Fort Myers isn’t just a beachfront paradise; it’s a culinary haven that will make your taste buds dance the tango. Whether you’re a vacationer or looking to plant roots along the idyllic Gulf Coast, this foodie hotspot boasts nearly a hundred dining options. From casual cafes and seafood shacks to fine dining, steakhouses, and international cuisine, the top restaurants in Fort Myers have got you covered.
With so many delectable choices, picking the best was no easy task. But fear not, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s a look at eight of the top restaurants in Fort Myers that promise an unforgettable dining experience. Get ready to loosen your belt and dive into the culinary delights that Fort Myers has to offer!
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Discover the Top Restaurants in Fort Myers: A Foodie’s Paradise
Harold’s Restaurant: The Crown Jewel of Fort Myers Dining
Address: 15250 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers
Website: haroldscuisine.com
Favorite Menu Items: 12 Seasons Arugula Salad, Seared Scallops with Parmesan Risotto, Coconut Cake
Rated #1 on TripAdvisor and adored by locals, Harold’s Restaurant is the crowning glory of the top restaurants in Fort Myers. This upscale yet relaxed farm-to-table haven offers outdoor seating and an innovative menu. Picture classic American and French dishes with a creative twist—buffalo wing-style cauliflower, arugula salad with crisped goat cheese, and the signature seared scallops with parmesan risotto.
The wine list is as thoughtfully curated as a hipster’s vinyl collection, and the desserts? Simply irresistible. Think coconut cake drenched in rum sauce and crème brûlée that would make a Parisian jealous. Perfect for date night, family dinners, or a friendly get-together, Harold’s is the spot to make any occasion unforgettable. Dive into Harold’s culinary delights and see why it’s one of the top restaurants in Fort Myers that everyone is raving about!
Cantina 109: A Mexican Fiesta in Fort Myers
Address: 9908 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers
Website: cantina109.com
Favorite Menu Items: Tableside Guacamole, Tacos Al Pastor, El Diablo Margarita
Voted the #1 Mexican Restaurant in Southwest Florida, Cantina 109 is a fiesta waiting to happen. As one of the top restaurants in Fort Myers, it serves up authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites in a vibrant atmosphere. Think tacos, burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, and fajitas—all crafted with the freshest ingredients.
Their tableside guacamole is a must-try, made right before your eyes. And what’s Mexican cuisine without tequila? Cantina 109’s tequila menu boasts 135 varieties. Sip them straight or indulge in their myriad margarita options. Fan favorites? The sweet Prickly Pear Margarita and the spicy El Diablo Margarita, with jalapeno tequila for that extra kick.
Pro Tip: Swing by between open and 6 p.m. for fantastic happy hour specials, including house margaritas and sharing platters. Discover why Cantina 109 is a standout among the top restaurants in Fort Myers, making every meal a flavorful celebration!
Roadhouse Cafe: Jazz Up Your Dinner in Fort Myers
Address: 15660 San Carlos Boulevard, Fort Myers
Website: roadhousecafefl.com
Favorite Menu Items: Lobster Bisque, Mussels Marinara, Capellini D’Angelo
In the mood for dinner and a show? Look no further than Roadhouse Cafe, one of the top restaurants in Fort Myers. Hidden away in a plaza, this gem transports you to another era with white linen tablecloths, elegant tapestries, crystal chandeliers, and a 5-piece jazz ensemble. Perfect for date night or impressing someone special!
While the live jazz steals the show, the food is no understudy. Dive into their varied menu of Italian specialties, featuring delights like lobster bisque, mussels marinara, stuffed portobello, and Capellini D’Angelo.
Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or a foodie, Roadhouse Cafe hits all the right notes. Make sure to add it to your list of top restaurants in Fort Myers for a night of unforgettable flavors and tunes. This best-kept secret is ready to dazzle your taste buds and your ears!
Salty Papa’s Shrimp House: Where Cajun Comfort Meets Beach Vibes
Address: 15271 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers
Website: saltypapasshrimphouse.com
Favorite Menu Items: Fried Green Tomatoes, Salty Papa’s Gumbo, Hush Puppies, Oyster Po’Boys
Welcome to Salty Papa’s Shrimp House, where the motto “Where the bayou meets the beach” perfectly sums up the experience. As one of the top restaurants in Fort Myers, this spot is a treasure trove of southern Cajun comfort food and fresh seafood served in a delightfully cheeky atmosphere.
Struggling to pick just one dish? Good news: you don’t have to! Dive into fan favorites like fried green tomatoes, hush puppies, and oyster Po’Boy sandwiches. And don’t skip the Salty Papa’s gumbo—it’s as authentic as a Louisiana sunset.
Salty Papa’s doesn’t just cater to human appetites; their outdoor patio and special dog menu make it a hit for furry friends too. For a taste of the top restaurants in Fort Myers with a side of beachside charm, Salty Papa’s is the place to be!
Downtown House of Pizza: Where Pizza Dreams Come True in Fort Myers
Address: 1520 Hendry Street, Fort Myers
Website: downtownhouseofpizza.com
Favorite Menu Items: Classic Italian Pizza, Grandma’s Sicilian Pizza, Chocolate Cannoli
Craving the best pizza in town? Look no further than Downtown House of Pizza, a shining star among the top restaurants in Fort Myers. This beloved pizza joint combines old-world charm with modern flair, offering everything from custom pies loaded with your favorite toppings to signature specialties like the Classic Italian and Grandma’s Sicilian.
Downtown House of Pizza is a gluten-free, vegan-friendly paradise, ensuring there’s a slice for everyone. Not feeling pizza? No problem—calzones, subs, salads, and wings await. And dessert? Think decadent NY-style cheesecake and irresistible chocolate cannolis.
Voted the best pizza place in Fort Myers by both locals and TripAdvisor reviewers, this downtown treasure will have you saying “cheese” with every bite. It’s a must-visit spot among the top restaurants in Fort Myers that’s bound to make your taste buds do a happy dance!
Wisteria Tea Room: Where Tea Time Meets Timeless Elegance
Address: 2512 Street, Fort Myers
Website: wisteriatearoom.com
Favorite Menu Items: The Royal Afternoon Tea Service
For a dining experience that’s as regal as it is delightful, Wisteria Tea Room ranks high among the top restaurants in Fort Myers. Step into a world of white linen tablecloths, gold-leafed trays, and Victorian decor, where sipping tea from hand-painted cups and nibbling on decadent scones feels like a scene from a bygone era.
Wisteria Tea Room’s crown jewel is The Royal Afternoon Tea Service. Enjoy a multi-course experience with soup or salad, a three-tiered tray of finger sandwiches, scones, mini desserts, and unlimited tea. It’s like a royal feast, minus the crown and the stuffy manners.
Gluten-free and vegetarian guests are warmly welcomed, and for those who can’t get enough, their adjacent tea shop offers a selection of tea to take home. As one of the top restaurants in Fort Myers, Wisteria Tea Room combines decadence with charm, making every tea time an unforgettable affair.
Cape Cod Fish Company: A Seafood Lover’s Dream Among the Top Restaurants in Fort Myers
Address: 15501 Old McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers
Website: capecodfishfl.com
Favorite Menu Items: Clam Chowder, Ipswich Steamers, Lobster Rolls
When it comes to seafood, Cape Cod Fish Company is the undisputed champion among the top restaurants in Fort Myers. Brought to you by a Rhode Island family with a passion for all things New England, this spot dishes out wicked good clam chowder, irresistible lobster rolls, and classic fish and chips that’ll make you think you’ve been teleported to Cape Cod.
Not a seafood fan? Fear not, the menu caters to landlubbers too with juicy burgers, crispy chicken, fresh salads, and even hot dogs. And let’s not forget the truffle fries—a must-have starter that’s practically worth a visit on its own. Cap off your meal with premium, locally sourced ice cream that’s the cherry on top of your seafood feast.
Cape Cod Fish Company is undeniably one of the top restaurants in Fort Myers, offering a taste of New England comfort that will have you hooked.
El Gaucho Inca Restaurant: A Flavor Explosion Among the Top Restaurants in Fort Myers
Address: 4383 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers
Website: elgauchoinca.com
Favorite Menu Items: Ceviche, Papa a la Huancaína, Churrasco Steak, Panqueques, Pisco Sour
If culinary fusion had a royalty, El Gaucho Inca Restaurant would be its king. Among the top restaurants in Fort Myers, this spot is where Argentinian flair meets Peruvian zest in a delicious dance. Dive into a variety of ceviches—the ceviche trio is practically a must for taste-testing enthusiasts. Craving something grilled? The Lomo Saltado and Churrasco steak will have taste buds tangoing.
Don’t skip the Papa a la Huancaína, a Peruvian potato dish with yellow-pepper sauce that’s as intriguing as it is tasty. Cap off your meal with Panqueques (crepes drenched in caramel) and a Pisco Sour—because, why not?
El Gaucho Inca Restaurant isn’t just for lunch or dinner. Start your day right with empanadas, breakfast sandwiches, and a selection of tropical smoothies and fresh coffee. As one of the top restaurants in Fort Myers, this place makes every meal a flavorful adventure from sunrise to sunset!
The Veranda: A Romantic Hideaway and Culinary Gem
Address: 2122 Second Street, Fort Myers
Website: verandarestaurant.com
Favorite Menu Items: Blue Crab Cakes, The Southern Sampler, Lobster Bisque
Looking for a romantic night out or a meal that feels like a scene from an old Hollywood movie? The Veranda, one of the top restaurants in Fort Myers, offers an award-winning dining experience inside a beautifully restored turn-of-the-century home. Dine indoors amidst elegant décor or enjoy the charm of the courtyard garden under the stars.
Start the evening with a cocktail in their adjacent piano bar—a spot that’s like a glamorous speakeasy, minus the secret passwords. The menu dazzles with Southern classics given a French twist. Standouts include blue crab cakes, escargot, and the indulgent lobster bisque. For the main event, the Southern Sampler is a crowd-pleaser with its variety of seafood. And don’t even think about skipping dessert—The Veranda’s Southern pecan praline tart is a sweet, nutty slice of heaven.
Foodie Heaven Awaits in Fort Myers
Calling all foodies: Fort Myers might just be your dream destination! With its vibrant culinary scene and endless dining options, this town is quickly becoming a hotspot for food lovers and homebuyers alike. Beyond the delectable eats, you’re just a short drive from Cape Coral and Sanibel Island, adding even more flavor to your life. So, if your taste buds are craving a new adventure, Fort Myers is the perfect place to indulge in both gourmet delights and coastal charm!
