Fort Myers serves up a feast for food fans. This Florida city boasts eateries that fly under the radar alongside well-known hotspots. Locals and visitors alike can find culinary treasures throughout town. Let’s explore the diverse flavors and atmospheres from popular spots and hidden gem restaurants in Fort Myers that make this city a dining destination.
The Veranda stands as an iconic dining destination in Fort Myers. Housed in two turn-of-the-century homes, this restaurant offers a unique blend of history and culinary excellence. The menu features American and Southern cuisine, prepared using fresh, local ingredients.
Guests can enjoy their meals in various charming settings, including a courtyard adorned with tropical foliage. The restaurant’s wine list has received accolades, offering an extensive selection to complement the dishes.
The Veranda’s ambiance transports diners to a bygone era, making it a favored spot for special occasions and romantic dinners. Its reputation for exceptional service and consistently high-quality food has helped maintain its status as one of Fort Myers’ top dining establishments over the years.
CIBO brings a taste of Italy to downtown Fort Myers. This family-owned restaurant prides itself on serving authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The menu showcases a variety of pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and traditional Italian entrees.
One of CIBO’s highlights is its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Many of the pasta dishes are made with homemade noodles, and the pizzas feature a thin, crispy crust that’s a hallmark of authentic Italian pizza.
The restaurant’s interior design creates a cozy, intimate dining experience. An open kitchen allows diners to watch as their meals are prepared, adding to the overall experience. CIBO’s attention to detail in both food preparation and presentation has earned it a loyal following among local food enthusiasts.
The Lodge offers a unique dining concept in Fort Myers, combining elements of a sports bar with upscale comfort food. The restaurant’s rustic decor, featuring wood paneling and taxidermy, creates a cabin-like atmosphere that sets it apart from typical sports bars.
The menu at The Lodge focuses on elevated pub fare. Burgers made with high-quality beef, creative sandwiches, and a variety of appetizers designed for sharing are among the popular offerings. The restaurant also boasts an impressive selection of craft beers and cocktails.
Multiple large-screen TVs throughout the space make The Lodge a popular spot for watching sporting events. Despite its casual atmosphere, the restaurant maintains a focus on quality food and service, attracting a diverse clientele beyond just sports fans.
Ford’s Garage has become a staple in the Fort Myers dining scene, offering a unique automotive-themed experience. The restaurant’s decor pays homage to Ford Motor Company and the 1920s service station era, complete with vintage cars, gas pumps, and other memorabilia.
The menu at Ford’s Garage centers around gourmet burgers, each named after a notable Ford model. These burgers are crafted using premium Black Angus beef and served on branded buns. Beyond burgers, the restaurant offers a variety of American comfort foods, including sandwiches, salads, and classic entrees.
Ford’s Garage also prides itself on its extensive beer selection, featuring numerous craft beers on tap. The combination of themed decor, quality food, and diverse drink options has made this restaurant a popular choice for both locals and tourists in Fort Myers.
Izzy’s Fish & Oyster brings a taste of New England to southwest Florida. This seafood-focused restaurant offers a menu inspired by the coastal cuisine of the northeastern United States, featuring fresh fish, lobster rolls, and of course, oysters.
The restaurant’s raw bar is a central feature, offering a rotating selection of fresh oysters from various regions. Izzy’s commitment to sourcing high-quality seafood is evident in the freshness and flavor of their dishes.
Beyond oysters, the menu includes a variety of seafood entrees, as well as some land-based options for those who prefer meat or poultry. The restaurant’s interior design evokes a modern coastal vibe, creating a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere for enjoying seafood.
Wisteria Tea Room & Café offers a quaint and charming dining experience in Fort Myers. As its name suggests, this establishment specializes in afternoon tea service, providing a selection of fine teas along with an array of sweet and savory treats.
The café’s menu features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and homemade soups, all prepared with fresh ingredients. Their afternoon tea service includes an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, served on elegant tiered trays.
The interior of Wisteria Tea Room is decorated in a Victorian style, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere. The attention to detail extends to the table settings, which feature fine china and silverware. This unique dining concept has made Wisteria Tea Room a popular spot for special occasions and gatherings.
Farmer’s Market Restaurant has been a Fort Myers institution since 1952, known for its hearty, home-style Southern cooking. The restaurant’s longevity is a testament to its consistent quality and loyal customer base.
The menu at Farmer’s Market Restaurant features classic Southern dishes, including fried chicken, country-fried steak, and a variety of vegetable sides. Many of the recipes have remained unchanged for decades, preserving the flavors that have made the restaurant a local favorite.
Despite its name, Farmer’s Market Restaurant is not located in a market, but rather in a standalone building. The interior is simple and unpretentious, focusing on comfort rather than style. This no-frills approach to dining, combined with generous portions and reasonable prices, continues to attract diners seeking authentic Southern cuisine in Fort Myers.
The Latin Grill brings authentic Latin American flavors to Fort Myers. This family-owned eatery serves up generous portions of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican dishes. Their menu features classics like ropa vieja, mofongo, and pernil.
Regulars rave about the Cuban sandwiches, pressed to perfection and filled with juicy roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. The arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) is another crowd-pleaser, seasoned just right and cooked until tender.
Don’t skip dessert – the homemade flan and tres leches cake offer a sweet end to your meal. The warm, inviting atmosphere and friendly staff make you feel right at home.
PokeBowl Cafe brings a taste of Hawaii to Southwest Florida. This casual spot specializes in customizable poke bowls – a Hawaiian dish featuring cubed raw fish, rice, and various toppings.
Start by choosing your base (white rice, brown rice, or mixed greens), then select your protein. Options include fresh tuna, salmon, octopus, or tofu for vegetarians. Load up on toppings like edamame, seaweed salad, pickled vegetables, and crispy onions. Finish it off drizzled sauce – the spicy mayo and ponzu are local favorites.
The portions are generous, and the fish is always fresh. It’s a quick, healthy option for lunch or dinner. The bright, airy interior creates a relaxed vibe perfect for enjoying your bowl.
Trattoria Mia offers an intimate dining experience featuring authentic Italian cuisine. This small, family-run restaurant feels like stepping into a cozy trattoria in Italy. The menu changes seasonally to showcase fresh, local ingredients.
Handmade pasta dishes shine here. The pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale (wide ribbon pasta with wild boar sauce) is rich and satisfying. For seafood lovers, the linguine alle vongole (linguine with clams) bursts Mediterranean flavors.
Save room for the tiramisu – it’s made fresh daily and strikes the perfect balance of coffee, cocoa, and creamy mascarpone. The wine list features a curated selection of Italian varietals to complement your meal.
Cape Cod Fish Co. brings a taste of New England to Fort Myers. This casual seafood joint specializes in fresh catches prepared simply and deliciously. The menu changes daily based on what’s available, ensuring peak freshness.
Their lobster rolls are a standout – chunks of sweet lobster meat lightly dressed and served on a toasted split-top bun. The fish and chips feature flaky cod in a crispy beer batter, served golden brown and piping hot.
Don’t overlook the raw bar offerings, including oysters, clams, and peel-and-eat shrimp. The nautical decor and laid-back atmosphere transport you to a seaside shack in Cape Cod.
Taqueria San Julian serves up some of the most authentic Mexican street food in Fort Myers. This no-frills joint focuses on quality ingredients and traditional recipes.
Their tacos are the star of the show. Choose al pastor (marinated pork), carne asada (grilled beef), or pollo (chicken), served on soft corn tortillas and topped simply with cilantro and onions. The barbacoa (slow-cooked beef) has a tender and packed flavor.
Don’t miss the elote – Mexican street corn slathered in mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. Wash it all down an ice-cold horchata or Mexican Coca-Cola. The casual, counter-service setup makes it perfect for a quick bite.
Molon Labe Souvlaki brings a taste of Greece to Fort Myers. This family-owned restaurant serves up authentic Greek cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
Their namesake dish, souvlaki, features tender chunks of marinated pork or chicken grilled to perfection and served on pita bread. The gyros are equally delicious, piled high shaved meat and topped with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Vegetarians will love the spanakopita – flaky phyllo pastry filled spinach and feta cheese. End your meal on a sweet note: the baklava, layered crispy phyllo, honey, and chopped nuts.
The blue and white decor evokes the Greek islands, while the friendly staff makes you feel like part of the family.
Saigon Sandwiches specializes in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly the beloved banh mi sandwich. This small, unassuming shop turns out big flavors.
Their classic banh mi features a crispy baguette filled with your choice of protein (grilled pork, lemongrass chicken, or tofu), pickled vegetables, cilantro, and a smear of pâté. The combination of textures and flavors is unbeatable.
Beyond sandwiches, you’ll find other Vietnamese staples like pho (beef noodle soup) and bun thit nuong (grilled pork over vermicelli noodles). The Vietnamese iced coffee, made sweetened condensed milk, provides a perfect caffeine kick.
The no-frills interior keeps the focus where it should be – on the delicious food. It’s an ideal spot for a quick, satisfying lunch.
Fort Myers’ food scene offers something for every palate. Between the lesser-known spots and famous favorites, the city caters to all tastes and budgets. Next time you’re in town, venture beyond the usual haunts. You might just stumble upon your new go-to place.
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