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. L D 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. L D 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 4 p. m., 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. BL 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. L D 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
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
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. L D 2207 First Street, Fort Myers, 239- 332- 3673, fordsgaragefl. 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. L D 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 tr y 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. L D 2226 First Street, Fort Myers, 239- 332- 2226, loscaboscantinafl.com
PINCHERS CRAB SHACK
Gulf to Table. Fresh, cut- to- order fries; made- fromscratch slaw; a decadently rich, hot cheese- and- crab dip; and full- on fruity, tropical cocktails complement the freshest seafood on the coast. L D 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--