Seafood is among the most ordered foods in restaurants around the United States and other countries. This is primarily because of the diversity in the dishes and how fresh they are. In addition to being delicious, here are other benefits of eating seafood.
- Rich in Omega-3-fatty acids that help improve eyesight, promote cardiovascular health, and improve brain health and function
- Rich in Vitamin D, which helps reduce the chances and severity of autoimmune diseases
- Boosts skin health
- Eases joint pain and symptoms, therefore helping ease arthritis symptoms
- Seafood contains other essential nutrients like Vitamin A and B vitamins
If you are looking for a good seafood restaurant in Bradenton, Cortez Kitchen is the place to look. Located in Cortez, Florida, (a suburb of Bradenton) one of the oldest active fishing villages in the US, it is among the most recommended seafood restaurants Bradenton has to offer. Loved by locals and tourists alike, ‘the Kitchen’ is a hidden gem just off the beaten path.
The Kitchen, as it’s known to locals, has one of the most relaxing and beautiful views and gives you a firsthand experience of the laid-back Florida lifestyle.
Cortez Kitchen is family-owned and operated by Cortez locals, meaning we understand what people like as far as seafood goes. It has also made us appreciate all our visitors and treat them like family.
We have been in business for over 10 years, meaning we have extensive experience in catching, preparing, and serving seafood while preserving their natural habitats. Located next to the beautiful F.I.S.H. preserve (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage), we know how important it is to take care of the environment and delicate ecosystems that produce our favorite seafood.
Why People Love Cortez Kitchen
Fresh food
The restaurant is located on ‘the Kitchen,’ a waterbody known for its ample supply of fish and other types of seafood. Unlike other restaurants, we catch our fish and seafood and cook them within a short time without having to use preservatives or have them in the fridge for long periods.
This ensures that the food is fresh, juicy, and has all its flavors when it gets to your plate.
Diverse menu
From appetizers, entrees, sides, soups, salads, desserts, seasonal foods, and sandwiches, there is something for everyone at Cortez Kitchen, Bradenton, FL (Cortez, FL). You can come for lunch or dinner any day of the week. (Note: The Kitchen is closed on Mondays in the off-season from Aug – Jan. Check our news section for more information and to stay up-to-date)
Besides seafood, you can order hamburgers, chicken, sashimi (tuna), fried mushrooms, mozzarella sticks, and much more. We have a special board daily where we list special items at discounted prices. This is an excellent way for our new customers to try out some of the local favorites.
Entertainment
Besides the delicious food in the restaurant, Cortez Kitchen has live music every Thursday to Sunday. Whether with friends or alone, you can sing and dance to some of the best music from well-known local and national performers.
Some live music events to look out for in the coming months include Doug Deming and The Jewel Tones, Eric Von, Noel Harris, Messenger, Blues to Back Street, Buzz Factor, Michael Mac, Poppa Grump, and much more.
Our dance floor has ample space for you and your friends to show off your dance moves all night long. You can also attend one of our annual world-famous festivals like the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival or the Cortez Stone Crab Festival!
Something else that sets us apart is our full bar, where you can order beer, wine, or liquor. This is a perfect way to keep enjoying the music after finishing your meal. We have everything from craft cocktails to IPAs. Come enjoy a margarita in the Key West-style environment or hang out, listen to music and sip on a piña colada!
Other Activities To Do Around The Kitchen
Another thing that makes Cortez Kitchen ranked among the best seafood restaurants Bradenton offers, is the many activities you can do nearby before or after enjoying your meal and drinks.
Fishing
As a fishing village, a trip to Cortez wouldn’t be complete without going fishing! You can rent a boat from nearby marinas or hire one of the many charter captains who can take you fishing and put you on the fish day or night. We even have some charter captains that work at the restaurant!
Boat tours
If you are not a fishing fan, you can hire a boat or rent a canoe to tour the waters and see things like dolphins, crabs, turtles, and other sea life. It’s also a great way to experience the amazing weather and beautiful scenery. Bring the kids!
Water sports
Adventure lovers can have a blast in Cortez with the many different water sports in the area like jet ski rentals and tours, scuba diving, waterskiing, and snorkeling in the clear waters around Cortez. We are just a few miles from Clearwater, FL… it didn’t get its name by mistake!
Visit the Maritime Museum
The Florida Maritime Museum is the best place to learn about the oldest fishing village in the United States. It has classes and exhibitions that allow you to learn some skills that people from the past used, like constructing fishing rods, knot tying, sailing, and Native American heritage. This is not only fun, but it helps pass down the heritage and traditions of the town to other generations. It’s a must-see for any fishing enthusiast or history lover.
Parasailing
With parasailing, eco-tours, dolphin trips, sunset cruises, and sightseeing, this is one of the best ways to experience and view the breathtaking scenery around the Cortez Kitchen. Parasailing will give you amazing views of not only Cortez but Sarasota Bay, Longboat Key, and Anna Maria Island beaches, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Coquina Beach. It’s paradise after all. Come check it out from the sky!