Location: Matlacha
Top Restaurants in Matlacha
Top Things to do in Matlacha
Matlacha Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Matlacha
Matlacha ( /ˈmætləʃeɪ/ MAT-lə-shay "MAT-la-shay") is a census-designated place (CDP) in Lee County, Florida, United States. As of the 2000 census, the CDP had a total population of 735. It is part of the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Things to do in Matlacha
1. Island Seafood Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
We are a locally owned and family operated retail seafood market that specializes in fresh, local, wild caught, Florida seafood. At Island Seafood Market we offer our customers the freshest fish and seafood available in our clean, boutique style market. In addition, we carry a variety of specialty spices, homemade sauces, homemade dips and products to compliment your seafood. If you ever want something that we don't have in stock, just let us know and we can make it happen. In most cases, we can get it to you the next day.
Reviewed By Tripping9900 - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
We have gone to lunch here and both times the sandwiches have been very good. First time we got the grouper sandwich and it was cooked perfectly and we agreed it was our favorite grouper sandwich so far.
Recently, we tried the mangrove snapper sandwich and it was delicious. They put lettuce, tomato and onion on top and even the bun is good. The sandwich comes with a bag of chips, side of tartar sauce and a small container of coleslaw (that has a nice citrus vinegar dressing).
The food takes a while but if you sit outside on the picnic table (there are two tables) you can watch the birds or fishing boats go by. There are a few tables inside (it is a small place) and one or two tables outside by the entrance.
Sandwiches are approximately $15 and the quality is worth it. Can't wait to go back and try something else. You can also buy fresh fish to go, seafood items out of the glass cases or seasonings that are on the shelves.
If coming from Cape Coral onto Pine Island, the restaurant will be on the right side, immediately before you get to the drawbridge. The parking lot is small (similar case for many places on Pine Island Rd).
2. Great Licks Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 328 reviews
Reviewed By Shannon L - Fort Myers, Florida
This was our first but not our last time visiting here. I ice cream is homemade and excellent. The owner was serving us that day and he was very informative about the ice cream and just a pleasant gentleman to talk too. The ice cream store is attached to a very nice and unique gift shop. There were tables and chairs inside that we sat at and enjoyed the ice cream, gift shop offerings and nice environment. Will be hard to drive past this place ever again.
3. Saltwater Smokehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By X-flight29 - Bardstown, Kentucky
Picked up brisket to go......absolutely awesome. Thin sliced, great smoke flavor, and horseradish sauce is to kill for. Their gumbo is excellent as well as the smoked wings. Keep up the good work!Thank you for the kind review. So glad to hear you enjoyed everything, we promise to keep up the good work.
4. El Pollo Rico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By FrankJ50 - Saint James City, Florida
Being a full time island resident I am embarrassed to admit this was my first visit to EPR. Certainly my loss.
Tuesday dinner with a friend included HOUSE MADE sausage and the roast chicken pot pie. The sausage platter included two long and hefty “links” of densely meaty filling with no noted filler and a perfect touch of heat. The black beans were cooked perfectly.
Chicken pot pie was large, full of tasty chicken with a great fluffy crust.
The homemade sangria was very refreshing.
Barbara, our server, was perfect in every way.
5. Blue Dog Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 715 reviews
The goal of Blue Dog was to open a small, neighborhood restaurant in Matlacha, Florida the town we love. Our focus is on the small things that belong in a neighborhood restaurant. Being genuinely friendly, knowing the names of our guests and serving fresh local food at reasonable prices. Our hope is that the neighborhood grows to trust us and makes us an extension of their homes. The white boots (locally called 'Pine Island Reeboks') that 'Blue' wears on our logo are a nod to the rich past and current fishing history of Pine Island and Matlacha. These boots are worn by commercial fishermen all along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida. From our family, we'd like to give our thanks to every crabber, fisherman, shrimper, oysterman, and all the commercial fishermen on the entire Gulf Coast but particularly Matlacha and Pine Island, for the sacrifices you have made to carry on the traditions of your fathers. It's one of the things that makes us proud to call Matlacha and Pine Island home. This is a great community. We have weathered storms...together. We work hard...together. We play hard...together and when the day is done...those white boots are put out to dry. Come, eat well, have a brew and sit with us for a while...and the dog is happy.
Reviewed By Deborah C - Rotonda West, Florida
We stopped in to try the great mullet we had heard about. To my surprise I had 5 pieces of mullet (I chose fried) on my plate with ample fresh cut fries and coleslaw. It can be ordered grilled or blackened also with other sides. My husband ordered red grouper grilled with fries and coleslaw. Both good choices and everything tasted very good. Our waitress was quick and friendly. The place was very busy. I noticed all the plates of food going past our table were loaded...the portions are large. Quaint place. They do have parking & lucky for us a car was leaving. Looking forward to our next visit.
6. Tarpon Lodge Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
Reviewed By GROFREE - Littleton, MA
We did not have a reservation but showed up as a large party was wrapping up. The host told us to come back in 15 minutes, so we walked the grounds and upon return got a delightful table in the screened in outdoor area. The menu had lots of great choices and the wait staff was excellent. I would recommend it as a great meal on Pine Island.
7. Perfect Cup
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 381 reviews
The Perfect Cup began as a coffee roasting shop, and expanded to a 7 day a week Breakfast/Lunch Cafe where we have won "best breakfast" and "Best Chowder" 2008,2009,2010. Our coffee is 2nd to none! We also won best breakfast 2011,2012,2013 and 2014 ! Also the chowder competition in 2011. We didn't compete in 2012 or 2013...Entered in 2014 and won again. That said, we have won the chowder competition ever year we have entered!!!
Reviewed By Pat B
Went for lunch. Service was slow. Seafood chowder was lots of thickened cream and not much seafood. Certainly not the best seafood chowder as advertisedI am sorry you had a bowl of chowder that was lacking flavor, and seafood...I will monitor the chowder more closely!
8. Little Lilly's Island Deli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
We offer fast fresh food in a fun environment!! Call ahead for take out or enjoy eating in our eclectic dining room or outside patio. We use Boar's Head Meat & Cheeses and make all our own deli salads and soups.
Reviewed By Taylor S
I've lived on Pine Island my entire life, and this deli is my favorite local place! I get their sandwiches for lunch as many times as I can afford to during the week. Never sat down to eat here, as I prefer to order ahead and pick-up to-go, but the staff is always extremely friendly! My favorite sandwiches are the toasted Italian and the Triple Decker Club. So fresh and SO GOOD!
9. Miceli's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Casual dining, fun atmosphere, outdoor seating, live entertainment 7 days a week.
Reviewed By Sgorie - Rochester, New York
Heard they had live music at 5, place was jamming right off the start! Very large waterfront patio, delicious food, large menu. We came for drinks, took home a pizza and a large salad. Both were delicious. Really enjoyed watching the boats float by. Def be back!
10. Old Fish House Marina Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 433 reviews
Olde Fish House Marina located in Matlacha Florida, outdoor seating on the water. Seafood Market and Restaurant only serves fresh local seafood right off our boats. Watch the fish being unloaded as you sit and relax old Florida style.
Reviewed By Leland C S - Indianapolis, United States
Let’s first talk about ‘what it is’. It’s a fish house, not a fine dining restaurant. As such, it is awesome and here’s why: live bluegrass band at lunch - playing for ‘Fish & Tips’. Located at the Pine Island lift bridge at a marina, there is always fresh fish. There is a daily special ‘Fish Dip’. Today’s outstanding version was smoked amberjack served with crackers and jalapeños on a bed of greens. Soup of the day was Shrimp & Corn Chowder. Tasty & filling. I ‘lunched’ for two hours at a picnic table facing the band with my back to the briny deep. Added a grilled grouper sandwich which overfilled me, but I washed it all down with Jamaican Red Stripe beer. Server was Nicole - pleasant and efficient. Come to think of it, the other server was Nicole, too. Loved this ‘divey’ wharf side diner.
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