Top Best American Restaurants in Sanibel Island

"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."

"This restaurant is a short bike ride from Mia's Beach Escape, so it tends to be our go-to for takeout when we don't feel like cooking or going out. The menu is extensive and offers a number of 'healthier' options. Our family also enjoys their outdoor dining area."

"Hand-made ravioli stuffed with sweet lobster or local vegetables; Gulf grouper seared till the skin crisps and then set atop a polenta cake that's comforting and faintly sweet. The servers are equally excellent, well-versed on wine pairings and the ins and outs of this stellar, ever-changing menu. The dining room is dark, quiet and classy, with all the trimmings (white table cloths, linen napkins, a live pianist) you'd expect in fine dining."

"Cielo is a swanky restaurant and one of the more fine dining experiences on the island. We dined there in person last year and adored the ambiance inside with a live jazz piano player and gorgeous decor. This year we opted for takeout and it was also very tasty."

"The Sanibel Fish House is a fun experience, whether you’re looking to entertain the family or just enjoy a night out among adults. The Fish House is known for its bright dining room, award winning menu filled with fresh seafood as well as its craft beers, signature cocktails, and fantastic happy hours specials."

"The colorful and funky Fish House Restaurant has plenty of laid back fresh seafood options. Try the Peel and Eat Shrimp appetizer and the Fish House tacos for lunch. A Pan Seared Tuna Melt is also a great lunch menu choice."

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

"The Southwest Florida sun may tempt you into First Street Restaurant & Bar for a beer, but it’s the elevated pub fare that’ll convince you to stay. Robust bangers and mash, salty fish and chips, or savory shepherd’s pie should deservedly find their way to your table as you down pint after pint of the black stuff."

"Sunday Brunch at M Waterfront Grille is a true delicacy and known as the “Best Brunch in Naples”. The Sunday Brunch menu is the right mix of both breakfast and lunch selections for popular weekend dining including Chicken & French Toast, signature salads, the famous Brunch Burger, egg skillets, and more. The bloody marys and bottomless mimosas are a great start for Brunch along with homemade coffee cake – a sweet treat to savor!"

"The first thing that will certainly capture your attention with this famously-elegant seafood restaurant on the water is the décor. Lively, energetic, and coated in color, the dining hall is as inviting as it is beautiful. Once sitting down, you are introduced to an array of top-of-the-line locally-sourced seafood and steaks."

"Combining relaxed sophistication with a refined menu of regionally-inspired dishes, The Catch of the Pelican- The Naples Grande Beach Resort ticks every box: outstanding, locally sourced food, an inviting atmosphere, a great location, and the kind of service that never fails to please."

"South Beach Grille specializes in traditional, American cuisine with a creative flair. Fine, yet casual dining, exceptional food and high-quality service is you can expect when you dine at South Beach Grille. You’ll enjoy our warm, colorful decor, delicious food with exquisite presentation, mouthwatering desserts, specialty cocktails, coffee drinks and more."

"Tucked into a strip mall on the southern end of Estero Island, South Beach's plain-Jane exterior doesn't say much. Head indoors and the dining room is surprisingly chic, set with crisp white tablecloths and wine glasses with delicate stems. The menu is filled with seafood, as well as heritage-breed pork chops and chicken dishes."

"A day spent at the shops of Periwinkle Place is sure to work up an appetite. Compliment your relaxing day of shopping by treating yourself to our many food and drink options."