7 Best Restaurants in Fort Myers Beach You Simply Have to Try

What are the best restaurants in Fort Myers Beach? This tropical playground in southwest Florida is known for its sunny skies, sandy shores, salty beach bars, and seashell-bedazzled souvenirs.

But the beachy side of Fort Myers is also home to quite a few amazing restaurants that cover a variety cuisines, settings, and budgets.

There are so many restaurants in Fort Myers Beach worth visiting, whether your Fort Myers vacation is for a long weekend or more.

But we’ve narrowed the search for you with a great selection of eateries from super casual breakfast spots and quirky lunch/brunch places to the what are you wearing for dinner restaurants that demand reservations during the season.

Whatever you’re craving, you’re sure to find it here at the Beach.

Simply put, if you’re looking for the best restaurants in Fort Myers Beach, this guide has you covered!

7 Best Restaurants in Fort Myers Beach

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

708 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach

Located on a prime piece of real estate underneath the Bridge at Matanzas Pass (yep, that bridge that’s always backed up with traffic during season), Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is right next door to Dixie Fish Co.

This eatery is so successful that it actually has four locations spread throughout Southwest Florida.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille overlooks the scenic Matanzas Harbor and while the waterfront location is certainly noteworthy, it’s the Caribbean-inspired plates that make this spot one of the best restaurants in Fort Myers Beach.

When you dine at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, you’ll have a hard time settling on just one or two dishes.

You can start with the Caribbean jerk tostados, try their signature Yucatan shrimp dish, or opt for the macadamia nut crusted grouper.

And if you’re a spicy food lover, there’s a whole collection of house-made hot sauces for you to try!

Last but certainly not least, no trip to Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille would be complete without, well, a bit of rum – or at least an alcoholic beverage of some sort.

The mojitos are by far the most popular drink at this restaurant. Try an island mojito, a mule mojito, or a raspberry lemonade mojito!

Try the Yucatan shrimp tacos at Dixie Fish Co.
or a Bloody Mary with bacon

Dixie Fish Co.

714 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach

Dixie Fish Co. is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Fort Myers Beach.

It may actually be the best restaurant of all in Fort Myers Beach with a side of salty beach bar mixed in. It certainly ticks a lot of boxes.

The story of Dixie Fish Co. began in 1937, starting out appropriately as a thriving fish market!

And thanks to the restaurant’s roots, you know you’re only getting the finest seafood during your time here.

There are loads of fantastic seafood dishes at Dixie Fish Co.

As a matter of fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find better seafood anywhere in the city.

You can bite into the grouper sandwich, cut into the whole fried fish, and devour the tasty crab sliders.

If you like craft beer, pair your mouthwatering meal with one of the local beers on tap.

And one more thing — Best. Fried Green Tomatoes. Anywhere.

Then, there’s the lovely atmosphere. Like Doc Ford’s right next door, this casual, open-air eatery is right on Matanzas Harbor, so you’ll have stunning views of the water.

Add that to the views of the pastel pink sunset and the sounds of the talented live musicians, and it’s absolutely perfect.

Flipper’s On the Bay

Lovers Key Resort, 8767 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach

Flipper’s On the Bay – often called simply Flipper’s – is technically not on Estero Island, the main island of Fort Myers Beach. Rather, it is located on Lover’s Key, which is literally a one-minute drive from Estero Island.

Flipper’s stands out from many of the other Fort Myers Beach restaurants, because it boasts two of the main features that make a fabulous restaurant: a lovely atmosphere and fantastic food.

It’s also one of our top places to watch the sunset on Fort Myers Beach!

First, let’s talk about the ambience. Flippers’ is a waterfront restaurant, which means it boasts beautiful views of the turquoise Gulf Coast.

The best seats are outside on the deck, as they put you as close to the sparkling waters as possible.

And the best time of day is, of course, during the colorful sunset.

And while the atmosphere at Flippers’ is absolutely amazing, the food is just as good.

The coconut shrimp, gourmet lobster mac, and taste of the bay are all crowd favorites.

And if you’re looking to finish off your meal with a touch of sweetness, you won’t regret getting the key lime pie, the pineapple upside down cake, or the chocolate souffle.

Fresh Catch Bistro

4761 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach

Fresh Catch Bistro, with pressed white tablecloths, artfully plated dishes, and brilliant gulf views, practically defines coastal elegance.

What more could you ask for when you’re after a dining experience overlooking one of the most gorgeous beaches in SWFL?

You can take a high-end culinary tour of the world just by ordering a few different dishes from Fresh Catch Bistro.

Feel like transporting yourself to Japan? Order the Miso Teriyaki Seabass.

Want to savor the delightful food of France? Try the Escargot Bourguignonne.

Hoping to try the intriguing flavors of Louisiana, USA? Choose the Seafood Pasta Jambalaya.

If you prefer to stick to the island vibes, opt for the Caribbean Jerk Hogfish — a firm, but mild white fish that’s delicious.

And at the end of the meal, you can finish off right where you started: in Florida, of course!

You can order the tangy Key Lime Pie while watching the pastel colors of the sunset run across the sky.

Smokin’ Oyster Brewery

340 Old San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach

Despite its name, Smokin’ Oyster Brewery doesn’t actually brew beer or smoke oysters.

But, regardless of that fact, the oysters and the beer at SOB – that’s what the locals call it – are particularly tasty.

The pale yellow and bright turquoise exterior of Smokin’ Oyster Brewery immediately give off a beachy vibe.

Combine that with the fantastic live music and the laidback atmosphere, and you’ll never want to leave!

And while the ambience of this Fort Myers Beach restaurant is certainly noteworthy, it’s the food that puts everything over the top.

Try the garlic crabs, the baywalk scallops with a parmesan crust, or the oyster “rock-a-fella.”

There’s one last thing you should know about Smokin’ Oyster Brewery. This eatery boasts an international memorabilia collection that covers its walls.

If you bring an item from home, you can add an it to these walls, which is pretty cool.

Coste Island Cuisine

DiamondHead Beach Resort, 2000 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach

So many of the best restaurants in Fort Myers Beach have a casual, island vibe.

But Coste Island Cuisine offers a little something different with its sleek, contemporary décor.

You can take a seat at one of the marbled white tables, unfurl your pressed cloth napkin, and stare at the magical gulf views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

And while the ambiance is a huge draw for Coste Island Cuisine, the food is nothing to balk at either.

Of all of this restaurant’s meticulously plated dishes, there are a few crowd favorites, including the lobster carbonara, the short rib sliders, and the pork belly poutine.

If you do decide to splurge with a visit to Coste Island Cuisine, why not go all out?

Sip on a fabulous cocktail or two, such as the Coste-a-rita, sunkin’ treasure, green tea cooler, or key lime pie martini.

Mom’s

2450 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach

There’s nothing quite like going back to the comfort of your parents’ home – with the loving faces and the sweet smell of baked goods.

But Mom’s in Fort Myers Beach is a close second.

If there’s one thing that you need to get at Mom’s, it’s a cinnamon roll. People rave about the soft, cinnamony goodness of this special treat.

But if you’re in the mood for more than a simple pastry, there are other goodies available for purchase as well.

You can get a homemade buttermilk biscuit breakfast sandwich, a meatloaf sandwich, or a classic BLT.

And if you decide to dine-in, don’t forget to pair your meal with one of Mom’s made-to-order fruit juice blends. Try the mango tango, island delight, or pineapple pleasure.

Whether you’re looking for a casual, beachy joint or a classy spot with an elegant flair, the best restaurants in Fort Myers Beach are sure to please!

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