On our first trip to Fort Myers, we honestly had no idea they had some amazing restaurants. We were lucky to visit Fort Myers with friends from Florida who knew some of the best restaurants in Fort Myers. It wasn’t long before we food ourselves on a little foodie vacation!
When putting together your Fort Myers itinerary, make sure to pencil in some of the best restaurants in Fort Myers. Don’t forget to try some local seafood too!
*This article was written before Hurricane Ian hit Fort Myers in September 2022. We will update the article as tours, restaurants, hotels decide to reopen/rebuild or if they will need to close forever.
1. Gramma Dot’s Seaside Saloon – Food Truck Open During Rebuild
**The original Gramma Dot’s Seaside Salon was destroyed during Hurricane Ian and is currently being rebuilt. Gramma Dot’s food truck is open now in the same location, serving up the same excellent food in the meantime.
The restaurant is set to reopen on October 1, 2023.
At Gramma Dots, you can indulge in mouthwatering comfort foods while also enjoying a picturesque view of the water. Sit outside on the patio and let the wind blow through your hair while sipping a tropical cocktail and dining on delicious seafood.
The location of Gramma Dots couldn’t be any more quintessentially Florida. This dockside restaurant is located in the Sanibel Marina Yacht Club, a staple in Florida that continues to attract locals and visitors alike. It’s also a great spot to rent a boat for the day so that you can explore the open waters for yourself.
Start with great appetizers like New England Clam Chowder, Coconut Shrimp, and Crab Meatballs. Then, move on to the main course and choose between Spinach Boursin Grouper, Fried Oyster Sandwiches, or Grilled Lobster Tails. Since you’re in Florida, don’t forget to end your meal with a slice of homemade Key Lime Pie.
Their fresh seafood dishes have even won the People’s Choice Award for Taste of the Island seven years in a row! Whether you come for lunch or dinner, you won’t be disappointed with a relaxed meal on the water.
- 634 N Yachtsman Dr, Sanibel
- View Menu
Jump on a paddleboard and navigate through the waterways in Fort Mayers, looking for manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and more.
All aboard for a fun afternoon of sailing on a luxury catamaran along Fort Myers Beach.
Paddle your way through the mangrove forest, bays, and beaches with a local guide looking for wildlife.
2. Cabbage Key Inn Restaurant – Open Now
There’s no place quite like the Cabbage Key Inn Restaurant. Located on a secluded 100-acre island (with no paved roads and no cars), this fun open-air restaurant is one of many reasons you should make the trek to Fort Myers. Cabbage Key itself is stunningly picturesque, with panoramic views of the Pine Island Sound.
Come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and enjoy a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes. Try the Gulf Stone Crab, Grilled Mahi Mahi Sandwich, or the Shrimp Scampi. You can also ask for the fresh catch of the day, which is prepared grilled, blackened, bronzed, or sauteed – you get to decide!
Cabbage Key Inn Restaurant has a unique bar on the property if you’re interested in just a drink. Casually known as “the bar with all the money,” you’ll find the entire area covered wall to ceiling in different dollar bills. The Cabbage Key bar is a must-visit on the island, as they’ve served customers for over 60 years.
- Pine Island
- Menu
Related Article: 3 Days in Fort Myers Beach
3. Fresh Catch Bistro – Open Now
The spectacular ocean views at Fresh Catch Bistro are almost as notable as the food itself! Overlooking the sandy Fort Myers Beach and the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll have stunning views from nearly every table in the restaurant.
Their head chef hails all the way from Italy, and his international flare is reflected in many of the dishes on the menu. Try the Petite Veal Osso Buco, Lollipop Lamb Chops, or the Chargrilled Octopus. Although they have several options for vegetarians and meat-eaters, the seafood here is considered some of the best in all of Florida. The fish is delivered fresh daily and prepared to your liking.
Choose from Salmon, Grouper, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, or Hog Fish. Not only do you get to choose how it’s cooked, but you can also pick one of five sauces as a topping. Whether you want your fish drizzled with lemon butter or smothered in tropical fruit salsa, you can’t go wrong with a seafood dish at Fresh Catch Bistro.
They also host a happy hour each day of the week, where you can enjoy specials on appetizers, wine, and cocktails.
- 3040 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach
- View Menu
Related Article: Best Breakfast in Fort Myers
4. Ford’s Garage – Open Now
Ford’s Garage is more than just your average neighborhood sports pub. Set up to look like a 1920s service station. You’ll find everything from vintage Ford trucks to historic gas pumps. While there is plenty of memorabilia to look at around the restaurant, it’s the gourmet burgers and cold beers that will make your mouth water.
There are almost 20 different burgers to choose from, like the signature Ford’s Burger. It’s made with Black Angus beef, cheddar cheese, bacon, and bourbon BBQ sauce. You can also opt for something more unique, like the Jiffy Peanut Butter Burger or the Brisket Ranchero Roadster. If you’re not super hungry, they also have gourmet salads and other lighter options on the menu.
Add a giant tower of jumbo onion rings or classic buffalo chicken wings, and you have one delicious meal. To wash it all down, you’ll also have a choice of more than 180 craft beers to choose from. Don’t forget to come for happy hour to enjoy special deals on snacks and drinks.
- Address: 2207 First St, Fort Myers
- View Menu
Things to Do in Fort Myers With Kids
5. The Bubble Room – Closed for Renovations
One step inside the eclectic Bubble Room, and you’ll be transported to an entirely different world! The walls are littered with unique Christmas memorabilia and strings of bright lights, which add to the strange yet kitschy atmosphere. Founded in 1979, the Bubble Room is a quirky Fort Myers hideaway that should not be missed during your visit.
The entrees are as diverse as the decor in the restaurant. Order the blackened shrimp and rice that’s served in a real pineapple bowl, or try the slow-cooked pork tenderloin with avocado and mandarin oranges. If that isn’t enough, each dish is served with their famous bubble bread, a sticky bun, and your choice of a side salad.
Besides their mouthwatering meals, the Bubble Room is known for its award-winning desserts. They have over ten different flavors, like orange crunch, red velvet, butternut ice cream, or Jamaican rum. Although you may be tempted to try them all, remember that a single slice is large enough to feed four people!
If you are on a family spring break in Florida, the Bubble Room is a great place for a meal out with kids. All the kids love the decor and the special kids’ menu.
- 15001 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL
- View Menu
6. Fort Myers Brewing Company – Open Now
Voted the Best Large Brewery in all of Florida, the Fort Myers Brewing Company is guaranteed to be the setting for a fun, entertaining evening. Between the freshly poured brews and the weekly events, there’s something happening every night of the week.
There are over 20 beers on tap each day, including their flagship Gateway Gold and High 5 India Pale Ale. You should also try their specialty brews, like their award-winning chocolate beer and jet-black imperial IPA. For food, they have a rotating selection of food trucks that are set up in the parking lot.
Come for trivia night on Tuesday, discounted burger night on Wednesday, and a food truck rally on Thursday. There’s even live music from some of the best local bands on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The covered patio makes it possible to enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities even if the weather takes a stormy turn.
Keep in mind that Fort Myers Brewing Company is family (and dog) friendly, so feel free to bring the entire gang along for the ride.
- 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr #28, Fort Myers
7. The Dixie Fish Co. – Now Open
This no-frills establishment is probably one of the best seafood cafes you’ll go to during your time in Fort Myers. Between the panoramic waterfront views of Matanza’s Pass and the fresh, made-to-order dishes, you’ll want to spend the entire day lounging around the Dixie Fish Co.
For an appetizer, order from the raw bar. With the pounds of peel-and-eat shrimp or apple moonshine and white wine-seasoned mussels, you’ll need to remember to leave room for your main meal!
Their house specialties include whole buttermilk fried fish or their custom-cooked catch of the day. You can also try one of their three seafood tacos – Yucatan shrimp, grouper, or mahi-mahi. They also have a wide variety of sandwiches and salads if you’re looking for something on the lighter side.
One of the best things about dining at the Dixie Fish Co. is their live music. Five or six times a week, you’ll get to listen to some of the most soothing tropical island sounds on this side of Florida. If you’re looking for an open-air restaurant with laid-back vibes and a local atmosphere, then make sure to stop by the Dixie Fish Co.!
- 714 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach
- View Menu
8. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill – Closed for Renovation, but Doc Ford’s Sanibel is Open
*Doc Ford’s restaurant on Fort Myers Beach is still closed and under renovation, but you can enjoy the same tasty food at their Sanibel location. Doc Ford’s Sanibel is open now.
For a taste of the tropics, head to Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill in Fort Myers Beach. A beloved favorite of many Florida locals, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill is your one-stop shop for decadent seafood, live music, and unobstructed water views.
As you sit on the dock, you’ll get to see the fishing boats and luxury yachts sail by. If you come for the sunset, then you’ll be rewarded with one of the most memorable nights you’ll have in Florida.
Most of the items on the menu have a Caribbean flare, including their famous Island Style Shrimp and Grits and Banana Leaf Snapper. Their raw bar also features Steam Shrimp, Oysters on the half shell, and Ceviche Cocktail.
For non-seafood lovers, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill also serves Texas Baby Back Ribs, Chicken with Cuban Chimichurri Sauce, and Dry-Rubbed Rib Eye Steak. Wash it down with one of their signature Island Mojitos, and you’ll be singing along with the live band in no time!
- 708 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach
- View Menu
9. Heavenly Biscuit – Food Truck Open during Restaurant Renovations
*The Heavenly Biscuit food truck is in the works. It will hopefully be open and serving breakfast in Fort Myers Beach again soon, but just from a food truck this time. Click here for updates.
For one of the best breakfasts in Fort Myers, make your way to Heavenly Biscuit. Their name says it all! Located inside an adorable pink, green, and yellow house, Heavenly Biscuit specializes in mouthwatering breakfast pastries and sandwiches.
Try their world-famous “sinful” cinnamon rolls, which are smothered in a generous pour of sweet, sugary icing. They also sell a variety of other breakfast treats, like pecan rolls, English muffins, and croissants.
If you’re looking for something more on the savory side, then opt for one of their biscuits. You can customize your biscuit with toppings like egg, bacon, sausage, ham, fried chicken, or even an entire salmon steak!
For those who need a little pick-me-up, then Heavenly Biscuit has you covered. Try their Hangover Helper, a burger topped with cheese, bacon, egg, jalapenos, and grilled onions.
Their name says it all – their cinnamon rolls and biscuit sandwiches are truly little bits of heaven!
- 110 Mango St, Fort Myers Beach
10. Bayfront Bistro – Permanently Closed
The Bayfront Bistro is your traditional American restaurant. Located directly on the water, it should come as no surprise that this upscale, modern restaurant specializes in seafood. However, vegetarians and meat-eaters should have no problem choosing something on the menu as well.
Start with their fresh ceviche, shrimp cocktail, or grouper strips. For your entree, choose between the seafood paella, Chilean sea bass, or stuffed twin lobster tails. The cocktails at Bayfront Bistro are also worth ordering. Although you’ll find classics like mojitos and margaritas, they also whip up blended tropical cocktails and boozy ice cream treats!
If you’re looking for something more casual, you can also dine at their Bayfront Cabana. This outdoor patio serves a smaller version of the main menu in a more casual atmosphere.
The Bayfront Bistro also has a fantastic happy hour. Every day from 3 pm – 6 pm, you’ll be treated to 1/2 price wells, $4 domestic beers, and 1/2 price appetizers. With unbelievable deals like these, you’ll want to taste everything they have to offer!
- 4761 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach
- Menu
