The Lower Gulf Coast Restaurants

In this part of Florida, fresh seafood reigns supreme. Succulent native stone-crab claws, a particularly tasty treat, in season from mid-October through mid-May, are usually served hot with drawn butter or chilled with tangy mustard sauce. Supplies are typically steady, since claws regenerate in time for the next season. Other seafood specialties include fried grouper sandwiches and Sanibel pink shrimp. In Naples's highly hailed restaurants and sidewalk cafés, mingle with locals, winter visitors, and other travelers, and catch up on the latest culinary trends.

Sort by: 8 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
  • 1. Angelina's Ristorante

    $$$$

    Here it's all about enjoying one of the most indulgent, pampered meals you'll ever eat—and it's best not to show up in flip-flops, jeans, or shorts (you probably won't be turned away for dressing casually, but you will feel uncomfortable). Formally trained waitstaff attend to your every need in this temple of traditional Italian cuisine. A dramatic wine tower hovers over the main room; the plush private booths surrounding it are the best tables (call early to snag one). The taste circus begins with an amuse-bouche. Pick between antipasti, crispy flatbreads, and wholesome soups before moving on to homemade pastas and grilled meats. Absolutely try the butternut squash ravioli, an inventive version with citrus-tomato butter and truffled almonds. The evening ends with a complimentary nightcap. There is also a great prix-fixe menu.

    24041 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, Florida, 34134, USA
    239-390–3187

    Known For

    • Phenomenal service
    • Homemade pastas
    • Sea salt–baked snapper for two

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 2. Old Captiva House

    $$$$

    Just across the street from the beach, this wonderfully historic restaurant is casual, comfortable, and considered by many to offer the best fine-dining experience on Captiva Island. Entrées include seafood dishes like the blackened snapper with watermelon cucumber salad, and land dishes like pomegranate-glazed lamb chops. Tempting appetizers, creative salads, and tantalizing desserts round out the menu. The restaurant has its own baker to create its sweet and savory breads and cakes. No need to dress up; island casual is welcome. Make time to enjoy the fantastic sunsets at the beach.

    15951 Captiva Dr., Captiva, Florida, 33924, USA
    239-472–5161

    Known For

    • Romantic atmosphere
    • Fresh seafood and sushi
    • Good wine selection

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 3. Osteria Tulia

    $$$$

    The setting at this intimate but lively restaurant is refined but rustic, with wood repurposed from a dilapidated Florida barn and 1940s-era bricks reclaimed from a Chicago firehouse. The Sicilian-born chef (and part-owner) eschews an ornate menu and instead offers simple, finely produced Italian dishes. The signature fennel sausage is made using a family recipe, and the kitchen cures its own pancetta, makes its own mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, and extrudes its own pasta. Seasonal dishes like rabbit and wild boar shine; the tortelloni with braised short ribs pleases nightly.

    466 5th Ave. S, Naples, Florida, 34102, USA
    239-213–2073

    Known For

    • Homemade sausage and cheeses
    • Freshly made pastas
    • Rustic, family setting
  • 4. Sea Salt

    $$$$

    The city's hottest upscale restaurant draws a crowd of connoisseurs to a modern, coral-stone dining room that spills out onto the sidewalk. The menu changes nightly, and the Venetian-born chef puts a New World spin on traditional Italian favorites, which are seasoned with different types of sea salt from around the globe. The finest quality meats and seafood, much of it sourced from local farmers and fisherman, are used in all the dishes.

    1186 3rd St. S, Naples, Florida, 34102, USA
    239-434–7258

    Known For

    • Charred octopus appetizer
    • Daily prix-fixe sunset menu from 5 to 6
    • Homemade pappardelle with Wagyu beef

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 5. The Local

    $$

    Health-conscious foodies, hipsters, and retirees mix equally at this farm-and-sea-to-table bistro, which, as the name suggests, stocks its kitchen almost exclusively with items from local suppliers. Though it's in a strip mall a few blocks inland, it has a polished interior that manages to evoke both the beach and the farm. Choose from healthful options like a super-food salad or more indulgent dishes such as pork shoulder au jus with mango mustard.

    5323 Airport Pulling Rd. N, Naples, Florida, USA
    239-596–3276

    Known For

    • Pot roast with grandma's veggies
    • Flatbreads and pizzas
    • Fresh ingredients
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. The Silver King Ocean Brasserie

    $$$$

    The signature restaurant of the trendy Luminary Hotel & Co. truly shines, offering fine dining in an inviting, sophisticated atmosphere. The menu is brimming with modern takes on seafood favorites, including flavorful deconstructed stone crab. Outdoor seating is available.

    2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers, Florida, 33901, USA
    239-314–3855

    Known For

    • Whole fish and seafood
    • Outdoor seating
    • Private dining in "The Florida Room."

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 7. Traders Store & Café

    $$$

    In the midst of a warehouse-size store, this comfortable bistro, accented with stunning Florida photography from Alan Maltz, is a local favorite. The marvelous sesame-seared tuna lunch salad with Asian slaw and wasabi vinaigrette exemplifies the creative fare; for dinner, try the barbecued baby back ribs, macadamia-crusted grouper, or any of the day's finely crafted specials. The bar serves light nibbles and happy-hour twofers. While waiting for your food, visit the attached shop filled with everything from affordable trinkets to pricey island wear.

    1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida, 33957, USA
    239-472–7242

    Known For

    • Barbecue ribs
    • Fresh fish dishes
    • Live entertainment

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted, Closed Sun.
  • 8. USS Nemo

    $$$$

    Don't be fooled by the cheesy glowing sign visible from the highway—most locals swear this is the place for fresh seafood, which is why you need a reservation even in the heat of summer. The setting is whimsical (portholes, antique bronze diving gear, colorful fish sculptures), and the dishes are eclectic, often featuring Asian-inspired preparations. The signature miso-broiled sea bass with citrus-ginger butter strikes the right balance between sweet and savory; the ginger-steamed halibut with soy-lime dressing and the herb-grilled tuna with warm goat cheese and seared diver scallops are also winners.

    3745 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, Florida, 34103, USA
    239-261–6366

    Known For

    • Miso-broiled sea bass
    • Swordfish cioppino
    • Fresh tuna with your choice of savory sauce

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch weekends, Reservations essential

No Restaurants Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video