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Fresh seafood, quiet atmosphere, amazing service!
One of our absolute favorites on Anna Maria Island. Blue Marlin is in Bradenton Beach, Florida on historic Bridge Street. A small hidden gem with fresh delicious seafood, a full bar, and delightful staff.
Dining out can be tricky on the island during season. Blue Marlin is one of the few restaurants on the island that does take reservations. I highly recommend calling to reserve a table in advance, although sometimes you can get lucky and make one for the same day! Call them (941) 896-9737! They are open Monday – Thursday 5:00pm-9:00pm, Friday and Saturday 5:00pm-10:00pm, and closed on Sundays.
Blue Marlin serves only the freshest local caught seafood right from the Cortez Fishing Fleet – AP Bell Fishing Co. that can be seen across the bay. Since 1940, the Bell family has worked the docks on these west Bradenton shores, sorting and selling grouper, mullet, shrimp, stone crab and more. Today, the A.P. Bell Fish Company operates several fishing boats, providing bait and seafood that’s shipped all over the world—and served in a dozen or so local restaurants.
Your meal will start with complimentary edamame perfectly seasoned with salt and spices.
Our favorite starter is their Shrimp Dip seen here. It is served in a warm skillet with fresh chips. This is a creamy cheesy shrimp dip you will want more of when you get the last bite.
Their “house salad” is a fresh Cesar salad, house made croutons and fresh parmesean top this perfectly creamy ceasar dressed salad. My husband and I usually opt to split this before our main course.
A few of our favorites for the main course are their 2 grouper dishes: Grouper Fulford and Pecan Grouper. Pecan Grouper is sweet and savory with honey butter and sweet potatoes, perfectly paired with asparagus. The Blackened Fish Alfredo is rich and creamy, paired with fresh caught blackened grouper.
For the younger crowd their chicken strips served with house made potato chips are delicious. Often being stolen by the adults at the table!
Parking can be a thing on historic Bridge Street! So please pay close attention to the signage and follow the rules, the towing is strictly enforced! (Trust me!!) However, the restaurant offers a shuttle to help ease the parking pains. Just go to the restaurant drop off your party let the host know and they will provide you with a golf cart to follow to their off-site parking. The golf cart driver will then shuttle you from your car to the restaurant.
