Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant

There are so many yummy restaurants to choose from here on Anna Maria Island, but I have to say our fave for a “fancy” but still relaxed meal (because, after all, we are at the beach) is the Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant in Bradenton Beach, FL. The decor is nautical, cozy, comfy (my kids argued about who would sit on the cushioned side of the table), and homey. There are several different rooms, and there are many pictures from fishing adventures by friends and family.

Did you know these facts from the sign above?

The restaurant was opened in 2011, and the reason for so many rooms is that it’s actually a restored cottage that has been in the owner’s family for years! How unique is that?! They kept many of the original parts of the cottage, like the wood floors, and the paneling on the walls. The tables and benches are made out of recycled dock wood.

We made reservations the day before, and our table was all prepped for us when we arrived!

Tonight we visited this awesome watering hole to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Our service was great and the seafood was very fresh. Blue Marlin specializes in fresh from the water seafood, delivered daily (they call it boat to table). We can attest to it’s freshness, as I had the fish and grits, and my husband had one of the specials of the day, Thai Hogfish!

But before I show you the delicious meal, let me back up and say even the littlest customers are included in the meal. Our kiddos were offered Goldfish as an appetizer, which made them very happy (what child doesn’t love Goldfish??), and freshly steamed, seasoned edamame was also brought to us while we were deciding what we wanted to order.

After we ordered, the food didn’t take long to make it to our table, and was delicious, as promised by our waiter. The Thai Hogfish was light and flaky, and the vegetables crisp- tender. My husband said he would definitely order it again.

My shrimp and grits is a classic on the menu, and I’m pretty sure I ordered it last year when we visited. The shrimp were tender and very, very fresh. The seasonings were on point, balanced very well and not overwhelming. The grits were the perfect consistency, not dry at all and not soupy! Delish!

Both of my big kids ordered macaroni and cheese, and I was very excited to see that it was made with real cheese and they gobbled it up! The portions were large, and they easily shared with their little sister.