10 Best Fort Myers Restaurants

Fort Myers is famous for fresh Gulf Coast seafood, like grouper, snapper, and shrimp. The area's culinary identity is defined by its coastal location, with many restaurants serving simply prepared, grilled, or blackened fresh-caught fish. The "Old Florida" style of cooking is prevalent, emphasizing the natural flavor of the seafood. A signature local dish is the grouper sandwich, a staple on menus throughout the region. Key lime pie is the most characteristic dessert. A growing number of chefs also focus on farm-to-table dining, incorporating local tropical fruits and produce into their menus.

The average cost for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Fort Myers is between $18 and $30. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs from $75 to $120. Prices at fine dining establishments begin at $70 per person and increase based on the restaurant and menu choices.

The fast-food selection in Fort Myers includes popular national chains and regional favorites that are deeply ingrained in Florida's culture. Publix Deli, located inside the supermarket chain, is a top choice for its made-to-order "Pub Subs." Culver's is another favorite, known for its ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard.

• Publix Deli: A Florida institution famous for its custom-built sub sandwiches, especially the Chicken Tender Sub.
• Culver's: A Midwestern chain popular in Florida for its ButterBurgers, cheese curds, and frozen custard.
• Chick-fil-A: A national chain with a strong presence, known for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries.
• PDQ: A regional chain specializing in fresh, never frozen chicken tenders, sandwiches, and salads.
• Taco Bell: Offers Mexican-inspired fast food like tacos, burritos, and specialty items.
• Five Guys: Known for its made-to-order burgers with unlimited toppings and fresh-cut fries.
• Jersey Mike's Subs: A submarine sandwich chain that slices its meats and cheeses to order.
• Wendy's: A national chain popular for its square burgers, chili, and Frosty desserts.

Fort Myers’ newest restaurants are The Haze Tiki Bar and Zil-e-Huma. Other recently opened restaurants in the city are shown below:

• The Haze Tiki Bar: A new tiki-themed bar and restaurant at the Westin Cape Coral, offering tropical cocktails and Polynesian-inspired small plates with waterfront views. Located at 5951 Silver King Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33914.
• Zil-e-Huma: A restaurant specializing in authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine, offering dishes like biryani, karahi, and kebabs. Located at 15880 San Carlos Blvd #125, Fort Myers, FL 33908.
• The 239: A restaurant and bar in the Luminary Hotel's Workshop culinary laboratory, featuring a rotating menu concept. Located at 2200 Edwards Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33901.
• Seed & Bean Market: A cafe and market with a second location in Cape Coral, offering coffee, CBD-infused drinks, and a menu of healthy bowls, sandwiches, and pastries. Located at 111 S. Del Prado Blvd, Unit 3, Cape Coral, FL 33990.

Downtown Fort Myers, particularly along First and Second Streets, is a concentrated hub for some of the city's best dining establishments. This historic River District is home to long-standing institutions and modern eateries, as shown below:

• The Veranda: A historic fine-dining restaurant in two turn-of-the-century homes, known for its romantic garden courtyard and Southern cuisine.
• Izzy's Fish and Oyster: A contemporary seafood restaurant serving New England-inspired dishes and an extensive raw bar.
• Ford's Garage: A burger and craft beer restaurant with a 1920s service station theme.
• Oxbow Bar & Grill: A casual waterfront restaurant on the Caloosahatchee River offering seafood, sandwiches, and cocktails.
• Cabos Cantina Taco & Tequila Bar: A lively spot for tacos, tequila, and Mexican street food.

Yes. Fort Myers has a great variety of lunch spots, from historic diners to waterfront cafes such as Farmer's Market Restaurant, Tarpon Lodge Restaurant, and Blossom and Brie. Farmer's Market Restaurant, a local landmark since 1952, serves classic Southern comfort food in a no-frills diner setting. Tarpon Lodge Restaurant on Pine Island offers a destination lunch with fresh seafood and water views in a historic building. Blossom and Brie is a quick and modern option specializing in high-quality sandwiches and artisan charcuterie boards.

Yes. The city offers excellent choices for dinner, ranging from intimate, chef-driven restaurants to classic fine-dining establishments including Harold's, The Veranda, and CIBO. Harold's provides an exclusive farm-to-table experience with a weekly changing menu in a very small dining room. The Veranda is a top destination for a romantic dinner, set in historic homes with a beautiful courtyard and Southern-influenced menu. CIBO is a family-owned restaurant known for its completely from-scratch pasta and traditional Italian dishes.

Restaurants in Fort Myers that serve vegan food include Chef Brooke's Natural Cafe, Loving Hut, and House of Vegano. Chef Brooke's Natural Cafe offers a menu of organic, plant-based dishes, juices, and smoothies. Loving Hut is part of an international vegan chain, providing Asian-inspired plant-based cuisine. House of Vegano specializes in vegan versions of Latin American comfort foods. Seed & Bean Market also provides several plant-based options on its cafe menu.

The restaurants in Fort Myers that serve gluten-free food are Harold's, The Veranda, CIBO, and Epiphany Gluten Free Bakery. Harold's chef-driven menu can be adapted to accommodate gluten-free diners. The Veranda offers a gluten-sensitive menu for its Southern-inspired fine-dining dishes. CIBO can prepare many of its from-scratch Italian entrees with gluten-free pasta. Epiphany Gluten Free Bakery is a dedicated facility offering breads, pastries, and desserts.

Fort Myers' most famous cuisines are fresh Gulf seafood and traditional Southern comfort food. The city's location on the Caloosahatchee River near the Gulf of Mexico dictates a food culture centered on fresh-caught fish, while its history grounds it in Southern traditions. Listed below are the most common and popular cuisines in Fort Myers:

• Seafood: This is the definitive cuisine of the area. Restaurants throughout Fort Myers specialize in serving fresh grouper, snapper, shrimp, and stone crabs, often prepared simply to feature the quality of the fish. Waterfront restaurants are a key part of this experience.
• Southern: Historic establishments like Farmer's Market Restaurant have served classic Southern comfort food for generations. Dishes like fried chicken, country-fried steak, collard greens, and grits are staples of this cuisine.
• New American: A growing number of chef-driven restaurants focus on New American and farm-to-table dining. Places like Harold's and Blanc offer seasonal, inventive menus that utilize locally sourced produce and proteins.
• Italian: The city has a selection of authentic Italian restaurants. Establishments like CIBO are known for making their pasta and sauces in-house, serving traditional regional dishes.
• New England Seafood: This specific style of seafood has a notable presence. Izzy's Fish and Oyster brings a taste of the Northeast to downtown, specializing in dishes like lobster rolls and a raw bar with East Coast oysters.