Sanibel Island is a top Florida beach destination in the vicinity of Naples and Fort Myers. The island is renowned for sugary soft sand beaches and shelling. The tropical island on the Gulf of Mexico, enjoys expansive beaches, lush tropical foliage and crystal blue water. Point Ybel Lighthouse has guided seafarers to the shores of Sanibel Island for years. The J.N. “Ding Darling” National Wildlife Refuge and Bird Sanctuary is a renowned wildlife habitat.
Sanibel Island is a vacation destination with luxurious accommodations, golf, tennis, fishing boating and more. After a leisurely day on the soft sand beaches, a great dinner replenishes the body and spirit. Following are some of the best restaurants in Sanibel.
The Mad Hatter. Romantic Gulf Front restaurant serves new American cuisine. The restaurant is small, but each table enjoys an ocean view that features Florida sunsets perfectly. The menu changes continually. Flavors from around the world include dishes such as Thai-style peanut sauce over seared sesame-encrusted yellowfin tuna steak, jumbo shrimp Wellington and stuffed crab with lobster veloute. Location: at Blind Pass, Sanibel Island. Reservations recommended. 1-239-472-0033.
Riviera Restaurant. The Rivera offers an imitate, romantic setting like a cafe on the Italian Riviera. Candlelight dining is accompanied by live piano music. Riviera specializes in authentic Mediterranean and Northern Italian cuisine, featuring homemade pasta, vela dishes and fresh fish and seafood. The Menu offers a mix of selections from France, Spain, Italy and Morocco. Popular dishes include crusted Yellow Fin Tuna, Paella Valenciana, Crispy Duckling and Rack of Lamb. The expensive wine offers fine wines that the server will decant at the table. Dessert selections include chocolate souffle, Grand Marnier souffle, Tiramisu and creme brulee. West Gulf Road, 1-239-472-1141.
The Sanibel Steakhouse. Chip’s Sanibel Steakhouse specializes in Steaks, Chops and Seafood. Chef’s Specialties include Atlantic Salmon, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Broiled Florida Lobster Tail and Shrimp Tempura. U.S.D.A Prime Cut Beef Steaks are flash seared at 1700 degrees to lock in juices and retain flavor. Steak entrees include Kobe Filet, Prime Filet Mignon, Prime New York Strip Steak, Prime T-Bone and Porterhouse. Dessert offerings include chocolate lava cake, triple chocolate cheesecake and Key Lime Pie. Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, 1-239-472-5700.
Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant at Casa Ybel Resort. Thistle Lodge overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. The historic setting is surrounded by swaying palm trees and gently breaking waves, for a romantic atmosphere. Entrees include Filet of Beef Tenderloin, Parmesan Crusted Grouper, Herb Crusted Lamb Rack and Blackened Snapper and lobster 7 lump Crab Meat Crusted Sea Scallops. West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, FL 1-239-472-9200.
The Sanibel Grill. “Sanibel’s Sports Bar” lays claim to the largest collection of authentic sports memorabilia in Southwest Florida. Ten big screen TV and eight satellite dishes are part of what makes “The Grill” the islanders favorite place to water sports. The Grill shares a kitchen with The Timbers Restaurant. The Prawnbroker Restaurant Group.Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel Island, FL, 1-239-472-HIKE.
The Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market. This casual upstairs restaurant has a tropical decor, with bamboo railings, gigantic canvas umbrellas and tropical themed paintings. Specialties include fresh fish and aged U.S.D.A. Choice Steaks cooked on a charcoal grill. There is a fish market out front where diners can view the fish and have it prepared to order. The Timber Restaurant slogan is “We Serve it Fresh or We Don’t Serve it at All. Examples from the menu include Skewered Shrimp wrapped with bacon, Florida Lobster Tail, Baked Stuffed Shrimp, Shrimp Scampi, Crunchy Shrimp, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Crunch Grouper, Sea Scallops and Captive Crabcakes. Drinks can be ordered from the adjoining Sanibel Grill Sports Bar. Prawnbroker Restaurant Group. Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel Island, FL, 1-239-395-CRAB.
Matzaluna The Italian Kitchen!, Italian Restaurant. Casual dining featuring “The island’s only wood-fired pizzas.” There are over twenty combinations of pasta dinners priced from $9.95. The Prawnbroker Restaurant Group. Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, FL, 1-239-472-1998.
RedFish BluFish. Tasting menu offers Tapas portions to sample different taste sensations at one seating. Examples form the menu include Filet Mignon of Pork, Swordfish Steak, Long Island Duck, American Bison Meatloaf and Sea Scallops. Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 1-239-472-1956.
Information is subject to change. Contact the restaurants for additional information and to make reservations.
Read Top Restaurants in Naples.
Read Best Hotels in Naples.
Read Best Hotels in Fort Myers.
Read Top Fine-Dining Restaurants Fort Myers.
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