There are some great restaurants and eateries on Sanibel Island. From a casual to upscale, there’s a place to suit almost any mood and tastebud throughout the day and year. It’s just one of the many components that makes Sanibel real estate easy to love.
Just last week, our JRW Sanibel crew enjoyed some time together after work at Starfish Grille. It’s a great local spot with a relaxing atmosphere, delicious sushi, and much more.
Bleu Rendez-Vous French Bistro is one of the newest additions to the Sanibel restaurant scene. With authentic French cuisine and stellar reviews, it’s become an instant classic on the island.
When it comes to Italian fare, you have options. il Cielo has casual and fine dining. Their menu offers sustainably sourced ingredients from nearby farms and fresh, local fish. With a fabulous happy hour, it’s likely you’ll want to stay afterwards or come back for dinner another time. There’s also il Tesoro, known for their cozy atmosphere, extensive wine list, and homemade pasta. Matzaluna is a family-friendly spot with craft beer, pizza, and pasta that also offers takeout. And you can’t forget Island Pizza, where you can get takeout, delivery, or stop by and sit and eat a slice or pie.
Sweet Melissa’s Cafe, owned and operated by chef Melissa herself, has some of the highest quality, local ingredients. With savory, complex, and thoughtful flavor combinations, sweet is just the beginning to describing this place.
Doc Ford’s is a local favorite, with locations on Sanibel and Captiva. It’s a rum bar and grille with character, literally – Doc Ford is a character in a book written by local author, Randy Wayne White. A casual atmosphere, local seafood, gourmet finger foods, and the best mojitos on the island, what’s not to love?
Tucked behind some palms and other foliage, Traders is part cafe part store (think: Cracker Barrel, but with a chic island flair). American fare, a charming architectural space, and live music make this one of the island’s staples.
One of the best things about Sanibel and Captiva dining is that you can experience award winning cuisine without the frills. You can leave your tie behind and just enjoy the experience in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.
Of course there are still some times we want to get something to eat coming right off the beach, or perhaps a light breakfast after a morning walk or bike ride.
Bennett’s serves fresh roasted coffee, made-from-scratch donuts, and breakfast until 11am (they now also serve gelato!). There’s also Lighthouse Cafe, serving “the world’s best breakfast” (and lunch) and Over Easy Cafe, another great breakfast and lunch joint with indoor / outdoor seating.
If you just want to grab a cup of coffee, besides Bennett’s, there are a number of options, like the Coffee Bar at Bailey’s General Store and The Sanibel Bean, just to name a couple.
Did you know Sanibel Island is home to the original Cheeburger Cheeburger, which now has franchised locations across the country? They have over 1,285,000 flavor milkshake combinations, and if you’re feeling bold, you can even take on the famous one pounder burger challenge, with your photograph taking a spot amongst the winners circle.
Another iconic Sanibel Island food spot: Scnhapper’s Hots. They have the best hot dogs and, my personal favorite, the fries. You can’t beat their quaint pink and yellow building and casual atmosphere.
And there are many, many more! Have a favorite restaurant you’d like me to feature? Email me at nina@sanibelmarketplace.com
If you’re interested in Sanibel real estate, reach out to our wonderful John R Wood Properties team.
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