A Guide to Dining in SW Florida
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 Regency-Coconut 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
“We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink.”
— Epicurus