Sanibel
DOC FORD’S SANIBEL RUM BAR & GRILLE
Novel Cuisine. A band of local restaurant folk joined with Southwest Florida novelist Randy Wayne White to develop a restaurant, and it’s a best-seller! The menu offers sandwiches, salads and entrees. Don’t skip the mojito. LD 975 Rabbit Road, Sanibel, 239-472-8311, docfordssanibel.com
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. BLD
2163 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0606, sanibelislandcow.com
THE JACARANDA
Local Legend. It’s a romantic, intimate dinner house; a relaxed, open-air gathering place; and an energetic nightspot all in one. Food ranges from splendid seafood inside to tasty burgers and sandwiches in the lounge, where there’s live entertainment nightly. D
1223 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-1771, jacarandaonsanibel.com
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 krabmeat, sautéed with broccoli and fresh mushrooms and topped
with an artichoke heart and our creamy Alfredo sauce as you view the pictures of our historic lighthouse that line the walls. Call-ahead seating is available. BL
362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0303, lighthousecafe.com
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
PINOCCHIO’S ICE CREAM AND GEPPETTO’S BEACH FOODIES
The Institution. As Sanibel’s ice cream institution for 30 years, Pinocchio’s ser ves a repertoire of over 130 homemade flavors daily, including the signature ice creams Sanibel Krunch and Dirty Sand Dollar . Enjoy gelato, sorbets, sherbets and yogurts as well, all ser ved in generous portions. Geppetto’s Beach Foodies gourmet shop, next to Pinocchio’s, surprises with croissants, baguettes, soufflés, pastries, breads, panini, focaccias and more.
362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-6566, pinocchiosicecream.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
THE TIMBERS RESTAURANT AND FISH MARKET
Dine In or Do It Yourself. Favorites include fried calamari, seafood platters and crab cakes (all lump). Fresh fish is always on the menu. Be sure to visit the next door fish market. D
703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2722, prawnbroker.com
TOTI Media, Inc. does its best to ensure that information in in this guide is up to date. However, we still encourage our readers to call ahead for detailed information and/or reservations before visiting these local establishments.