SWFL Dining Guide
Sanibel BAILEY’S GENERAL STORE
Sanibel’s Shopping Headquarters. This full-service grocery and hardware store on Sanibel has you covered. You’ll find a large selection of fresh produce, meats and seafood, plus a full deli, in-house bakery and coffee bar. The store also stocks organic gluten-free products and offers online shopping and delivery, and catering service. You can also visit The Island Store on Captiva and Bailey’s Market Place at the Sundial Resort & Spa.
2477 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-1516;
Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 239-472-2374; Sundial Resort & Spa, 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, 239-3956016; baileys-sanibel.com
CIELO
Creative American Cuisine. Island sophistication is evident in this restaurant’s tasteful decor and impressive menus.
Start with the signature Blue Cielo-tini, a gin and blue curacao cocktail. For appetizers consider PEI mussels, calamari or charcuterie. Entrées 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 bestseller! The menu offers sandwiches, salads and entrées. Don’t skip the mojito. LD
2500 Island Inn Road, Sanibel, 239-472-8311, docfordssanibel.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 party-planning 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 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
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 oftensought-but-never-found neighborhood bar feel, which explains the popularity of this spot. D
703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, 239-472-4453, thesanibelgrill.com
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
Captiva CANTINA CAPTIVA
Nacho Madre’s Mexican. Enjoy lunch and dinner in the garden or inside, where bright serape colors, piñatas, terra-tiled floors and adobe-style walls subtly suggest that we’ve gone south of the border. L, D, C, R
14970 Captiva Drive, Captiva. 239-472-0248, captivaislandinn.com
CROW’S NEST BEACH BAR AND GRILLE
Great Food, Great Fun! Take a trip to Captiva for a fun new dining experience! The menu is filled with your favorite appetizers, including flatbreads, chicken wings and the alwayspopular baked goat cheese dip. For dinner you can choose savory entrées such as
Chicken Saltimbocca, prepared with fresh sage leaves, lemon ricotta and prosciutto-wrapped chicken over linguine. The Crab Races, taking place on Monday and Thursday, really keep the room hopping! LD
15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva, 239-472-5161, crowsnest- captiva.com
DOC FORD’S CAPTIVA RUM BAR & GRILLE
The Story Continues. Building on continued success, this popular chain based on novelist Randy Wayne White’s fictional character brings its unique menu to the doors of South Seas Island Resort. Start with Doc’s Beach Bread while you consider entrées such as panko-fried shrimp and dry-rubbed ribeye. LD
5400 South Seas Plantation Road, Captiva, 239-312-4275, docfordscaptiva.com
KEYLIME BISTRO
Changes in Fooditude. A white picket fence and cheery blue canopies give this place an island setting, while daily outdoor live music provides a Jimmy Buffett beat. The eclectic menu includes walnut-crusted snapper, sausage and peppers, and escargots baked with blue cheese and tomato. BLD
11509 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 239-395-4000, captivaislandinn.com
LATTE DA COFFEE AND ICE CREAM SHOP
Once Upon a Time ... Find a wide range of coffees, including the extra-strong Red Eye Coffee, cappuccinos and lattes at this cozy spot. Those with a sweet tooth indulge in scoops of Queenie’s locally made ice cream, milkshakes and sundaes. BLD
11508 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 239-472-0234, captivaislandinn.com
THE MUCKY DUCK
Quack Up. Start at the bar with a fresh pint from a long list of beers brewed “on the other side of the pond.” The menu is a combination of Florida cuisine and English pub grub. Visit the great outdoor beachside patio for live music and sunset gazing. LD
11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 239-472-3434, muckyduck.com
OLD CAPTIVA HOUSE
Old Florida/New American. Chef Greg Nelson’s always changing menu centers on the bounty of the season with plenty of fresh fish. Come check out the sushi menu, which offers an
adventurous variety of more than 30 choices of sushi rolls, sashimi, specialty rolls and select sakes. Wines from an eclectic list complement the presentations, and the view from the Sunset Room takes the breath away. BD
15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva, 239-472-5161 ext. 421, captiva-house.com.
RC OTTER’S
Otterly Beach American. The multitude of menu choices may be daunting. Steamed clams, fish baskets, quesadillas or even meatloaf are sure to satisfy your cravings. Diners enjoy live music outside seven days a week during lunch and dinner.
BLD 11508 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 239-395-1142, captivaislandinn.com
SUNSHINE SEAFOOD CAFÉ AND WINE BAR
Inspired Bistro. This charming, small café offers a menu with a European touch. Diners can enjoy the wood-grilled rack of lamb or blackened salmon, or perhaps a pecan-crusted goat cheese salad. Outdoor seating is available. D
11508 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 239-472-6200, captivaislandinn.com
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. LD
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, 239-489-1500; 2262 First St., Fort Myers, 239-362-2843, blusushi.com
BROADWAY PALM DINNER THEATRE
More Than Just a Show. For an evening out, consider dinner and a show, all in one place. The facility includes a 450-seat dinner theater, the 100-seat black box Off Broadway Palm Theatre, the 120-seat Royal Palm dining room and the 30-seat Sabal Palm lounge area off the lobby. Shows range from Broadwayinspired musicals to edgy performances to children’s theater. Evening and matinee shows are offered; most meals are buffet with a plated dinner option Friday and Saturday. Tickets can be purchased online. LD
1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-278-4422, broadwaypalm.com
LYNQ
Linking Through Global Food and Music.
This dimly lit cavernous restaurant has a very cool vibe. Clusters of sofas and a long bar encourage mingling. The menu goes international with offerings from tacos and sushi to poke bowls and all-American burgers. Handcrafted cocktails, a menu of specially created Lynq Mules, and craft beers from Florida breweries make drinking here an adventure. Live music on select nights. LD
16230 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers, 239-204-9345, lynq.life
Fort Myers Beach DOC FORD’S FORT MYERS BEACH RUM BAR & GRILLE
The Sequel. This is what we want with a good story—a sequel. This second restaurant based
on a fictional Randy Wayne White character serves up a view of Matanzas Pass along with banana leaf snapper and Texas baby back ribs. LD
708 Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, 239-765-9660, docfordsfortmyersbeach.com
Bonita Springs OLD 41
Just Like Home ... Especially for Those From Philly. The corned-beef hash, pancakes with freshly sliced bananas or strawberries and Carbon’s malted Belgian waffles accompanied by fresh-ground Colombian coffee are reason to come for breakfast. Pop in for lunch and it’s the Philly cheesesteak, hands down. BL
25091 Bernwood Drive, Bonita Springs, 239-948-4123, old41rest.com
Estero RODIZIO GRILL
The Brazilian Steakhouse. Experience the flavors of Brazil, with your choice of more than a dozen rotisserie-grilled meats, perfectly seasoned and carved tableside by Rodizio gauchos! Try the feijoada, a traditional Brazilian black-bean stew, or abacaxi, fresh glazed-and-grilled pineapple. Don’t forget to save room for a decadent dessert. Lunch is offered Friday-Sunday.
LD 8017 Plaza del Lago Drive, Suite 101, Estero, 239498-0018, rodiziogrill.com
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
Always a Sizzling Success. Vaulted trey ceilings and meticulously set white-linencovered tables set the mood. From petite filets to cowboy-sized rib eyes, the steaks are tender and juicy. Choose from traditional sides such as creamed spinach and sweetpotato casserole. D
The Shops at Coconut Point, 23151 Village Shops Way, Suite 101, Estero, 239-948-8888, ruthschris .com
TOTI Media, Inc. does its best to ensure that information in this guide is up to date. However, we still encourage our readers to call ahead for detailed information and/or reservations before visiting these local establishments.