epicurious
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, L D and don’t miss the daily happy hour. 1619 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-1581, islandpizza.net
THE JAC SANIBEL ISLAND BAR & GRILL
Locally Sourced, Artfully Prepared. Light and airy with rustic details such as barnstyle doors, The Jac has a fresh island appeal. Chef Philipe Schroeder focuses on seafood, with chili-rubbed yellowtail snapper and a crab mascarpone risotto with shrimp, scallops and mussels on his menu. But meat lovers score here as well with Jac’s spiced pork belly and the drunken short ribs. 1223 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, L D 239-472-1771, thejacsanibel.com. 1223 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-1771, thejacsanibel.com
LAZY FLAMINGO
Cold Beer, Raw Bar. Come try the plumpest raw oysters, steaming hot-spiced peel-andeat shrimp, fresh grouper and incendiary Dead Parrot Wings. The regular L D hot Buffalo wings are your best bet.
Four locations: 6520-C Pine Ave., Sanibel, 239472-5353; 1036 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239472-6939; 12951 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-476-9000; and waterfront at 16501-B Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia, 239-283-5959, lazyflamingo.com 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 B walls. L D Call-ahead seating is available. 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, D seafood and veal round out the menu. 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 B L perfect D wine from an extensive list.