Would like to hear your recommendations for restaurants on Ft Myers Beach or nearby. Will be staying in a condo mid-island for my 50th high school reunion the first week in June. We'll do some cooking in and some eating out in Ft Myers, where I am more familiar with restaurants, but need suggestions for on beach dining.
I am usually reluctant to evaluate restaurants, since things can change quickly (...for better or worse) and people's tastes and opinions vary quite widely.
So.......my advance caveat is that the following is just my own personal opinion (but based upon recent, and in some instances multiple, first hand experiences):
Fresh Catch Bistro is, hands down, the best seafood restaurant on FMB. Located at +/- 3000 Estero Blvd., beside Junkanoo, diagonally across from small fire substation.
It's been there for just a few years now, having replaced a restaurant called Anthony's (which we also liked). A bit pricey, but excellent. Reservations recommended.
Bayfront Bistro (on the water, located at the marina behind Publix) is pretty good too, but not as good as Fresh Catch Bistro (IMnsHO). At this place they offer "early bird" specials (...if you are interested in having dinner so "early").
The Fish House moved earlier this year from its' waterfront spot behind Santini Plaza. It's now on a side street off Time Square. Haven't been there since the move --- wasn't inclined to tackle the hubub and traffic and inadequate parking in and around Time Square to try the new location. I always liked the casual informality of the funky old place, but have no idea what changes (if any) the Fish House might be implementing at their new location. Another eatery of some sort is supposed to occupy the vacated former Fish House space behind Santini Plaza, but that space was still completely empty with no visible signs of activity when I last checked in mid-March.
Skye's in Santini Plaza (...a strip mall in front of Fish Tale Marina) is a non-chain Mexican restaurant we like. I'm no Mexican food expert, but we like the place and locals seem to frequent it. Tequiila is just a faintly whispered rumor in their large but weak Margueritas however. House made guacamole and salsa are both very good.
Enzo's. If willing to leave FMB, this is an Italian restaurant not far south (maybe 7-8 miles?) in Bonita Springs which is definitely worth the drive. Right on Bonita Beach Road (the very same road as Estero Blvd and Hickory Blvd; it just changes names when town / section changes). Within a small strip mall. Excellent, authentic Italian food. A white linen tablecloth place --- it's definitely not your Papa Gino's. Extensive wine list. We occasionally indulge in a Sicilian (thick crust) pizza from Enzo's to take home, also excellent. The too-many calories just magically dissipate from the cut edges of the pizza, doncha know, when you cut it into smaller pieces.
Charley's Boathouse on Estero Blvd in FMB is very popular but frankly, I'm not quite sure why. They do have a nice salad bar and everything is consistently well prepared, but (IMnsHO) the entire menu is uninspired and boring. They've been there for a very long time however and they certainly do a great business, so Charley's clearly appeals to
some demographic (...among whom I clearly just do not personally number).
First time at
South Beach Grille this year, located in the aforementioned Santini Plaza on Estero Blvd. Dinner was good, but cannot and will not say it was excellent.
We involuntarily witnessed some odd, hostile server "attitude" directed toward some people (...maybe recognized by their server as previous bad tippers? Dunno.
) at two different nearby tables, but our own server was very nice. We enjoyed the dinner and would return, but we're honestly not in any real big rush to do so.
Hope some of the above is of some help or interest to you.
