Top Best American Restaurants in Fort Myers Beach

"Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is an award winning restaurant with locations on Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Ft. Myers Beach, & a 4th location opening in St. Pete Florida in 2019. Inspired by a character in a New York Times best-selling novel series by author Randy Wayne White, in turn inspired by Sanibel and Captiva Islands and days spent out on the water, Doc Ford’s is a perennial local favorite."

"Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Captiva Island is one of the most popular fresh seafood restaurants in the area. Try the Buffalo Shrimp appetizer, which is a crispy breaded shrimp with a spicy chicken buffalo-type flavor twist. Doc Ford’s Famous Fish Fingers are also a popular appetizer offering."

"2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel Island OR 5400 S Seas Plantation Rd, Captiva Island. That’s right – Doc Ford’s has two locations within the islands!. The concept for Doc Ford’s was created by island author-turned restaurateur Randy Wayne Wright."

"If you are looking for a little extra luxury for your evening meal, look no further than elegant Il Cielo. Featuring rich hardwood and an innovative American menu that utilizes the enviably fresh seafood on Sanibel Island, it’s a real treat. Other special touches include a well-curated wine list and regular live entertainment."

"Il Cielo means “the sky,” and the sky’s the limit for this Sanibel Island favorite. Il Cielo offers diners imaginative American cuisine mixed with specials inspired by international meals. The dining room is intimate, classy, dark and quiet."

"Cielo was probably my favorite overall restaurant on the island. It was in a swanky new building, had super stylish decor, and a piano player entertaining everyone. Cielo is known for its craft cocktails."

"The Fish House has both a restaurant and a casual lounge with a back entrance if you want to come in right from your boat. In addition, if you happen to have gotten lucky with a rod and reel, but don't want to cook your fresh catch these chefs will do it for you. Happy Hour from 11-6 includes more than just drink specials, look for great deals on oysters, clams, peel and eat shrimp and lots more."

"Sanibel Fish House was another one we picked up for takeout. We loved their clams too... although The Clam Shack was better."

"Cip's Place is a delightful local dining destination named after former Sanibel Island resident Jimmy Cipriani, the original owner of the restaurant's property. The restaurant, which opened in 2010, carries on Cipriani's tradition of dinner parties featuring great conversation and excellent cuisine, recalling the old days of the island in the 20th century. Lovely decor elements include a mural painted by two local island artists, showcasing some of the island's most important historical figures, including J.N."

"The hunks of sausage and bacon in a slow-simmered Bolognese blushed by a touch of cream. Cip's fries its own chips, blends its own farro-based veggie burgers, and bakes its own pies (The whiskey-pecan is life!). It does all this with fair prices in a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere."

"My first time and everything I got was perfect, the wait time was quick, we only waited at most 5 minut..."

"If you’re looking for a quieter, quainter atmosphere (and a choice of over 30 wines by the glass), head to Twisted Vine Bistro – or choose from over 200-bottles at Bistro 41. For those who want to have a blast in the past, sneak into The 86 Room, a prohibition-era-inspired speakeasy."

"Bistro 41 is one of the most popular local restaurants in Ft. Myers, offering casual dining, fine dining, seafood, outdoor entertainment, and wine university."

"The Sunset Beach Tropical Grill is located in the heart of Fort Myers Beach, right in the Times Square area. This beach bar and restaurant offers up amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico and the pier. I typically order the fish tacos and a cold Corona and watch the waves roll ashore."

"While not technically on Island, Charley’s Cabana Bar is close enough to count and worth the trip over the causeway."

"​Day Four: Lovers Key State Park, Love Boat Ice Cream, Pool, and Fine Folk Pizza There are so many outdoor and water activities in Ft. Myers so on this day we tried our hand at canoeing at Lovers Key State Park. We were able to rent a canoe for half the day for $48 (they only charged us the 1-2 person rate due to the kids ages)."

"Just 15 minutes south of downtown and connected by trolley, this state park is a must for nature lovers. Lovers Key State Park is comprised of four islands and makes a great destination for any season. In summer, people will love its fabulous 2.5 mile long pristine beach with powdery white sand and a natural shoreline."

"From Sanibel, it’s about a half hour to Fort Myers, where you can spend a leisurely few hours exploring the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Then hit the road again for the 90-minute drive to Sarasota, where you can catch an opera performance, stroll the downtown art galleries, or gawk at the gaudy architecture of circus magnate John Ringling’s mansion. For fans of serious American architecture, a trip to Sarasota would be incomplete without exploring the scores of gorgeous and innovative buildings in the area, many of which were designed by a confederacy of architects known as the Sarasota School."

"Fast forward in time will bring you to the Edison & Ford Winter Estate. This well-preserved home of the great inventor Thomas Edison and automobile builder Henry Ford is a step back into the beginning of the last century. More than a winter getaway, the estate in Fort Myers also housed a massive laboratory and extensive garden. It was here in Florida that Edison had plants from around the world brought here to search for materials for his inventions."

"Five onsite swimming pools, three restaurants, suites with full kitchens (and one, two or three bedrooms) and kids’ activities like tie-dying, poolside bingo and shell-painting ensure there’s little reason to ever leave Sundial Beach Resort & Spa. Kids love playing beach volleyball between dips in the Gulf of Mexico in the hotel’s front yard. And the onsite Sanibel Sea School offers half- and full-day courses that give them a hands-on experience in Sanibel’s diverse ecosystems."

"The Sundial Beach Resort ranks among the most highly-rated Sanibel resorts, with a great location about 3 miles from the historic Sanibel Lighthouse. Like the best Sanibel Island rentals, its units include full kitchens, living rooms, cozy beds, and free WiFi. But the Sundial Resort also features a beachfront spa, 5 pools, 4 restaurants (indoor and outdoor dining), 2 bars, a sea school, ocean kayaks, and lots of tours and organized activities."

"You might want to pamper yourself from head to toe at the Sanibel Day Spa. With a relaxing atmosphere and deluxe treatments, this spa facility guarantees to remove stress and alleviate weary muscles. So relax, and take your pick from an array of spa services at this facility, including salon services, pedicures, manicures, reflexology, facials, and massages."

"If you’re looking for a quieter, quainter atmosphere (and a choice of over 30 wines by the glass), head to Twisted Vine Bistro – or choose from over 200-bottles at Bistro 41. For those who want to have a blast in the past, sneak into The 86 Room, a prohibition-era-inspired speakeasy."

"Bistro 41 is one of the most popular local restaurants in Ft. Myers, offering casual dining, fine dining, seafood, outdoor entertainment, and wine university."