The Place

Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton, (941) 748-8087, pier22dining.com. An expansive riverfront dining room features linen-topped tables with picture-window views of the Manatee River; additional patio and outdoor seating completes the spectrum of refined-but-relaxed dining options. Also a hot spot for Happy Hour.

 

The People

Downtown executives sealing deals and celebrating successes; out-of-towners meeting relatives over their lunch breaks.

 

Time Factor

Service is on-the-ball, but this is not your in-and-out kind of lunch spot; definitely a place to take your time and enjoy the food as well as the view.

 

The Food

Classic seafood entrées and sandwiches in sophisticated preparations, like fish and chips, crab cakes and catch-of-the-day specials (with some land options like French dip and chicken penne pasta), as well as Asian-inspired creations like Szechuan shrimp, beef soba and an Asian calamari salad with a zingy soy ginger vinaigrette. Small plates, including tempura artichokes and seared tuna with wasabi aioli, are great for extended lunch meetings.