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. LD
14970 Captiva Drive, Captiva, 239-472-0248, captivaislandinn.com
OLD 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. Wines from an eclectic list complement the presentations, and the view from the Sunset Room takes the breath away . BD
15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva, 239-472-5161 ext. 4, captiva-house.com
CROW’S NEST BEACH BAR AND GRILLE
Great Food, Great Fun! Take a trip to Captiva for a fun new dining experience! The menu is filled with your favorite appetizers, including flatbreads, chicken wings and the alwayspopular baked goat cheese dip. For dinner you can choose savory entrées such as Chicken
“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.”
—Ernestine Ulmer
Saltimbocca, prepared with fresh sage leaves, lemon ricotta and prosciutto-wrapped chicken over linguine. The Crab Races, taking place on Monday and Thursday, really keep the room hopping! LD
15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva, 239-472-5161, crowsnest-captiva.com
DOC FORD’S CAPTIVA RUM BAR & GRILLE
The Stor y Continues. Building on continued success, this popular chain based on novelist Randy Wayne White’s fictional character brings its unique menu to the doors of South Seas Island Resort. Start with Doc’s Beach Bread while you consider entrées such as panko- fried shrimp and dr yrubbed ribeye. LD
5400 South Seas Plantation Road, Captiva, 239-312-4275, docfordscaptiva.com
THE GREEN FLASH
A Rare Dining T reasure. Have a seat and enjoy the beautiful view of the water as you browse the delightfully diverse menu. The Grouper “Café de P aris” is the house specialty, baked in white wine, lemon and Worcestershire, finished with a butter y herb topping. Or tr y the Venetian Platter, which features salmon, swordfish, scallops and tiger prawn ser ved with sautéed polenta. Savory beef and pork entrées round out the menu for landlubbers, and the dessert menu is positively decadent! LD
15183 Captiva Drive, Captiva, 239-472-3337, greenflashcaptiva.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. LD
11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 239-4723434, muckyduck.com
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 the new sushi menu, which offers an adventurous variety of more than 30 choices 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. LD
15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva. 239-472-5161 ext. 4, captiva-house.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 . BLD
11508 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 239-3951142, 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 rack of lamb or blackened salmon, or perhaps a pecan-crusted goat cheese salad. Outdoor seating is available. D
14900 Captiva Drive, Captiva, 239-472-6200, captivaislandinn.com
“A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.”
—Barbara Johnson