Fort Myers
BLANC
Food for the Epicurean. Start with Bread Jenga, a toasted bread tower with cheese sauce, modelled after the popular game and almost as fun! Then choose an entrée from the Robata grill, such as Lamb Lollipops with roasted garlic and rosemary reduction, or the Octopus S&S, served with sweet habanero sauce. Blanc’s menu also includes “Almost Entrees,” designed to be enjoyed and shared by the entire table. Relax in the clean, contemporar y ambience as you savor the creations of Chris Whitaker and Chef Jean Claude Roge, whose talents lift Blanc above its peers. D
13451 McGregor Blvd, Ste. 10, Fort Myers, 239-887-3139, blancentertainment.com
BLU SUSHI
Cobalt Cool. An incredible variety of sushi and outrageous cocktails highlight the menu, but there are also tasty choices for diners who prefer steak and chicken. LD
13451 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-489-1500; 2262 First St., Fort Myers, 239-362-2843, blusushi.com
COURTSIDE STEAKHOUSE AT SANIBEL HARBOUR RESORT
Beefed Up. Refined with wood, brass, leaded glass and a subtle sports theme, this steakhouse delivers some of the tastiest “butcher’s breed” Black Angus steaks. Diners can also opt for the buffet aboard the resort’s elegant Princess yacht. D
17260 Harbour Pointe Drive, Fort Myers, 239-466-4000, marriott.com
CRAVE
Cozy & Contemporary. Modern American cuisine, prepared when you order it. Breakfast, served until 4 p.m., is your choice of omelet or variation of eggs Benedict. After noon, dishes like bacon-wrapped meatloaf and cedar plank salmon, plus salads and sandwiches, attract hungry diners. The Sunday brunch crowd packs the house, so you may have to wait—but it’s so worth it. BL D SB
12901 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-466-4663, cravemenu.com
DARUMA
Make a Wish! Dinner is served in traditional or teppan-style, which means the chef comes to your table and prepares your dinner. Classic Japanese favorites like shrimp tempura are offered, as well as combinations like lobster Nippon and filet mignon teriyaki. D 13499 South Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, 239344-0037; 241 Center Street North, Naples, 239-591-1200; and 5459 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, 941-342-6600, darumarestaurant.com
THE FIRESTONE
Four levels of fun. Brick and wood provide a warm atmosphere, and tires moving along the walls remind you why it’s called The Firestone. Try the filet mignon or paella in the Grille Room or tapas in the Sky Bar, or dance to live music in the Martini Bar on Friday and Saturday. D 2224 Bay Street, Fort Myers, 239-334-3473, firestonefl.com
FORD’S GARAGE
The taste is in the details. The décor takes you back to the 1920s, when Henry Ford walked these parts, and the menu includes burgers like the Model “A” and the Low Carb-uretor. Fresh Black Angus beef topped with ever ything from arugula to fried egg will make your mouth water , and the craft beer menu includes names like Kona Big Wave and Goose Island 312. LD
2207 First Street, Fort Myers, 239-332-3673, fordsgaragefl.com
THE PRAWNBROKER
Agent Fish. The food here is tried and true. Salads, along with fish, steak and pasta dishes, have been pleasing palates since 1982. Soup or salad accompany all dinners, just like in the good old days. Early diners catch good deals from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Cozy booths, fish art and nautical details give this restaurant a seafaring vibe. D 13451-16 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239489-2226, prawnbrokerfortmyers.com
UNIVERSITY GRILL
Head of the Class. This place gets the business crowd at lunch and the beautiful theater-goers at dinner. They come for a private club atmosphere and a happy balance of seafood and steaks. Early diners will find good deals from 4 to 5:30 p.m. LD
7790 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, 239-437-4377, universitygrill.net