epicurious
and dinner. Bananaberry French Toast and the Italian Omelet are among the breakfast favorites served with Colombian coffee or a choice of artisan whole-leaf teas. Relax in the cafe’s old-world atmosphere as you enjoy an Island Curry Chicken Salad or Pressed Cuban Sandwich for lunch. Chef Tom Sisson creates a dinner menu with island flair, and you can pair your food with the perfect wine from an extensive list. BLD 3345 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239-472-1541, normandierestaurant.com
ROSIE’S CAFÉ & GRILL
No-Frills Dining at its Best. A friendly local spot where the focus is on the food, and a generous menu offers many choices. Breakfast Benedicts are popular, along with pancakes and omelets. Lunch offerings include Rosie’s Famous Cheese Steak Sandwich, voted a favorite by islanders. Southwestern dishes spice up the menu: fajitas, tacos, burritos and quesadillas.
Stop in for ice cream; you can choose from 28 flavors of Royal Scoop ice cream. BLD 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel, 239-579-0807, sanibelrosiescafe.com
SANIBEL GRILL
Local Color. Sanibel Grill serves up typical pub fare—juicy burgers, seafood baskets and spicy Buffalo wings—and more. You’ll find seasoned bartenders and the oftensought-but-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 entrées in full and petite portions, giving diners the option to sample multiple dishes, such as Grilled Octopus or Smoked Mullet Fritter. 1625 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239-472-1956, sweetmelissascafe. com. LD 1625 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-1956, sweetmelissascafe.com
“A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.” —Barbara Johnson
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
TIPSY TURTLE RESTAURANT & BAR
Relaxed and Stylish. Light and airy with rustic details such as barn-style doors, the restaurant has a fresh island appeal. Creative cocktails, from margaritas and mojitos to mimosas and martinis, headline the menu. Starters include fried shrimp, crabcakes and ahi tuna nachos. Tasty sandwiches like The Cuban and fish tacos, along with seafood, steaks and housesmoked pork ribs, round out the menu. This place is known for its homemade desserts. Children’s menu available. LD 1223 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-1771, tipsyturtlerestaurant.com.
TRADERS
A Shopping and Dining Experience. Traders is a shopping emporium and a restaurant, with live entertainment on Tuesday and Thursday evenings featuring singer and guitarist Danny Morgan, a local music icon. The menu features fresh Florida gumbo, pan-seared crab cakes and macadamiaencrusted grouper. LD 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-7242, traderssanibel.com
T2 TRADERS
New Island Favorite. Opened by the owners of Traders, T2 offers new delicious dishes, like trendy tacos and savory flatbreads, in addition to coastal-inspired classics. A full bar with mixology cocktails such as Sanibel Sunset and Elderflower Bloom, a rotating
Florida craft and draft beer selection, and a wine list to envy all add to the unique and lively Floridian décor. Outdoor seating, full bar, gift shop, T2 is the perfect place for lunch, dinner and anytime in between. LD 2340 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-558-8919, T2traders.com