Just awesome Just an awesome little place. The fried oyster basket can't be beat. The atmosphere is just as good; right in the middle of a working fishing dock

Great views! Good service from Kellie. Our meal was not on the listed menu but was the Royal Reds shrimp which was outstanding.

We loved the place, the food and the reception service. All delicious I hope to return. Good portions of food. The only thing was the mojito was bad. The waiter said it was coconut and he didn't taste like coconut. The rest recommended.

We have been going to the kitchen for several years, every time we come to Longboat or Anna Maria. Usually visit at least twice a trip. We were a little disappointed with our first visit for this trip. Ordered 2 draft beers when we arrived. Beer wasn't cold. Ordered an appetizer of royal reds(gulf shrimp). They served us regular shrimp. Almost $22 for 8 regular shrimp was a bit much. Our 2nd appetizer of buffalo grouper bites was good, but almost no buffalo sauce . Grilled grouper dinner was excellent. Didn't make it back for the rest of our trip. Seems as though quality has dropped off.

They are closed on Mondays! Open at 12 noon rest of the week. Friendly staff. Absolutely breathtaking beautiful view of the bay (intercoastal) ! Covered outside only dining ! Great rain or shine.. they got u covered. . Live music 🎶

Cortez Kitchen is an absolute hidden treasure nestled in the heart of an authentic Florida fishing village. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the genuine charm and welcoming atmosphere that oozes with local character. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the grouper bites and grouper dinner entrees. Each bite was a succulent piece of heaven, perfectly cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. The freshness and quality of the fish truly showcased the restaurant’s commitment to serving exceptional seafood. Adding to the delightful ambiance was the wonderful music that played in the background. It complemented the laid-back coastal vibe perfectly, setting the mood for an unforgettable dining experience. The staff at Cortez Kitchen, especially Shelby, were friendly, attentive, and passionate about their craft. They went above and beyond to ensure that every guest felt welcomed and satisfied. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a curious traveler, you’ll be greeted with a warm smile and helpful recommendations. The authenticity of Cortez Kitchen and its surroundings cannot be overstated. It’s a true representation of the rich maritime heritage that Florida is known for, and it offers a unique glimpse into the local way of life. I highly recommend Cortez Kitchen to anyone seeking a genuine Florida dining experience. Whether you’re craving mouthwatering grouper dishes, good music, or simply want to immerse yourself in the charm of an authentic fishing village, this restaurant will exceed your expectations.

Loved the old Florida feel. We were there on a warm day but it had a large under cover area with fans and a nice breeze off the water. Four of us went and we all enjoyed our meals. Two had the grouper and said very fresh. One liked the fish and chips very much and I loved the pop corn shrimp. The server was excellent. We wanted for nothing she always made sure we had everything and very friendly. Looking forward to next visit.

We originally had reservations for the place next door. However, their systems shut down so we had to find another option. Ended up going here to Cortez Kitchen and was the BEST seafood we’ve had! The. Freshest. Seafood. So glad we discovered this place. Friendly staff and strong drinks. This place is a must and we will be back!

The fish sandwich was the best. My friend got the grouper Ruben which was okay. A couple people got the shrimp special which was good, but as the shrimp cooled they were difficult to peel.

Delicious! Great stop for lunch via boat. The grouper and chicken sandwiches were great. The seafood platter was excellent.

Waitress recognized and hugged when we arrived - Josh was absolutely 💯 awesome - talented and personable❣️👍FANTASTIC EVENING

Fabulous We visited on a very busy, in season, Friday night. No tables were available but we were able to sit and wait. A server was quickly to us for our drink order. Upon getting a table we were quickly served and received hot, great food! Although prices are a little high for quantity of food, the food was prepared excellent. Will definitely return.

Waitress recognized and hugged when we arrived - Josh was absolutely 💯 awesome - talented and personable❣️👍FANTASTIC EVENING🥳

We try to get here whenever we're in town, but it been a few yrs. Glad to see parking has opened up a bit, but the place is still small so get there early. I love the grilled grouper sandwich while the others prefer blackened. It's a good portion of fish. This time I had the sweet potato fries for a side. We also got to catch some entertainment, which helped round out the experience. It's an older crowd meaning 40s and up, but a cozy, casual and comfortable place to hang out.

The Red Shrimp was fabulous. Music tonight, didn't catch the name, but got a picture. Parking: Get there early if you want to eat here.

I mean it. This was the best seafood meal I have had, in my life. EVER. Landed in Florida and this was our first stop. We sat in the sun and pigged out!!! Conch Fritters!!! Big reds!!! Server staff was extremely friendly too!!! The best coconut shrimp I have ever had!!!!

Went there last night to hear Josh Quinn sing. He is an excellent musician and will be playing there every Friday in February. Go see him! He's amazing!!!! I had a couple of drinks and my husband and I split a cheeseburger and fries. The burger was outstanding! I would have ordered one of their many seafood dishes but I thought their prices were too steep. Like $24 for a grouper sandwich.
But the real reason to go there is to see Josh Quinn! He's off the charts amazing!!!!!!!

Good Food, Nice Setting My friend and I had lunch at Cortez Kitchen on January 15, 2023. Right on the water in an actual working fishing village. Surrounded by real fishing boats. Nice setting with good food. We were there in the afternoon but there is entertainment some evenings.

Great place to go especially when Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones are playing! Our food was great!

Delicious fresh seafood near the water. Reasonably priced and tasted amazing.

I got a fried grouper sandwich with hush puppies. The sandwich was amazing, the hush puppies were moist & delicious. Vanessa was my server. She suggested this awesome sauce she loves to dip her hushpuppies in & made it special. This was to die for!!! What a fabulous server & super kind human being! I definitely will be back 🙂

I got a fried grouper sandwich with hush puppies. The sandwich was amazing, the hush puppies were moist & delicious. Vanessa was my server. She suggested this awesome sauce she loves to dip her hushpuppies in & made it special. This was to die for!!! What a fabulous server & super kind human being! I definitely will be back 🙂

As every year our visit was brilliant. Service spot on. Food fresh and delicious Kid-friendliness: Lots of kids Parking: Plenty of parking right outside Wheelchair accessibility: Ramp

One of my favorites!! Repeat customer! First started coming here on vacay as best seafood near AMI! Then moved close by, added bonus! Seafood is excellent- hint- they own a seafood market close by tooooo! Reasonable prices, not touristy, bands on the weekends. Liz is the best server!!!! A hidden gem if you can find it.

Great food, music and deck can't wait to go back ❤️

Great service, atmosphere and food. Live music, fun crowd and a great outside deck/bar. Our waitress Kelly was excellent!

I don't care what you order at Cortez kitchen the food is absolutely wonderful. The best hamburger I have ever had anywhere and I've been many places for hamburgers. Is their seafood platter is fabulous. And their blackened Mai mai is superb.
Add to that great music on Friday Saturday and Sunday Cortez kitchen cannot be beat.

Had the most delicious grilled red shrimp! Tasted like lobster! Waitress was very nice.

Was recommended by a local and was right on the money!! Wings are definitely on point. We had Buffalo medium, teriyaki, and garlic. Nothing left but the bones!! Waitress was very attentive and polite. Will definitely be back next visit!

Food was great. Entertainment excellent. The only drawback is that they allow smoking at this venue which is not acceptable for someone with COPD. Afraid we will not be returning.

We love Cortez Kitchen, wish their menu had a few more selections but it is what it is, good food

Best place in Cortez, best place in Sarasota/Longboat Key. Incredible Blackened Scallops and Shrimp. Also they have live music which is always great! A MUST GO TO PLACE!

Gumbo is legit with a really nice kick. Our host Vannessa was very attentive and suggested getting grouper bites which were excellent, lightly fried, not salty, we got them without the buffalo sauce. Please support this local business! Located in the very few remaining fishermen villages in FL where the fourth generation is fishermen continue the family tradition.

Good food good wait staff and the band that was playing on Sunday was excellent very enjoyable time.

Buffalo grouper sandwich, Buffalo grouper bites, soft shell crab sandwich, grouper Reubens are all incredible. The sandwiches are massive and delicious. Amazing place to stop on vacation we come by 2-3 times a week when we stay on AMI. don't miss this spot!!

Had a wonderful time. The seafood combo must be very good. It contains grouper, shrimp and scallops, cooked perfectly.

Eric's music is awesome!! Great entertainment!! Good & service were good as well will be back.

Fresh fish and seafood. Excellent value for the money! Husband had the fish and chips while I had the shrimp basket! Delicious!!!

It's one of our favorite places to go, great boiled shrimp and ice cold beers sometimes tough to find a seat on the deck but everything else is great, I highly recommend this restaurant if you liked a laid back easy atmosphere.

Awesome little restaurant next to a fishing village. The staff are very friendly and the food was great. Beers were cold and went down fast. Can't beat it.

Great Recommendation A friend recommended this place. I'm glad we took him up on the suggestion. The bar is on the Cortez marina; very laid back. Food portions were delicious and generous. The wait staff was very friendly. Best seafood so far.

We haven't been here for a while & today we had the best food here ever. We came at 3 pm, no wait for food as good as any in Cortez. I especially loved the oyster basket, was pleasantly surprised it was every bit as good as my usual favorite place!

Absolutely Love this place. The grouper sandwich was never ending. Old florida (down to Earth) feel. The service was great. If you are looking for the touristy places this isn't for you. If your thirsty for a cold beer, good food and real people. Definitely stop by The Cortez kitchen.

This place never disappoints! The live music is always awesome especially when TC and Randy are playing. The food is delicious, the beer is cold, service is excellent! It's busy for a reason, the place is great!

We had a super friendly server. The place looks like a bar/restaurant, but had really good seafood. Nothing fancy, but my scallops and my wife's grouper were cooked perfectly. We sat outside on a deck in a marina setting.

Holy smokes! Make sure to order the soft shell crab sandwich, it will make your day five million times better!

Great place to grab some good food. Service was great, Elizabeth took care of us and food was awesome. Great vibe with live music, will return again.

Good food, like always! Good rum runner, too!! Service was great. A little spotty on COVID safety (not all wait staff wears face coverings).

BEST Local Seafood! Fantastic blacken grouper was BY FAR the freshest! Served with slaw and hush puppies too, With extremely friendly, sincere, as well knowledgeable service by Elizabeth. Highly recommend!!! Definitely worth a visit! E.J.

Good food. Local entertainer singing the day we visited.