Fort Myers
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
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 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. BL D SB
12901 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-466-4663, cravemenu.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 St., Fort Myers, 239-334-3473, firestonefl.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 Low Carb-uretor. 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 Goose Island 312. LD
2207 First St., Fort Myers, 239-332-3673, fordsgaragefl.com
PINCHERS CRAB SHACK
Gulf to Table. Fresh, cut-to-order fries; made-from-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; 2360 West First St., 239-245-7049; 10029 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers, 239-415-4040; 5991 Silver King Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33914, 239-540-7939; and 1200 Fifth Ave. South, Naples, 239-434-6616, pincherscrabshack.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 culinary tradition, with dishes like the signature chicken pot pie receiving raves from diners. LD
3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-936-9348, edisonfl.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 1982. Soup or salad accompany all dinners, just like in the good old days. Early diners catch good deals from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Cozy booths, fish art and nautical details give this restaurant a seafaring vibe. D 13451-16 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-489-2226, prawnbroker.com
UNIVERSITY GRILL
Head of the Class. This place gets the business crowd at lunch and the beautiful theatergoers at dinner. They come for a “private club” atmosphere and a happy balance of seafood and steaks. LD
7790 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, 239-437-4377, universitygrill.net