EPICURIOUS
A Guide to Dining in SW Florida
KEY B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner SB Sunday Brunch R Reservations Accepted Banquet Facilities Entertainment Cocktails Beer and Wine
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. L D 975 Rabbit Road, Sanibel, 239- 472- 8311, docfordssanibel.com
THE DUNES
Not a Member? Not a Problem! The menu is classic with an inspired twist. Try the signature lump crab bisque, the Eastern, Western or Southern Burger, crisp empanadas with pulled beef or the seared cowboy steak. L D 949 Sand Castle Road, Sanibel, 239- 472- 3355, dunesgolfsanibel.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
ISLAND PIZZA
A Slice of Paradise. A tasty tradition on the island for more than 20 years. Pizza just the way you want it, with your choice of five crust options. Pasta, calzone and salad are also popular. You might try calamari or bruschetta for an appetizer, and don’t miss the daily happy hour. L D 1619 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239- 472- 1581, islandpizza.net
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 Cold FLAMINGO Beer, Raw Bar. Come try the plumpest raw shrimp, oysters, fresh steaming grouper and hot- spiced incendiary peel- Dead and- eat Parrot Wings. The regular hot buffalo wings are your best bet. L D Four locations: 6520- C Pine Ave., Sanibel, 239- 472- 5353; 1036 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239- 472- 6939; 12951 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239- 476- 9000; and waterfront at 16501- B Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia, 239- 283- 5959, lazyflamingo.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, prawnbroker. com PINOCCHIO’S ICE CREAM AND GEPPETTO’S BEACH FOODIES
The Institution. As Sanibel’s ice cream institution for 30 years, Pinocchio’s serves 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 served in generous portions. The new 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
THE SANDBAR
Welcoming. The fresh Florida stone- crab claws, which the small restaurant offers as a dinner appetizer, are unsurpassed. Fresh seafood and steaks grilled to perfection are sure to please all palates. Try the L D red velvet cake or creme brulee for dessert. 2761 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239- 472- 0305, sanibelsandbar. com
SANIBEL FISH HOUSE
Tried and True. Fresh seafood entrees on the all- day menu range from sandwiches and salads to fried baskets and house specialties, such as seared tuna with rice cakes and seaweed salad. The salmon can be ordered broiled, grilled, blackened or Jamaican jerked. L D Three locations: 1523 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239- 472- 7770; 4685 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, 239- 495- 5770; and 7225 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 239- 765- 6766, thefishhouserestaurants. com
SANIBEL GRILL
Local Color. Sanibel Grill serves up your typical pub fare— juicy burgers, seafood baskets and crusty pizza— and more. You’ll find seasoned bartenders and the often- sought- but- neverfound neighborhood bar feel, which explains the
popularity of this spot. D 703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, 239- 472- 4453, prawnbroker. com
SEA STAR CAFÉ & BAR
Culinary Luminary. Breakfast options include bagel sandwiches, breakfast burritos, French toast and pancakes with caramelized bananas or apples. For lunch, try a salad, burger or panini. The dinner menu offers pasta, seafood and steak. B L D 937 East Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239- 579- 0195, seastarcafeandwaterfrontbar. com
STARFISH GRILLE
On the Beach. Grab a table overlooking the palm tree- studded beach. Dinner is citrus grilled Florida mahi or braised beef short ribs for meat lovers. Casual fare includes the flame- grilled TOTI. com Burger with Angus beef and aged cheddar. B L D Sanibel Holiday Inn, 1231 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239- 472- 7827, starfishgrillesanibel. com
SUNSET GRILL
Floribbean Gourmet. For lunch, try the fried green tomato BLT or mixed seafood wrap. Morning people might choose eggs “Santiva” and “Captiva,” which are variations of eggs Benedict with either smoked salmon or lump crab cake and a Key- lime sauce. BLD 6536 Pine Ave., Sanibel, 239- 472- 2333, sunsetgrillsanibel.com
SWEET MELISSA’S CAFÉ
Good Thing, Small Packages. Chef Melissa Talmage prepares courses in appetizer and half- portions, giving diners the option to sample multiple dishes, such as seared duck breast and
cured Japanese yellowtail. L D 1625 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239- 472- 1956, sweetmelissascafe.com
THISTLE LODGE
Victorian Rendezvous. Creative cuisine such as veal Oscar, lobster and crab- crusted sea scallops or fried whole 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- 3145, thistlelodge.com THE TIMBERS RESTAURANT AND FISH MARKET
Dine In or Do It Yourself. Favorites include calamari salad with Japanese vegetables, seafood platters and crab cakes ( all lump). Fresh fish is always on the menu. Be sure to visit the fish market, right next door. D 703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, 239- 472- 2722, prawnbrokers.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. D 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239- 472- 7242, traderssanibel.com
Captiva
CANTINA CAPTIVA
Nacho Madre’s Mexican. Enjoy lunch and dinner in the garden or inside, where bright serape colors, piñatas, terra- tiled floors and adobe- style walls subtly suggest that we’ve gone south of the border. L D 14970 Captiva Drive, Captiva, 239- 472- 0248, captivaislandinn. com
CAPTIVA Old always- Florida/ changing HOUSE New American. menu centers Chef on Jason the bounty Miller’s of the an eclectic season list with complement plenty of fresh the fish. presentations, Wines from and breath the away. view from B D the Sunset Room takes the 15951 239- 472- Captiva 5161 ext. Drive, 4, Captiva, tweenwaters. com
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. BLD 11509 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 239- 395- 4000, captivaislandinn. com
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. BLD 11508 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 239- 472- 0234, captivaislandinn. com
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. L D 11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 239- 472- 3434, muckyduck. com
RC OTTER’S
Otterly Beach American. The multitude of menu choices may be daunting. Steamed clams, fish baskets, quesadillas or even meatloaf are sure to satisfy your cravings. Diners enjoy live music outside seven days a week during lunch and dinner. B L D 11508 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 239- 395- 1142, captivaislandinn. 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 spring lamb chops or mahimahi, or perhaps a pecan- crusted goat cheese salad.
Outdoor seating is available. L D 14900 Captiva Drive, Captiva, 239- 472- 6200, captivaislandinn. com