Fort Myers is home to many beautiful places to visit and explore, especially the beaches where you can spread out your blanket and watch beautiful sunsets. Additionally, many top-notch restaurants in the area offer mouthwatering cuisine both locals and visitors love.
Below are the best restaurants in Fort Myers:
La Trattoria Cafe Napoli
$$ | (239) 931-0050 | WEBSITE
Also known as Gloria’s Place, La Trattoria Café Napoli is the place to go in the Fort Myers area to get some authentic European cuisine, including dishes inspired by Spanish tapas, Mediterranean pasta, and Insalata.
Gloria hand-crafts each menu item using some of the finest ingredients that will have you returning to try something new on the menu.
The warm, friendly atmosphere offers a comfortable setting to enjoy popular menu items, such as capellini bolognese or the catch of the night. La Trattoria Café Napoli is a must-experience when in Fort Myers.
Salty Papa’s Shrimp House
$$ | (239) 482-72727 | WEBSITE
Salty Papa’s Shrimp House lives up to its slogan – “Where the Bayou meets the Beach.” The homemade dishes on the menu at this restaurant feature some of the finest Florida and southern cuisine in the area.
The seafood is fresh and sourced from Florida, Texas, and Louisiana fishermen and the freshly grilled Angus burgers are perfectly paired with coleslaw and fresh-cut fries. Those looking for a cool beverage will enjoy the line of craft beer from Cigar City Brewing in Tampa or some homemade frozen lemonade.
Veranda
$$$ | (239) 332-2065 | WEBSITE
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When thinking of a romantic restaurant in Fort Myers, many think of Veranda, where you and your loved one can enjoy dinner.
Travel back in time because at Veranda, you feel like you have stepped right into an Antebellum era, with first-class service and a unique dining experience. Enjoy southern cuisine in a romantic setting which has been a tradition in Fort Myers since 1978.
The two turn-of-the-century homes at Veranda offer a fantastic dining experience and check out the exquisite wine list.
Osteria Celli
$$ | (239) 267-1310 | WEBSITE
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Osteria Celli is the place to visit when wanting to experience an authentic local eatery with delicious food and wine. Regardless of what you eat, it is evident that all menu items are finely crafted using locally sourced, fresh ingredients.
If you love homemade Italian cuisine, including pasta, sauces, and desserts, Osteria Celli is the place in Fort Myers to enjoy dinner with friends and family.
In addition to enjoying the pasta made fresh daily using specialty recipes from all regions of Italy, enjoy some fantastic wines selected to be perfectly paired with the pasta of your choice.
Harold’s
$$$ | (239) 849-0622 | WEBSITE
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Harold’s is the first farm-to-table restaurant in Fort Myers, offering patrons opportunities to enjoy award-winning cuisine expertly crafted by Chef Harold. Tucked away in a quaint plaza, this restaurant offers a secluded dining experience perfect for a romantic date.
The buffalo cauliflower is a must when dining at Harold’s, and don’t forget to check out the wine list. There is something for everyone at Harold’s, including seasonally inspired dishes that keep patrons coming back time and time again.
Cape Cod Fish Company
$$ | (239) 313-6462 | WEBSITE
Cape Cod Fish Company is where you want to pack up your family and drive to search for a seafood diner. That is precisely what the owners wanted to share with the community of Fort Myers because that was a beloved tradition in their family when growing up.
The Seafood Platter at Cape Cod Fish Company is a must-experience for everyone because it features a bit of everything, including fried cod, scallops, and clams. This restaurant is the place to go with the family to enjoy authentic New England seafood in the heart of Southwestern Florida.
Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe
$$ | (239) 689-4436 | WEBSITE
Wisteria Tea Room & Café is the place to visit in Fort Myers, where the tradition of English afternoon tea meets Southern charm.
This quaint café serves up some of the best Royal Tea, and the menu is full of mouthwatering homemade recipes that have been perfected over many years.
When dining here, make sure to save room for dessert because the white chocolate macadamia nut cookies and the freshly baked scones are a must-experience. Many locals go to Wisteria Tea Room & Café to have tea and desserts.
University Grill
$$ | (239) 437-4377 | WEBSITE
If you are in Fort Myers and looking for an authentic sports bar and grill experience, visit University Grill. This restaurant serves up traditional grilling cuisine, including special themed menu evenings.
For example, the grill hosts Italian Night on Wednesdays with mouthwatering authentic Italian recipes from the North End accompanied by an All Night Happy Hour.
Friday night is Fish Fry Night, and Sunday is the Tender Prime Rib Night, which is a must when dining at University Grill. The best things on the menu to order are the sautéed chicken marsala and the sesame-crusted tuna.
CIBO
$$ | (239) 454-3700 | WEBSITE
CIBO has been a family tradition, locally owned and operated, and a landmark in Fort Myers since 2004. With outstanding service and a carefully crafted menu, CIBO offers something for everyone looking to enjoy a lovely evening out with friends and family.
The menu is full of various internationally-inspired dishes and includes some old favorites everyone keeps returning to the restaurant to enjoy.
The restaurant also offers daily specials and a festive happy hour menu, with live entertainment events throughout the year; when dining at CIBO, order the Three Cheese Bolognese with the Italian Sausage Soup.
Buckingham Farms
$$ | (239) 206-2303 | WEBSITE
Buckingham Farms offers residents and visitors of Fort Myers an opportunity to experience and enjoy fresh farm-to-table dining. Buckingham Farms has been in operation since 2009 and has been providing patrons with some of the best menu items crafted with fresh produce picked right from their farm.
Serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, dining at the restaurant at Buckingham Farms will show how much fun farm-to-table eating can be.
When visiting Buckingham Farms, try their Candied Bacon Belgian Waffles, the Miami Cuban, and Crab Cakes. Also, don’t forget to grab some fresh vegetables from the farm stand before leaving.
Liberty
$$ | (239) 689-5528 | WEBSITE
Liberty offers a fun, vibrant dining experience in a small restaurant. But, don’t let the size of the restaurant fool you. Liberty may be small on the inside, but the menu options they serve up are full of flavor.
Menu items offer shareable plates for you and your guests to enjoy and experience some new cuisine items. Popular menu items at Liberty include black garlic stir-fry with cauliflower and asparagus and the fatty duck breast with sweet potato and maple + chili.
Then, save room for dessert and enjoy some delicious medium-rare chocolate chip cookies.
Cantina 109
$$ | (239) 314-8226 | WEBSITE
Cantina 109 is one of the best places to go in Fort Myers for authentic Mexican cuisine and a lively, vibrant environment.
You will be welcomed by their attentive staff, followed by being immersed in a setting surrounding you in dynamic lights, starry decorations, and cases upon cases of tequila. The menu at Cantina 109 includes mouthwatering Mexican dishes that have patrons return for more.
The burritos, enchiladas, and chimichangas are a must when dining at Cantina 109. Also, schedule a tequila tasting when planning to dine at Cantina 109.
BLANC
$$ | (239) 887-3139 | WEBSITE
Dining at BLANC is a fantastic experience with extraordinary food and a beautiful ambiance. This restaurant offers a quaint dining experience that locals and visitors love. It allows you to kick back and enjoy mouthwatering food creations, such as the tender octopus with fried beets.
Next to the fantastic menu items, the second-best thing is the five-star service from a dedicated and knowledgeable staff. BLANC may be a casual restaurant, but the service and food are nothing but fine dining.
Lighthouse Restaurant
$$ | (239) 489-0770 | WEBSITE
The Lighthouse Restaurant is the premier waterfront dining experience in Fort Myers. This restaurant offers fantastic food and beautiful views. At Lighthouse Restaurant, patrons choose casual dining or fine dining experiences featuring live entertainment on select nights.
The best thing about this restaurant is the outdoor seating offering fantastic water views, local wildlife, and a peaceful setting. When eating at Lighthouse Restaurant, try the Lighthouse Seafood Bowl and the Chicken Milanese.
KJ’s Steakhouse
$$$ | (239) 275-4745 | WEBSITE
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KJ’s Steakhouse is a traditional steakhouse that serves some of the finest beef, chicken, and pork selections with fantastic draft beers. In addition, this restaurant offers new specials every day, encouraging locals and visitors to return for their exceptional menu items.
Of course, when dining at KJ’s Steakhouse, the half-rack of ribs, the signature Wrangler Sirloin, and the prime rib are must-haves, but the burgers are just as impressive and oh so juicy. Additionally, the Whiskey Glazed Sea Scallops are a must-try.
Roadhouse Cafe
$$$ | (239) 415-4375 | WEBSITE
The Roadhouse Café in Fort Myers is an upscale dining establishment combining fantastic cuisine with live Jazz entertainment. Restaurant goers looking for an exclusive fine dining experience in Fort Myers will want to check out Roadhouse Café.
The best thing about the restaurant is the different private and semi-private rooms available, offering a quiet, intimate dining experience. Some must-have menu items include the pan-seared yellow fish, steak au poivre, and the baked Dijon encrusted baby rack of lamb.
El Gaucho Inca
$$$ | (239) 275-7504 | WEBSITE
Locals love the Peruvian cuisine served at El Gaucho Inca, and the moment you step in the front door, the atmosphere surrounds you with a welcoming vibe. The menu was creatively created by the chef, who was born in Argentina, sharing local favorites and authentic Peruvian cuisine.
Some must-try entrées include the ceviche, parrillada meat lovers, and parihuela. Restaurant goers looking for something new to experience must stop by El Gaucho Inca for a unique meal inspired by South American cuisine.
Summary
Fort Myers is home to many restaurants that the locals love and visitors enjoy experiencing. Above are some of the best restaurants in Fort Myers, offering everything from grilled favorites to international cuisine options.
Plus, the area is home to an array of restaurants, including fine dining, patio dining, and casual dining experiences. So, the next time you are in Fort Myers, check out one or more of the above-listed restaurants for a dining experience you will never forget.
Kyler Johnston is a certified food lover but a vegan also. He works on his physical fitness, but he never forgets to enjoy food from time to time. At Birch Restaurant, he dramatically contributes to food restaurant ideas, especially places with gluten-free options.
