epicurious
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. D 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-1998, matzaluna.net
THE NORMANDIE SEASIDE CAFÉ AT WEST WIND
Indulge Yourself. Bananaberry French Toast or an Italian Omelet for breakfast? The café offers those and much more, including a Florida fruit bowl or Veggie Omelet, served with Colombian coffee or a choice of artisan whole-leaf teas. Relax in the old-world atmosphere as you enjoy an Island Curry Chicken Salad or Pressed Cuban Sandwich for lunch, paired with the perfect wine from an extensive list. BLD 3345 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239-472-1541, westwindinn.com/normandie-restaurant-sanibel
PINOCCHIO’S ICE CREAM AND GEPPETTO’S BEACH FOODIES
The Institution. A Sanibel tradition since 1980, Pinocchio’s handcrafts all its frozen confections daily right in the Sanibel store in small batches. This mecca for ice cream foodies offers a variety that’s sure to please all palates: ice cream, gelato, sorbet, sherbet, frozen yogurt and Italian custard. Choose from 130-plus flavors and enjoy generous portions. Stop in for the signature Sanibel Krunch or Dirty Sand Dollar. Geppetto’s Beach Foodies, the sister gourmet shop located next to Pinocchio’s, surprises with authentic croissant baking. 362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-6566, pinocchiosicecream.com
THE SANDBAR
Welcoming. The Seafood Trio, which includes bronzed grouper, scallops and crab cake, is a favorite. Fresh seafood and steaks grilled to perfection are sure to please all palates. D 2761 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239-472-0305, sanibelsandbar.com
SANIBEL FISH HOUSE
Tried and True. Fresh seafood entrées on the all- day menu range from sandwiches and salads to fried baskets and house specialties, such as seared tuna with rice cakes and seaweed salad. The salmon can be ordered broiled, grilled, blackened or Jamaican jerked. LD Three locations: 1523 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-7770; 4685 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, 239-495-5770; and 320 Old San
Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 239-765-6766, thefishhouserestaurants.com
SANIBEL GRILL
Local Color. Sanibel Grill ser ves up 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 feel, which explains the popularity of this spot. D 703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, 239-472-4453, thesanibelgrill.com
THE SANIBEL SPROUT
Fresh Island Goodness. Sanibel Island’s popular vegan and vegetarian gourmet take-out restaurant offers a delightful variety of meals, smoothies and juices prepared fresh daily. Chef Nikki Rood uses only 100-percent organic, gluten-free, nonGMO, farm-fresh ingredients in each creation, including the popular Smoked Paprika Hummus & Sprouts. Another best-seller is the Raw Vegan Lasagna. The heart of The Sanibel Sprout is “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” (quoting Hippocrates) and this is reflected in every delectable dish it offers. LD Bailey’s Center, 2463 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-4499
SUNSET GRILL
Floribbean Gourmet. For lunch, try the crab cakes or blackened chicken Caesar wrap. Morning people might choose eggs “Santiva” and “Captiva,” which are variations of eggs Benedict with either smoked salmon or lump crab cake. BLD 6536 Pine Ave., Sanibel, 239-472-2333, sunsetgrillsanibel.com
SWEET MELISSA’S CAFE
Good Thing, Small Packages. Chef Melissa Talmage prepares entrées in full and petite portions, giving diners the option to sample multiple dishes, such as Grilled Octopus or Smoked Mullet Fritter. 1625 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239-472-1956, sweetmelissascafe.com. LD 1625 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-1956, sweetmelissascafe.com
THISTLE LODGE
Victorian Rendezvous. Creative cuisine such as black grouper, oven-roasted coquelet and herb-crusted lamb rack or blackened yellowtail snapper mojo adds to the allure of Victorian trappings, as do glorious beach views from almost any table. L D SB Casa Ybel Resort, 2255 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239-472-9200, thistlelodge.com