epicurious
CIELO
Creative American Cuisine. Island sophistication is evident in this restaurant’s tasteful decor and impressive menus. Start with the signature Blue Cielotini, a gin and blue curacao cocktail. For appetizers consider PEI mussels, calamari or charcuterie. Entrees include osso buco, Dungeness crab ravioli and fresh catch with jumbo lump crab topping the list. Wrap your evening with a selection from the after-dinner drink menu that features fine scotches, cognacs and ports. Scott McDonald is on the piano from 6 p.m. D 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-5555, cielo-sanibel.com
DOC FORD’S SANIBEL RUM BAR & GRILLE
Novel Cuisine. Local restaurant folk joined with Southwest Florida novelist Randy Wayne White to develop a restaurant based on a fictional character, and it’s a best-seller! The menu offers sandwiches, salads and entrées. Don’t skip the mojito. LD 2500 Island Inn 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 GROG SHOP
Cigars, Spirit and More. Find a large selection of liquor, liqueurs, wine and beer, as well as cigars, at this cozy shop in the Bailey Shopping Center. A walk-in cigar humidor is stocked with Arturo Fuente, Macanudo, Cohiba and other premium cigar brands. The Grog Shop offers partyplanning assistance, weekly specials and delivery. 2485 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-1682, grogshopsanibel.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 Loaded Seafood
“Let's face it, a nice creamy chocolate cake does a lot for a lot of people; it does for me.” —Audrey Hepburn
Omelet. Check out the new full bar, offering tropical cocktails and signature drinks, including the homemade White Mango Sangria! 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, and be sure to try the famous “Crusty Curl Crust.” 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
LIGHTHOUSE CAFÉ
The World’s Best Breakfast. Residents and visitors have been enjoying this Sanibel classic for six decades, and it’s easy to see why. Start your day with an Ocean Frittata: seasoned shrimp, scallops and crabmeat, sautéed with broccoli and fresh mushrooms and topped with an artichoke heart and creamy Alfredo sauce. Or try the Lighthouse Local Grouper Platter for dinner, as you view pictures of the island’s historic lighthouse that line the walls. Call-ahead seating is available. BLD
362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0303, lighthousecafe.com
MATZALUNA
Well-Smoked Italian. The Five Cheese with Gorgonzola, ricotta, spinach and artichoke hearts is just one of the popular wood-fired pizzas. Fresh pastas, chicken, seafood and veal round out the menu. D
1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-1998, matzaluna.net
NORMANDIE SEASIDE CAFÉ
Indulge Yourself. Located at the West Wind Inn on the Gulf side of Sanibel Island, this cozy restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch
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 often-sought-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 macadamia-encrusted 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