We are going to Sanibel for the 2nd time and looking for restaurant recommendations. We are traveling with our 3 year old and 9 month old who are pretty well behaved in restaurants but we limit the dining to an hour. Last time we went to Lazy Flamingo and loved it so we are looking for similiar restaurants. We did not like the following: McT's, Bubble Room and Island Cow. Cheeburger Cheeburger and RC Otters were okay.
Thanks for the suggestions!!!!

We loved The Seafood Factory at the corner of Periwinkle Way & Tarpon Bay Road. The food was delicious and the servers/owners were great! I can't remember what we ate, but it was wonderful!

We also fell in love with the Lazy Flamingo the first time we went to Sanibel.

Wanted to specifically add Captiva to Kathleen's request; we are going with a 4-year old so would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks!

Mary

Mucky Duck is wonderful, with gorgeous sunsets. Sometimes a long wait, though, and parking is at a premium. I would imagine if you go early, it wouldn't be bad, as most go for the sunset. Not so sure about being kid friendly. Also, RC Otters has a very extensive kids menu, although we haven't gotten there yet to give you a review. Check out the website menu online. Lazy Flamingo is definitely one of our favorites and go there at least twice during our stay each year. Almost forgot, Matzaluna's Italian would be great for kids. They also have an extensive menu, and extremely kid friendly. They give kids crayons, I believe to write on the paper on the tables. Website: www.pawnbroker.com.

I think the website for Metzalunas would be
http://www.prawnbroker.com

Very popular, not sure why but lots love it.

kids are fine at the Mucky Duck. Food has not kept pace with current tastes and has not upgraded but the location is wonderful and if you order simply, you will probably like it.

RC Otters used to be my favorite place on Captiva. Change of ownership has dampened my enthusiasm but it is fun and usually has a good guitarist providing atmosphere. They have great fajitas...steak and shrimp. LMF

We like The Timbers which is also child friendly. Haven't eaten there for a couple of years but the last time the food was good. Also, Morgan's Forest may be of interest to your children. Jungle themed with intervals of fog. The last time we ate there I wasn't crazy about my entree but no one else at our table had any complaints.

We also enjoy Sanibel Grill. It is a "sports bar", very casual and the food is pretty good! We are going to try Schnapper Hots on Captiva for lunch this time. This is the first time we will be taking my 16 mo grandson so I understand. Good luck!

Just FYI, Schnappers, both Captiva and Sanibel are just carry-out type places. No seating. That being said, I love their Buffalo-style hot dogs: slashed and grilled to crispy status and their french fries are awesome. Not much else on the menu. They do have good fish and chips, very expensive for this kind of place.

RC Otters is good for kids, Key Lime Bistro, across the street, is less so. LMF

The Hungry Heron has the most extensive childrens menu I have ever seen. It has a huge menu for everyone actually. Very casual, family place. Timbers has a mostly fish menu (or did the last time we were there) but my son will tell you that they have the best chocolate cake in the world. And as long as they serve chocolate cake, nothing else matters We love watching the sun set at the Mucky Duck. So does everyone else so make sure to get there early, have a drink on the patio, let the kids play on the beach, and time your putting your name on the waiting list for a table shortly after sunset. Our experience at Matzaluna was not so great. The atmosphere is kid friendly but all four of our meals were not good and the service that night was awful. It is also a tradition of ours to have Sunday brunch at the Sundial. Lots of food to choose from. The milkshakes are special at Cheeburger Cheeburger. Ice cream is yummy at Pinochio's. And we like lunch at the Bubble Room more for the atmosphere than the food! Have a wonderful time on that magical island!