Top Restaurants and Must-Try Dishes in Fort Myers Beach

Discover the best places to eat in Fort Myers Beach, from iconic Key Lime Pie to fresh seafood and waterfront dining with sunset views.


Craving a culinary getaway with ocean breezes and sunset views? Fort Myers Beach is the perfect destination for food lovers.

Here, the dining scene is as colorful as the Gulf waters; think zesty Key Lime Pie, freshly caught grouper, and Caribbean-inspired lobster ravioli.

The island’s restaurants blend casual waterfront charm with innovative flavors that celebrate Florida’s Gulf Coast heritage.


In a hurry? Here’s a quick taste of what’s ahead:

  • Savor Key Lime Pie at Doc Ford’s – Indulge in the most iconic dessert on the island.

  • Dig Into Gator Bites at Nervous Nellie’s – Try a Florida favorite with a spicy twist.

  • Taste Southern Shrimp & Grits at Dixie Fish Co. – Comfort food with a coastal kick.

  • Stack Avocado and Crab at Parrot Key – Start light with a tropical appetizer.

  • Treat Yourself to Lobster Ravioli at Parrot Key – A rich, decadent entrée.

  • Go Upscale with Fresh Catch Bistro’s Octopus – A sophisticated starter with Gulf views.

  • Relish Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna – Experience seared perfection with global flavors.



At Sun Palace Vacations, we offer stunning vacation homes in Fort Myers Beach. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront escape or a cozy retreat, we have the perfect place for you. We consider ourselves Fort Myers Beach experts, and from the best shopping spots to a comprehensive guide on fishing and hunting in the area, we’ve got you covered in our blog.


In this guide, we’ll dive into each dish and restaurant so you can plan the ultimate foodie adventure on Fort Myers Beach.

Doc Fords


1. Key Lime Pie at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille


The most famous Key Lime Pie in Fort Myers Beach is served at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille.

This legendary dessert perfectly balances the tart punch of key lime with a buttery graham cracker crust. Each slice is topped with generous whipped cream and served chilled, making it the perfect treat on a warm Florida day. Doc Ford’s has built a loyal following for this pie, which has become a symbol of Florida’s culinary heritage.

The restaurant itself is a Fort Myers institution, named after a character from local author Randy Wayne White’s novels. Its mix of coastal cuisine and literary inspiration has created a unique gathering place for locals and visitors alike.


Why You’ll Love It:

  • A classic Florida dessert made the right way
  • Sweet, tart, and creamy balance in every bite
  • A local tradition for more than a decade

     

2. Signature Dishes at Nervous Nellie’s


Nervous Nellie’s is the place to enjoy gator bites, grouper sandwiches, and live music on the water.

From the moment you step into Nervous Nellie’s, you know you are in for more than a meal. This sprawling waterfront restaurant is lively and colorful, with an outdoor deck perfect for catching breezes off the bay. The menu is huge, catering to everyone from adventurous eaters to kids craving chicken tenders.


Florida Gator Bites

Marinated gator tail is fried until golden and crisp, then drizzled with spicy boom boom sauce and topped with fresh mango salsa. The combination of heat and sweetness makes this dish a Florida favorite, perfect for anyone wanting to try something unique.


Nellie’s Famous Grouper Sandwich

Fresh-caught grouper is served your way—fried, bronzed, or blackened—on a soft bakery roll. Crisp lettuce, tomato, and onion add crunch, while house-made tartar sauce ties it together.


Piña Colada Bread Pudding

This dessert is the ultimate indulgence: a coconut-pineapple custard bread pudding with rum sauce and vanilla ice cream. It’s a tropical twist on a Southern classic.


Why You’ll Love It:

  • Fun waterfront atmosphere with daily live music
  • Family-friendly menu with generous portions
  • Excellent spot to watch the boats go by


3. Seafood Classics at Dixie Fish Co.


Dixie Fish Co. is a must for traditional fish house charm and inventive Southern flavors.

Dixie Fish Co. offers a rare glimpse into Old Florida with its casual dockside seating and salty breeze. The building itself resembles the fish houses that once dotted the Gulf Coast, giving diners a sense of the area’s maritime history.


Mussels with Apple Moonshine & White Wine Broth

Tender mussels are cooked in a fragrant broth of apple moonshine, white wine, fennel, onions, tomatoes, and chorizo. The broth is so flavorful you will want to soak it up with the garlic bread served alongside.


Southern Style Shrimp & Grits

A hearty plate of jumbo shrimp and smoky chorizo served over buttery stone-ground grits. Sweet red peppers and roasted corn add color and texture, and crispy fried potatoes on top make the dish unforgettable.


Grouper Reuben

This inventive sandwich swaps corned beef for pan-seared grouper, layered on marble rye with Swiss cheese, house slaw, and tangy Reuben sauce. It’s a fresh coastal spin on a deli favorite.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Open-air setting with unbeatable sunset views
  • Creative dishes that still honor Southern tradition
  • A favorite stop for both locals and returning visitor

     


4. Island-Inspired Dishes at Parrot Key Caribbean Grill


Parrot Key Caribbean Grill is known for Caribbean flavors, fresh seafood, and award-winning waterfront dining.

Bright and colorful, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill brings the spirit of the islands to Fort Myers Beach. This restaurant has been voted Best Waterfront Dining since 2004, and it’s easy to see why. From the lively décor to the tropical cocktails, everything here feels like a mini vacation.


Avocado Crab Stack

This appetizer layers fresh crabmeat, creamy avocado, and sweet mango salsa for a dish that is light yet satisfying. Crispy pita chips add crunch and make this perfect for sharing.


Roasted Beet Caprese

A creative twist on the Italian classic, this version stars roasted beets alongside tomatoes, mozzarella, and balsamic reduction. The flavors are earthy, sweet, and tangy.


Lobster Ravioli

Ravioli stuffed with lobster meat is served in a lobster vodka sauce with sweet peppers and crowned with a full lobster tail. This indulgent entrée is a showstopper.


Why You’ll Love It:

  • Colorful Caribbean vibe and laid-back setting
  • Plenty of outdoor seating with marina views
  • Great live entertainment schedule

     


5. Elevated Dining at Fresh Catch Bistro


Fresh Catch Bistro offers upscale seafood with Gulf-front views and a refined menu.

For those seeking a more elegant night out, Fresh Catch Bistro delivers. The white-tablecloth setting is relaxed but sophisticated, and every table has a view of the water. Reservations are recommended, especially for sunset dining.


Chargrilled Octopus

This starter features tender charred octopus on marbled potatoes with a drizzle of scampi sauce. The smoky flavor is perfectly balanced with the natural sweetness of the seafood.


Shrimp Mediterranean

Jumbo shrimp and lump crab meat are sautéed with capers, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes in a lemon butter sauce. The result is light but packed with flavor, perfect for seafood lovers.


Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna

This entrée combines sushi-grade tuna with a sesame crust for crunch and flavor. The tuna is served with Thai chili sauce, teriyaki glaze, and wasabi aioli, making it a feast for the senses.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Romantic setting ideal for anniversaries or celebrations
  • Wine list and cocktails designed to complement the seafood
  • Some of the best sunset views on the island

     


Wondering Where to Stay in Fort Myers Beach?

To experience the highest quality in amenities, decor, and cleanliness, book your stay with Sun Palace Vacations. We guarantee you’ll have the most authentic, enjoyable, and relaxing time ever.