7 Best Restaurants in Fort Myers Beach to Add to Your Bucket List
Savor the flavors of Fort Myers Beach with fresh Gulf shrimp, waterfront views, live music, and cozy spots serving everything from Cajun comfort food to fine dining.
Here’s a universal truth about vacations: exploring the culinary scene is always part of the fun. In the Colorado Rockies, on the shores of North Carolina, or along Florida’s Gulf Coast, sampling local restaurants and indulging in good food rank high on every traveler’s list.
Planning a vacation in Fort Myers Beach soon? This coastal gem, together with Fort Myers, blends laid-back seaside charm with a growing cosmopolitan vibe, offering an array of excellent restaurants and eateries where you can enjoy a true culinary feast.
Curious? Here’s a little teaser to whet your appetite:
- Savor Sunset Flavors at Fresh Catch Bistro: Upscale yet relaxed seafood spot with daily catches, elegant plates, and sweeping views of Fort Myers Bay.
- Feast on Old Florida Charm at The Dixie Fish Co: A lively dockside hangout serving fresh shrimp, grouper sandwiches, and live music by Matanzas Pass.
- Kick Back at Wahoo Willies: Colorful tiki bar with open-air seating, craft martinis, bold coastal bites, and nightly entertainment.
- Soak Up the Bay at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille: Waterfront dining with tropical flavors, cold drinks, and front-row views of shrimp boats on Estero Bay.
- Dine in Style at Roadhouse Café: An elegant, jazz-filled restaurant serving classic American and Italian favorites in a chandelier-lit setting.
- Indulge in Southern Comfort at The Veranda: Set in two historic homes, this award-winning spot serves Southern classics with French flair and live piano.
- Go Casual with Cajun at Salty Papa’s Shrimp House: A fun, pet-friendly favorite dishing up Cajun comfort food, fresh seafood, and a menu for your pup, too.
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 and must-visit coffee shops to a comprehensive guide on fishing and hunting in the area, we’ve got you covered in our blog.
In this post, I’ve rounded up a list of the finest restaurants in and around Fort Myers Beach so that you can have a special culinary journey while visiting this sun-soaked escape.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds; you’re in for a culinary adventure!
1. Fresh Catch Bistro
Focus on fresh seafood & Great views of Fort Myers Bay.
Besides offering some of Florida’s freshest seafood, Fresh Catch Bistro boasts a breezy and elegant setting where every table provides great views of Fort Myers Bay. Their 5-star quality menu leans upscale but approachable, with a focus on fresh seafood prepared just the way you like it. Sunset here is practically a nightly event in itself, best enjoyed with a glass of wine or a perfectly mixed Manhattan.
Highlights
Daily catches like salmon, tuna, mahi mahi, grouper, and hogfish.
Signature dishes: Chargrilled Octopus, Spiced Pecan & Cranberry Crusted Grouper, Lobster Bisque, Hogfish Oscar, and Mediterranean Shrimp.
Elegant waterfront deck with sweeping bay views.
Excellent wine list and a standout Manhattan cocktail.
Happy hour specials on apps, wine, and cocktails for extra fun.
2. The Dixie Fish Co.
Fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes, and classic old Florida charm.
With breezy views of Matanzas Pass and the back bay, The Dixie Fish Co. serves up that classic Old Florida charm with a side of great food and music. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors. The setting feels casual yet full of energy, making it a favorite spot to linger over a meal by the water.
Highlights
Scenic waterfront location with stunning views of Matanzas Pass.
Signature dishes include Whole Fried Fish, Fish & Chips, and Southern-Style Shrimp & Grits.
Famous Grouper Sandwich.
A kids’ menu keeps little travelers satisfied.
Live music most evenings for a fun, festive vibe.
3. Wahoo Willies
open-air seating, live music, and a menu packed with fresh Gulf seafood.
Wahoo Willies Tiki Bar & Grill is a welcoming spot where locals and visitors can slow down and soak up the island vibe. With open-air seating, live music, and a menu built around fresh Gulf seafood and locally sourced ingredients, it feels less like just a restaurant and more like a celebration of coastal living.
Highlights
Fresh Gulf seafood and local ingredients served daily.
Fan favorites like Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Burger Sliders, and Fried Avocado.
Bold flavors with a coastal twist, including Mango Habanero Poppers.
Fun, colorful specialty martinis that double as photo-ops.
Live music and a lively crowd that keep the energy going.
4. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
Tropical flavors and stunning views of Matanzas Pass.
Sitting right on the shimmering Estero Bay, Doc Ford’s is a Fort Myers Beach favorite for fresh seafood, cold drinks, and live music with a view. You can pull up by boat or stroll in from San Carlos Island, then settle in to watch the shrimp boats drift through Matanzas Pass. Inspired by the adventures of novelist Randy Wayne White, the restaurant blends waterfront dining with a dash of storytelling and tropical flavor.
Highlights
Waterfront Views: Dine with a front-row seat to the nation’s largest shrimp boat fleet.
Author-Inspired Atmosphere: A nod to Randy Wayne White’s tales of Florida’s fishing life.
Signature Flavors: Zesty tropical sauces and spices that pack a punch.
Fresh Local Seafood: Shrimp and Gulf catches served straight from the source.
Live Music Vibes: Evenings here come with a lively soundtrack.
5. Roadhouse Cafe
Classic American and Italian cuisine served in an elegant, old-world setting.
Roadhouse Cafe is one of the most popular eateries in Fort Myers, renowned not only for its classic American and Italian cuisine but also for its old-fashioned glamor and live jazz performances. It offers a unique fine dining experience in Southwest Florida, where you’ll be transported to another time with tables covered in white linen tablecloths, elegant tapestries, crystal chandeliers, polished wine glasses, and shined silverware.
Highlights
Elegant setting with chandeliers, polished glassware, and linen-draped tables.
Live jazz performances for a lively dinner backdrop.
Diverse menu featuring pasta, seafood, beef, pork, veal, and poultry.
Guest favorites include filet mignon & lobster combo, scallops wrapped in bacon, and lobster bisque.
Private rooms available for a more personal dining experience.
6. The Veranda
Southern classics with a French flair,
Housed in two gorgeous turn-of-the-century houses and serving superb Southern cuisine, The Veranda is another great place to dine in style while in Fort Myers. One of the most award-winning restaurants in the area, The Veranda offers a menu that artfully blends Southern classics with a French flair, featuring mouth-watering options such as blue crab cakes, escargot, and lobster bisque.
Highlights
Award-winning Southern cuisine with French-inspired touches.
Standouts like Ribeye Steak, Chateaubriand, Atlantic Salmon, and tableside Caesar Salad.
Decadent daily desserts, including Key Lime Pie and Pecan Praline Tart with ice cream.
Choice of dining indoors amid timeless décor or outside in the garden courtyard.
Classic piano bar for cocktails and a touch of old-world glamour.
7. Salty Papa’s Shrimp House
No-frills restaurant serving authentic Southern Cajun comfort food.
Salty Papa’s Shrimp House is a Fort Myers institution. This is a no-frills restaurant serving authentic Southern Cajun comfort food and fresh seafood. Their decor, boasting playful Florida beachy vibes, is the perfect place for savoring dishes like City Creole Jambalaya, Charleston Shrimp, Cajun Butter Wings, and Cheesy Grits, all packed with flavor and perfectly cooked.
Highlights
Southern Cajun classics like City Creole Jambalaya, Charleston Shrimp, Cajun Butter Wings, and Cheesy Grits.
Fresh seafood, hearty burgers, and sandwiches for every taste.
Fun drink menu featuring frozen lemonades, martinis, and craft beers.
Dog-friendly patio with a menu made just for four-legged friends.
Great value with generous portions at reasonable prices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dining in Fort Myers Beach
What type of food is Fort Myers Beach known for?
Fort Myers Beach is famous for fresh Gulf seafood, especially shrimp, grouper, and mahi mahi, along with Southern comfort dishes and a growing mix of international flavors.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes! Many local restaurants offer gluten-free dishes, and several spots also cater to vegetarian and vegan diets, so everyone can find something delicious.
Do restaurants in Fort Myers Beach have outdoor seating?
Plenty of them do. From waterfront decks overlooking Matanzas Pass to pet-friendly patios, dining al fresco is part of the coastal experience here.
Can I bring my dog to restaurants in Fort Myers Beach?
Absolutely. Several eateries, like Salty Papa’s Shrimp House and Bell Tower shops, welcome dogs on their patios—some even have special menus for four-legged friends.
When is the best time to dine out in Fort Myers Beach?
Sunset is always a highlight; many restaurants offer front-row views of the Gulf or bay. Weekday evenings tend to be more relaxed, while weekends are more lively.
Do I need reservations at popular spots?
For fine dining restaurants like The Veranda or Roadhouse Café, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. Casual spots often accept walk-ins.
What’s the vibe—casual or upscale?
You’ll find both. Some places, like Fresh Catch Bistro and The Veranda, lean elegant, while others, such as Wahoo Willies and Dixie Fish Co., keep things fun and easygoing.
Wondering where to stay during your visit to 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 enjoyable and relaxing vacation ever!