5 Best Places for a Tasty Breakfast in Sanibel

Planning a visit soon to Sanibel and Captiva in southwest Florida?

Start your day with a tasty breakfast in Sanibel at one of these great places — a perfect way to start your day exploring this enchanting barrier island.

Sanibel Island is a special place in southwest Florida, known primarily as the Shelling Capital of the World for the epic amount of seashells that roll ashore on the islands gentle slopes.

On some beaches, it’s hard to tell the sand from the layers of crushed shells.

This Gulf Coast island is somewhat secluded from the rest of southwest Florida given there’s only one way on and off the island.

Visitors come here to seriously unwind and enjoy a romantic weekend away or family vacation loaded with quality time.
Let yourself fall into the Sanibel island rhythm and you’ll find that simple pleasures rule.

Wildlife beats nightlife here, bikes are faster than cars to get around, ditching your device for a while is just fine, and breakfast should last forever.

So whether you’re looking for a traditional American breakfast or a Continental cuppa with a fresh pastry, savor the most important meal of the day at one of these 5 best places for a Sanibel breakfast.

Best Places for a Sanibel Breakfast

1. Over Easy Cafe

2340 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

(239) 966-5114

Open Daily 7:00am to 2:00pm

Starting your day at the Over Easy Cafe for a great breakfast is always a good idea — it’s one of the best breakfast restaurants on Sanibel.

This popular breakfast spot is centrally located and is always delicious.

Their specialities include unique options like their Egg Reuben sandwich or Smoked Salmon Benedict.

They also make tasty homemade pancakes, stuffed french toast, skillets plus an extremely kid-friendly menu.

If you have a sweet tooth for breakfast, the homemade sticky buns and sticky orange rolls at Over Easy are heavenly.

Get there early as they sell out fast.

2. Coffee Bar at Bailey's General Store (Temporarily Closed and Rebuilding)

2477 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

(239) 472-1516

Open Daily 7:00am to 5:00pm

If you are a coffee addict, Coffee Bar at Bailey's General Store has been meeting the needs of everyone on Sanibel Island for over a century.

Apart from the 37 varieties of coffee and smoothie beverages like an iced caramel latte or a tasty berry smoothie, they have an extensive takeaway counter of hot foods for breakfast as well.

But our favorite reason to go to Baileys for a Sanibel island breakfast? The neighborly feel.

Baileys’ is a hotspot for Sanibel locals, and visitors love it too.

Come to shop, stock up on snacks or everything you need for a beach picnic.

It’s just a great place!

3. Sanibel Bean

2240 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

(239 395 1919)

Open Daily 7:00am to 2:00pm

If it’s a quick cup-a-Joe to go or coffee drink and pastry you’re after, the Sanibel Bean is the best stop on Sanibel Island.

They also serve breakfast all day.

Sanibel Bean is a perfect hang-out place to enjoy the casual island surroundings.

The breakfast Burrito here is delish, loaded with hash browns, bacon, eggs, and cheese. and the fresh pastry and muffins are a treat, as is the healthy oatmeal option.

4. Lighthouse Cafe

1020 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

(239) 420-0303

Open Daily 7:00am-2:00pm

The ever present line of customers waiting outside Lighthouse Cafe is ample testimony to the fact that the food here is always worth waiting for.

Being such a popular spot, it’s best to call ahead and get your name on the list.

While we can’t attest to their claim as the 'World's Best Breakfast', they certainly have a great breakfast on Sanibel Island.

Their omelettes and frittatas are egg-ceptional — try the Red Sauce frittata or Ocean frittata — or if you’re craving some cakes, the Malted Hot Cakes and French Toast are a hit with hot cake lovers.

And don’t forget a carafe of fresh orange or grapefruit juice for the table.

Both were given rave reviews by Bon Appetit magazine and their Lighthouse Mimosa is locally famous.

5. Blue Giraffe Restaurant

2075 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

(239) 579 0024

Open Daily 8:30am to 8:00pm

This kid-friendly and pet-friendly eatery is a favorite with locals and tourists alike.

The patio setting may be one reason why, plus the food is always delicious.

The top dishes include Cinnamon French toast and the Strawberry Fields, a french toast stuffed with strawberry cream, strawberry sauce and fresh sliced strawberries.

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Can you think of a better way to start your day than at one of these places for a delicious Sanibel breakfast?

Get there early in season or the lines will be out the door!