15 Best Restaurants Fort Myers Florida: A Delicious Guide

Fort Myers, Florida, has a spread of eats to keep your stomach and Instagram feed happy. If you’re looking for a taste of the town that’ll have you booking the next flight down, buckle up because I’m about to dive into some of the best bites on this side of the Sunshine State!

From authentic Italian to the freshest seafood, you’re in for a delicious surprise at every turn. So get ready, set your dates, and let’s explore some of the best restaurants in Fort Myers Florida to add to your culinary bucket list.

Fort Myers’ Finest Culinary Destinations

Dishing out delightful flavors in every forkful, Fort Myers is home to top-tier tables. Trust me, They’re the real deal! Let’s start with some of the best overall dining you can find when it comes to Ft Myers Florida restaurants.

Harold’s

In a quaint strip mall, Harold’s is the local go-to for an ever-changing medley of American cuisine. They’re not just slinging food but crafting experiences one farm-to-table plate at a time. Walk in and prepare to savor the innovative spirit that this place cooks up weekly.

Like you’d expect in a higher scale restaurant, there are a variety of unique dishes on the menu, like duck egg rolls, grilled octopus, foie gras, black grouper, and truffle fries to indulge in.

My go-to’s are the buffalo cauliflower (which even the carnivores in your party will love) and the grouper when in season (that fresh peach mango relish is amazing)! You also can’t skip a slice of the “world famous” key lime pie!

Since it is farm to table, expect the menu to change seasonally based on what’s freshest and readily available. Harold’s also usually offers a seasonal tasting menu with several courses and wine pairings, if that’s more your style.

Prices range from $50 to $100 a person usually (depending how much you order), so it’s not a budget destination, but it is definitely delicious enough for the occasional splurge or a fancy date night!

You can visit Harold’s Tuesday through Saturday from 5-9pm (they only serve dinner, and are closed Sundays and Mondays). I highly recommend making reservations online in advance as well!

Osteria Celli

Over in a cozy corner of Fort Myers stands Osteria Celli, an Italian eatery that transforms homemade pasta into an art form. This spot is all about classic Italian zest, serving simple yet elegant pasta dishes with your taste buds thinking they’ve taken a trip to the old country. Don’t forget the amazing wine selection!

Of course, you’ll find many traditional fine dining options like snails, pate, and octopus to keep your adventurous eaters pleased. For me, though, the real stars are their homemade Cavatelli or the Linguine al Granchio (bring a date and try both)!

For dessert, try the limoncello mascarpone cake, or the affogato so you can have your after dinner coffee and dessert all in one!

There’s an extensive wine list featuring reds, whites, and roses to explore, and a couple Italian beer options if someone in your party doesn’t enjoy the vino.

Osteria is generally slightly cheaper than Harold’s, though still around $50 per person. Note that some of the wines are pretty expensive, so if you do choose to splurge there, that will bring you closer to $100 a person along with dinner.

You can dine here Wednesday – Sunday 5pm – 9pm (open until 9:30 on Friday and Saturday nights). They are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Feel free to make reservations in advance as well, which are conveniently available online.

Gusto Cucina Italiana

Just a short hop (about 20 minutes’ drive) from Fort Myers, Gusto Cucina Italiana in Cape Coral is waiting to impress with its Italian charisma. The chefs here mix Italian tradition with that local flair while keeping it astonishingly authentic, right down to the draft beer!

There’s Bolognese, Milanese, pescatore, and more on the menu to explore! Don’t worry, there’s vegetarian options and a kids menu as well, so you can make this night out a family affair.

The chicken marsala and shrimp scampi are my go-to dishes here, and they never disappoint! If they happen to have a cannoli, grab one for dessert (but it’s not a permanent menu offering so don’t get to set on it).

One of the nice things about Gusto compared to some of the other options I’ve mentioned before is that most of their menu is available for takeout (and nearby delivery) with convenient online ordering. So, if you prefer to dine at home or not bring the whole family out, know that it’s a delicious option!

This restaurant is usually around the same cost as Osteria, with about $50 per person being average. Though, as always, if you order apps, a meal, dessert and multiple drinks you can certainly exceed that (you do you)!

Visit Gusto Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm – 8pm (open until 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights). They are closed Sundays and Mondays.

Cape Cod Fish Company

The Cape Cod Fish Company is a seafood lover’s paradise in Fort Myers, and as someone who spent many years living in New England and frequenting Cape Cod, I know a thing or two when it comes to seafood!

This joint has got it going with a raw bar that’ll make any seafood fan weak in the knees. I’m talking so fresh; the ocean’s still telling stories about it. Whether it’s clams, oysters, or the catch of the day, they’re serving up Neptune’s bounty on a platter.

When I want a taste of home, it’s a cup of New England clam chowder (or “chowdah” depending where you’re from), along with a fried clam roll or a succulent Connecticut lobster roll. But really, you can’t go wrong with any of their delicious options.

Now, unlike the other places I mentioned, Cape Cod Fish Co is open for lunch, and they even have some great lunch specials! If you’re in the area midday, I highly recommend stopping by, since they don’t take reservations it can get pretty busy around dinnertime.

You’ll also find beers and cocktails to complete your meal if you like! Despite all the fresh delicious seafood, most entrees range from just under $20 to $30, so even with a drink you can still usually make it out under $50 per person! There’s a kids menu available too if you’re bringing the fam.

Visit Cape Cod Fish Company Wednesday through Sundays 11:30am to 8pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

Masala Mantra Indian Bistro

If you’re looking for authentic Indian food and are willing to take a little (about 20 minute) drive, head on over to the neighboring town of Cape Coral, and you’ll find Masala Mantra Indian Bistro.

Now, Indian restaurants aren’t on every street corner in Florida, and that’s what makes Masala Mantra unique. Thankfully, they are really good at what they do as well, doling out flavor deep enough to sink your soul into. It’s more than just food; it’s a trek across the rich landscape of Indian cuisine!

I can’t say no to tikka masala and those delicious onion bhaji! Their bullet naan bread is something I’ve never seen elsewhere and it’s scrumptious too.

If you can’t decide, try the Special Grill dish, which gives you a sampling of Tandoori chicken, lamb and shrimp. Or, visit during lunch hours and sample the buffet with lots to choose from.

There’s an extensive vegetarian and vegan friendly menu to explore, so your vegetable-loving friends won’t feel left out either. You’ll also find beer, wine, and Indian specialties like mango lassi to round out your meal.

Most entrees are in the $15 – $20 range, so you can enjoy all that flavor without breaking the bank. They ever offer online ordering if you want to take your meal to go instead.

Visit Masala Mantra Indian Bistro daily between 11:30am and 2:30pm for lunch, or 4pm to 9pm for dinner service (10 pm on Friday and Saturday nights).

University Grill

University Grill? Now, that spot knows how to serve American fare in an ambiance as chill as a clear night by the Gulf. It’s never stuffy, always welcoming, and comes with a side of prime rib perfection.

It’s one of those local joints that everyone knows, that screams old world charm with a dash of new age cooking. Wednesday is local’s night, where you can sample fresh local cuisine that’s divine (I tried the New England stuffed sole, and it was chef’s kiss)!

You can find something for everyone, though, with burgers, salads, and lots of local seafood on the menu to choose from. I recommend making a reservation in advance, though, they can get pretty busy especially during dinner.

For a quicker trip, hit up happy hour from 4 to 6:30pm and try some of the fabulous house cocktails – I personally enjoy the FGCU martini!

Entrees usually range from $20-$30, so with a drink you can normally manage to come in around $50 a person, but of course you can add extra drinks, desserts, or apps if anything else catches your eye.

Visit University Grill daily from 4pm to 8:30pm (9pm on Friday and Saturday nights).

Cibo

Whenever I find myself craving the authentic flavors of Italy in Fort Myers, Cibo never disappoints. This spot’s bustling atmosphere and artisan cuisine make it a no-brainer for Italian enthusiasts, even though it’s hidden behind an unassuming location in a strip mall.

The ricotta gnocchi is pillowy and delicious, and those pistachio-crusted cannoli for dessert are just divine. Of course, you’ll find plenty of other pastas, salads, steaks, and seafood to please your Italian palate, along with rotating seasonal options, so you can always try something new!

There’s an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail menu – I love the strawberry gin-tini myself! As an added bonus, you can find happy hour specials from 4pm to close daily at the bar.

Now, like most great restaurants, they’ve got some quirks you’ll want to know. Reservations are generally required, and you’ll need to call! There’s no online reservations or online ordering at all at Cibo.

Most entrees range from $30 to $50, so if you add drinks, dessert, or apps, you can pretty easily approach $100 a person. However, I still think it’s a nice treat and perfect for a date night.

Visit Cibo daily from 4pm to 9pm (10pm on Friday and Saturday nights).

Casual Eats and Cozy Cafés

Fort Myers is no stranger to diverse eateries, but for those laid-back afternoons, the city has an array of casual spots and cozy cafés that offer a relaxed vibe with tasty bites. So, let’s hop into some of the best Fort Myers restaurants when you want casual and cozy vibes with a side of delicious!

Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe

Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe in Fort Myers is the pinnacle of quaint charm. Serving up some of the best lunch in Fort Myers, this café turns a simple midday meal into a delightful affair.

Envision high tea service, and you’ll basically understand what you’re walking into here. Wisteria feels like you’ve been transported to an English garden party, complete with an extensive tea collection, which rotates seasonally. White strawberries is my favorite, if you happen to catch it!

The food menu also rotates monthly, but you can expect finger sandwiches, salads, soups, scones and other pastries, and sweets to suit your palate. I love the scones, but if you have a sweet tooth, you can’t miss their signature crème brulee!

There are vegetarian options and a kids’ menu available as well. You can also get catering or rent the place out for special events (like a bridal or baby shower)! No alcohol is served, but you can BYOB with a corkage fee.

Tea service at the most basic is $17 and goes up to $53 for the most complex, with everything else falling in between.

Space is limited, so reservations are very highly recommended, as they will only take walk ins if there is space. You can pop in for a cuppa Tuesday through Saturday from 10:45am to 2:30 pm (closed Sundays and Mondays).

Roadhouse Cafe

Roadhouse Cafe is another joint tucked into an unassuming strip mall. Behind the doors, though, you can tantalize your taste buds with American cuisine, and the live jazz music adds a sultry backdrop that teases the senses before your meal arrives.

With a swanky interior with dark tones reminiscent of a jazz club and a grand piano center stage, you know this place is the real deal where you’re in for a treat!

Their lobster bisque is creamy bliss on a spoon, and the seared scallops are my go-to entrée. If I’m in the mood for steak, though, their filet doesn’t disappoint! I also hear they make a mean stuffed pork chop, but that’s not usually my jam (but maybe it’s yours)!

Reservations are highly recommended, as it can get extremely busy. Tip: if they don’t answer, just leave a message and they’ll call you back. I usually have more success that way than getting a live person the first time.

Most entrees here are between $25 and $50, so expect to spend close to $100 a person once you add in drinks, apps or dessert.

Music is available nightly, usually starting around 7pm, if that helps you plan the best time for your visit! The restaurant itself is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5pm to 9pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

A Taste of Luxury in Fort Myers

If you’re a lover of fine dining and the taste of luxury, then this is the list for you! Fort Myers rolls out the red carpet with establishments serving up sumptuous steaks, stone crab, and a night dinner atmosphere that’ll impress even the ritziest of your pals.

So, let’s take a peek at some of the best high end restaurants in Fort Myers Florida!

KJ’s Steakhouse

A trivial stroll down Cleveland Avenue, and you’ll come face-to-face with KJ’s Steakhouse. Renowned for its chicken salad and an array of steaks, it’s where sophistication meets a meat-lovers paradise (though they do have vegetarian options as well)!

While steak is the star here, they make a mean calamari and French onion soup too – they’re some of my favorite starter options. For a unique experience, though, I recommend the table side steak tartare. It’s like dinner and a show!

Try out one of their amazing aged steaks for your entrée, or hit up the restaurant on Thursday nights for their epic prime rib special! There’s also wines, beers, and specialty cocktails to round out your meal as well.

Most entrees are between $30 and $60, though the incredible 2 pound bone-in Tomahawk steak with a lobster tail will set you back over $100 for that alone, so you can easily run up the tab over $100 if you have the desire. Various specials every night are a way to save a few bucks, though, if you’re on a budget!

KJ’s is open daily from 11am to 10pm, with happy hour specials from 3-6pm. Reservations are highly recommended, and can be made easily online (parties of 5 or more need to call).

The Veranda

Heart of historic downtown Fort Myers is where you’ll find The Veranda, a timeless establishment that serves up a filet mignon and sea bass so flavorful it’ll haunt your taste buds for days.

Imagine a spot where Southern charm meets fine dining—that’s The Veranda. Treat yourself to delicious crab cakes or a perfect rack of lamb. If you’re feeling bold, how about some escargot or the veal?

Now, it is in a historic building that has a lot of charms, but also has that sort of historical old building smell as well. If that will bother you, ask for a table outside instead!

They do also have a kind of dress code (dress codes in Florida are always pretty loose I’ve found), so expect to wear dress shorts at a minimum – no beach bum clothes here!

You can expect to spend around $100 a person here, though of course you can go up from there by ordering multiple drinks or courses, or skip the drinks and save a few bucks – your choice!

Reservations are highly recommended, as they can get very busy since they’re only open for dinner service. Speaking of, you can visit from 5pm to 9pm Monday through Saturday (closed on Sundays).

Seafood and Ocean Fare

If there’s one thing Fort Myers knows how to do right, it’s serving up some of the finest, freshest seafood on the Gulf Coast. After all, it’s fresh and local here, so why not enjoy while you’re in town? Let’s dive into some of the best seafood restaurants you can find in Fort Myers Florida!

Salty Papa’s Shrimp House

Perched on McGregor Boulevard, Salty Papa’s Shrimp House is the go-to spot when that seafood hankering hits.

It’s a place where the scent of Southern cooking intertwines with laid-back vibes, and canines are as welcome as their human counterparts on the patio. You can even order homemade dinner for your dog off the “pup meals” menu!

Their human food menu, true to name, features a huge variety of shrimp, but the must try meals in my opinion are the shrimp and grits or gumbo! If you’re craving more of a crunch, then coconut shrimp is the way to go. When it comes to sandwiches, you can’t go wrong with a shrimp po boy either!

The nautical décor will have you feeling 20,000 leagues under the sea, but you don’t have to catch your own fish (thankfully). What you can catch, though, are the all day happy hour specials and the occasional live band as well!

Entrees range from around $15 to $30 on average, and with drinks specials it makes it doable to come in under $50 a person without much hassle at all! You can’t beat that for fresh, delicious seafood!

Visit Salty Papa’s Shrimp House daily from 10:30am to 9pm, or order takeout between 11:30am and 8pm to enjoy your meal at home instead!

Twisted Lobster

Standing proud in nearby Cape Coral, Twisted Lobster spins the classic seafood tale with a casual setting about good food with no frills. Since 2017, they’ve been fanning the flames of seafood love, enticing landlubbers and sea dogs alike to drop anchor for a spell.

The clam chowder and the lobster roll are my absolute favorite things to order. On their menu, you might notice a choice between a “hot” or a “cold” lobster roll is available. As a New England native, let me tell you the difference!

Cold lobster rolls are cold chunks of lobster mixed with mayonnaise, while hot lobster rolls are warmed chunks of lobster doused in hot drawn butter. Both are served on a toasted New England style hot dog roll (yes it makes a difference)! Which is better? Well, that’s up to you, but I’m a hot lobster roll kind of girl!

If a lobster roll is not your style, you can’t go wrong with the classic fish and chips or the unique soft shell crab offering either! If you’re adventurous, try the fresh oysters on the half shell for a taste of the Gulf as fresh as it gets.

You can find rotating seasonal daily deals to check out if you’re hunting for a bargain. Let’s face it, you know I’m there for the lobster roll and BOGO chowder deal! Otherwise, most entrees fall between $15 and $30. There’s beer, wine, and hard seltzer available as well to complete your meal.

All food is available for dine in or carry out, so you can enjoy your seafood wherever the ocean is currently calling. Catch the Twisted Lobster open daily from 11:30am to 9pm and sink your teeth into some succulent seafood!

Unique Dining Experiences

Fort Myers is a treasure trove of eateries, where every corner turns and unveils another spot that tantalizes your taste buds and beckons you inside. From cozy corners offering eats with a side of history to kitchens cooking up fusion that’ll make your mouth sing, variety is the spice of life in this Gulf-side paradise.

Let’s take a look at some unique dining experiences you can have at restaurants in Fort Myers Florida.

Taberna Ole

Over on Cleveland Avenue, Taberna Ole is slinging modern Spanish cuisine, with ingredients imported directly from Spain for an authentic flavor experience. This restaurant sits where the former La Trattoria Café Napoli was, but keeps some of the same great flavors that fans of the old joint might be craving still!

The paella and tapas are the way to go here in my opinion, because they are Spanish classics done right! Plus, with tapas, you can get a bunch of small plates and try a lot of different things, which is always nice. The menu rotates often, so there’s always something new and fresh to try!

There are other unique offerings to choose from as well, like a specialty Spanish cheese board, Iberico ham, and even a Basque (intentionally burnt) style cheesecake for dessert. You’ll also find a nice selection Spanish wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages to complete your meal.

Prices for tapas are under $20 a plate, while entrees are mostly in the $30’s (with some exceptions of course) Paella is served for 2 or 4 people, and ranges from $45 to $130 depending on the size and variety selected. Note that there is a 20% service charge added to all checks, but tipping is not required in addition to that.

This spot is cozy, flavorful, intimate, and perfect for date night or a night on the town. Given the atmosphere and the cuisine, it’s not a spot I really recommend for kids, unless you have very adventurous eaters!

Visit Taberna Ole Tuesday through Friday 12pm to 9pm (10 pm Friday nights) and Saturday 4pm to 10pm (closed Sundays and Mondays.

Lighthouse Restaurant

For a seafood symphony with scenic serenades, Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar (also known as Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant) is Fort Myers Beach’s watermark of dining experiences.

Nestled at Port Comfort Road, this waterfront restaurant is a beacon of sublime tastes and sights, drawing folks from all over for a slice of Gulf Coast heaven.

The lobster bisque and the Chilean sea bass are the real stars for me here, but you landlubbers might want to know that they also make a mean prime rib! There’s also plenty of fried seafood, other surf and turf options, and even pasta, so you can find something to tickle your fancy.

Here, it’s really the views that can’t be beat. You can sit outside and watch the water, or stay in the air conditioning and still enjoy murals and screens of ocean and nautical scenery!

Live music happens nearly every day in the afternoons and evenings, so you can kick back and relax Florida style! There are daily specials in the Lounge from 11am to 7pm, along with great cocktails to sip, that’ll make you want to come back day after day.

Most entrees are in the $25 to $35 range (of course there are some exceptions), but you can try try the under $20 lunch specials or the previously mentioned Lounge specials – the $5 Dolla Holla menu to save a few bucks. There are also specialty buffets offered on occasion (like Mother’s Day)!

Visit the Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant daily from 11am to 10pm.

Selecting Your Ideal Dining Spot

Picking the perfect dining spot in Fort Myers is akin to finding the perfect shell on the beach: it requires a bit of looking around, but once you find it, it’s a treasure. Here are the things to consider:

• What type of cuisine do you want? Think seafood, Italian, etc
• Is the view important? Is oceanfront a must, or is a strip mall fine if the food is amazing?
• What is your desired ambiance? Is it a family trip, a romantic date night, or a casual afternoon?
• How much do you want to spend? Prices range wildly at various joints, so choose a spot that’s comfortable for your wallet, and plan to take advantage of specials!
• Where is the restaurant? Fort Myers is a large city, so if you need to walk or bike, you’ll want something closer. If you have a car, then your circle may be slightly larger!
• When do you want to visit? Many restaurants are only open for dinner, so if it’s a lunch date you seek, those are out. Others require reservations, so if you’re planning on short notice, they may not be available either!

With such a diverse food scene, whether you fancy a swanky steakhouse or crave a laid-back seafood shack, there’s a table with your name waiting somewhere in the culinary mecca of restaurants in Fort Myers Florida.

Local’s Guide to Best Kept Culinary Secrets

While it’s not really a restaurant per se, when it comes to some of best places to eat in Fort Myers, the Heavenly Biscuit is still worth a mention. It’s a food truck you’ll find around Fort Myers beach, slinging cinnamon rolls, biscuits, and all your breakfast dreams.

When it comes to just dessert or a sweet treat, I’ve got the scoop on that too! For the freshest ice cream at the corner parlor, make sure to check out Daddy Dee’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, a Fort Myers icon for over 45 years!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Stepping out into the gentle warmth of a Fort Myers evening, your taste buds still dancing from bold and subtle flavors, you know this place is a food lover’s dream come true.

Whether you’ve cozied up with comfort foods at a buzzing gastropub or treated yourself to an upscale evening featuring delicacies like foie gras, the culinary landscape here is as diverse as it’s delicious! 

It’s a melting pot down here, with every turn offering a different taste—spicy, savory, or sweet as Southern comfort food. You’ll find everything from the bold kick of French onion soup to the heartwarming hug of chicken and dumplings.

Fancy a nightcap under the stars or a fancy spread in a spot teeming with historic charm? It’s all on the menu here in Fort Myers. As your culinary journey winds down, you’ll plan the next visit before leaving.

After all, with such a splendid spread of gastronomic delights, one trip will never be enough. So here’s to returning for seconds or maybe thirds—Fort Myers is waiting, forks and knives ready!

If you’re looking to branch out more, though, take a drive south for about an hour and check out some of the best seafood restaurants in Naples Florida, or go north an hour instead for some of the best seafood restaurants in Venice Florida as alternatives!