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Fresh New Restaurants in the Bradenton Area
Ever wonder why people have been hooked to the Bradenton Area’s local flavors since the 1880s? It’s our flair for fresh fish and produce with a Floribbean finish that’s made us best buds with the world’s tastebuds. You’re always home in our kitchen where the only dietary restriction is your own imagination.
Here’s a collection of six of the Bradenton Area’s newest (or new to you) dining options that are a must on any foodie’s checklist.
SALT Bar & Table
Don’t let SALT Bar & Table’s simple name deceive you. This Bradenton Beach restaurant has delivered nuance and depth with its coastal-forward cuisine since opening in February. Locals rave about SALT’s location, decor and range of its menu, from poutine fries and edamame dumplings to 14 oz ribeyes. The craft cocktails are the perfect pairing before or after exploring Anna Maria Island.
2519 Gulf Dr N
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
Taverna Toscana
Fabio Vivani may not have won the title of “Top Chef” while competing on Bravo’s long-running cooking competition show, but the celebrity chef IS winning over the culinary scene with Taverna Toscana, a rustic Italian steakhouse that brings Tuscan charm to downtown Bradenton. The authentic tastes are accented with craft cocktails that can be enjoyed both indoors and out. This steakhouse brings more than the beef; there’s a varied selection of pastas, pizzas and salads too.
1301 6th Ave W
Bradenton, FL 34205
The Peculiar Pub
The food is never an afterthought at this The Peculiar Pub on Main Street At Lakewood Ranch. Buffalo chicken meatballs and fig & peppered jam are among the ambitious items on the menu, along with a rotating selection of 23 craft beers on tap (not including a wide selection of wines and other alcoholic beverages). The pub pairs its food and drinks with live music and seven big-screen TVs.
8141 Lakewood Main St.
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
The Lazy Ballerina
Everything about this bistro whispers comfort. From the style of food – southern comfort classics, to the décor and massive amount of available space (more than 3,000 sq. feet). Open since February 2023, The Lazy Ballerina’s southern stylings are fun and familiar: try the pimento cheese fritters or the grouper sandwich. If the restaurant feels like home, that’s because it once was one. The property was originally built as a residential space in 1911.
2715 Manatee Ave W
Bradenton, FL 34205
Fuego Comida & Tequila
This Lakewood Ranch restaurant specializes in the flavors of the Gulf of Mexico, emphasis on Mexico. Although upscale, Fuego Comida & Tequila still knows how to have fun – there are two daily happy hours! One aptly called ”Before” for the post-work crowd beginning at 4 until 6 p.m. and “After” which starts at 9 p.m. (10 p.m. Friday and Saturday) until close. Both feature a wide range of food and drinks for $8. Fuego’s house-made corn tortillas feature single-origin heirloom milled corn masa and single-origin heirloom beans sourced from Puebla, Mexico with the Xoxoc project, helping small farmers fairly sell their tasty ingredients.
11615 Florida 70 E
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Legacy BBQ
This slow-cooked smokehouse has made a quick impression since opening its doors in May. Legacy’s straightforward approach mean all the attention is in the right place – the food. Two major branches of America’s BBQ family tree await you. Get doused in meat sweats with Legacy’s Texas-style BBQ, the crown jewel being their 14-hour smoked brisket. For St. Louis-BBQ disciples, there’s smoked pork and ribs for when ready to pig out. Try the brisket burnt ends that can best be described as “meat candy” at this restaurant that’s short on frills but digs deep on flavor.
2443 US-301, Suite C
Ellenton, FL 34222
Get More Trip Inspiration
Everyone loves a good story. And we’re an open book, just waiting for you to turn the pages and enjoy. Listed here are just a few chapters featuring the characters, places and events that make the Bradenton Area a real page-turner you’ll find hard to put down.
