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 we’re 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 chow down in Fort Myers!
Now, don’t just sit there with your mouth watering! Dive in and discover what these culinary hotspots have on the menu.
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.
1. 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 savor the innovative spirit that this place cooks up weekly.
Signature Dishes to Indulge In
The menu might switch weekly at Harold’s, but if you can snap up their slow-braised meats or pan-seared fish specials, my friend, you’re in for a treat. Their creativity with local produce—sometimes it’s like they’re painting masterpieces with flavor rather than colors on a canvas.
2. 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 pasta dishes with your taste buds thinking they’ve taken a trip to the old country.
Dishes That Define Osteria Celli
I can’t just glide over their homemade pasta when discussing Osteria Celli. I’m talking fork-twirling, sauce-clinging, Italian goodness. The kind of Italian food that’d make any nonna smack her lips in approval. Their bold flavors will stick with you longer than a Fort Myers sunset.
3. Gusto Cucina Italiana
Just a short hop from Fort Myers, Gusto Cucina Italiana 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.
Gusto Cucina Italiana’s Unmissable Menu
So, you’ve got Italian cuisine, and Gusto Cucina Italiana is knocking it out of the park with its menu. It’s not just about the food—they pair it with the perfect draft beer to turn a meal into a symphony in your mouth. This place? It’s like they’ve got a direct line to Sicily.
4. Cape Cod Fish Company
Take a break from the beach and swing by the Cape Cod Fish Company, where they serve fresh catches daily. With indoor and outdoor seating, you can kick back and enjoy a feast that could rival any New England seafood joint—no jacket required.
Cape Cod Fish Company’s Seafood Delights
The Cape Cod Fish Company 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.
5. Masala Mantra Indian Bistro
If you’re looking for authentic Indian food and are willing to take a little drive, head on over to the neighboring town of Cape Coral, a ten-minute drive from Fort Myers, and you’ll find Masala Mantra Indian Bistro—a spot 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.
What Makes Masala Mantra a Top Choice
Here’s the skinny on Masala Mantra: They’ve got dishes so rich with spices and herbs you’ll think you’ve been transported straight to the streets of Mumbai. Walk in, sit, and let your taste buds do the traveling.
6. 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—like a reliable friend with benefits, and those benefits are prime rib perfection.
Popular Picks at University Grill
Ask any local about University Grill and watch them nod with respect. This casual atmosphere with American fare will make you feel like you’ve found your second home. And the prime rib? It’s the sort of dish that gets whispered about in hushed, reverent tones.
7. Cibo
Every Saturday night in Fort Myers, I find myself craving the authentic flavors of Italy, and Cibo never disappoints. This spot’s bustling atmosphere and artisan cuisine make it a no-brainer for Italian enthusiasts.
Cibo’s Irresistible Italian Offerings
The heart of Cibo’s menu beats with traditional Italian recipes that have been fine-tuned to perfection. Think homemade pasta that melts in your mouth and sauces that have you mopping up every last bit with freshly baked bread. If you appreciate a meal that triggers a symphony of taste with every bite, then let me tell you, Cibo’s got your back.
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.
8. Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe
Regarding the best restaurants in Fort Myers, Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe is the pinnacle of quaint charm. Serving up the best lunch in Fort Myers, this cafe turns a simple midday meal into a delightful affair.
Tea Time Favorites at Wisteria
One step into Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe, and you’re transported to an English garden party. Among the must-tries are their finger sandwiches and the crème brûlée that’s so divine, it’s criminal. Pair these with a selection from their extensive tea collection, and you’ve got an afternoon that could rival any British aristocrat’s daily ritual.
9. Roadhouse Cafe
Roadhouse Cafe tantalizes the taste buds with American cuisine, and the live jazz music adds a sultry backdrop that teases the senses before your meal arrives.
The Roadhouse Cafe Experience
Let’s talk class with a side of jazz. The Roadhouse Cafe serves American cuisine with a twist, ensuring each dish that rolls out of the kitchen is as musical as the live tunes floating through the air. It’s the kind of place you go to dine, wine, and lose track of time while tapping your feet to the beat.
A Taste of Luxury in Fort Myers
Fine-dining lovers, listen up. 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.
10. 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.
Best Steaks and Sides at KJ’s
KJ’s reputation for steaks is as sturdy as the beef on the bone. Grab a seat, preferably with outdoor dining to add that extra bit of magic to your meal, and prepare for a carnivorous journey packed with tender cuts cooked just the way you like them. Pair that with a side of their creamy mashed potatoes, and you’ve got yourself a ticket to flavor town.
11. Veranda
Heart of historic downtown Fort Myers is where you’ll find Veranda, a timeless establishment that serves up a filet mignon and sea bass so flavorful it’ll haunt your taste buds for days.
Dining Elegance at Veranda
Imagine a spot where Southern charm meets fine dining—that’s Veranda. Between bites of their succulent sea bass or a cut of filet mignon so tender your knife glides through like butter, you’ll wonder why you don’t treat yourself like this more often.
The historic charm of Veranda, nestled in the heart of downtown, is palpable. It’s not just a meal; it’s an elegant experience, complete with a piano serenading you in the background. So take your sweetheart, or treat yourself, because dining at Veranda? Well, that’s a love letter to your senses.
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, with aged steaks to make your mouth water.
12. 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. With a menu that’ll hook you faster than a fisherman in high tide, it’s clear why this eatery’s got locals yapping as much as their pups.
Salty Papa’s Must-Try Seafood Selection
When stepping into this shrimp haven, you must avoid diving into their famed coconut shrimp. The crunch is audible across the room, and that sweet, tropical flavor makes folks feel like they’re on vacation without needing a boarding pass. And let’s remember the rest of the sea’s bounty on offer; every dish showcases the freshest catch with a home-cooked spin that’d make any Southern grandma approve.
The buzz around this joint isn’t just from the conversation—it’s in the clinking of glasses, the laughter, and the warm, inviting service that makes you feel like a regular on your first visit. The décor’s nautical nods and whimsy set the stage for a dining experience as far from stiff as you can get without dining on a boat. Toss in a live band on the right night, and you have a recipe for a rollicking good time.
13. Twisted Lobster
Standing proud in both Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Twisted Lobster spins the classic seafood tale with a casual setting about good food, no frills. It’s where mermaids would swap their fins for feet just to taste the ocean served here. Since 2017, they’ve been fanning the flames of seafood love, enticing landlubbers and sea dogs to drop anchor for a spell.
The Art of Seafood at Twisted Lobster
At Twisted Lobster, it isn’t just about slapping fish on a plate. No, sir. It’s an art form where flavors, pirouettes on the palate, and textures play tug-of-war. The restaurant in Fort Myers is like a stage where every dish performs under the spotlight, vying for a standing ovation. The crowd favorites? They have a chorus line of crustaceans and finned performers ready to dance their way into your belly.
The real show-stealer at Twisted Lobster is how they reel in that elusive catch: uniqueness. It isn’t just about your run-off-the-mill crab cakes and grilled salmon; they have a knack for twisting up the traditional, making each meal a revelation. You can almost hear the ocean’s standing ovation as each plate leaves the kitchen, garnished with innovation and a slice of the unexpected.
Unique Dining Experiences
Fort Myers is a treasure trove of eateries, where every corner turns and unveils another spot that tugs at the ol’ 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.
14. La Trattoria Cafe Napoli
Over on Cleveland Avenue, La Trattoria Cafe Napoli, also known as Gloria’s, dishes out a blend of Italian, Spanish, and Mediterranean fare. It’s a casual restaurant with an outdoor patio that offers a dash of Southern flair, inviting you to dine under the stars, where every bite is like a warm embrace from your Nonna—only with a bit more sass and a lot of charisma.
La Trattoria’s Italian Gourmet Adventures
La Trattoria Cafe Napoli is your passport to a world of flavor; Spain and Italy meet on a plate at this culinary crossroads. Their menu is a love letter to comfort food with a gourmet twist, where traditional dishes receive a modern makeover. It’s the spot that coaxes even the most devoted pizza lover to sample the Mediterranean splendor.
What stands out at La Trattoria is how they turn dinner into more than a meal—it’s an experience. Familiarity in the air makes you feel right at home. Here, a cozy night out involves digging into heavenly plates while the world outside fades. You leave satiated with a sense of being part of the La Trattoria Famiglia, and that’s no small feat.
15. Lighthouse Restaurant
For a seafood symphony with scenic serenades, Lighthouse Restaurant or 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.
Scenic Views and Fresh Catches at Lighthouse
When you’re craving fresh catches against a backdrop that’ll knock your socks off, the Lighthouse Restaurant is your spot. Picture this: munching on the most succulent lamb chops you’ve ever seen, with a side of the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise theater playing out just a stone’s throw away. It’s enough to make you forget about your to-do list.
It’s not just the waterfront restaurant’s allure that’s got locals gabbing; it’s the whole package. Dive into a menu bursting with the ocean’s bounty, and you’ll discover why. From the freshest oysters to the tangiest key lime pie that’ll have your taste buds doing somersaults, it’s no wonder Lighthouse Restaurant is more than just a local favorite—it’s a culinary landmark.
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. Consider your cravings, the views you’re after, and that special ambiance you yearn for
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 in this culinary wonderland.
Local’s Guide to Best Kept Culinary Secrets
When discussing the best places to eat in Fort Myers, the Heavenly Biscuit is akin to finding that hidden gem—homey, delicious, and as warm as the Florida sun.
For those with a penchant for Italian cuisine, there’s a treasure trove of spots serving plates that’ll transport you straight to the streets of Naples. And the scoop on the best romantic spots? Just let the tantalizing flavors of fresh ice cream from a quaint corner parlor be the sweet end to a day of culinary exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Fort Myers best known for?
Picture a sunlit patio where Southern comfort food gets served up with a side of nostalgia. They’re doing things right, with dishes that’ll remind you of grandma’s kitchen, only with a fancy southern twist. And don’t even get me started on the shakes—they’re the kind of good that’ll have you returning repeatedly. That’s what Fort Myers is famous for — those unique restaurants serving more than just a meal; they serve up memories.
2. Why is it called Fort Myers, Florida?
Fort Myers gets its name from old times—think back to when soldiers bunkered down in the wilds of Florida. It wasn’t named for the night dinner scene or because of the Bonita Springs nearby. No, this place was named after Colonel Abraham Myers way back in the days of the Seminole Wars. It’s a town that’s kept its name but traded the cannons for fishing rods and the barracks for beachfront bars.
3. What to expect in Fort Myers?
Fort Myers is all about that laid-back beach vibe by day, and come sundown, it’s a different kind of playground. You’ll find spots like the Fort Myers Brewing Company, which won ‘Best Large Brewery in Florida.’
Slinging fresh brews and a calendar packed with events, it’s always hopping. With over 20 beers on tap, good eats from food trucks, and live music that’ll have you swaying under the stars, Fort Myers serves up the good times as generously as it does its pints.
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. We’ve got everything from the bold kick of French onion soup to the heartwarming hug of chicken and dumplings; every night dinner choice is a journey.
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!
I was born and raised in the northern United States, and one thing I learned pretty early on in life is: I hate the cold and snow. Sure, there’s something charming about the first snowfall of the year, but after that, I’m out.
While a part of my heart will always lie in New England, the older I get, the more I want to escape it during the coldest months.
That’s where the snowbirding lifestyle earned its appeal for me. When the bad weather starts to loom, I head south to find warmer climates to get me through until spring and warmer weather returns.
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