Where to Dine on the Waterfront
All around Fort Myers’ islands, beaches and neighborhoods, you’re near so many bodies of water that every meal can come with a different view. Soak in the last rays just before sunset while overlooking the beach and the sparkling Gulf of Mexico. Delight in the sight of a flowing freshwater river while savoring the first bite. Enjoy live music by the bay or a casual happy hour over a tranquil canal. Discover some of the best outdoor restaurants on the water.
Boating is a favorite pastime around here, so local restaurants like to make it easy to pull up and enjoy a great meal. Discover places where you can dock and dine around the Fort Myers area, from delicious fried seafood platters to upscale restaurants that are only reachable by water.
Overlooking Estero Bay and the Snook Bight Marina, Junkanoo Below Deck and Fresh Catch Bistro is accessible by both land and water.
The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill is an open-air favorite in Fort Myers, perfect for a cold beer and fresh seafood.
The legendary Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant is only accessible by boat, so you hop aboard a chartered catamaran and enjoy the ride as much as the cheeseburger waiting at the other end.
Cape Coral’s canals are a perfect backdrop to a meal at Cape Harbour Oyster Bar & Grill, where fresh oysters and the daily catch are always on the menu.
Watch dolphins play while you dine at Coconut Jack’s Waterfront Grille, one of the best waterfront restaurants in Bonita Springs.
Your visit to this area isn’t complete without a stop at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille locations on Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island, home of the island mojito and the famous Yucatán shrimp.
Share small plates and hand-crafted pizza at Fathoms Restaurant & Bar, a Cape Coral favorite located within a luxury yachting community.
Pull up by car or by boat to The Fish House in Bonita Springs, and feast your eyes on a menu that includes peel-and-eat shrimp, conch fritters and a crunchy grouper Reuben.
They might call it a “seaside saloon,” but Gramma Dot's at Sanibel Marina serves both delicious food and drinks in this friendly restaurant that’s accessible by land and water.
Dine by the dock at Captiva island’s The Green Flash, and keep your eyes open for the magical flash of light that can occur at sunset.
Boat or drive to Lazy Flamingo, conveniently located at the Four Winds Marina in Bokeelia.
Just before the Sanibel Causeway is the Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant, overlooking the exclusive Connie Mack Island with direct access to the Gulf.
Head to the upper deck at Matanzas on the Bay on Fort Myers Beach for clear views of the water, along with impeccable seafood and some of the best pizza around.
Dine on Caribbean-style cuisine while looking over Salty Sam’s Marina at Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, perfect for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch.
Live music and comfort food go together at Phuzzy’s Boat Shack in St. James City, on the southern end of Pine Island.
Whether you’re in the mood for a burger or a multicourse meal, Rumrunners serves delicious food along with some of the best waterfront views in Cape Coral.
Enjoy the open-air environment at Three Fishermen Seafood Restaurant as you look over the river and dine on the freshest catch.
Believe it or not, that’s not even the complete list. Come explore what’s by the water in the Fort Myers area and enjoy a great meal with a view.
