Fort Myers
BIMINI BAIT SHACK
A Giant Tiki Hut. With its thatched roof and upper deck, this restaurant is the ideal place to enjoy the island vibe, drinks, food and entertainment. Daiquiris and other rum cocktails, plus craft beers and wine, are among the bar offerings. Seafood lovers find plates of grouper and shrimp along with freshly shucked oysters, and meat lovers indulge
in juicy burgers and ribs from the smoker. Every night live music gets the party started. L, D 17501 Harbour Pointe Dr., Fort Myers, 239-360-2248, biminibaitshack.com
BLANC
Food for the Epicurean. Start with Bread Jenga, a toasted bread tower with cheese sauce, modeled after the popular game and almost as fun! Then choose an entrée from the robata grill, such as Lamb Lollipops with roasted garlic and rosemary reduction, or the Octopus S&S, served with sweet habanero sauce. Blanc’s menu also includes “Almost Entrées,” designed to be enjoyed and shared by the entire table. Relax in the clean, contemporary ambience as you savor the creations of Chris Whitaker and chef Jean Claude Roge, whose talents lift Blanc above its peers. Closed Sundays. D 13451 McGregor Blvd., Ste. 10, Fort Myers, 239-887-3139, blancentertainment.com
BLU SUSHI
Cobalt Cool. An incredible variety of sushi and outrageous cocktails highlight the menu, but there are also tasty choices for diners who prefer steak and chicken. LD 13451 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-4891500; 2262 First St., Fort Myers, 239-362-2843, 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. D 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive, Fort Myers, 239-466-4000, marriott.com
CRAVE
Cozy & Contemporary. Modern American cuisine prepared when you order it. Breakfast, served until 4 p.m., is your choice of omelet or variation of eggs Benedict. After noon, dishes such as bacon-wrapped meatloaf and cedar plank salmon, 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
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, 239344-0037; 241 Center Street North, Naples, 239-591-1200; and 5459 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, 941-342-6600, darumarestaurant.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 culinar y tradition, with dishes like the signature chicken potpie receiving raves from diners. LD 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-936-9348, edisonfl.com
EMBER KOREAN STEAKHOUSE
Authentic and Sophisticated Korean Cuisine. A chic setting, this is the place for authentic AYCE (all you can eat) K orean BBQ. The protein selections cover land and sea while the accompanying small dishes are savor y and satisfying. The menu also includes popular kimchi pancakes, beef tartar that has a sweet edge, and sexy vegetable dishes for plant-based diners. The small sushi bar prepares rolls edostyle, while the cocktail bar is known for craft creations and dozens of wines by the glass. Good for groups and celebrations. L, D 7091 College Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-771-8818
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 St., Fort Myers, 239-334-3473, firestonefl.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 such as the Model “A” and the Low Carb-uretor. Fresh Black Angus beef topped with ever ything from arugula to fried egg will make your mouth water , and the craft beer menu includes such names as K ona Big Wave and Goose Island 3 12. LD 2207 First St., Fort Myers, 239-332-3673, fordsgaragefl.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 1 982. Soup or salad accompany all dinners, just like in the good old days. Early diners catch good deals from 4-7 p.m. Cozy booths, fish art and nautical details give this restaurant a seafaring vibe. D 13451-16 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-4892226, prawnbrokerfortmyers.com
UNIVERSITY GRILL
Head of the Class. This place attracts the seafood, steak and martini crowd. They come for a private club atmosphere and a wellbalanced menu, with weekly specials. Theatergoers often stop in for cocktails or dinner. Early diners find good deals from 4-7 p.m. 7790 Cypress Lake Drive, F ort Myers. 239437-4377, universitygrill.net. D 7790 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, 239-437-4377, universitygrill.net