EPICURIOUS
A Guide to Dining in SW Florida
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, ser ved 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, contemporary 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
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- 5:30 p.m. Cozy booths, fish art and nautical details give this restaurant a seafaring vibe. D
13451-16 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-489-2226, 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- 5:30 p.m. LD 7790 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, 239-437-4377, universitygrill.net
Cape Coral CENO GRILLE
Family History. Try the fresh homemade spanakopita-fresh spinach, herbs and feta, wrapped in phyllo dough and baked, or the chicken Marsala, and you’ll understand the passion that drove founder George Lukas to create Ceno Grill. Order a gyro or souvlaki for a light meal, or feast on chicken parmesan, you won’t be disappointed! And who can resist some tasty cannoli for dessert? Don’t miss Happy Hour, M-F, 3-6pm. Closed Sundays. LD
1715 Cape Coral Parkway W, Cape Coral, 239-549-2366, cenogrille.com
FORD’S GARAGE
The taste is in the details. The décor takes you back to the 1 920s, 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 3 12. LD
1719 Cape Coral Parkway East, Cape Coral, 239-540-3673, fordsgarageusa.com
LOBSTER LADY SEAFOOD MARKET AND BISTRO
Eclectic Coastal Cuisine. Whether you choose Shrimp and Grits for breakfast or Le Bouf Bacon Wrapped Lobster Tail for dinner, you’ll taste why we call our seafood the freshest in the area! Our extensive menu includes a raw bar, and a fine selection of burgers, sandwiches and pasta for landlubbers. Be sure to pick up a fresh selection from our Market to take home! Enjoy live entertainment every night. BLD
1715 Cape Coral Pkwy., Units 2 & 3, Cape Coral, 239-471-0136, lobsterladyseafood.com
MONKEY BAR STEAK & SEAFOOD
Silly Name, Serious Food. Chef Nico Bogert and his experienced team are passionate about food, and you’ll taste the proof! W ith variety enough for any palate, the menu includes selections like The Big Monkey: a pork chop ser ved with apple relish; Rum and P epper Painted Grouper, served over rice with mango orange sauce; and Ahi Tuna Salad. Try the steak, which earned this eater y the title of Best Steakhouse in Cape Coral. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and live entertainment is offered nightly. LD
1428 Lafayette St., Cape Coral, 239-549-8800, monkeybarandsteakhouse.com
PARADISE DELI AND GRILL
Heavenly Taste. Our menu is built around the idea that fresh ingredients and homemade food just taste better . Whether you tr y one of our variations on Eggs Benedict for breakfast or our Philly Cheese Steak for lunch or dinner , you will taste the difference. Be sure to tr y our award- winning Reuben! T oo busy to dine in? Our entire menu is available for take- out, and our catering menu offers an array of choices to make your next party a hit! BLD
2378 Surfside Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-292-2378, paradisedelicc.com
Fort Myers Beach DOC FORD’S FORT MYERS BEACH RUM BAR & GRILLE
The Sequel. This is what we want with a good story—a sequel. This second restaurant based on a fictional Randy W ayne White character serves up a view of Matanzas P ass along with banana leaf snapper and T exas baby-back ribs. Enjoy live music Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons. LD
708 Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, 239-765-9660, docfordsfortmyersbeach.com
Bonita Springs OLD 41
Just Like Home ... Especially for those from Philly. The corned-beef hash, pancakes with freshly sliced bananas or strawberries and Carbon’s malted Belgian waffles accompanied by fresh-ground Colombian coffee are reason to come for breakfast. Pop in for lunch and it’s the Philly cheesesteak, hands down. BL
25091 Bernwood Parkway, Bonita Springs, 239-948-4123, old41rest.com
Estero RODIZIO GRILL
The Brazilian Steakhouse. Experience the flavors of Brazil, with your choice from over a dozen rotisserie grilled meats, perfectly seasoned and carved tableside by Rodizio Gauchos! Try the Feijoada, a traditional Brazilian black bean stew, or Abacaxi, fresh glazed and grilled pineapple. Don’t forget to save room for a decadent dessert! Lunch is offered Friday-Sunday. LD
8017 Plaza del Lago Drive, Suite 101, Estero, 239-498-0018, rodiziogrill.com
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
Always a Sizzling Success. Vaulted tray ceilings and meticulously set white linen-covered tables set the mood. From petite filets to cowboy-size ribeyes, the steaks are tender and juicy; choose from traditional sides like creamed spinach and sweet potato casserole. D
The Shops at Coconut Point, 23151 Village Shops Way, Suite 101, Estero, 239-948-8888, ruthschris.com
Sanibel 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 a fictional character, and it’s a best-seller! The
menu offers sandwiches, salads and entrees. Don’t skip the mojito. LD
2500 Island Inn Road, Sanibel, 239-472-8311, docfordssanibel.com
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 menu is positively decadent! LD
15183 Captiva Dr. Captiva, 239-472-3337, greenflashcaptiva.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. Check out the new full bar, offering tropical cocktails and signature drinks, including their homemade White Mango Sangria! 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
PINOCCHIO’S ICE CREAM AND GEPPETTO’S BEACH FOODIES
The Institution. A Sanibel tradition since 1980, Pinocchio’s handcrafts all their frozen confections daily right in their Sanibel store in small batches. This mecca for ice cream foodies offers a variety sure to please all palates including ice cream, gelato, sorbet, sherbet, frozen yogurts and Italian custards from their 130+ flavor repertoire, served in generous portions. Stop in for their signature Sanibel Krunch or Dirty Sand Dollar. Geppetto’s Beach Foodies is the sister gourmet shop located next to Pinocchio’s surprises with authentic croissant baking.
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
Captiva CAPTIVA HOUSE
Old Florida/New American. Chef Jason Miller’s always changing menu centers on the bounty of the season with plenty of fresh fish. Come check out our new 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. BD
15951 Captiva Dr., Captiva, 239-472-5161 ext. 4, captiva-house.com
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 menu is positively decadent! LD
15183 Captiva Dr. Captiva, 239-472-3337, greenflashcaptiva.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 pecancrusted goat cheese salad. Outdoor seating is available. D
14900 Captiva Drive, Captiva, 239-472-6200, captivaislandinn.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.