For a small island that is largely a nature preserve, there is an abundance of places to eat on Sanibel Island. There is fine dining, casual dining and even fast dining. But on that last, there is really only one that qualifies as fast food, our local Dairy Queen, though no drive through!
But the one question we get most often is where can you eat on the water?
The answer is easy, but not obvious.
The Gulf of Mexico is not dotted with commercial enterprises as you might find in other vacation destinations. There are no direct waterfront public breakfast restaurants on the Sanibel-Captiva Islands corridor, so a beach breakfast picnic is a most scenic start to the day. There are some gulf front condo complexes, but restaurants, cafes, and shops are largely located in the interior of Sanibel and on neighboring Captiva. That keeps the Gulf a much more pristine environment, and throws the challenge to the visitor to find water front dining.
So we will take the mystery out of the search and list a few of the places you might want to consider for lunch or dinner with a brief description of what you will find at each:
Gramma Dots -This is one of the unique places you don't want to miss and it is open for lunch and dinner. This very casual restaurant is located in the middle of the docks at the Sanibel Marina. The sides of the restaurant are open, leaving just the screened walls between you and the boats. Known for excellent seafood. Has water views of the marina harbor and outdoor dining is available outside the screens. It's a little tricky to find because from Periwinkle you turn down a residential sidestreet, so check a map before you go! (and keep in mind, it is open for dinner but like most restaurants on Sanibel, dinner hour ends on the early side)
The Green Flash Restaurant - Cross the bridge joining Sanibel Island with Captiva Island, glide around the big curve on Captiva Drive, and visitors to the Sanibel-Captiva Islands are led straight into the The Green Flash Restaurant. Delicious lunch and dinner choices are offered in both indoor and outdoor dining areas with perfect waterfront views of the Roosevelt Channel and Pine Island Sound.
Traditions on the Beach - They have a full bar and lounge area and a wonderful Gulf view. Dinner selections include fresh fish, choice meats and savory poultry prepared to delight the most discerning palates. Breakfast and dinner are open to the public. Dinner dress code is casual… after all, this is Sanibel.
Thistle Lodge at Casa Ybel Resort Arguably, the most elegant of the water front eateries,the Thistle Lodge http://thistlelodge.com/ is not a stand alone. It is the jewel in the crown of a water front resort. At the Thistle Lodge, delicious cuisine is served in a historical setting overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Swaying palms and gently breaking waves further set the scene for romance.
The Sunset Grill - Though not directly water front, the Sunset Grill does offer breakfast as well as lunch and dinner. And the breakfasts are no ordinary ham and eggs, to be sure. A look at the breakfast menu will have you craving for something special, like the Key Lime Pie French Toast: A thick sourdough bread, dipped in sweetened condensed milk and a fresh keylime egg wash, rolled in Graham cracker crumbs and grilled. Served with a creme of coconut sauce and fresh sliced strawberries. CRAB AND SPINACH Omelet: (All omelette's made with three eggs and served with hash browns and whole wheat toast) Blue crab meat with fresh spinach and Swiss cheese Extra special: The Sunset Grill is open 7 days a week.
And if the above is not sufficient, there are several water front restaurants on Captiva as well, including The Green Flash, The Mucky Duck and Old Captiva House.