EPICURIOUS

A Guide to Dining in SW Florida

KEY Banquet Facilities B Breakfast Entertainment L Lunch D Dinner Cocktails SB Sunday Brunch Beer and Wine 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 SUMMERLIN JAKE’S You Deserve This. Chef Richard Howze’s depth of experience is displayed on each plate, whether you choose a perfect Filet Mignon or the mouthwatering Captain’s Coubion, which features fish medallions in a rich seafood stock, served with gulf shrimp, Pine Island clams, and more! Using only the highest- qualityflavor. The locally incrediblegrown ingredients,waterfront viewshe makes provide each the meal perfecta masterpiecebackdrop for of yourbe treated dining to experience,live music. and BLDif you visit on Friday or Saturday evening, you’ll

17501 Harbour Pointe Drive, Fort Myers. 239-466-5377, summerlinjakes.com UNIVERSITYHead of the Class. GRILL This place gets the business crowd at lunch and the beautifuland a happy theater-goersbalance of at seafood dinner. and They steaks.come for Earlya privatediners will club find atmospheregood 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! Too 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, 239-2922378, 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. P op 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 BLUE GIRAFFE Casual Excellence. After a relaxing day on the beach or browsing Sanibel’s numerous shops, it’s time to treat yourself to some delicious, islandinspired food. Sit at hand-painted tables inside, or enjoy the garden atmosphere of Periwinkle Place and sample our Monterey Chicken Panini or Shrimp ‘n Chips for lunch, or come for dinner and try the Pina-colada Coconut Mahi―truly a treat! Our breakfast menu offers a tempting variety of omelets and pancakes, or you can try Eggs Nantua: two poached eggs on top of a crispy crab cake, topped with Hollandaise sauce. Come see why the locals love us! BLD

2075 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, bluegiraffesanibel.com 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 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 LAZY FLAMINGO Cold Beer, Raw Bar. Come try the plumpest raw oysters, steaming hot-spiced peel-and-eat shrimp, fresh grouper and incendiar y Dead Parrot Wings. The regular hot buffalo wings are your best bet. LD

Four locations: 6520-C Pine Ave., Sanibel, 239472-5353; 1036 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-4726939; 12951 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239476-9000; and waterfront at 16501-B Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia, 239-283-5959, lazyflamingo.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 THE NORMANDIE SEASIDE CAFÉ AT WEST WIND Indulge Yourself. Bananaberry French Toast or an Italian Omelet for breakfast? W e offer that and much more, including a Florida fruit bowl or Veggie Omelet, served with Columbian coffee or a choice of artisan whole-leaf teas. Relax in our old-world atmosphere as you enjoy a Bacon Wrapped Chicken Roulade or Normandie Snapper for dinner, paired with the perfect wine from our extensive list. Check out our Sunset Menu for daily specials ser ved with salad and dessert. 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 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 THE SANDBAR Welcoming. The fresh Florida stone-crab claws, which the small restaurant offers in its fish market, are unsurpassed. Fresh seafood and steaks grilled to perfection are sure to please all palates. D

2761 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239-472-0305, sanibelsandbar.com

SANIBELLocal Color. GRILL Sanibel Grill serves up your typical pub spicy fare—juicybuffalo wings—andburgers, seafoodmore. You’ll baskets find and seasoned bartenders and the often-soughtbut-never-found neighborhood bar feel, which explains the popularity of this spot. D

703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, 239-472-4453, thesanibelgrill.com SWEET MELISSA’S CAFE Good Thing, Small Packages. Chef Melissa Talmage prepares entrees in full and petite portions, giving diners the option to sample multiple dishes, such as seared duck breast and oven roasted cobia. 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 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 adjacent fish market. D

703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2722, timbersofsanibel.com 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 crab cakes and macadamia-encrusted grouper. LD

1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-7242, traderssanibel.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.