Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach, 941-782-1122.

Bridge Street Bistro sits across from a beautiful stretch of palm-laden beach just as Longboat Key turns into Anna Maria Island. The dining room boasts spectacular views so the popular balcony tables fill up quickly. My mom and I spent a lovely Sunday evening having dinner and watching the sun dip slowly into the water and both of us remarked upon the strong desire to return with a romantic partner. Something about the setting, the balmy breeze and the decadent food puts one in mind of dancing in the moonlight. We tried the chilled beet soup from the Octoberfest menu, a candied confection of sweet and tangy fuchsia beets and sour cream which I highly recommend you hasten to try before October gives way to November. The Duck l’Orange achieved perfectly crispy skin and moist and tender duck meat dressed in an intense citrus glaze and a trio of subtly flavored crème brûlée airily complemented the decadent meal. 

Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach, 941-782-1122.