Let’s explore some of the best places to eat in Fort Myers and discover the flavors that await you!
Fort Myers, located in Southwest Florida, offers a delightful culinary scene with a variety of dining options. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, a leisurely brunch, mouthwatering pizza, or an elegant fine dining experience, this city has something for every palate.
1. Seafood Sensations
Twisted Lobster
Located in Cape Coral, Twisted Lobster stole our hearts with its fresh seafood offerings. Whether you’re indulging in lobster tails or savoring the catch of the day, the relaxed ambiance makes it a perfect spot for a laid-back lunch.
Lobster Lady Seafood
Another Cape Coral gem, Lobster Lady, buzzes with lively music and vibrant energy. Their seafood dishes are a hit, and the atmosphere is perfect for celebrating life’s little moments.
2. Brunch Bliss
Ella Mae’s Diner
Visiting Ella Mae’s Diner feels like stepping into a delightful time capsule. As you walk in from Bay Street, the classic yet modern diner welcomes you with open arms. The atmosphere exudes nostalgia, and you can’t help but feel a sense of community. Their doors open for the early birds and don’t close until the late risers have had their fill. We’ll keep the coffee hot, the soda cold, and the rest just the way you like it.
The menu is a celebration of traditional dishes but with a fresh twist. From all-day breakfasts to mouthwatering burgers and milkshakes, Ella Mae’s offers comfort food that warms both the heart and the stomach. The vintage-inspired finishes and vibrant color palette create a cheerful backdrop for sharing stories with fellow diners.
First Watch
First Watch, an award-winning breakfast and brunch spot in Fort Myers, is where freshness meets flavor. Their menu features both traditional favorites and innovative creations, all made to order with the freshest ingredients. Don’t miss their seasonal specials and refreshing drink options, including fresh-squeezed favorites. Whether you’re an early riser or a late brunch lover, First Watch has something delicious waiting for you!
Oxbow Bar & Grill
Oxbow Bar & Grill, located on 1300 Hendry St in Fort Myers, offers casual waterfront dining along the Caloosahatchee River. Their Southern-inspired menu features oysters, steak, seafood, burgers, and more. With panoramic waterfront views and vibrant cocktails, it’s a delightful spot for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch. Visitors praise the delicious food, attentive service, and the opportunity to dine while overlooking boats on the water.
Farmer’s Market
An old-school classic brunch place, our husbands love to dine there all the time! Farmers Market Restaurant has been serving Southern comfort food since 1952. Their recipes, passed down through generations, offer a delightful taste of home-style cuisine. Patrons praise the food’s quality, freshness, and consistency. The friendly staff provides excellent service, and the reasonable prices make this spot a local favorite. It is a must-visit if you’re in the mood for classic comfort food!
High Tide Social House
High Tide Social House offers Neapolitan-style pizza, pressed sandwiches, fresh seafood, prime filet, and prime rib. The breezy, open-air restaurant sits at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral, complete with a tin roof, wrap-around porch, and marine life themes. It’s a delightful spot to enjoy good food and craft cocktails with waterfront views.
Gather
Gather offers a delightful dining experience. With a cool vibe, modern lighting, and tasteful graffiti, the lounge area is inviting. The menu combines traditional and Mediterranean flavors, featuring classic dishes with an international twist. Craft cocktails, made from scratch, perfectly complement each meal. Guests appreciate the unique flavors, attentive service, and comfortable atmosphere. Whether you’re there for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Gather promises a memorable visit.
3. Pizza
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria offers a delightful dining experience. Their traditional coal-fired brick-oven pizzas are made with fresh ingredients, including a “secret recipe” pizza sauce, handmade mozzarella cheese, and dough—a tradition originating in Brooklyn over 100 years ago. The menu is focused on pizza, calzones, and salads, but it’s all they need to impress.
Reviewers praise the chewy crust, fresh toppings, and wood-fired thin-crust Margherita pizza. The Mediterranean salad is superb, and the service is impeccable. Whether you’re craving pizza or a calzone, Grimaldi’s delivers a taste of home and leaves diners full and happy.
Downtown House of Pizza
Downtown House of Pizza offers an authentic New York-style pizza experience. Their hand-tossed dough results in classic flavors. Beyond pizza, they serve specialty pizzas, calzones, strombolis, and subs. The lively atmosphere, craft beer selection, and friendly service make it a must-visit spot. Hours are convenient, and while delivery is limited, dining in is recommended. Reviewers praise their white pizza and flavorful crust, earning them a solid 4.5-star rating.
Capone
Capone’s Coal-Fired Pizza has garnered positive reviews for its authentic coal-fired pizzas and 1920s-style ambiance. People love the outstanding Italian-style coal-fired pizzas with just the right toppings on a crispy yet chewy thin crust. The unique 1920s-style décor reminiscent of prohibition and Al Capone adds to the dining experience. Friendly service and a popular dish called the Tommy Gun Pizza make Capone’s a must-visit spot for pizza lovers and those seeking a nostalgic setting.
Watch this YouTube short for our Pizza place recommendations:
4. Fine Dining
Are you looking for a fine dining place to eat around Fort Myers? Here are a few recommendations we have:
Veranda Restaurant
The Veranda Restaurant offers a unique dining experience. Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Fort Myers, The Veranda transports guests to a bygone era of Antebellum charm. Diners love the romantic ambiance created by the setting in two turn-of-the-century homes, complete with flowers on the table, tuxedoed waitstaff, and a wood bar. The menu features Southern-inspired dishes like blue crab cakes, rack of lamb, veal piccata, and filet mignon ala Oscar. Excellent service and an award-winning reputation make The Veranda a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional dining experience.
Chops City Grill
Chops City Grill has garnered positive reviews for its exceptional dining experience. Notable features include their in-house dry-aged steaks (prime American beef, Japanese, and Australian wagyu), an extensive whiskey selection (over 100 options), creative craft cocktails, a romantic ambiance, and excellent service. Whether you’re a steak enthusiast or a whiskey lover,
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Fleming’s offers an outstanding dining experience with an upscale and cozy ambiance. The staff provides exceptional service, and the drinks menu features handcrafted cocktails and an impressive wine selection. The steaks are top-notch, cooked to perfection, and guests rave about the flavorful lobster mac and cheese. While not budget-friendly, the overall experience is worth every penny.
Prime 239 Steakhouse
Prime 239 is committed to serving guests the highest quality beef. Their team selects the best cuts of meat available from local butcher shops and specialty stores in Florida. Diners praise the friendly, attentive service, and the delicious steaks cooked to perfection. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere, but it’s considered fine dining. While the food prices align with other steakhouses, some reviewers mention that the drinks are weak for their cost. If you’re in the area, consider checking out Prime 239 Steakhouse for a memorable dining experience!
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Ruth’s Chris Steak House specializes in seared USDA Prime steaks, served sizzling on a 500-degree plate. Their filet receives high praise for its flavor and tenderness. The world-class service and delicious lobster dishes, including lobster bisque and lobster mac & cheese, make it a top-notch dining experience. While prices are on the higher side, indulging in their mouth-watering filet is well worth it!
Connors Steak and Seafood
They specialize in fresh seafood and premium aged steaks, offering gourmet salads, pastas, and more. Customers consistently praise their attentive and professional service, while reviewers highlight the delicious and high-quality food—especially dishes like lobster bisque, crab cakes, and filet mignon. With reasonable prices, Connors is a fantastic dining choice for seafood and steak enthusiasts!
Enjoy fine dining? Watch this YouTube short of the few fine dining places you should try:
Southwest Florida boasts a diverse culinary landscape, inviting food enthusiasts to embark on a global gastronomic journey. From seafood and brunch to pizza and fine dining, there’s something for every palate. If you’re seeking lesser-known gems in Fort Myers, I recommend exploring some local favorites. These spots may not be as widely recognized, but they offer unique flavors and delightful experiences. Don’t miss the chance to discover these hidden culinary treasures!
Do you have other suggestions of places to eat around Fort Myers that we should try? Comment down below!
Enjoyed a good read? Read Part 1 of food places to eat around Fort Myers here and follow Stacey Glenn on all social media platforms for more.