I'm headed to Captiva in three weeks with my husband and young son. The grandparents will be there to watch my son so my husband and I are planning a romantic evening out on the town. Can anyone give recommendations? I'm not really concerned about cost since this is a special occasion. However, my husband is not the most adventurous diner so I'd try to stay away from the "noveau cuisine." Also any tips on whether reservations are needed or accepted even would be helpful. Thanks...

There are quite a few restaurants on Captiva. Most are busy at this time of year, not sure how romantic they'd be. kings Crown at South Seas is nice, The Mad Hatter near Blind Pass. There are lots on Sanibel. La Dolce or Dolce Vita is rather upscale with a piano player and a smll dance floor. There will be lots of info in the telephone book and tourist guides.

If you don't mind driving down to Naples (about 35 min), there are some incredible places... Most romantic is probably Annabelles (be sure to reserve a banquette - the have velvet curtains for privacy...), another excellent choice is the Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton; have a bottle of Champagne and some caviar delivered to you on the beach, then head in to the Dining Room (our New Years tradition)...

to Dave: wow, yes I guess Annabelle's could be considered romantic, and it does have a great atmosphere. It will certainly be private as virtually no one is eating there, while every other restaurant on 5th Avenue is packed. However the bar at Annabelle's is packed. I recently posted a rather long response about this restaurant which would be revealed in a search. But the main reason I'm responding to your post is the item about 35 minutes from Sanibel to Naples. I do this frequently, and certainly at this time of year 1 hour is a fair estimate from the bridge to Sanibel to the center of Naples. If you are driving from mid island Sanibel or Captiva add another 30 to 45 minutes to that estimate.

Patrick - I didn't realize traffic on Sanibel was so bad (I rarely go there); it usually takes us 25 - 30 min from friends at Gulf Harbour (just before the bridge) to Bay Colony, so I just tacked on 10 min...didn't mean to mislead anyone... BTW, I looked up your review of Annabelles - sounds like a totally different restaurant! We've been there three times for dinner, and while it is certainly pricey (and portions small), service was impeccible and the place was packed (but we've only been on weekends). I agree with all your other recommendations, and would add South Bay Bistro in Bonita - too loud for 'romantic' but the food is incredible...

I'll second the vote for the Mad Hatter.

try the rest at casa y bel on sanibel

I don't know if it still exists but the Mucky Duck is the greatest for romance fun you name it.