Harolds is a casual farm-to-table restaurant located in Plymouth & Regal Plaza whose delectable menu rotates weekly. Getting at least one seafood dish, like the simple yet tasty Atlantic Cod Fish and Chips, is a must when you visit. From salads and vegan bowls to Reubens, Cubans and breakfast sandwiches built on glazed doughnuts, Wally's runs the gamut. Its where the locals go! Park near the back, then follow the signs past the knickknack shops, the beauty salon, the therapists' suites. Best Breakfast in Tucson, AZ 30 Top Places! It makes me crave thesetender dolmathes, this flakyspanikopita. Theres just so much to do here, from incredible natural attractions to fascinating historical landmarks. Lovers of Italian cuisine will definitely enjoy a meal in this authentic restaurant whose chef was born and raised in Milan. Def great food! This isnt a glamorous place, but when the employees behind the counter load a takeout box with huge hunks of glossy, tug-from-the-bone oxtails, the middle-school-cafeteria sterility neednt matter.WBC does not skimp on Cuban food: shredded pork, fried sweet plantains, velvety arroz congri. Unfortunately the place where I got the acai bowl closed! For a table full of servers- we know how it feels to be in the weeds. Go extra American with a healthy plate of Roasted Cauliflower Buffalo Style as your starter. Besides your tummy-filling main dishes like the Seared Duck Breast, make sure to try at least one of the desserts. On top of awesome food, the restaurant is clean and the staffmore, I just finished eating here. WOW, Dixie IS THE BEST restaurant around. The joint focuses mainly on takeout with a handful of tables and stools for those with a few extra minutes to hang out. Kenwood Lane Grille has been voted one of the best handmade burgers in town. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Beach Resort, Related: Things to Do in Fort Myers with Kids, 7790 Cypress Lake DriveFort Myers, FL 33907(239) 437-4377. Have a great week. Couple that with an extensive wine menu and flavorsome dishes, and youve got yourself the perfect place for fine dining in Fort Myers. Her son fries thin slices of eggplant and layers them in his mom's slow-simmered red sauce. That being said, we did find some several local places to eat in Fort Myers, hidden gems, that Im sharing with you today, and the main reason to go beaches! Hello! KJs Steakhouse is a locally-owned casual steakhouse specializing in steaks, seafood, and cocktails. University Grill is a laid-back restaurant with a full bar, known for its seafood and American fare. Cape Cod Fish Company is a counter-serve restaurant famous for its New England-style dishes. tag @heartbeetkitchen on instagram and hashtag it #heartbeetkitchen, Your email address will not be published. What are people saying about local favorite restaurants in Fort Myers, FL? It makes me want to say fay-tuh instead of fetaand wash down a triangle (or five) of baklava withouzo-spiked espresso. 15 Best Restaurants in Fort Myers, FL Top-Rated Places to Eat! It's not fancy. The tostadas piled with slow-braised pork tinted maroon by Belizean-style annatto paste. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Learn how your comment data is processed. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers-Colonial Boulevard, 10950 S Cleveland AvenueFort Myers, FL 33907(239) 275-4745. The al pastor, shaved fresh from a vertical spit, may be even better. It offers stir-fried duck, crispprawns in a tangy-sweet tamarind sauce, and clay pot rice dishes with an addicting crunch. He never lets it show when he's overwhelmed and we come back to see him at least once a month. Every other aspect of Viet Village is deliciously different,wonderfully unique. 14301 Port Comfort RoadFort Myers, FL 33908(239) 489-0770. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. All you have to do is eat. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. This site uses cookies to help provide the best user experience. At Baci, he makes his own sauces, meatballs and mozzarella cheese.It's dangerously simple, and dangerously good. I call it the Nomiki Effect. Its one of the good restaurants in Fort Myers and Sanibel since you can eat fresh seafood while enjoying beautiful views of the waters and live music. Its hard to go wrong with the delectable aged meats and fresh seafood, so if you cant choose, you might as well get the Beef and Seafood Combination. You might spot her, a gingham-check scarf holding back her short hair, picking leaves of parsley for her sausages or stacking quarts of her beloved pasta fagioli for takeout orders. Masala Mantra Indian Bistro is the first Indian restaurant in Cape Coral, about 16 minutes away from Fort Myers. And if youd prefer to just stick to either of the two, try the Steak Au Poivre for the meat entree and the Pan Seared Scallops with Risotto for the seafood. Opening at noon, this unique restaurant is just in time to serve dishes for the best lunch in Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Thanks. While a favorite dish will definitely be the Fish and Chips, you shouldnt miss this restaurants terrific Clam Chowder. Blog Travel Local Gems: Eight Great Places to Eat in Fort Myers, Florida. It's not sleek. Viet Village, a Minnesota favorite, transforms Pizza Hut in south Fort Myers, JLB review A Gathering Place like no other, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. I can't wait to go back., (17200 San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach;239-437-1471; find it on Facebook), Jean Le Boeuf is the pseudonym used by a local food lover who dines at restaurants anonymously and without warning, with meals paid for by Naples Daily News. Service is fastmore, family. support by foodie digital document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Site by katelyn calautti + made to thrive Hemakes the pizzas by hand and bakes the breads, too. Best Breakfast in Detroit, MI 30 Top Places! Definitely an awesome hang-out spot for relaxing meals. Youre in for a gastronomic experience when you taste the incredible spices and meals in the area. But it takes a leap of faith (or three)to get to it. Those from Western states venture south to destinations such as Phoenix and Santa Fe. Follow the critic atfacebook.com/jeanleboeufswflor @JeanLeBoeuf onTwitterandInstagram.. Veranda is an upmarket restaurant at the heart of historic downtown serving Southern cuisine amid a piano bar and courtyard. Its a favorite pick for the best restaurants downtown if you just want to chill. The tacos are just as wonderful as I remember them. Then, follow it up with any of the terrific seafood dishes on the menu, like the Grilled Ahi Tuna thats served with an incredible Lobster Risotto. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, 2122 Second Street (at Broadway)Fort Myers, FL 33901(239) 332-2065. If youre after the most popular restaurants near you, this swanky place is a shoo-in for Cape Coral and Fort Myers eats. Real-deal tacos in a modern setting? And that first bite, be it a thick wedge of quiche or a fresh taco salad, will reward your faith deliciously., (8359 Beacon Blvd., Fort Myers;239-425-2626;thegatheringplacefortmyers.com), ARCHIVE: JLB review A Gathering Place like no other, Rosaria Leone is a treasure. 2022 www.naplesnews.com. Pizza Hut it is anything but., (16571 S. Tamiami Trail, south Fort Myers;239-208-8368;vietvillagefl.com), MORE:Viet Village, a Minnesota favorite, transforms Pizza Hut in south Fort Myers. I'm Amanda, founder and creator of Heartbeet Kitchen. Travelers after tasty breakfast and brunch options will adore this charming tearoom for its homey Southern flair. For first-timers, go for the plain one and enjoy the experience. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Crowne Plaza Hotel Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops, an IHG Hotel, 1625 Periwinkle WaySanibel, FL 33957(239) 472-1956. This is a review for local favorite restaurants in Fort Myers, FL: "WE LOVE TIM! The first leap takes you off U.S. 41 down some quiet side streets to a nursing-home-turned-business-complex that screams 1982. Gramma Dots Seaside Saloon: Tucked into the Sanibel Marina. These are the lesser-known local spots, where I can almost guarantee you'll find a table (just don't hold me to it).. Cibo is a modern, posh restaurant in Bridge Plaza serving classic Italian meals and different choices of wine. But if youre feeling more adventurous, go for the Goat Cheese Cheesecake. But on theoutdoor patio, surrounded by shady palms that block out the hum of cars passing by on Old 41, The Garden Cafe transforms into a delightful place for short-rib sliders sweetened by a smear of cherry compote; for buttermilk fried chicken and house Belgian waffles; for Cajun shrimp and grits tinged with spice., (24850 Old US 41 Road, Suite 12, Bonita Springs; 239-221-7848; gardencafebonita.com), ARCHIVE: Garden Cafe opens in Bonita Springs, The hand-made pastries lining the counter. This is a definite must try! Copyright 20042022 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Salty Papas Shrimp House is a laid-back Southern-style seafood restaurant with a dog-friendly area. Referred to as snowbirds, they are those who leave their cold-weather hometowns for a month or more in the winter, and keep a temporary residence in warm-weather locales. Holiday Inn Express Cape Coral-Fort Myers Area, an IHG Hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers-Colonial Boulevard, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ft Myers Beach-Sanibel Gateway, an IHG Hotel, Crowne Plaza Hotel Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops, an IHG Hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Coral / Fort Myers. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Residence Inn Fort Myers Sanibel, Also See:Restaurants in Fort LauderdaleFlorida Keys Restaurants, 229 Del Prado Boulevard N, Unit 15Cape Coral, FL 33909(239) 458-5900. And although I love the season as much as any northerner, a vacation from the snow and cold is one of the ways we make it through. Then if you want to make the most of your experience, get the Masala Mantra Special Grill which serves a combination of the tandoori dishes in the house. Well, I learned its better to go into your visit knowing that its an older population that lives here, so the restaurant scene may not be as elevated, or as modern, as what youre used to if you live in a metropolitan area. But theres more to eat here than fish, mussels, and the like. While your dog enjoys the cool breeze out on the patio, youll be able to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere eating only the freshest local seafood in town. Staff is so nice and restaurant is spotless. The relaxed but sophisticated ambiance makes it one of the best restaurants in Fort Myers. Very attentive and went the extra mile to remember our names and makemore. The sun is quite direct for northern folk! You'll know it by the warm greetings from owners Tony Clark, Shawn Leiva and theirstaff. Then, finish off your meal with the Tiramisu. Downtown location is our favorite!more, a place that offers real maple syrup. The Nomiki Effect is real. Seafood, European and Southern: Fort Myers Best Restaurants, From romantic to rowdy, waterfront dining reigns in Fort Myers, Bubbles and bacon: best brunch in Fort Myers, Al Fresco Dining at its Best in Fort Myers, Romance as an Entree not a Side in Fort Myers, Beach Dining Morning, Noon and/or Night in Fort Myers, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Legacy Harbour Hotel & Suites, 4518 Del Prado Boulevard SCape Coral, FL 33904(239) 540-6300. The steak tacosmore, lets it show when he's overwhelmed and we come back to see him at least once a month. Youre in for the coolest experience when you sit atop a barstool and watch Chef Marco prepare your mouth-watering meals. To help you out, heres a fantastic list of the best restaurants in Fort Myers. Your email address will not be published. Osteria Celli is a local Italian restaurant with an open-kitchen setting and a menu inspired by traditional Italian music. So too the new dining room with its sleek touches and clean lines. 15501 Old McGregor Boulevard, Unit 12Fort Myers, FL 33908(239) 313-6462. Heworks the pizza oven, sliding in round-ish New York-style pies and fetching them out once the edges haveblackened with a little char. The consummate foodie looking for the top casual spots to eat yummy local specials will appreciate this restaurants simple, counter-serve style. We will definitely be back when in town again.more, SeafoodAmerican (New)Breakfast & Brunch$$, for a bit of a wait. A top choice for the best places to eat in Fort Myers when youre with friends is this steakhouse. Youll absolutely feel right at home with its warm ambiance, thanks to its light design and friendly staff. We had the lobster tacos and steak tacos. The softest white sand, blue and turquoise water, and some of the best shelling in the world. A recent stop for lunch reminded me of Baci's charm. For something simple, get the Homemade Ice Cream. It is10 restaurants, but please feel free to add your localfavorite in the comments.. Powered by Mai Theme, 7 Best Places To See Wild Sea Turtles In Florida, our list of cool things to do in the area, coolest museums in Florida the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Known as the gateway to Southwest Florida, Fort Myers is a popular destination for many vacationers. Mac & Cheese -much Better than average, really good texture, not overmore, American (Traditional)SouthernBreakfast & Brunch$$, One of my favorite places in Fort Myers and the BEST omelets you can ask for! The best way to enjoy your visit is to get an entire course, from appetizer all the way to dessert. Excellent food! Best Breakfast in Brooklyn, NY 30 Top Places! All rights reserved. Its casual atmosphere coupled with its mouth watering aged steaks paired with draft beer, wine, or signature cocktails make it an awesome hang-out place. Its authentic Italian meals are elevated even further when paired with the Italian and Californian wine varietals served here. This year we made our trip about both family and vacation, and went to visit Brians mom and husband who keep a winter home in Fort Myers, Florida. If youre not feeling up to the usual meaty dishes, you can still savor the smoky flavor of a traditional steak when you get the seared hickory-flavored Cauliflower Steak. Whole fishmore, favorite thing to eat here. Owned by a longtime Vietnamese cook and her daughter, Viet Village goes beyond pho and spring rolls (though both are excellent). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Its been a long winter in Minnesota. Lighthouse Restaurant is a waterfront restaurant that serves seafood dishes near a woodsy area. Also recommend the mahi fingers and the shrimp risotto! It seems dangerously simple, but Garofalo came here from Brooklyn,where he operated a handful of pizzerias and sit-down Italian restaurants. It's on an industrial Cape Coral side street. Best Breakfast in Minneapolis, MN 30 Top Places! Easier Risotto with Roasted Fennel and Olives, Blender Peanut Butter with Dried Tart Cherries, Canning Salsa Verde, Made With Tomatillos, How to Grill Lettuce + Simple Italian Grilled Romaine Salad, Slow Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Preserved in Olive Oil. Thats all the glamour I need. You have to wander to the bakery side, where little squares of flan, tres leches and syrup-y, cone-shaped capuchinos are lined up in glass cases. Besides unlimited English tea, youll even get an array of mini desserts and a fresh scone (perfect for relaxing afternoons). Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Cape Coral-Fort Myers Area, an IHG Hotel, 2512 Second StreetFort Myers, FL 33901(239) 689-4436. (4075 Pine Ridge Road, East Naples; 239-304-0333; Find it on Facebook), This restaurant's Pizza Hut past can be seen in the A-frame shape of the buildingbut that's it. It's the latest Easter we've had since 2011. I'm not saying this place won't be busy. I don't know if ownerWilliam Mosquera remembers me, or if he uses that kind smileon all his customers. She's the one delivering the pizzas, pastas and hot heroesto tables topped with red-and-white checked cloths. And the sun soaked 80 degree days. The nearby Colombian restaurantbecame my home away from home, the place I went on a Tuesday night when I didnt feel like cooking, or on a Saturday morning when a craving for arepas and chewy chicharron hit. If youre looking for where to eat in Fort Myers with your furry friend, head on over to this awesome resto. Gusto Cucina Italiana is a contemporary restaurant popular for its Italian and Sicilian meals in Cape Coral, about 11 minutes away from Fort Myers. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Coral / Fort Myers. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Dolphin Key Resort Cape Coral, 15660 San Carlos Boulevard, Suite 280Fort Myers, FL 33908(239) 415-4375. But he always makes me feel backat home., (4150 Hancock Bridge Parkway, North Fort Myers;239-997-0009), FULL REVIEW:JLBComing home to Las Delicias, ThisBonita Springs breakfast-lunch joint owned by husband-and-wife Dick and Cindy Jordan is also a full-service catering company. Nothing screams romance than dining in a garden courtyard or inside a turn-of-the-century house. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ft Myers Beach-Sanibel Gateway, an IHG Hotel, 12377 S Cleveland AvenueFort Myers, FL 33907(239) 931-0050. All of it is done hugely and cheaply. A must eat. All Rights Reserved. Best Breakfast in Salt Lake City, UT 30 Top Places! Also, to note, a renovation of the citys downtown waterfront has brought in new restaurants, clubs, shops, and galleries. Great restaurant and bar! Dont miss Barefoot Beach Preserve, just south of Fort Myers Beach. Start simple with the tasty Bruschetta and pair it with pasta, like the delectable Linguine al Granchio which features Snow Crab and shrimp. Frank Garofalo and his wife (I wish I knew her name) are the Italian couple behind the counter. Not only do they serve incredible seafood, but they do it with a delicious Mediterranean twist. To experience the most out of your visit, get the Veranda Specialty which comes with a salad, muffin, and main entree. Add to that the blue and white checkered paper where the food is presented, and you have yourself a really laid-back atmosphere. I've frequented this restaurant for the past three years, and neglected to givemore, the haddock is my husbands favorite, coconut shrimp is amazing! Its a fabulous hidden gem. Fans of the classic American fare will find this place among the best dinner places in Fort Myers because of its many twists to your favorites like scallops but served with a cauliflower risotto or a King Salmon but crusted with mustard. Sweet Melissas Cafe is a high-end restaurant serving American cuisine in Sanibel, about 29 minutes away from Fort Myers. Ripe peaches, baked with butter, brown, Rhubarb Syrup - - - - > super refreshing marga. Join the email list to get exclusive recipes and giveaways! The family works in the same way it has since 1976. But you should start your meals here with delicious appetizers like the Vongole or Capusante Risotto. Try this cafes Royal Tea for the ultimate experience. Can you tell me where the aa bowl came from? The holiday that traditionally marks the end of season in Southwest Florida isn't until April 21. So if you find yourself in Fort Myers visiting family, spring break, or for the deep-sea fishing and famous white sand beaches, bring all your warm weather clothes, sunglasses, and a hat. The Shrimp Parmigiano is a simple but delectable dish youll find memorable. 15250 S Tamiami TrailFort Myers, FL 33908(239) 849-0622. The seafood choices here are on-point, but for a guaranteed good time, try the shrimp and scallops. Required fields are marked *, Notify me if Amanda replies to my comment. Downtown location is our favorite!". And being near stunning beaches, its no wonder that this Florida city is famous for its delectable seafood. Foodies who prefer a relaxing and intimate atmosphere while eating some of the best food in Fort Myers will find the chilled but refined ambiance of this restaurant perfect. The dim lighting and relaxing jazz music will absolutely make you feel at ease while eating an outstanding meal. Bonus: These menus are reasonably priced, with meals less than $10-$15. So why I am telling you those details? Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers, 12901 McGregor Boulevard, Suite 16Fort Myers, FL 33919(239) 454-3700. If youre after a laid-back but elegant choice for local restaurants, this cafe is sure to fit the bill because of its refined interiors and romantic patio. exclusive member of mediavine food. There's so much to love about The Gathering Place. But another special you might want to try is the Wicked Dolphin cocktail (made from rum). You can walk along the entire shoreline, and it is much less crowded than other beaches. Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the number of restaurants in the list. (8024 Alico Road, San Carlos Park;239-689-4505;wallysdelifortmyers.com), ARCHIVES: Wally's Deli takes a bite out of weird. (2364 U.S. 41 E., East Naples; 239-304 - 9553; baccipizzanaples.com), Way back in 2002 I lived in a fairly crappy triplex on the North Fort Myers-Cape Coral border. Best Local Favorite Restaurants in Fort Myers, Florida. What it lacked in space and reliable air conditioning, it made up for in Las Delicias. There issomuch more high-season to go. He's always our server here and even when he is slammed, he is always looking out for taking care of us. 15880 Summerlin Road, Unit 308Fort Myers, FL 33908(239) 267-1310. Great informative blog! When you hit the former nurses' station and rec room at the rear, you've arrived. We go every time we are in town. Before choosing your main dish like the tasty Carpaccio de Salmon (smoke-cured salmon with tomatoes, eggs, and capers), go for the refreshing Trattoria Signature Caesar Chicken Salad and pair it with the Wine of the Day. La Trattoria Cafe Napoli (also known as Glorias) is a casual bistro that serves modern takes on Italian, Spanish, and Mediterranean dishes. All rights reserved. And it is so, so good., (916 SE 14th Ave., Cape Coral;239-458-0013), Every so often herea platter of flaming saganaki goes by andagainst all my better judgment I'm screaming "Opa!" Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2022. . The fluffy biscuits. Unlike the usual fare in the area which is more grilled, smoked, or seared seafood, you get to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine cooked with tons of spices and blends that are truly different. I come back to Las Delicias as often as I can. Thank you for hosting. The friendly atmosphere paired with fine European cuisine makes it no surprise that this restaurant is among the top Fort Myers restaurants today. And if you are over it, I'm here to help., These 10restaurants won't make many "best of" lists.They aren't the first places I think of when I hear my favorite question:"Where should weeat?" This place is just amazing!! I'm a home cook, just like you, who particularly loves baking sourdough bread and dishing up modern, gluten-free food. 50 Best Restaurants in New England Top-Rated Places to Eat. The Southern Sampler is an absolute delight as it gives you more choices, such as fresh fish, shrimp, and scallops done in a creamy sauce. Whats more, its one of the best birthday restaurants in Fort Myers for its cool open-kitchen concept. Roadhouse Cafe is an upscale restaurant with live jazz music that offers American cuisine. Its cramped, industrial interiorshows it. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Myers, Also See:Best Restaurants in Fort Walton BeachPlaces to Eat in Eustis, 15271 McGregor Boulevard, Suite 1Fort Myers, FL 33908(239) 482-7272. !more, Great restaurant and staff. Local Gems: Eight Great Places to Eat in Fort Myers, Florida. We are staying in fort myers beach area this summer. And after the YOLO a sub filled with chicken tenders, jalapenos and macaroni and cheese you may need a few minutes to hang out. Retirees from the East Coast have traditionally gravitated to the eastern part of Florida, while many from the Midwest go to Floridas west coast such as the Fort Myers and Sanibel area. And it is delicious., (12901 McGregor Blvd., south Fort Myers;239-433-5659), Formerly Latinos Market, this taqueria and grocery reopened in December in a newly renovated building a few blocks south of its originalsouth Fort Myers home. We didnt have time to get to the the winter estates of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, but its on our list for next time. Wally's is a bustling lunch spot adored by FGCU students and locals alikeno matter the season or the craving. I comefor the lunch specialtwo slices of cheeseand a soda for less than $6. This restaurant is known for its seasonal specials such as the Corvina (Little Neck Clams with tomatoes and potatoes), so make sure to try one from that menu if you can. Uhmaze Bowls in Fort Myers is relatively new though, and their bowls are fabulous! Chic travelers are sure to love the contemporary ambiance of this elegant restaurant. I am beyondgrateful for the tourists and snowbirds and the dollars they pour into our economy.But the traffic, the crowds, the long waits at my favorite restaurants is it Easter yet? Dinner dates and special occasions will feel extra special when you dine in this premier pick for the best rated restaurants in Fort Myers. Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe is a quaint tea room housed in a converted bungalow in downtown Fort Myers. I've done the hunting.