EPICURIOUS

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 Grilled Octopus or Smoked Mullet Fritter. 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

“A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.” —Barbara Johnson

gumbo, pan-seared crab cakes and macadamiaencrusted grouper. LD

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