Heading to Florida’s superb Gulf Coast? Experience the very best flavours of Fort Myers and Sanibel with our dining guide to this fantastic beach destination.
The Beached Whale
For succulent BBQ grub and deliciously fresh seafood head to The Beached Whale along Estero Boulevard in Fort Myers Beach. Try their famous ‘Whale Wings’ served with a variety of glazes including BBQ, Jerk and Teriyaki and head to the rooftop Look Out Lounge where you can enjoy live music and a sunset meal. Honoured with 36 Best of the Beach Awards and voted Taste of the Beach 2012 People’s Choice for Best Food, this fantastic restaurant is a family favourite along the coast.
Joe’s Crab Shack
With a coastal location providing access to thousands of ocean life in the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Myers is renowned for its superb seafood and you won’t find much better than that at Joe’s Crab Shack. Sample more than half a dozen different crabs, feast on Joe’s legendary Steampots and Handbreaded Fried Platters then top it all off with Campfire S’mores – a slab of decadent chocolate cake sandwiched between crackers and topped with melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows – to die for!
The Veranda
For fine fare and first class service in Fort Myers visit The Veranda. You’ll find The Veranda in the heart of historic downtown set in two beautiful early 19
th century homes making it perfect for a romantic meal or sophisticated evening out. This fantastic restaurant has been established for over 35 years and serves a variety of classic Southern regional cuisine including mouth-watering steaks and flavoursome fish dishes. Take your pick from The Veranda’s extensive wine list to accompany your meal.
Sweet Melissa’s Café
The award-winning Sweet Melissa’s Café can be found at the east end of beautiful Sanibel Island. Renowned head chef Melissa Talmadge challenges your taste buds with a refined seasonal menu created using only the finest local ingredients. Enjoy a glass of vino from the extensive wine list or sip on an expertly mixed cocktail as you watch the chefs cook up a storm in the exhibition kitchen. The main draw for this restaurant is that the dinner menu is made up of a variety of delicious tapas-style ‘small plates’ meaning you can sample a number of dishes in one sitting. Menu favourites include Bourbon-glazed pork belly, soft-shelled crab and the famous fish stew with mahi-mahi or redfish combined with scallops, shrimp, mussels, chorizo and fennel with lemon saffron cream.
CRU Restaurant
Located in the Bell Tower Shops, CRU Restaurant is the place to see and be seen in Fort Myers. This trendy restaurant and bar offers two menus, one specialising in delicious tapas dishes and the other featuring a full dinner selection of creative seasonal dishes as well as menu favourites made from high quality, local organic ingredients. Culinary creations include escargot ravioli, seared black bass, spicy crab rolls and truffle fries.
Flippers on the Bay
Head to Flippers on the Bay for superb alfresco dining with unforgettable ocean views. This award-winning restaurant sits on stilts overlooking the waters of Estero Bay and is part of the Lovers Key Resort located between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs. Culinary delights include sea bass served in citrus miso, coconut shrimp and pan seared black grouper with fresh pineapple mango relish, and if you’re here for breakfast try the Lobster Eggs Benedict, it’s the star of the show. This is also one of the only restaurants where you can enjoy both sunrise and sunset views and is perfect for spotting dolphins swimming in the Gulf of Mexico.
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