Anna Maria
Island Ocean Star

Island Ocean Star

902 South Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria Island, 34216, United States Of America

Sushi • Asian • Seafood • Japanese


"We called yesterday asking if we could make a reservation for outside, and were told reservations have to be made a day in advance, but if we come in, it may be a little wait but should be ok. We get there and the 2 before us with no reservation were seated immediately. (I know because they asked me if it was a good restaurant...which it was last year). We walk in and asked the woman if we could get a table outside. She told us no, they have people with reservations coming and it 's booked. I reiterated what was told to us over the phone and she said no. She went on some long tangent....I have no clue. So I asked can we sit inside (it was basically empty) and that was ok. I was going to concede and just take that option, but my partner knew I really wanted to be outside and asked if I was sure, and then said maybe we should just go elsewhere and come back another time. Low and behold they now have a table open outside! There were bar chairs facing the water that were open, the table just in front of us opened, the table next to us stayed open the entire time and the table behind us didn 't have anyone until we were about to leave. Now service. We ordered drinks, 2 apps, and 3 sushi rolls, but sat there for quite a bit waiting for our order to be taken. The drinks came 30 min later with 1 complimentary salad to share with imitation crab...the gyoza soon after. Then we waited.....and waited. No combo tempura....which I would think would have come out with the gyoza. Sushi comes out and about 10 min later the tempura. It was not nearly as delicious as it was last June and the service we received in June was 100x better. We went inside to ask for out check because we know we would have been sitting there forever. $106 later I was sick as can be. Spent 2 hours in and out of the bathroom. Never again. We have been talking about this place since we came last and was really looking forward to coming again. We will definitely other options on our next visit. Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner"

North Shore Cafe

North Shore Cafe

304 Pine Ave, Anna Maria I-34216, United States

Cafés • Lunch • Brunch • Drinks


"North Shore Cafe is my favorite place on the Island. I was in town May 10th 16th and did not experience long wait lines after 10:30am. However one day I came at about 8:15am and there was a huge line. It took about 30 minutes to wait in line and then getthe order..which was better than I expected. It was not a deal breaker for me but I imagine it gets busier at peak season. Iwas here almost every day. It was my favorite place on the island for breakfast and lunch. I wish they were open later than2pm. My husband and I tried the Ham and Cheese Croissant, Acai bowl, BLT with Avacado, Iced Vanilla Latte, Iced Mocha Latte,plain croissant, and a chocolate cookie. We enjoyed everything we tried. The Mocha Latte is not sweet, so I enjoyed the vanillalatte more since I like sweetener, but it was not overly sweet, and the vanilla tasted very good, not cheap like other coffeeshops on the island. The mocha latte was delicious if you like something that 's not sweet, and the chocolate flavor was veryrich but felt light, not thick and syroupy . I think in the future I will try the mocha with 1 pump of vanilla added so I canenjoy that rich chocolate flavor with a bit of the sweetness that I prefer. The BLT was great but adding avocado is a must or itwill be too dry. The Acai bowl is the best I 've had and can 't wait to come back one day for more...my husband is not a peanutbutter fan, but he LOVED the peanut butter they use on these Acai bowls. Loved all the pastries. Clearly I 'm a fan of thisplace and the ambiance, views, decor, and patio just made it all even better. Hands down the best coffee on the island. And mypersonal favorite place to eat breakfast and lunch on the island."