Running along the Gulf Coast in the southwest region of the United States lies Southwest Florida. Housing several attractions; top-notch beaches like Fort Myers Beach, Naples, and Sarasota; islands like Sanibel Island and Captiva Island; and resorts, Southwest Florida is perfect for vacation destinations.
Fort Myers in Florida, US, is known for its great weather, tourism, outdoor activities like fishing, Spring Training games in baseball, and more features. Fort Myers acts as a gateway to Southwest Florida as it is the commercial center for interaction and exchange.
One can also find the Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, and Florida.
From pan-seared scallops, fresh fish, and seafood to craft beer and shrimp cocktails, several dishes and restaurants are waiting to be tried out by people in Fort Myers and beyond.
The following list contains the 13 Let’s take a look at it.
Best Restaurant
1. La Trattoria Café Napoli
Address: South Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers
Timings:
- Open from Monday to Friday – 11 AM – 2:30 PM, 5 – 10 PM
- Saturday – 5 – 10 PM
- Closed on Sunday
Popularly known as Gloria’s place, La Trattoria Café Napoli is one that focuses on Italian and Spanish cuisine. They serve pasta, Spanish-inspired tapas, bruschettas, salads, Mediterranean dishes, wine, beer, and much more.
The restaurant has a lunch and dinner menu. The menu list has dishes made from fresh and natural ingredients with an excellent item selection. People should try out their Stuffed Plums, Gorgonzola, Ternera Tortellacci la Castellana, and Paella.
Set in a casual space, La Trattoria Café Napoli exudes a warm and lively atmosphere.
2. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
Address: Fisherman Wharf, Fort Myers Beach
Timings:
- Open every day – 11 AM – 10 PM
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is a fine sports bar and part of a family of seafood restaurants. They provide a waterfront dining experience, good food, and great service at affordable prices. They also feature live music.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille has four locations, the newest of which is situated on Fort Myers Beach. The menu list of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille has dishes inspired by Caribbean & South American tastes.
The shellfish bar has fresh seafood served with margaritas, mojitos, rum, frozen cocktails, and various drinks. Their gluten-free menu has equally delicious food items.
The restaurant serves fresh fish and chicken dishes, salads, sandwiches, and more. Visitors can eat their signature dishes like Yucatan Shrimp, fried Fish Fingers, Seafood Paella, Deep Water Mahi Mahi, Clam Chowder, and Captiva Crab Cakes.
The memorable experience at Doc Ford’s makes it. Their Lime Panko Crusted Fish Sandwich is one of the best fish sandwiches in Fort Myers.
3. Ember Korean Steakhouse
Address: College Parkway Plaza, Fort Myers
Timings:
- Open on Monday – 3 PM – 9 PM
- From Tuesday till Thursday – 12 PM – 9 PM
- On Friday, Saturday – 12 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 9 PM
Ember Korean Steakhouse is a Korean restaurant that serves steak and Korean BBQ using traditional methods. Their featured dishes include the ones mentioned above, fresh seafood, salads, and sushi with craft cocktails.
They have a Sushi menu, a bar menu, and a Happy Hour menu. Visitors can have their meat grilled and cooked to their tastes and seated at tables with attached grills.
The restaurant has a signature Wasabi best paired with sushi. The restaurant serves Filet Mignon, Wagyu Ribeye, NY Strip, Galbi, and Zabuton in the beef section. Visitors should try out their Hand Cut Fries, Edamame, Brisket Poutine, Feast A, Wagyu Feast, and Marinated Feast.
Ember Korean Steakhouse serves traditional meals like Korean BBQ, sushi, and seafood.
4. Wisteria Tea Room & Café
Address: Second St, Fort Myers
Timings:
- Open Tuesday to Saturday – 10:45 AM – 2:30 PM
- Closed on Monday and Sunday
Wisteria Tea Room & Café. The restaurant was opened in 2011 in the Downtown Fort Myers River District and is known for its Royal Tea, an excellent lunch menu list, and baked goods.
In the restaurant, English tea is served with a Southern flair. They make their food from the finest ingredients, earning a memorable experience in each visit.
The restaurant has soups, salads, and specialty sandwiches served with delectable desserts, tea, and coffee on their lunch menu. People should try out their scones, Creme Brulee, Signature Cheesecake, and Hot Artichoke Spinach White Cheddar Tart.
Visitors can book Wisteria Tea Room & Café for events such as birthdays, receptions, bridal showers, parties, and more. Check out the official website for bookings.
5. Ford’s Garage
Address: First Street, Downtown Fort Myers
Timings:
- Open from Monday till Thursday – 11 AM – 10 PM
- On Friday, Saturday – 11 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM – 10 PM
Ford’s Garage is a popular gourmet burger joint serving American comfort food and craft beer that opened in 2012. They have several locations in Florida like Cape Coral, Brandon, Dearborn, St. Petersburg, Hamlin, Kissimmee, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
The brunch menu at Ford’s Garage is available only on Sundays at select locations from 10 AM to 3 PM. The restaurant uses several varieties of the finest chicken, beef, and turkey meat for their burger. They also have various vegetarian food options on their menu. Ford’s Garage also provides a kids’ menu.
Ford’s Garage is known for its comfort food like Homemade Meatloaf, Blackened Salmon, BBQ Pork Ribs, and Grilled Chicken Henry. Their menu consists of fresh salads, sandwiches, mac n’ cheese, sides, milkshakes, and desserts. Their drinks list has wine, cocktails, drafts, beers, and more.
People should eat Ford’s Signature Burger, BBQ Smoked Brisket Burger, The Famous Firestone Shrimp, Pulled Pork Mac N’ Cheese, Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna, and the Shrimp Mac N’ Cheese.
With outdoor seating available, visitors can enjoy events such as Art Walk, Bike Night, Music Walk, and more in Downtown Fort Myers.
6. Farmers Market Restaurant
Address: Fort Myers State Farmers Market, Edison Ave, Fort Myers
Timings:
- Open Monday to Thursday – 6 AM – 3 PM
- On Friday, Saturday – 6 AM – 7 PM
- Closed on Sunday
The Farmers Market Restaurant has been operating since 1952 and is known for its Southern fare. Visitors should come for a home-cooked meal with an amazing taste as the place is perfect for breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner.
As the oldest restaurant in Fort Myers, the Farmers Market Restaurant is famous for its soul-touching and tasty food. The menu at Farmers Market consists of Soups, salads, breakfast entrees, omelets, sandwiches, desserts, homemade pies, beverages, and more.
Visitors should try out the restaurant’s Fried Chicken, Pork Chop, Country Fried Steak Breakfast, Fresh Fruit Pie, Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich, and Smothered Chicken Wings.
7. El Gaucho Inca Restaurant
Address: Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers
Timings:
- Open from Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM – 9 PM
- On Friday and Saturday – 12 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 AM – 8 PM
- Closed on Monday
El Gaucho Inca aims to incorporate Peruvian, Argentinian, and Italian roots in its dishes. The restaurant was opened way back in 2011 by a couple.
The restaurant is all about homemade food made using the freshest and finest ingredients. The filet mignon served there is one of the most excellent in Fort Myers.
The restaurant menu has delicious steak, signature Ceviches, salads, appetizers, Peruvian delicacies, grilled meat, pasta, and desserts served with beer and other drinks. People should try out their Lomo Saltado, Pescado a lo Macho, Trio Costa Sierra Ceviche, Conchitas a la Parmesan, and Arroz Chaufa.
Dining at El Gaucho Inca will make for a terrific and memorable experience.
8. Matanzas on the Bay
Address: Crescent St, Fort Myers Beach
Timings:
- Open every day – 11 AM – 9 PM
Matanzas on the Bay is a waterfront dining restaurant at Matanzas Bayside Inn. It has been operating since 1984 and provides locals and visitors with fresh seafood and other delicious food served with drinks.
The happy hour meal at Matanzas on the Bay lasts from 3 PM to 6 PM. People can eat in indoor and outdoor seating, with live performances playing in the background.
Their menu list consists of appetizers like Crab Cakes, Calamari, and Bay bread; salads; wraps and sandwiches; house specialties; signature seafood; grilled steaks like Filet Mignon, and Baby Back Ribs; pasta; pizza; and sides.
Visitors should try out their Coconut Shrimp, Black-N-Gold Sesame Ahi Tuna, Red Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Matanzas Conch Chowder, and Spinach and Strawberry Salad.
Matanzas on the Bay has two floors, and the topmost floor is called Petey’s Upper Deck, known for its famous bestselling pizzas. Seating on the deck for dinner at night with some entertainment would make for a lovely experience.
9. Colleoni’s Italian Ristorante
Address: McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers
Timings:
- Open Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday – 11 AM – 3 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
- On Friday and Saturday – 11 AM -3 PM, 4 PM – 10 PM
- Closed on Monday
Colleoni’s Italian Ristorante that focuses on serving authentic Italian food. The menu is true to the various Italian regions through which it gets its influence.
The family-operated restaurant has food cooked in the Italian style and served with beer and wine. Their food ingredients are fresh so that people only eat the best of what they offer.
The restaurant’s new owners recently renovated it, but it still holds the values and traditions of homemade family recipes. An extensive drinks menu accompanies the menu list.
The menu consists of appetizers, salads, Neapolitan-style pizzas, pasta, excellent main dishes, desserts, and beverages. Visitors should try out their Caprese, Bruschetta, Pork Osso Buco, Gnocchetti Al Tartufo, Burrata Pizza, Lasagna Alla Colleoni, and Apple Pie.
A visit to Colleoni’s Italian Ristorante will not be a disappointment as people are sure to have a lovely experience there.
10. The Veranda
Address: Second St, Fort Myers
Timings:
- Open from Monday till Saturday – 5 PM – 9 PM
- Closed on Sunday
The Veranda is an award-winning. Since 1978, the restaurant has offered an exclusive dinner service every night.
With food influenced by Southern tastes, The Veranda aims to give its visitors an unforgettable dining experience. Having indoor and courtyard dining options, visitors can enjoy a scrumptious meal served with fine wine from their extensive list.
The menu at The Veranda consists of appetizers, salads, specialties, desserts, and beverages. The restaurant can also personalize a menu based on individual preferences and needs. The wine list at The Veranda consists of Champagne, Sparklers, White and Red Wines, and Vintage Wines.
Visitors should try their Pan Seared Scallops, Chilean Sea Bass, Classic Shrimp Cocktail, Baked Rack of New Zealand Lamb, Grilled Filet Mignon, Grilled Black Angus Ribeye Steak, Veal Piccata, and Peanut Butter Fudge Pie.
For parties big and small, dinner reservations are recommended.
The Veranda has a private dining room and banquets available, used for organizing weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, and special events.
11. Osteria Celli
Address: Summerlin Rd, Fort Myers Beach
Timings:
- Open everyday – 5 PM – 9:30 PM
Being the best Italian restaurant in the area, Osteria Celli has its rightful place inspired by traditions, the menu focuses on simplicity with flavorful food made from local ingredients.
Chef Marco, the restaurant’s owner, aims to uphold the culinary tradition of Italy of making dishes from scratch. Though the menu does not have many variations, the quality of the food speaks for itself.
The house-made pasta served is delicious, the food is authentic, and the wine served complements them. Visitors should try Chef Marco’s Tiramisu, Bronzino, Grilled Octopus, Lamb Chops, Burrata Caprese Salad, and the house specials.
12. University Grill
Address: Cypress Lake Dr, Fort Myers
Timings:
- Open Sunday to Thursday – 3 PM – 8 PM
- On Friday, Saturday – 3 PM – 9 PM
University Grill focuses on Italian cuisine. It is all about American comfort food, steaks, and seafood, with facilities like a full bar serving champagne, wine, beers, drafts, and more.
With a lunch, dinner, desserts, and drinks menu, University Grill has much to offer. They have starters, salads, entrees, burgers, pies, cake, and cheesecake.
Visitors should try out their Beet Salad, Sesame sesame-crusted tuna, Coconut Shrimp, Boneless Prime Rib, Parker House Baked Haddock, and Sauteed Chicken Parmesan.
There are always special events: Wednesdays are Italian Night, Fish Fry Night is on Fridays, and Prime Rib Specials on Sundays.
The restaurant has a private dining room that visitors can book for occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, dates, or meetings.
13. The Tubby Pig Brewpub
Address: Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers
Timings:
- Open Tuesday to Saturday- 12 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 6 PM
- Closed on Monday
The Tubby Pig Brewpub blends Thai and American cuisine. This family-owned restaurant only gives the best service and the most satisfying dishes worth it.
The restaurant has an ever-changing special menu that would best suit those who want to try out something new at times. Their drinks list is made of beers that are made in-house,
The menu list consists of delicious starters, smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches, BBQ, Wok Fried Rice, a Lunch Box, desserts, limited specials, and kids’ meals.
Visitors should try their Fried Cheese, Fried Pickles, Oak Smoked Chicken Wings, Crab Rangoon, and The Jammy Pulled Pork Sandwich.
14. Fresh Catch Bistro
Address: Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach
Timings:
- Open everyday- 4:30 PM – 9 PM
It is no surprise that Fresh Catch Bistro is an award-winning restaurant too. This fine-dining restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, continental cuisine, and a full bar.
The menu at Fresh Catch Bistro has a varied selection from classic appetizers, soups, salads, and sandwiches to seafood, meat, and excellent side dishes. The restaurant has homemade desserts, and the drinks list is impressive, with an excellent selection of cocktails, signature martinis, and wine.
Visitors should try out the restaurant’s Bistro Salad, Pan Seared Crab Cake, Lobster Bisque Soup, Miso Teriyaki Sea bass, Prime Rib, and Spicy Pecan and Cranberry Crusted Grouper.
The happy hour menu is from 3 to 4 PM every day where people can enjoy Lobster Mac N’ Cheese, Brussel Sprouts, and Pork Belly, Peel N’ Eat Shrimp, and Oyster Rockefeller served with classic wines and daily specials.
Notable Mentions
Other than the mentioned restaurants, a few more notable restaurants had to be included.
1. Ristorante Fabio
ADDRESS: Hancock Bridge Pkwy, North Fort Myers
2. Osaka Japanese Steakhouse
ADDRESS: San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers
3. Twisted Lobster
ADDRESS: Del Prado Blvd, Cape Coral
4. Dixie Fish Co.
ADDRESS: Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach
5. King’s Kitchen & Bar
ADDRESS: W First St, Fort Myers
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So tempting.