While visiting Anna Maria Island, we found The Sandbar Restaurant located on the beach with some of the tables right on the sand. As we arrived right at lunchtime, the restaurant was busy, so we expected a wait. Instead, we were pleasantly surprised to get a table immediately.
Our table was not right on the beach, but it was nicely distant from the other tables and on an elevated deck, giving us a stunning view of the gorgeous blue-green Gulf of Mexico. We couldn’t have asked for a better ambiance.
The cocktail menu was full of exciting choices, and it was tough to pick just one. I went with an Island Mudslide, which was an excellent choice. The decadent drink was fantastic and a perfect beach cocktail.
With so many tempting items on the menu, we decided to create a tasting menu of sorts, ordering one food item at a time until we were satisfied. We started with a cup of Watermelon Gazpacho, a chilled soup with watermelon, tomatoes, and cucumbers, topped off with herb oil and pistachios. It was a lovely combination of flavors with just the right hint of sweetness.
Next, we ordered Two Docks Clams. The clams served with heirloom tomatoes, shallots, and bacon, in white wine, cream sauce, with garlic butter, fresh herbs, and chili oil, were beautiful. The olive ciabatta bread was so buttery and delicious we asked for more so we could sop up every drop of the incredible sauce.
I have heard of fish dip but have never eaten it, so we ordered the Sandbar Smoked Fish Dip for our next course. The mound of smoked fish spread was fabulous, accompanied by capers and red onions, as well as pickled carrots, squash, and zucchini. The pickled vegetables were the perfect foil for the rich fish spread.
The service was excellent. Bradley was attentive without being overbearing and made sure we had everything we needed. Our only disappointment was that we were full before we sampled everything on the menu. I guess we will have to go back to work our way through the rest of the menu.
Cost for a cocktail, two beers, three appetizers, and extra bread $62.73.
This sounds like the kind of place that I would really, really enjoy (and be more than happy to help you two work through the menu!). Those clams look fabulous. I also love the idea of watermelon gazpacho — I have a melon that thumped perfectly, but turned out to be quite underripe and I’m looking for something to do with it. I’m glad you enjoyed the smoked fish spread. That’s an old-school deli favorite, especially as a shmear for a toasted bagel or on pieces of matzah. My grandmother made excellent whitefish and smoked fish spreads.
It was one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in a while.
Lunch sounds like it was delicious and what a view! I miss the Gulf.
The view was amazing.
Wow, this looks so fresh! Yummy!
It was amazing. I’m just sorry we couldn’t taste more.
That meal sounds amazing! I love the idea of sampling through the menu.
We basically created our own tapas menu. It’s one of my favorite ways to eat.
What a fun way to sample the menu! The watermelon gazpacho sounds amazing.
It was delicious!
So fresh and delicious looking! A fabulous way to sample things on the menu!!!
We love a tasting menu!