Location: Punta Gorda
Top Restaurants in Punta Gorda
Top Things to do in Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Punta Gorda
The thriving little city of Punta Gorda enjoys a pleasant year-round climate, relaxed lifestyle, and many recreational opportunities. The friendly hospitality, year-round planned activities, shuffle board courts, great restaurants, golfing, fishing, and miles of sandy beaches make Punta Gorda an ideal vacation destination. Take a day to experience the most interesting waterfront complex-Fisherman’s Village. Here you will find a conglomerate of unique shops and restaurants. Look no further for all your vacation needs including boats, jet skis, and bicycles for rent. For the avid camper there is nothing quite like the Babcock Wilderness Adventures, which offers eco tours through acres of swamps, trails, and wildlife. Take a Swamp Buggy Tour through Telegraph Cypress Swamp. Be enthralled by the variety of flora and fauna. Keep a lookout for elusive panthers, bison, exotic tropical birds, and alligators. Once you emerge from the swamps, take a deep-sea fishing excursion in the Gulf of Mexico. Some companies offer sightseeing cruises to the outer islands, including full and half-day cruises. Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise, and be amazed at the most beautiful sunsets in Florida. If you want, try a round of Golf at the Punta Gorda Country Club semiprivate 18-hole, par 72 golf course. This tree-lined green boasts open fairways and great views. There is a driving range and pro shop, and rental clubs are available. At night, you should get out and sample some of the best fresh local cuisine. Offerings range from stew chicken and stew pork to whole fried snapper and snook filets. Restaurants range from open-air, thatch-roof structures to small romantic and upscale dining establishments.
Things to do in Punta Gorda
1. The Orange House Wine Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
The Orange House is combination Bistro and Wine Bar. We offer small plates of various portions. You may snack on imported olives, nibble on a Artisan Cheese Plate, or if you are up for something a bit heartier...you can choose a Flatbread or Wine Bar Plate . We have an amazing selection of wines with over 100 to choose from and around 50 that are served by the glass . Our staff is focused on providing you with a great experience, so please ask about our wines and if a bottle is open, we will happily let you sample. We also have an ample selection of bottled beers and make a great cappuccino or latte! LIVE MUSIC!!.... including Jazz, Blues, & Motown can be heard every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. The staff is warm and inviting and we treat you like family. ******SIP INTO SOMETHING COMFORTABLE AT THE ORANGE HOUSE******
Reviewed By angbach44 - Wharton, New Jersey
We were looking for a different type of restaurant and we found the perfect one. My husband and I both were in the mood for tapas or small plates. The Orange House's menu fit the bill perfectly. We had the fish spread ...scrumptious! We also ordered the cheese and meet plate which comes with an assortment of fruits, olives, 2 different cheeses, pepperoni, sopressotta, artichoke hearts and other yummy things. All this served with cut up Italian bread and flavored oil to dip it in. I had a delicious glass of wine. We sat on the porch under an umbrella. What a unique little place.
2. Carmelo's Italian Ristorante
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 558 reviews
Reviewed By Bob S - Olathe, Kansas
We met some friends here and ate out on the patio. I had the Penne pasta with ham & vegetables and my wife the Chicken Picatta. Both portions were large and very good. Parking is a bit of a problem, as their lot is small but there are a lot of options close by. I was glad we were seated outside as the inside seemed dark and a bit crowded. Our server was Arlina and she did and excellent job and made us feel special. We understand they will be moving a few blocks away soon and will eliminate the outside patio.
3. The Perfect Caper
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 568 reviews
Reviewed By jcbvsb - Atlanta, Georgia
Everything we ate was delicious! The service was excellent and while there was a tiny mistake with one of our salads--they more than made up for it and it really didn't matter.
4. The Celtic Ray Public House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 828 reviews
FAILTE! [WELCOME!] The Celtic Ray Public House in downtown Punta Gorda opened in 1997 by Proprietor Kevin Doyle. At the time there wasn’t a single establishment in the area that offered a variety of quality imported beers and the atmosphere of a traditional Irish Pub. We serve only high-quality imported draught beers, bottled beers, ciders, fine wines, as well as, a selection of “soft” beverages. We also have expanded with the ‘other side’ and now have a full liquor bar! Our menu features traditional Irish Pub favorites made from fresh ingredients and family recipes. The Celtic Ray’s Fish & Chips are famous worldwide! See you at the Ray, Slainte!
Reviewed By Mickie T - Lemont, Illinois
We had a wonderful experience here! Maybe people don't know that they have to order at the bar but that's just how they do it here. We sat at the bar and had quick friendly service. I had the fish and chips and everything was made from scratch and delicious. The coleslaw is fantastic! We would go back here is a heartbeat! The live Irish music was great with people singing along.
5. The Blue Turtle Tavern & Raw Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 458 reviews
The Blue Turtle offer unique settings in each of its spaces. The impressive fireplace area is flanked with ceiling-high bookcases, reminiscent of an exclusive club. The Claw Bar area showcases the abundance of a coastal tavern spilling the day's catch on a massive bed of crushed lemon ice. And, ultimately, every guest will arrive at the spacious patio, spreading out from around a burbling fountain and twinkling lights. The patio's vine-covered walls define a secret garden and make it the perfect place to linger with a good beer or glass of wine and old friends.
Reviewed By ferreilo - Toronto
First time back since changes made to restaurant, and while we miss some items from the previous menu, we really enjoyed everything we had, starting with the lobster bisque through the seafood main entree.
Love the tables out back, and the service was very good! Look forward to going back!
6. Piccolo Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By Georgemeltz
Went to this tiny restaurant for the first time with my adult son. The positive reviews led us there.
We shared an antipasto salad which was delicious. Only improvement would be to add more meat.
We both had veal parmigiana with spaghetti. The veal was so tender you didn’t have to chew it. Absolutely wonderful and a huge serving that filled the plate. Hardly touch the delicious home made spaghetti.
Can’t wait to go back!!!
7. Italia at River City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By kibbe - Michigan
If you like typical Italian food you won't be disappointed. Spaghetti and meatballs was very good. As was the eggplant Parmesan. Nicely decorated. VERY noisy. High ceilings and loud voices made it difficult to have table conversation. One little thing to know. . . only one salad dressing to chose from! Makes it easy on the wait staff!!!
8. John Ski's House of Breakfast and Lunch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 328 reviews
Reviewed By Tim L - Port Charlotte, Florida, United States
Finally had the opportunity to go to John Ski’s for breakfast. At 8:30 AM it was already packed. We got the last table and considering how busy they were I thought the service was great. I had a breakfast combo...biscuits, gravy, sausage, and eggs. Very pleased with the price and quantity. Looking forward to my next stop at John Ski’s.
9. Perch 360
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
Overlooking downtown Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor, the beautifully landscaped Rooftop Bar & Restaurant has views to match its cuisine. Savor signature cocktails, local craft beers and boutique wines along with an enticing Tapas menu in a relaxing al fresco ambiance. Perch 360 strives to offer the freshest, highest-quality ingredients sourced from local suppliers and our rooftop herb garden. We value our partnerships with local farms such as Three Suns Ranch, Island Crab Company, Seminole Pride Beef, Sanibel Seafood, Aloe Organics and Circle C Farm which allow us to truly embrace the farm-to-table concept. We make it a priority to serve options that are Non-GMO, Soy, Corn & Gluten Free, Grass Fed and Organic. In the spirit of our locally sourced and farm-fresh ingredients, we have designed our entire dining experience tapas style, allowing guests to sample a variety of dishes, tastes, and flavorings that have inspired us. We recommend ordering a handful of dishes to sample and share.
Reviewed By marleyandmike - Port Charlotte, Florida
Enjoyed a martini while looking over the beautiful Charlotte Harbor and imminent sunset before dinner at 88 Keys in The Wyvern Hotel. It doesn't get much better!
10. Peace River Seafood
Overall Ratings
4 based on 528 reviews
There is info on blogthebeach.com.
Reviewed By Alan304 - Cranford, New Jersey
Nothing fancy - just good food. Plastic forks and knives and a roll of paper towels on the table. We enjoyed everything. You might want to check the price for some items. Our server suggested a platter that I didn’t see on the menu. The cost of the platter was $49. I’m not really complaining because we enjoyed every bite. The Key Lime pie is VERY good also.
