner.

Thank you for a wonderful experience. We will definitely be back with friends... I recommend that you you get...