A Culinary Guide to 10 of the Best Restaurants in and Around Fort Myers Beach

When you’re on vacation, be it in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the Outer Banks, or Florida’s Emerald Coast, one thing every visitor should add to their bucket list is exploring the local culinary scene.

If Fort Myers Beach is on your list of next vacation destinations, you’re in luck. Combined with the mainland city of Fort Myers, just a 25–30 minute drive away, you’ll be spoiled for choice with restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to upscale Southern cuisine.

Here’s a little teaser to whet your appetite:

1. Ford’s Garage Ft. Myers: Vintage gas station vibes meet juicy gourmet burgers and craft beers.

2. Farmer’s Market Restaurant: Southern comfort classics made from scratch since 1952.

3. The Standard Restaurant Downtown: Creative twists on American favorites with a lively brunch scene.

4. Bruno’s of Brooklyn: Cozy Italian spot with house-made pasta and warm, family-style hospitality.

5. Oasis Restaurant: All-day breakfast, hearty portions, and a retro diner feel.

6. 10 Twenty Five: Playful gastropub fare, craft drinks, and seasonal specials.

7. Connors Steak & Seafood: Premium steaks, fresh seafood, and elegant, attentive service.

8. Pinchers: Waterfront seafood dining with fresh Gulf catches and river views.

9. Capone’s Coal Fired Pizza: Prohibition-era flair with smoky, coal-fired pizzas.

10. Harold’s: Seasonal fine dining with creative dishes and an intimate atmosphere.

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 post, I’m sharing ten must-try restaurants in and around Fort Myers Beach where you can savor local flavors, enjoy the vibe, and kick back in style.

Let’s dig in!

1. Ford’s Garage Ft. Myers

A mix of nostalgic charm with the flavors of modern American comfort food. 

Ford’s Garage in Fort Myers blends the nostalgic charm of a 1920s gas station with the flavors of modern American comfort food. Right in the heart of downtown, it’s known for gourmet Black Angus burgers, ice-cold craft beers, and a lively atmosphere. Vintage cars, antique gas pumps, and quirky details set the scene, making every visit feel like a step back in time with a delicious twist.

2. Farmer’s Market Restaurant

Family-owned gem serving up classics made from scratch.

Since 1952, Farmer’s Market Restaurant has been a beloved Fort Myers spot for hearty, homemade Southern comfort food. Just steps from historic Edison Avenue, this family-owned gem serves classics made from scratch with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. From crispy fried chicken to buttery biscuits, every plate is full of flavor and tradition. Add in the welcoming, old-fashioned atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why this place has been winning hearts for generations.

👍  What You’ll Love

• Crispy fried chicken, country-fried steak, and tender smothered pork chops.

• Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in every dish.

• Famous homemade pies, especially the coconut cream pie.

• Warm, friendly service that makes you feel like family.

• Generous portions at prices that make you smile.

• A true slice of Fort Myers history since 1952.
  
  

3. The Standard Restaurant Downtown

Menu offering inventive spins on American comfort food.

In the lively heart of downtown Fort Myers, The Standard Restaurant blends creative cooking with a welcoming, upbeat atmosphere. The menu offers inventive spins on American comfort food, from gourmet burgers to fresh seafood and flavorful vegetarian dishes. Its popular weekend brunch and inviting setting make it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy great food and good company.

👍  What You’ll Love

4. Bruno’s of Brooklyn

Intimate setting, warm hospitality, and a menu packed with authentic flavors.

Bruno’s of Brooklyn brings a slice of Italy to the heart of downtown Fort Myers. This family-owned gem is cherished for its intimate setting, warm hospitality, and menu packed with authentic flavors. From house-made pasta to indulgent parmigiana, each dish is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients and plenty of heart. With only a handful of tables, it feels like dining in a friend’s home, if that friend happens to be a world-class chef.

👍  What You’ll Love

• Cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for date nights or special occasions.

• Authentic Italian dishes with a modern twist.

• House-made pasta and crowd favorites like meatball and veal cutlet parmigiana.

• Gluten-free pasta options for all to enjoy.

• Chef’s counter for a front-row view of the culinary magic

• Personal greetings and menu insights from Chef Calogero Bruno.

• Attentive service that makes every guest feel like family.
  
  

5. Oasis Restaurant

Beloved Fort Myers classic that has been serving hearty comfort food for decades.

Oasis Restaurant is a beloved Fort Myers classic that has been serving hearty comfort food for decades. Located in the historic downtown district, it’s the place to go for an all-day breakfast, generous portions, and a friendly, retro diner vibe. From fluffy pancakes to juicy burgers, it’s a warm and welcoming spot that keeps both locals and visitors coming back for more.

👍  What You’ll Love

• All-day breakfast with crowd-pleasers like pancakes, omelets, and waffles.

• Generous portions at reasonable prices.

• Classic American diner menu with burgers, sandwiches, and fresh salads.

• Retro-style booths and a laid-back, friendly atmosphere.

• Perfect location for a quick bite before exploring downtown or a relaxed brunch with friends.
  
  

6. 10 Twenty Five

Lively gastropub that blends creative flavors with comfort food favorites.


This is a lively gastropub that blends creative flavors with comfort food favorites. Located on Cleveland Avenue, it’s known for its inventive menu, rotating seasonal specials, and a fun, welcoming atmosphere. With craft beers, bold cocktails, and unexpected twists on classic dishes, it’s a go-to for both locals and visitors seeking something fresh and unique.

👍  What You’ll Love

• Gourmet burgers with playful toppings like peanut butter or jalapeño jam.

• Loaded tacos and shareable starters, including pretzel bites with beer cheese.

• An impressive selection of craft beers and inventive cocktails.

• Seasonal specials that keep the menu exciting year-round.

• A lively, laid-back setting perfect for casual nights out or gatherings with friends.

• High-quality ingredients and bold flavors in every bite.
  
  

7. Connors Steak & Seafood

Cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and an elegant atmosphere.

Connors Steak & Seafood is the place to go for perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and an atmosphere that blends elegance with comfort. Located in Gulf Coast Town Center, it’s a favorite for both special celebrations and simply treating yourself to a heartwarming meal. 

👍  What You’ll Love

• Premium steaks and fresh seafood cooked to perfection on wood-fired grills.

• Signature dishes like filet mignon, ribeye, lobster tails, and shrimp scampi.

• U.S.D.C.-inspected seafood, including Alaskan king crab legs.

• An impressive wine list curated to pair with the menu.

• Daily happy hour specials for a relaxed start to the evening.

• Decadent desserts such as cheesecake and chocolate mousse cake.

• Impeccable service that makes every visit feel special.
  
  

8. Pinchers

Flavors of Southwest Florida and beautiful river views.

👍  What You’ll Love

• Prime waterfront setting with beautiful Caloosahatchee River views.

• Daily fresh seafood from local fishermen.

• Signature dishes like crab cakes, fried calamari, and peel-and-eat shrimp.

• Gulf Coast staples plus land-based options for all tastes.

• Casual, nautical-themed décor for a true coastal feel.
  
  

9. Capone’s Coal Fired Pizza

Coal-fired pizzas and Prohibition-era vibes.

Located in the heart of downtown Fort Myers, Capone’s Coal Fired Pizza serves up Prohibition-era vibes. Step inside and you’re greeted with vintage photos, exposed brick, and a playful mock vault door that channels the glamour and grit of the 1920s. Alongside its lively atmosphere, Capone’s is loved for its coal-fired pizzas, crisped to perfection in a blazing 900-degree oven that delivers a smoky, irresistible crust.

👍  What You’ll Love

• Playful 1920s gangster theme with authentic décor touches.

• Coal-fired pizzas with a signature char and smoky flavor.

• Popular pies like the “Wiseguy” with sausage and caramelized onions, or the “Prosciutto Arugula” with fresh greens and Parmesan.

• Flavor-packed coal-fired wings with a crispy bite.

• Italian-American comfort food beyond pizza, from pastas to paninis.
  
  

10. Harold’s

Ever-changing menu that celebrates what’s fresh and local.

For those who believe dining out should be equal parts flavor, creativity, and atmosphere, this is the place. At Harold’s, Chef Harold Balink crafts an ever-changing menu that celebrates what’s fresh and local, from delicate seared scallops to rich duck breast and handmade pasta. The warm, intimate setting makes it a favorite for romantic evenings and special celebrations, with every dish plated like a small work of art.

👍  What You’ll Love

• Fresh, seasonal menu that changes regularly.

• Signature dishes like seared scallops, duck breast, and house-made pasta.

• Adventurous specials such as octopus or wild game.

• Carefully curated wine list with domestic and international picks.

• Warm, attentive service in an elegant, intimate setting.

• Ideal for date nights or special occasions.

Bonus: Extra Tips for Making the Most of a Culinary Experience in Fort Myers Beach

• Time your reservations around sunset so you can pair your meal with Gulf views and that famous golden light.

• Ask about the daily specials. Many chefs work with fresh local seafood and farm produce that isn’t listed on the main menu.

• Go beyond the familiar by trying local delicacies like Florida spiny lobster, grouper, or stone crab claws (in season).

• Pair food with local craft drinks. Fort Myers Beach has great breweries, and many restaurants feature cocktails infused with tropical flavors like key lime, mango, or coconut.

• Explore both upscale and casual. A fine dining dinner one night, and a toes-in-the-sand seafood shack the next, gives you the full flavor of the area.

• Chat with your server or chef if possible. Locals can recommend off-menu items or lesser-known spots worth trying.

• Save room for dessert. From key lime pie to rum-soaked bread pudding, many restaurants put their own spin on Florida’s sweetest traditions.

• Book in advance during high season. Prime tables fill quickly, especially at popular waterfront or chef-driven spots.

• Try a progressive dinner. Start with oysters at a raw bar, move to a main at an upscale spot, then finish with cocktails or dessert at a beachside bar.

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.