ON CAPTIVA

Key: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, SB=Sunday Brunch, BW=Beer & Wine, C=Cocktails, E=Entertainment, BF=Banquet Facilities, R=Reservations Accepted

CANTINA CAPTIVA

Nacho Madre’s Mexican. Enjoy lunch and dinner in the garden or inside, where bright serape colors, piñatas, terra-cotta-tiled floors and adobe-style walls subtly suggest that you’ve gone south of the border. 14970 Captiva Drive, Captiva. 239-472-0248, captivaislandinn.com. L, D, C, R.

CROW’S NEST BAR & GRILLE

Great Food, Great Fun! Get ready for some fun at this popular Captiva spot. The menu is filled with your favorite appetizers, including flatbreads, chicken wings and the always-popular spinach-and-artichoke dip, and for dinner you can choose savory entrees like Chicken Saltimbocca, prepared with fresh

sage leaves, lemon ricotta, and prosciutto-wrapped chicken over linguine. Live entertainment adds to the excitement, and the Crab Races really keep the room hopping during season. 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva. 239-472-5161, crowsnest-captiva.com. L, D, C, R.

DOC FORD’S CAPTIVA RUM BAR & GRILLE

The Story Continues. Building on continued success, this popular chain based on novelist Randy Wayne White’s fictional character Doc Ford brings its tasty menu to the doors of South Seas Island Resort. Start with Doc’s Beach Bread while you consider entrees like panko-crusted grouper and dry-rubbed rib-eye steak.

5400 South Seas Plantation Road, Captiva. 239-312-4275, docfordscaptiva.com. L, D, BW, C, BF, R.

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 offerings are positively decadent. 15183 Captiva Drive, Captiva Island. 239-472-3337, greenflashcaptiva.com. L, D, C, BF.

HARBOURSIDE BAR & GRILL

View, Eat, Relax. This elegant and laid-back restaurant captures the picture-perfect island vacation. The view goes out to the serene ambiance of the South Seas marina, the decor is fishing-village inspired. The chef insists on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients as much as possible, so fish and seafood from surrounding waters show up on the menu, to the delight of diners. The restaurant is open only to guests of the South Seas Island Resort. Captiva, phone ext. 3357, southseas.com. D.

THE ISLAND STORE

Groceries to Go. This cozy grocery and convenience store, part of the Bailey’s General Store family, is located in downtown Captiva. 11500 Andy Rosse Lane, 239-472-2374.

KEYLIME BISTRO

Changes in Fooditude. A white picket fence and cheery blue canopies give this place an island setting, while daily outdoor live music provides a Jimmy Buffett beat. The eclectic menu includes walnut-crusted snapper, sausage and peppers, and escargots baked with blue cheese and tomato. 11509 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva. 239-395-4000, captivaislandinn.com. B, L, D, C, E, R.

LATTE DA COFFEE AND ICE CREAM SHOP

Once Upon a Time. Find a wide range of coffees, including the extra-strong Red Eye Coffee, cappuccinos and lattes, at this cozy spot.

Those with a sweet tooth indulge in scoops of Queenie’s locally made ice cream, milkshakes and sundaes. 11508 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva. 239-472-0234, captivaislandinn.com. B, L, D.

THE MUCKY DUCK

Quack Up. Start at the bar with a fresh pint from a long list of beers brewed “on the other side of the pond.” The menu is a combination of Florida cuisine and English pub grub. Visit the great outdoor beachside patio for live music and sunset gazing. 11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva. 239-472-3434, muckyduck.com.

L, D, C.

OLD CAPTIVA HOUSE

Old Florida/New American. Chef Greg Nelson’s always changing menu centers on the bounty of the season with plenty of fresh fish. Come check out our 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. 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva. 239-472-5161 ext. 4, captiva-house.com. B, D, C, BF, R.

THE POINTE

Island Feel Good. It can’t get any better on a sunny island vacation than lunch served poolside under an umbrella. The menu offers a variety of classic and Caribbean-inspired choices.

Look for offerings that focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and include salads, wraps and specialties, as well as great cocktails. The restaurant is open only to guests of the South Seas Island Resort. Captiva, phone extension 3559, southseas.com. L.

RC OTTER’S

Otterly Beach American. The multitude of menu choices may be daunting. Steamed clams, fish baskets, quesadillas and even meatloaf are sure to satisfy your cravings. Diners enjoy live music outside seven days a week during lunch and dinner. 11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva. 239395-1142, captivaislandinn.com. B, L, D, BW, E.

SCOOPS & SLICES

Kids’ Dreams Come True. This casual spot offers a good variety of popular pizza combinations and an ice cream selection of more than 20 flavors. Some 250 different candies are presented in an overwhelmingly colorful display—well within children’s reach. Does this sound like a kid’s dream come true? At Scoops & Slices, they can have it all. The stylish place in the fun decor of the 1950s is open every day for guests of the South Seas Island Resort. Captiva, phone ext. 3399, southseas.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 pecan-crusted goat cheese salad. Outdoor seating is available.

14900 Captiva Drive, Captiva. 239-472-6200, captivaislandinn.com. D, C, R.