Epicurious
A Guide to Dining in SW Florida
KEY
B Breakfast
L Lunch
D Dinner
SB Sunday Brunch
Banquet Facilities Entertainment Cocktails Beer and Wine
Bonita Springs
OLD 41
Just Like Home ... Especially for those from Philly. The corned-beef hash, Texas French toast with caramel and pecans, Carbon’s malted Belgian waffles and the rice pudding accompanied by fresh-ground Colombian coffee are reason to come for breakfast. Pop in for lunch and it’s the Philly cheesesteak hands down. BL 25091 Bernwood Parkway, Bonita Springs, 239-948-4190, old41rest.com
PINCHERS CRAB SHACK
Gulf to Table. Fresh, cut-to-order fries; madefrom-scratch slaw; a decadently rich, hot cheese-and-crab dip; and full-on fruity, tropical cocktails complement the freshest seafood on the coast. LD Multiple locations throughout Southwest Florida: 28580 Bonita Crossings Blvd., Bonita Springs, 239-948-1313; 18100 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 239-415-8973; 6890 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 239-463-2909; 15271 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-415-4009; 10029 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers, 239-4154040; 5501 Palmer Crossing Circle, Sarasota, 941-922-1515; and 1200 5th Avenue South, Naples, 239-434-6616, pincherscrabshack.com
Estero
FORD’S GARAGE
The taste is in the details. The décor takes you back to the 1920s, when Henry Ford walked these parts, and the menu includes burgers like the Model “A” and the Bootlegger. Fresh Black Angus beef topped with everything from arugula to fried egg will make your mouth water, and the craft beer menu includes names like Kona Big Wave and New Belgium Fat Tire. LD 10801 Corkscrew Road, Suite 519, Estero, 239-332-3673, fordsgaragefl.com
PAGELLI’S RUSTIC TUSCAN GRILL
Bring the Dancing Shoes! The cuisine at this locally owned restaurant is Italian inspired, and so is the ambience. Dance to live music by the lake every night while you enjoy the patio bar’s signature cocktails. LD The Shops at Coconut Point, Estero, 239-226-4242, pagellis.com
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
Always a Sizzling Success. Vaulted tray ceilings and meticulously set white linen-covered tables set the mood. From petite filets to cowboy-size rib-eyes, the steaks are tender and juicy; chose from traditional sides like creamed spinach and tempura onion rings. D The Shops at Coconut Point, 23151 Village Shops Way, Suite 101, Estero, 239-948-8888, ruthschris.com
TARPON BAY RESTAURANT
New-Fashioned Classic. The Hyatt RegencyCoconut Point designed its restaurant to pay homage to the Old-Florida fish house. At the ceviche raw bar you’ll find eight types of raw seafood that is “cooked” in various marinades. For entrees, try the crispy-fried red snapper. D 5001 Coconut Road, Estero, 239-390-4295, coconutpoint.hyatt.com
Naples
PINCHERS CRAB SHACK
Gulf to Table. Fresh, cut-to-order fries; madefrom-scratch slaw; a decadently rich, hot cheese-and-crab dip; and full-on fruity, tropical cocktails complement the freshest seafood on the coast. LD Multiple locations throughout Southwest Florida: 28580 Bonita Crossings Blvd., Bonita Springs, 239-948-1313; 18100 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 239-415-8973; 6890 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 239-463-2909; 15271 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-415-4009; 10029 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers, 239-415-4040; 5501 Palmer Crossing Circle, Sarasota, 941-922-1515; and 1200 5th Avenue South, Naples, 239-434-6616, pincherscrabshack.com
ZIZI
Cucina Toscana. Expect Italian flavors and flair from this small restaurant and lounge. The chef prepares creative Mediterranean-American cuisine, with lighter offerings for lunch. Zizi is located inside the Bellasera Hotel, walking distance from Fifth Avenue South, downtown Naples’ main street. BLD 221 Ninth Street South, Naples, 239-262-4835, zizinaples.com
Fort Myers Beach
CHLOËS
Raising the Beach Bar. One of Fort Myers Beach’s finest dining experiences, Chloës is known for its gorgeous beach and sunset views, along with dishes that depart from standard fried-shrimp fare, like stuffed flounder and duck “noopie.” B D SB DiamondHead Beach Resort, 2000 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 239-765-0595, chloesfl.com
DOC FORD’S FORT MYERS BEACH RUM BAR & GRILLE
The Sequel. This is what we want with a good stor y—a sequel. Southwest Florida novelist Randy Wayne White’s second restaurant ser ves up a view of Matanzas Pass along with banana leaf snapper and Texas baby back ribs. Enjoy live music Friday through Sunday nights. LD 708 Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, 239-765-9660, docfords.com
NERVOUS NELLIE’S
A Neurotically Good Time. The massive menu includes everything from gator bites to Thai
dynamite shrimp salad, and the amazing grilled salmon Oscar, with local crab, wild salmon and tender baby asparagus, is sure to please. Check out Ugly’s Waterside Bar, just upstairs, “where everyone gets prettier,” and don’t forget the all-day happy hour. LD 1131 1st St., Fort Myers Beach, 239-463-8077, nervousnellies.net
Fort Myers
BISTRO 41
Innovative Global Cuisine. Visually stimulating presentations and stellar service are paired with a diverse wine list that keeps both regulars and first-time guests coming back. The grilled lobster melt with tomato-Parmesan bisque is a hit at lunchtime. LD Bell Tower Shops, 13499 South Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, 239-466-4141, bistro41.com
BLU SUSHI
Cobalt Cool. An incredible variety of sushi and outrageous cocktails highlights the menu, but there are also tasty choices for diners who prefer steak and chicken. LD 13451 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-489-1500; 10045 Gulf Coast Drive, Fort Myers, 239-334-BLU3, blusushi.com
COURTSIDE STEAKHOUSE AT SANIBEL HARBOUR RESORT
Beefed Up. Refined with wood, brass, leaded glass and a subtle sports theme, this steakhouse delivers some of the tastiest “butcher’s breed” Black Angus steaks. Diners can also opt for the buffet aboard the resort’s elegant Princess yacht. D 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive, Fort Myers, 239-466-2138, marriottmodules.com
CRAVE
Cozy & Contemporary. Modern American cuisine, prepared when you order it. Breakfast, served until 4pm, is your choice of omelet or variation of eggs Benedict. After noon, dishes like bacon-wrapped meatloaf and shrimp jambalaya, plus salads and sandwiches, attract hungry diners. The Sunday brunch crowd packs the house, so you may have to wait—but it’s so worth it. B L D SB 12901 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-466-4663, cravemenu.com
CRISTOF’S ON MCGREGOR
Old-Florida Charm. Designed to resemble a delightful, Old Florida–style home and surrounded by tropical landscaping, Cristof’s on McGregor has quickly become a local hotspot. Whether you choose a rib-eye steak or southern bouillabaisse, you will receive generous portions made with the best ingredients. LD 10231 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-791-8473
DARUMA
Make a Wish! Dinner is served in traditional or teppan-style, which means the chef comes to your table and prepares your dinner. Classic Japanese favorites like shrimp tempura are offered, as well as combinations like lobster Nippon and filet mignon teriyaki. D 13499 South Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, 239-344-0037, darumarestaurant.com
FORD’S GARAGE
The taste is in the details. The décor takes you back to the 1 920s, when Henr y Ford walked these parts, and the menu includes burgers like the Model “A” and the Bootlegger. Fresh Black Angus beef topped with everything from arugula to fried egg will make your mouth water, and the craft beer menu includes names like K ona Big Wave and New Belgium Fat Tire. LD 2207 First Street, Fort Myers, 239-332-3673, fordsgaragefl.com
THE FIRESTONE
Four levels of fun. Brick and wood provide a warm atmosphere, and tires moving along the walls remind you why it’s called The Firestone. Try the filet mignon or paella in the Grille Room or tapas in the Sky Bar , or dance to live music in the Martini Bar on Friday and Saturday. D 2224 Bay Street, Fort Myers, 239-334-3473, f irestonefl.com
LAZY FLAMINGO
Cold Beer, Raw Bar. Come try the plumpest raw oysters, steaming hot-spiced peel-and-eat shrimp, fresh grouper and incendiary Dead Parrot Wings. The regular hot buffalo wings are your best bet. LD 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
LOS CABOS CANTINA
Come to Eat, Stay to Party! Come try the very best fresh tacos, burritos, enchiladas and guacamole, or signature dishes like Arrachera Steak, topped with our homemade chimichurri. You’ll feel like you stepped into a 100-year-old cantina, but with all the modern amenities. LD 2226 First Street, Fort Myers, 239-332-2226, loscaboscantinafl.com
PINCHERS CRAB SHACK
Gulf to Table. Fresh, cut-to-order fries; madefrom-scratch slaw; a decadently rich, hot cheese-and-crab dip; and full-on fruity, tropical cocktails complement the freshest seafood on the coast. LD Multiple locations throughout Southwest Florida: 28580 Bonita Crossings Blvd., Bonita Springs, 239-948-1313; 18100 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 239-415-8973; 6890 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 239-463-2909; 15271 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-415-4009; 10029 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers, 239-4154040; 5501 Palmer Crossing Circle, Sarasota, 941-922-1515; and 1200 5th Avenue South, Naples, 239-434-6616, pincherscrabshack.com
SUNSHINE GRILLE
A Sunny Delight. The great menu features wood-fired specialties and seafood, such as the duck breast with roasted corn and portobello mushroom relish, and the pan-seared Florida red snapper piccata. LD 8700 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, 239-489-2233, sunshinegrillefm.com
THE EDISON RESTAURANT
Fort Myers Illuminati. This restaurant honors its legendary namesake genius, Thomas Edison, with a display of historic photos. The menu is steeped in American culinary tradition, with dishes like the signature chicken pot pie receiving raves from diners. LD 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-936-9348, edisonfl.com
THE PRAWNBROKER
Agent Fish. The food here is tried-and-true. Salads along with fish, steak and pasta dishes have been pleasing palates since 1982. Soup or salad accompany all dinners, just like in the good old days. Early diners catch good deals from 4 to 5:30pm. Cozy booths, fish art and nautical details give this restaurant a seafaring vibe. D 13451-16 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-489-2226, prawnbroker.com
UNIVERSITY GRILL
Head of the Class. This place gets the business crowd at lunch and the beautiful theatergoers at dinner. They come for a “private club” atmosphere and a happy balance of seafood and steaks. LD 7790 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, 239-437-4377, prawnbroker.com
Cape Coral
DUBLIN ALE HOUSE PUB
A Pint Full of Variety. This rousing Irish pub’s impressive variety of beer styles and flavors does not disappoint. Shepherd’s pie and fish and chips top the menu of fresh Irish fare. Sláinte! D 1708 Cape Coral Parkway West, Cape Coral, 239-541-2663, dublinalehousepub.com
FORD’S GARAGE
The taste is in the details. The décor takes you back to the 1 920s, when Henr y Ford walked these parts, and the menu includes burgers like the Model “A” and the Bootlegger. Fresh Black Angus beef topped with everything from arugula to fried egg will make your mouth water, and the craft beer menu includes names like K ona Big Wave and New Belgium Fat Tire. LD 1719 Cape Coral Parkway East, Cape Coral, 239-332-3673, fordsgaragefl.com
MARKER 92
Nautically Nice. A sushi bar and wood-fired pizza oven draw in guests from beyond the Marina Village Resort, where the restaurant is located. Enjoy the signature flatbread pizzas on the breezy waterside terrace. BLD Westin Cape Coral Resort, 15951 Silver King Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-541-5600, marker92.com
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. LD 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. LD 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. LD 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