A word about dining in the Paradise of Southwest Florida…
There's more than just warm weather and beautiful scenery to attract tourists to Southwest Florida and The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Those seeking a slice of paradise are also finding it at area restaurants, which offer a broad spectrum of culinary experiences.
In fact, Fort Myers has been recognized by Nation's Restaurant News as one of the "50 Cities That Sizzle," along with Miami, New York, San Francisco and other major metropolitan areas. According to the trade publication, Fort Myers has something for everyone, from popular chains to a rapidly-expanding list of home-grown hot spots including The Veranda, Varian's and Bistro 41, to name a few.
Beyond the great variety of four-star cuisine, there is nothing typical about dining at area restaurants. Between the cities of Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Bonita Springs, and the islands including Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Captiva, south to Naples or North to Venice there are restaurants to suit any budget or mood. So whether you're seeking fare for the entire family from a nationally recognized chain or a romantic meal for two in a unique setting, you'll have no trouble finding it. Best of all, even the most elegant restaurants tend to have relaxed dress codes and will accommodate more casual attire. Some of the most informal establishments even welcome patrons in swim wear!
Due to the abundance of fresh local fish, shrimp and clams, seafood is the centerpiece of many restaurant menus. But seafood isn't the only reason for the popularity of many restaurants around The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. For example, as the name suggests, the Sanibel Steakhouse started locally and is so big with beef lovers it has expanded to locations in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Naples.
Furthermore, ambience is what draws many people to some of the area's more unusual restaurants, including the one at The Cabbage Key Inn, north of Captiva and Useppa islands. Reportedly, Jimmy Buffett was inspired to write the hit, "Cheeseburger in Paradise" after eating one of the inn's huge and juicy burgers. The restaurant is almost as famous for its screen-enclosed dining room, whose walls are plastered with thousands of signed dollar bills from patrons.
Naturally, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel are home to some of the world's most picturesque, waterfront restaurants. For many years, The Mad Hatter at Blind Pass on Sanibel and The Mucky Duck on Captiva Island have provided peerless sunset views and eclectic, award-winning menus. Other fine-dining restaurants with stunning views of the Gulf and local waterways include: Windows on the Water at the Sundial Beach Resort (on Sanibel), The Promenade Café at Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa (just east of the Sanibel Causeway at Punta Rassa), The Lighthouse Restaurant (overlooking the Port Comfort Marina in south Fort Myers), The Channel Mark (on San Carlos Bay, just east of Fort Myers Beach) and Vincenzo's on the Bay (Bonita Springs).
For fine waterfront food in a less refined atmosphere, check out Joe's Crab Shack, overlooking the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers. Deliberately tacky décor, extended happy hours and dancing waiters set the stage for a delightful seafood lunch or dinner against a boisterous backdrop. In proximity, and yet on the other end of the dining spectrum, is The Veranda. The converted home (actually, two turn-of-the-century residences) is a downtown landmark and features a beautifully landscaped, open-air courtyard and a varied menu with Southern accents.
