The eating establishments come in all shapes and sizes (no fast-food chains!), some right on the beach, some along Gulf Drive, and others tucked away on the bay shore, offering inexpensive but first-class cuisine. There is something very magical about a beach restaurant, where, in air-conditioned comfort, you can watch a spectacular sunset into the Gulf, and afterwards, strolling barefoot along the beach, sipping your wine and enjoying the balmy sea breeze. You see other people relaxing, and you’ll begin to feel much the same way.

The Banana Cabana – Caribbean Grill. A great little restaurant with a terrific atmosphere. Very casual, excellent food. On Gulf Drive, close to the City Pier.

Bistro at Islands End – voted one of the top restaurants on the island. Excellent cuisine with a varied menu. Northern end of the island.

Bridge Tender – could be described as a large pub with excellent food. Close to the City Pier just south of the Cortez Bridge. Varie menu.

Gulf Drive Café – everybody meets here for breakfast, has a big reputation for this, but serves excellent meals all day. Always a bit of a wait for their beach terrace, but worth it.

Joe’s Eats & Sweets – if your lazing on Coquina Beach which is at the southern end of the island, and you feel like a little wander, then head in this direction for their ice-creams, milk shakes, and anything cold and refreshing.

Mama Lo’s – smashing little café at the northern end. Delicious coffee, ice cream and all those naughty but nice things you should never have.

Oma’s Pizza House – a great Italian restaurant. Worth making a note of this because if you feel like an evening in your lovely apartment, telephone here and they’ll deliver a superb pizza to your door.

Rod & Reel Pier – there’s a little restaurant perched at the end of this pier, on the bayside northern end of the island. Very informal, terrific view over the water to the Sunshine Skyway. Great for mid-day snacks.

Rotten Ralph’s – one of the well-established restaurants with a fine reputation. Situated at Cannons Marina on the northern end, always worth a visit for an excellent evening meal.

Sandbar Restaurant – in our opinion, possibly the loveliest setting on the island. An unpretentious shack-type building, right on the beach, designed to wine and dine you in the most romantic way. The wide beach at sunset, which will leave you breathless, takes on a haunting appearance, enhanced by a lonely guitar. Glass of wine, delightful food. This is probably what you will remember most when you get home.

Seafood Shack – just off the island at the other end of the Cortez Bridge. Unmistakeable because of its Mississippi-type steamboat moored alongside. Take a trip on this boat during the day, certainly well worth it, then get most of your money back by dining in the restaurant in the evening.

The Beachhouse Restaurant – big restaurant with a huge deck right on the beach. Excellent food, usually live music outside. Close to Bridge Street.

And many, many more which you will discover for yourselves!