Sanibel Island has many restaurants from upscale fine dining to casual, waterfront dining. There is a great diversity in flavor and influence with many flavors being cultivated from local produce unique to the area. It is highly recommended to explore Sanibel Island cuisine!
Quick Links:
| Italian | Pizza | Waterfront Dining | Seafood | American | French | Japanese | Mexican
| Outdoor Dining | Sports Bars | Captiva Island Restaurants
Sanibel Cuisine
Explore Sanibel Islands Italian & Pizza
Explore Sanibel Island Cuisine and discover a robust selection of Italian fare and pizza. Fine dining Italian can be found at venues such as Ceilo or Traditions on The Beach and a casual pie or slice with a beer can be found at places such as A Slice of Paradice or The Great White grill!
Traditions On The Beach (Located at the Island Inn)
3111 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-4559
Visit Traditions On The Beach Website
Longtime Italian-Med eatery with a seafood-centric menu plus water views, live music & dancing.
Cielo
1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-5555
Visit Cielo’s Website
Farm to table with carefully crafted dishes and cocktails and a live pianist!
Dante’s Coal Fired Pizza (Located at the Sanibel Inn)
937 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-558-4429
Visit Dantes Website
Wood-fired pies with elevated toppings served in a light-filled space with a horseshoe-shaped bar
Tutti Pazzi
1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Italian specialties and local seafood, woodfired pizza, weekly specials plus craft beer and wine.
Island Pizza
1619 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-1581
Visit Island Pizza’s Website
Laid-back Italian eatery featuring pizzas, pastas & subs plus burgers, draft beer & wine.
The Great White Grill (Located in Pelican Place)
2440 Palm Ridge Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0212
Visit Great White Grill Website
Fun sports-themed bar and restaurant with great sports memorabilia voted the best place to grab a beer, watch a game and chow down on their signature pizza, wings, and sandwiches
Slice of Paradice (Located at the Sundial Resort)
1451 Middle Gulf Dr. Suite #4, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-4151
Visit Slice of Paradice Website
Casual poolside pizza, hotdogs, Meatball subs, ice cream
Explore Sanibel Islands Waterfront & Beach Dining
Explore Sanibel Island cuisine and discover a fun variety of waterfront dining and beach/pool bars offering light lunches, appetizers, cocktails, and full dinner options! Click HERE to download “The Sanibel Waterfront Restaurant Trail” Passport and hit all the spots picking up fun local facts as you go. Once you have completed the trail, your completed passport can be submitted to win some fantastic prizes!
Gramma Dots Seaside Saloon
634 N Yachtsman Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-8138
Check Out Gramma Dot’s Website
Nestled in the Sanibel Marina, Gramma Dots offers fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches and more with waterfront, outdoor dining
Sea Breeze Cafe (Located at the Sundial Resort)
1451 Middle Gulf Dr Suite #3, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-4151
Visit the Sea Breeze Cafe Website
Casual pick for breakfast buffet, seafood & wine, plus outdoor seating, ocean views and sports games.
Turtles Pool & Beach Bar (Located at the Sundial Resort)
1451 Middle Gulf Dr #4, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-4151
Visit Turtles Website
Tiki bar with a poolside patio serving drinks & comfort eats such as wings, burgers & tacos.
Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant (Located at Casa Ybel Beach Resort)
2255 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-9200
Visit The Thistle Lodge Website
A wide-ranging menu of seafood & grilled fare stars at this historic home with outdoor seating.
Coconuts Bar & Grill (Located at Casa Ybel Beach Resort)
2255 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-3145
Visit Coconuts Bar & Grill Website
Open for breakfast, lunch and sumptuous frozen cocktails each and every delightful day.
Traditions On The Beach (Located at the Island Inn)
3111 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-4559
Visit Traditions On The Beach Website
Longtime Italian-Med eatery with a seafood-centric menu plus water views, live music & dancing.
Sunset Grill
6536 Pine Ave, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2333
Visit The Sunset Grill Website
A refined cottage atmosphere, near to the beach serving upscale seafood-focused American fare. The Sunset Grill is open breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Mad Hatter
6467 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0033
Visit The Mad Hatter Website
It has a smaller intimate dining room with an eclectic menu choice. Perfect for a romantic evening or a special occasion. Reservations are definitely needed.
The Island Time Bar & Grill (Located at the Sanibel Inn)
937 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-558-8900
Visit Island Time’s Website
Discover cocktails, lunch and a fabulous menu of island-themed culinary creations and libations at the Island Time Bar poolside at The Sanibel Inn
Explore Sanibel Island Seafood
There is no better place for fresh fish than on Sanibel Island and when you explore Sanibel Island cuisine it is not to be missed! Almost all of the restaurants will have fish options, below is a list of those a little more seafood-centric than others. If you want to catch your own, check out our complete Guide to Sanibel & Captiva Island Fishing HERE!
Sanibel Fish House
1523 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-7770
Visit The Sanibel Fish House Website
Fresh seafood and friendly service, good happy hour and outdoor dining available.
The Clam Shack New England Seafood (Located in the Islander Center)
2407 Periwinkle Way #5, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-6882
Visit The Clam Shack Website
Down-to-earth hangout offering New England-style cuisine, including clam chowder & lobster rolls.
Lazy Flamingo 2
1036 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-6939
Down-home sports pub and an island favorite offering beer-steamed seafood, a raw bar & ice-cold brews! You must try the garlic bread!
George & Wendy’s Seafood Grille (Located in Bailey’s Plaza)
2499 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-395-1263
Visit George & Wendy’s Website
Fresh seafood, cocktails and craft beer with nightly live entertainment.
Timbers Restaurant & Marketplace
703 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-395-2722
Visit Timbers Website
Sticking to their tagline that at Timbers “Fish Happens!”, this busy island staple with outstanding wood décor claims to have the World’s Largest Collection of Oysters!
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill
2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-8311
Visit Doc Ford’s Website
An island favorite, Doc Ford’s combines delicious Caribbean flavors with a laid back atmosphere and impressive rum and cocktail selection. Make sure you try their signature dish, “Yucatan Shrimp”!
MudBugs Cajun Kitchen
1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2221
Visit MudBugs Website
Fun, split level restaurant with outdoor seating options offering classic cajun food and live music.
Explore Sanibel Islands American Cuisine
Sanibel Island has some great traditional American food with upscale options such as Sweet Melissa’s to more of a sports bar vibe like the Great White Grill. Whatever your preference is, when you explore Sanibel Island cuisine, the following restaurants are great for steaks, burgers, wings, sandwiches and more. Perfect options to recharge after a day at the beach or a long day of shopping!
Sweet Melissa’s Cafe
1625 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-1956
Visit Sweet Melissa’s Website
Refined, high-end, locally sourced American cuisine with a highly awarded and creative chef
Cip’s Place (Located in Forever Green Plaza)
2055 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0223
Visit Cips Website
New American Fare and cocktails with indoor and outdoor dining options.
Tipsy Turtle
1223 Periwinkle Way Building B, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-1771
Visit The Tipsy Turtle Website
Casual family dining in a fun Island setting.
Cheeburger Cheeburger (Located in Tahitian Gardens Plaza)
1975 Periwinkle Way #4112, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-6111
Visit Cheeburger Cheeburger Website
Family-oriented fast-food chain serving build-your-own burgers & shakes in a retro 1950s setting.
Rosie’s Cafe and Grill (Located in the Islander Center)
2330 Palm Ridge Rd #1, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-579-0807
Casual restaurant featuring a breakfast-to-dinner American menu & housemade ice cream.
Sanibel Sprout
2407 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-558-4003
Visit Sanibel Sprout Website
Fresh pressed juices, wheatgrass shots, organic smoothies, vegan, organic food.
The Great White Grill (Located in Pelican Place)
2440 Palm Ridge Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0212
Visit Great White Grill Website
Fun sports-themed bar and restaurant with great sports memorabilia voted the best place to grab a beer, watch a game and chow down on their signature pizza, wings, and sandwiches.
French Cuisine
Bleu Rendez-Vous Bistro
2430 Periwinkle Way Suite A, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-565-1608
Visit Bleu Rendez-Vous Bistro Website
Warm nook with an old-world atmosphere offering refined French dishes & wines, plus outdoor seating.
Explore Sanibel Islands Japanese Cuisine
Shima Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar (Located at the Sundial Resort)
6521, 1451 Middle Gulf Dr. Suite #1, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-989-1160
Visit Shima’s Website
Modern Japanese-style steakhouse with hibachi grill tables plus sushi.
Explore Sanibel Islands Outdoor Dining
Outdoor seating is plentiful on Sanibel Island. With the beautiful warm weather, often glorious views and beach access, outdoor seating is a must. Below is a list of spots with indoor and outdoor seating with some on the waterfront. For a full guide to all the waterfront restaurants, click HERE!
Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant (Located at Casa Ybel Beach Resort)
2255 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-9200
Visit The Thistle Lodge Website
A wide-ranging menu of seafood & grilled fare stars at this historic home with outdoor seating.
Sunset Grill
6536 Pine Ave, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2333
Visit The Sunset Grill Website
A refined cottage atmosphere, near to the beach serving upscale seafood-focused American fare. The Sunset Grill is open breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Cip’s Place (Located in Forever Green Plaza)
2055 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0223
Visit Cips Website
New American Fare and cocktails with indoor and outdoor dining options.
Bleu Rendez-Vous Bistro
2430 Periwinkle Way Suite A, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-565-1608
Visit Bleu Rendez-Vous Bistro Website
Warm nook with an old-world atmosphere offering refined French dishes & wines, plus outdoor seating.
The Mad Hatter
6467 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0033
Visit The Mad Hatter Website
It has a smaller intimate dining room with an eclectic menu choice. Perfect for a romantic evening or a special occasion. Reservations are definitely needed.
Gramma Dots Seaside Saloon
634 N Yachtsman Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-8138
Check Out Gramma Dot’s Website
Nestled in the Sanibel Marina, Gramma Dots offers fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches and more with waterfront, outdoor dining.
Sea Breeze Cafe (Located at the Sundial Resort)
1451 Middle Gulf Dr. Suite #3, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-4151
Visit Sea Breeze Website
Casual pick for breakfast buffet, seafood & wine, plus outdoor seating, ocean views and sports games.
George & Wendy’s Seafood Grille (Located in Bailey’s Plaza)
2499 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-395-1263
Visit George & Wendy’s Website
Fresh seafood, cocktails and craft beer with nightly live entertainment.
The Island Cow
2163 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0606
Visit The Island Cow Website
Fun, cow-themed casual dining good for breakfast, outdoor dining offered.
Lazy Flamingo 1
#C, 6520 Pine Ave, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-5353
Down-home sports pub and an island favorite offering beer-steamed seafood, a raw bar & ice-cold brews! You must try the garlic bread!
MudBugs Cajun Kitchen
1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2221
Visit MudBugs Website
Fun, split level restaurant with outdoor seating options offering classic cajun food and live music.
Sanibel Fish House
1523 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-7770
Visit The Sanibel Fish House Website
Fresh seafood and friendly service, good happy hour and outdoor dining available.
Blue Giraffe (Located in Periwinkle Place Plaza)
2075 Periwinkle Way #14, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2525
Visit Blue Giraffe’s Website
Cheerful decor, very kid-friendly casual dining with outdoor and indoor dining.
Traders 2 (Located in the Village Shops Plaza)
2340 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-558-8919
Visit Traders 2 Website
Bistro fare, creative cocktails & local beer in a breezy, upbeat setting with a patio & gift shop.
Rosie’s Cafe and Grill (Located in the Islander Center)
2330 Palm Ridge Rd #1, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-579-0807
A casual restaurant featuring a breakfast-to-dinner American menu & housemade ice cream.
Lighthouse Cafe
362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0303
Visit The Lighthouse Cafe Website
Cozy eatery known for specialty pancakes also offers inventive sandwiches & other deli-style eats.
Over Easy Cafe
630 Tarpon Bay Rd #1, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2625
Visit Over Easy Cafe’s Website
A family-friendly, colorfully decorated casual eatery is a great spot to start your day with a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill
2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-8311
Visit Doc Ford’s Website
An island favorite, Doc Ford’s combines delicious Caribbean flavors with a laid back atmosphere and impressive rum and cocktail selection.
The Island Time Bar & Grill (Located at the Sanibel Inn)
937 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-558-8900
Visit Island Time’s Website
Discover cocktails, lunch and a fabulous menu of island-themed culinary creations and libations at the Island Time Bar poolside at The Sanibel Inn.
Turtles Pool & Beach Bar (Located at the Sundial Resort)
1451 Middle Gulf Dr #4, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-4151
Visit Turtles Website
Tiki bar with a poolside patio serving drinks & comfort eats such as wings, burgers & tacos.
Coconuts Bar & Grill (Located at Casa Ybel Beach Resort)
2255 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-3145
Visit Coconuts Bar & Grill Website
Open for breakfast, lunch and sumptuous frozen cocktails each and every delightful day.
Upper Deck Pool Bar (Located at the WestWind Inn)
3345 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-1541
Visit The Upper Deck Website
The Upper Deck Pool Bar at West Wind Inn has great views and good times. It is a very casual (and swimsuit-friendly) setting, you can settle in for appetizers, lunch, cold and colorful cocktails, local beers.
Explore Sanibel Islands Sports Bars
No need to miss your games when you are staying on Sanibel Island, there are a few great sports bars that have a wide selection of beer, good food, and most importantly numerous screens so you don’t have to ever miss a play, making your mission to explore Sanibel Island cuisine a true touchdown!
The Sanibel Grill
703 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-395-2722
Visit Sanibel Grill Website
Sports bar featuring seafood, burgers & pizza, plus lots of televised sports & memorabilia.
George & Wendy’s Seafood Grille (Located in Bailey’s Plaza)
2499 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-395-1263
Visit George & Wendy’s Website
Fresh seafood, cocktails and craft beer with nightly live entertainment.
The Great White Grill (Located in Pelican Place)
2440 Palm Ridge Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0212
Visit Great White Grill Website
Fun sports-themed bar and restaurant with great sports memorabilia voted the best place to grab a beer, watch a game and chow down on their signature pizza, wings, and sandwiches
