Top Best Seafood 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."

"Relax your hide at our tropical outdoor seating, play a few games with the kids, hoof it over to our full liquor bar for a tropical cocktail or frozen concoction and enjoy some live music on the weekend. Eight days a week we serve generous portions of Old Florida coastal comfort food and travel inspired recipes. Join the herd and belly up with over 300 menu items, specialty coffees, desserts and tropical cocktails!"

"The Island Cow has perhaps one of the most extensive menu on Sanibel Island. You can enjoy a Loaded Seafood Omelet or Pigs In a Blanket Pancakes for breakfast while you lounge in the comfortable outdoor seating and sip fresh mimosas. You can try the Tuna Oh Luna or the Blackened Mahi Tacos for lunch as you listen to the live entertainment."

"The Island Cow keeps your little ones satisfied with familiar American cuisine served in a casual environment. Kids enjoy fun little touches like menus that look like newspapers. The restaurant itself looks like a house, and it’s just as cozy and inviting as you might expect."

"Chef John Wolff brings to the Thistle Lodge nearly a decade of knowledge and creativity from his previous positions with upscale luxury resorts. He has a talent for improving the quality and consistency of the various lunch, dinner, and brunch selections served, as well as a special event and catered selections while remaining true to the food people have cherished for years."

"A beautiful Victorian house with an even better view of the Gulf, theThistle Lodge is a lovely setting for a special occasion or date night. The lodge’s menu is a blend of Floridian, European, and Asian flavors, with fresh seafood and dry aged steaks. They also feature a great selection of wines and cocktails, and have both indoor and outdoor dining options."

"Just a few minutes away on Captiva Island, you’ll find Old Captiva House, a historic destination that today presents a contemporary design with incredible decor and mouth-watering cuisine to match. Come experience this National Registry of Historic Places landmark and let yourself be immersed in the upscale evening you crave, all with a gorgeous backdrop of the water. Chef Greg Nelson has designed a dinner menu that is sure to please, putting a special twist on your favorite dishes with a unique taste of Florida."

"Delight in the delectable at the Old Captiva House restaurant, located at the legendary ‘Tween Waters Island Resort. & Spa — the only fine dining and sushi restaurant on Captiva Island with a Gulf-front view of America’s Most Romantic Sunset. This charming and historic restaurant boasts a menu of mouth-watering island favorites and local seafood, plus other delights including fresh breads, desserts, and an extensive wine collection."

"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."

"Once a grocery store, this space in Santini Marina Plaza (at the south end of Fort Myers Beach) now houses the South Beach Grille, a restaurant that recalls the stylish, neighborhood eateries you'd find on the side streets along Lincoln Avenue in Miami's "South Beach." Pleasantly appointed with Deco-inspired panache, the restaurant takes full advantage of its spacious digs, and the open kitchen does more than its part to win over palates with dishes like panko breaded oysters, Caribbean-style shrimp, Florida lobster, kurobuta pork chops and the mouthwatering signature dessert of citrus creme brûlée. The bar is large and accommodating with a wide selection of wine and top shelf spirits. Recommended for Beach Restaurants because: At the south end of Fort Myers Beach serving higher-end bistro-style cuisine, the large bar is a favorite gathering spot for locals wanting style."

"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."

"Exquisite presentation and fresh local ingredients are the two main factors when you order your meal at South Beach Grille. Located in the Santini Marina Plaza Shops on Estero Blvd, this fine dining restaurant boasts a diverse menu with something for everyone, but their seafood and steak get the best reviews."

"Here last night for the first time with friends Rob & Dawn. We absolutely LOVED the place, the staff and service was great and of course phenomenal entrees on…”more"

"The Sandbar is one of the most well-known restaurants on Sanibel Island, Florida. They have an extensive wine list for you to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to compliment your main meal. While they offer some of the freshest seafood available, you can always find something without seafood as well."

"Rumors swirled in late fall that this local favorite may not reopen. It was a rough summer on the island, as red tide and blue-green algae ravaged it from all sides. But I'm happy to say The Sandbar remains."

"As the name suggests, European-American Bakery Cafe is a bakery that offers more than a large selection of freshly baked bread and handmade artisan rolls and pastries. Besides a coffee bar, there are some breakfast options to start your day fresh. From prepared sandwiches and bagels to croissants, wraps, omelets, and frittatas, everything has the finest ingredients."

"Skye’s Restaurant is serving up the best Fresh Mex fares on Fort Myers Beach. Located on the South End of the Island in the Santini Marina Plaza, we invite you and your family to enjoy FMB’s ultimate relaxed, local establishment, our pet-friendly patio, an award-winning all-day menu, and the Biggest & Best Margaritas on the Beach. Monday - Sunday 7:00 am - 10:00 pm"

"Voted Best of the Beaches for favorite restaurant, best ethnic food, bar, breakfast, lunch and dinner, casual dining and outdoor dining!"

"Explore Sanibel Island shopping at Tahitian Gardens shopping mall, where you’ll find “Something for Everyone”!. From the elegant to the whimsical, each door invites guests to a new and exciting shopping experience. Designer labels, unique collections, toys, jewelry and more … you never know what you’ll find."

"From the charming to the eclectic, Tahitian Gardens brims with a variety of gifts, home décor, and boutique fashion to suit every taste. For the relocator: Royal Shell Real Estate. Just like your shopping experience, your home buying experience should meet your every desire."

"The main street in Sanibel Island, also known as Periwinkle Place, is where tourists and locals head for a day of shopping, pampering, eating, and socializing. This is Sanibel Island’s largest shopping area, and there are 25 unique shops selling everything from quirky souvenirs and handmade jewelry to designer clothing. This is where you will also find the Sanibel Day Spa, world-class restaurants, and some of the best hotels in the area."

"One of the best places for Sanibel Island shopping is Periwinkle Place. The fountain here is the main attraction, setting the tone for your shopping experience. You’ll find everything from high-end jewelry to low-cost apparel to beach souvenirs, special kids’ toys, and more."

"Periwinkle Place is Sanibel Island’s answer to the upscale shopping mall. This busy thoroughfare includes 26 unique shops, including the original Chicos (I had no idea Chico’s started on Sanibel!) and Gene’s Bookstore (see below)."

"Bennett’s Fresh Roast takes pride in roasting their coffee fresh in-house. No matter whether you want a bold-flavored espresso, a creamy latte, or a cappuccino, you’ll find it on the menu. They also serve a range of premium iced teas, and the food menu features plenty of delicious breakfast choices, including Cajun grits, oatmeal, breakfast sandwiches, and a range of amazing yeast-raised donuts made from scratch."

"The owner was featured as a mighty contestant in the show Donut Wars, their larger style donuts are in high demand and loved by all who try them. Famous for their Maple Bacon donut, this shop does its best to bring the unique flavors together for a sweet breakfast treat. Not only do they specialize in bagels, but also provide some of the freshest roasted coffee in Fort Myers."

"An absolute must-visit on your sweet tour of Fort Myers is Bennett’s Fresh Roast. Famous for its fresh donuts, Bennett’s serves up more than 20 different varieties including peanut butter, s’mores, orange coconut and maple walnut crunch. Couple a fresh donut with a cup of Joe, and your Florida vacation is officially complete!"

"Has a very large variety of homemade donuts, their owner takes her time to craft each one to perfection. Known best for having a decorative selection of donuts, made to fit just about any occasion. They also, serve up vegan and gluten-free donuts that you won’t find anywhere else."

"This place is getting 4 stars from me because of friendly customer service and a large variety of flavors!. It wasn't my favorite donut as I'm a..."

"The one employee working on a busy weekday seems like they should quit. Poor things stretched too thin. Dunkin is the worst to their employees."