Foodies Rejoice
CAPTIVA RESTAURANTS p.52
Cantina Captiva Crow’s Nest Bar & Grille Doc Ford’s Captiva Rum Bar & Grille The Green Flash Harbourside Bar & Grill The Island Store Keylime Bistro Latte Da Coffee and Ice Cream Shop The Mucky Duck Old Captiva House The Pointe RC Otter’s Scoops & Slices Sunshine Seafood Café and Wine Bar
SANIBEL RESTAURANTS p.58
Bailey’s General Store Cielo Doc Ford’s Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille The Dunes The Island Cow Lighthouse Café The Mad Hatter Matzaluna Sanibel Grill Sanibel Inn Restaurant Thistle Lodge The Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market Traders T2 Traders
Key: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner, Sb=sunday Brunch, Bw=beer & Wine, C=cocktails, E=entertainment, Bf=banquet Facilities, R=reservations Accepted
ON CAPTIVA CANTINA CAPTIVA
Nacho Madre’s Mexican. Enjoy lunch and dinner in the garden or inside, where bright serape colors, piñatas, terra-cotta-tiled floors and adobe-style walls subtly suggest that you’ve gone south of the border. 14970 Captiva Drive, Captiva. 239-472-0248, captivaislandinn.com. L, D, C, R.
CROW’S NEST BAR & GRILLE
Great Food, Great Fun! Get ready for some fun at this popular Captiva spot. The menu is filled with your favorite appetizers, including flatbreads, chicken wings and the always-popular spinach-and-artichoke dip, and for dinner you can choose savory entrees like Chicken Saltimbocca, prepared with fresh
sage leaves, lemon ricotta, and prosciutto-wrapped chicken over linguine. Live entertainment adds to the excitement, and the Crab Races really keep the room hopping during season. 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva. 239-472-5161, crowsnest-captiva.com. L, D, C, R.
DOC FORD’S CAPTIVA RUM BAR & GRILLE
The Story Continues. Building on continued success, this popular chain based on novelist Randy Wayne White’s fictional character Doc Ford brings its tasty menu to the doors of South Seas Island Resort. Start with Doc’s Beach Bread while you consider entrees like panko-crusted grouper and dry-rubbed rib-eye steak.
5400 South Seas Plantation Road, Captiva. 239-312-4275, docfordscaptiva.com. L, D, BW, C, BF, R.
THE GREEN FLASH
A Rare Dining Treasure. Have a seat and enjoy the beautiful view of the water as you browse the delightfully diverse menu. The grouper “Café de Paris” is the house specialty, baked in white wine, lemon and Worcestershire, finished with a buttery herb topping. Or try the Venetian Platter, which features salmon, swordfish, scallops and tiger prawn served with sautéed polenta. Savory beef and pork entrees round out the menu for landlubbers, and the dessert offerings are positively decadent. 15183 Captiva Drive, Captiva Island. 239-472-3337, greenflashcaptiva.com. L, D, C, BF.
HARBOURSIDE BAR & GRILL
View, Eat, Relax. This elegant and laid-back restaurant captures the picture-perfect island vacation. The view goes out to the serene ambiance of the South Seas marina, the decor is fishing-village inspired. The chef insists on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients as much as possible, so fish and seafood from surrounding waters show up on the menu, to the delight of diners. The restaurant is open only to guests of the South Seas Island Resort. Captiva, phone ext. 3357, southseas.com. D.
THE ISLAND STORE
Groceries to Go. This cozy grocery and convenience store, part of the Bailey’s General Store family, is located in downtown Captiva. 11500 Andy Rosse Lane, 239-472-2374.
KEYLIME BISTRO
Changes in Fooditude. A white picket fence and cheery blue canopies give this place an island setting, while daily outdoor live music provides a Jimmy Buffett beat. The eclectic menu includes walnut-crusted snapper, sausage and peppers, and escargots baked with blue cheese and tomato. 11509 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva. 239-395-4000, captivaislandinn.com. B, L, D, C, E, R.
LATTE DA COFFEE AND ICE CREAM SHOP
Once Upon a Time. Find a wide range of coffees, including the extra-strong Red Eye Coffee, cappuccinos and lattes, at this cozy spot.
Those with a sweet tooth indulge in scoops of Queenie’s locally made ice cream, milkshakes and sundaes. 11508 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva. 239-472-0234, captivaislandinn.com. B, L, D.
THE MUCKY DUCK
Quack Up. Start at the bar with a fresh pint from a long list of beers brewed “on the other side of the pond.” The menu is a combination of Florida cuisine and English pub grub. Visit the great outdoor beachside patio for live music and sunset gazing. 11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva. 239-472-3434, muckyduck.com.
L, D, C.
OLD CAPTIVA HOUSE
Old Florida/new American. Chef Greg Nelson’s always changing menu centers on the bounty of the season with plenty of fresh fish. Come check out our sushi menu, which offers an adventurous variety―more than 30 choices in all―of sushi rolls, sashimi, specialty rolls and select sakes. Wines from an eclectic list complement the
presentations, and the view from the Sunset Room takes the breath away. 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva. 239-472-5161 ext. 4, captiva-house.com. B, D, C, BF, R.
THE POINTE
Island Feel Good. It can’t get any better on a sunny island vacation than lunch served poolside under an umbrella. The menu offers a variety of classic and Caribbean-inspired choices.
Look for offerings that focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and include salads, wraps and specialties, as well as great cocktails. The restaurant is open only to guests of the South Seas Island Resort. Captiva, phone extension 3559, southseas.com. L.
RC OTTER’S
Otterly Beach American. The multitude of menu choices may be daunting. Steamed clams, fish baskets, quesadillas and even meatloaf are sure to satisfy your cravings. Diners enjoy live music outside seven days a week during lunch and dinner. 11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva. 239395-1142, captivaislandinn.com. B, L, D, BW, E.
SCOOPS & SLICES
Kids’ Dreams Come True. This casual spot offers a good variety of popular pizza combinations and an ice cream selection of more than 20 flavors. Some 250 different candies are presented in an overwhelmingly colorful display—well within children’s reach. Does this sound like a kid’s dream come true? At Scoops & Slices, they can have it all. The stylish place in the fun decor of the 1950s is open every day for guests of the South Seas Island Resort. Captiva, phone ext. 3399, southseas.com.
SUNSHINE SEAFOOD CAFÉ AND WINE BAR
Inspired Bistro. This charming, small café offers a menu with a European touch. Diners can enjoy the wood-grilled rack of lamb or blackened
salmon, or perhaps a pecan-crusted goat cheese salad. Outdoor seating is available. 14900 Captiva Drive, Captiva. 239-472-6200, captivaislandinn.com. D, C, R.
ON SANIBEL BAILEY’S GENERAL STORE
Sanibel’s Shopping Headquarters.this fullservice grocery and hardware store on Sanibel has you covered. You’ll find a large selection of fresh produce, meats and seafood, plus a full deli, in-house bakery and coffee bar. The store also stocks organic and gluten-free products and offers online shopping and delivery, and catering service. 2477 Periwinkle Way, 239-472-1516; 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, 239-395-6016, baileys-sanibel.com.
CIELO
Creative American Cuisine. Island sophistication is evident in this restaurant’s tasteful decor and impressive menus. Start with the signature Blue Cielo-tini, a gin and blue curacao cocktail. For appetizers consider PEI mussels, calamari or charcuterie. Entrees include osso buco, Dungeness crab ravioli and fresh catch with jumbo lump crab topping the list. Wrap your evening with a selection from the after-dinner drink menu that features fine scotches, cognacs and ports. Scott Mcdonald is on piano from 6 p.m. 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239-4725555, cielo-sanibel.com. D, SB, BW, C, E, R.
DOC FORD’S SANIBEL RUM BAR & GRILLE
Novel Cuisine. Local restaurant folk joined with Southwest Florida novelist Randy Wayne White to develop a restaurant based on the fictional character Doc Ford, and it’s a best seller! The menu offers sandwiches, salads and entrees. Don’t skip the mojito. 2500 Island Inn Road, Sanibel. 239-472-8311, docfordssanibel.com. L, D, C, BF.
THE DUNES
Not a Member? Not a Problem! The Dunes restaurant has a classic, relaxing atmosphere and views of lush landscaping, a golf course and lake. The bar and grill offers a menu that is classic with an inspired twist. Try the coconut shrimp; Dunes steak sandwich or the portabella burger. 949 Sand Castle Road, Sanibel, 239-472-3355, dunesgolfsanibel.com. L, D.
THE ISLAND COW
Bovine Bounty. With a massive menu that features everything from omelets to fish to pasta, this is no beef joint, despite the cow references. The fish dinners are a good choice, unless it’s breakfast, when you might consider the fish omelets. Check out the new full bar, offering tropical cocktails and signature drinks, including their homemade White Mango Sangria. 2163 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239-472-0606, sanibelislandcow.com. B, L, D, C.
LIGHTHOUSE CAFÉ
The World’s Best Breakfast. Residents and visitors have been enjoying this Sanibel classic for six decades, and it’s easy to see why. Start your day with an Ocean Frittata: seasoned shrimp, scallops and crabmeat, sautéed with broccoli and fresh mushrooms and topped with an artichoke heart and creamy Alfredo sauce. Or try the Lighthouse Local Grouper Platter for dinner, as you view pictures of the island’s historic lighthouse that line the walls. Call-ahead seating is available. 362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239-4720303, lighthousecafe.com. B, L, D, BW.
THE MAD HATTER
Wonderland of New American Cuisine. The food is divine, the view spectacular and the experience unforgettable. Inspired and eclectic menu choices evolve with the season, always fresh and always prepared from scratch. Chefs Kurt and Michelle Jarvis bring new life to this cozy, romantic restaurant with its well-deserved reputation and its beautiful location on the beach. Dinner guests enjoy worldclass dining, the million-dollar view and unbeatable sunsets right at the table. 6467 Sanibel-captiva Road, Sanibel. 239-472-0033, madhatterrestaurant.com. D.
MATZALUNA
Well-smoked Italian. The Five Cheese with Gorgonzola, ricotta, spinach and artichoke hearts is just one of the popular wood-fired pizzas.
Fresh pastas, chicken, seafood and veal round out the menu. 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239-472-1998, matzaluna.net. D, C, R.
SANIBEL GRILL
Local Color. Sanibel Grill serves up your typical pub fare—juicy burgers, seafood baskets and spicy Buffalo wings—and more. You’ll find seasoned bartenders and the often-sought-but-neverfound neighborhood bar vibe, which explains the popularity of this spot. 703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel. 239-472-4453, thesanibelgrill.com. D, C.
SANIBEL INN RESTAURANT
Culinary Luminary. Breakfast options include bagel sandwiches, breakfast burritos and French toast with caramelized bananas and mango syrup. For lunch, try a salad, burger or panini. The dinner menu offers pasta, seafood and steak. 937 East Gulf Drive, Sanibel. 239-579-0195. B, L, D, C, R.
THISTLE LODGE
Victorian Rendezvous. Creative cuisine such as black grouper, oven-roasted coquelet and herb-crusted lamb rack or blackened yellowtail snapper adds to the allure of Victorian trappings, as do glorious beach views from almost any table. Casa Ybel Resort, 2255 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel. 239-4729200, thistlelodge.com. L, D, SB, C, E, BF, R.
THE TIMBERS RESTAURANT AND FISH MARKET
Dine In or Do It Yourself. Favorites include fried calamari, seafood platters and crabcakes (all lump). Fresh fish is always on the menu. Be sure to visit the adjacent fish market. 703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, 239-395-2722, timbersofsanibel.com. D.
TRADERS
A Shopping and Dining Experience. Traders is a shopping emporium and a restaurant, with live entertainment on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The menu features fresh Florida gumbo, pan-seared crabcakes and macadamia-encrusted grouper. 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239-472-7242, traderssanibel.com. L, D, C, E, R.
T2 TRADERS
New Island Favorite. Opened by the owners of Traders, T2 offers new delicious dishes, like trendy tacos and savory flatbreads, in addition to coastal-inspired classics. A full bar with mixology cocktails such as Sanibel Sunset and Elderflower Bloom, a rotating Florida craft and draft beer selection, and a wine list to envy all add to the unique and lively Floridian décor. Outdoor seating, full bar, gift shop, T2 is the perfect place for lunch, dinner and any time in between. 2340 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239-558-8919, T2traders.com. L, D.