Eat Here

Eat Here is the sidekick to the Beach Bistro, a popular restaurant on Anna Maria Island, Florida. Casual, yet sophisticated, the island-style, gulf coast cookery maintains the same high culinary standards patrons have come to expect from owner Sean Murphy. Preparations are offered in a variety of small plates that are perfect for sharing and moderately priced for everyday dining. Menu selections include port-braised pot roast, lobstercargot, smoked salmon & crème fraiche pizza and New Orleans-style seafood stew. The beer list features owner-operated craft breweries from around the world, while the wine list presents a broad, by-the-glass offering of comfortably-priced varietals.


Located in a strip mall, Eat Here was easy to find, yet the entrance is a little obscure as I thought we were going through the side or emergency exit.  There is no real hostess stand or entryway, so you are awkwardly standing right in the middle of the dining room as you enter.  Filled with vibrant decor and sculpture from the area’s most recognized local artists, Eat Here has a sophisticated energy that is accentuated by giclée reproduction tabletops, an imported french community table and intimate booths complete with cool, filtered water served in wine carafes. After waiting about 10 minutes for a table or booth, we ultimately decided to sit at the end of the high community table.  Our server, Jenevieve was very nice and described the small plates concept and the specials for the night.  We decided on three dishes to share and a "main" for each of us.  This was plenty of food.  Unfortunately, we ordered french fries with gravy as one of our apps without realizing that pretty much all the dishes come with a side of fries.  This was a little weird, since we are familiar with the small/shared plates menus and Eat Here presented their plates as mini-dinners complete with sides.

The food was very flavorful, creative, and paired well with the Riesling that I chose.  Portions were just right and we actually ordered a bit more than was needed.  My Mahi Mahi was cooked perfectly and well seasoned.  Keith's ribs were more sweet than spicy, but the cole slaw had a nice acidic bite.  We indulged and ordered dessert; Keith dove right in before I had a chance to get a picture.  Although we hadn't been to the Beach Bistro, we appreciated the more casual take on the same high cuisine at Eat Here.

Total Rating: 4.125
Food: 4.5, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 3

What I ate:

Pelham Frites

with gravy

♥Cedar Key Clams♥

pan cooked with chardonnay, a splash of pernod,
a little garlic and sweet cream and a soupcon of curry and frites

♥Shrimpcargots♥
with collard greens and smoked bacon

♥Mahi Mahi♥
pan roasted with a key-lime butter and capers
served with a curried corn souffle

Chocolate Bundino
dark chocolate pudding with a touch of sea salt

Plus Keith ate:

Island-style Ribs

St. Louis cut, crisped in the fryer, tossed with herbed garlic butter
and bell pepper-papaya jam. served with cole slaw and frites