Where to Eat in Fort Myers: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 15, 2018 Madelene Haan

The City of Palms is located in Southwestern Florida on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River. Most visitors go to Fort Myers for the deep-sea fishing, the golf courses and the famous white sand beaches and islands that line the Gulf Coast. A renovation of the city's downtown waterfront promises new restaurants, clubs, shops and galleries. Attractions include the winter estates of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, as well as nearby Naples and the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.
Things to do in Fort Myers

1. Gusto Cucina Italiana

229 Del Prado Blvd N, Suite 15, Cape Coral, FL 33909-2264 Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Dinner SGD 18 - SGD 38 +1 239-458-5900
Excellent
85%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 138 reviews

Gusto Cucina Italiana

Our restaurant is about Authentic Italian Fresh food made to order. We specialize in Sicilian Saute and house made desserts. Award winning Food!

Reviewed By gatorphin - Cape Coral,FL

Wow! First time trying this restaurant. We waited close to an hour and were seated close to closing time. Just my wife and I. We started off with the crostini. Delicious and huge. Had a couple glasses of wine and then came the main dishes....MoreThank you so much! We really appreciate this.

2. Harold's

15250 S Tamiami Trl, Suite107, Fort Myers, FL 33908-7222 Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards French, American, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Dinner SGD 20 - SGD 66 +1 239-849-0622
Excellent
85%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 123 reviews

Harold's

Small, upscale Farm to Table restaurant. Serving eclectic cuisine with everything made in-house from scratch. Wine and beer list are well appointed of decent size with a fairly large selection for our size. Menu changes weekly.

Reviewed By Lillette - Rochester, New York

Cozy and intimate, nicely appointed. Polished servers right there when you need them. Complimentary cucumber/mint water was offered. It sounds good, but I wasn't taken with the taste. Arugula salad w/fried goat cheese was full of flavor but overpriced. Four scallops over mushroom risotto were...MoreWe make our own oil, I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it and I will take a look at the batch asap. I appreciate the criticism as it make us strive to improve. I'd hope you'd give us another chance in the future. Thanks again.

3. Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe

2512 2nd St, Fort Myers, FL 33901-2518 Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards American, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Brunch SGD 12 +1 239-689-4436
Excellent
82%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 361 reviews

Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe

Reviewed By sallysue1279 - Fort Myers, Florida

I took my teenage granddaughters here for lunch, and they are already making plans to return during Spring Break! Absolutely charming! Kim, our server, explained the menu, including the various tea offerings. We selected a variety of sandwiches, salads, and scones, and they were all delicious. Everything was fresh and beautifully presented. We chose the never-ending pot of tea, and enjoyed all the flavors we tried. The girls have already decided that next time we will try the 3-tiered high tea. It is beautiful! Do go here if you're in or near Ft. Myers. And call ahead for reservations!

4. Bianca's Ristorante

16251 N Cleveland Ave, North Fort Myers, FL 33903-2176 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Italian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night SGD 20 - SGD 33 +1 239-995-3272
Excellent
68%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 604 reviews

Bianca's Ristorante

Welcome to Bianca's Ristorante, where family, friends and exceptional food are a tradition! Owners Jan and Mark want you to feel right at home at Bianca's. Their heritage of hospitality runs deep in the family. At Bianca's Ristorante be prepared for unbelievable Italian cuisine, including southern tomato-based classics and northern dishes rich in butter and cream. Chef David Svoboda uses only the freshest ingredients to guarantee a delicious meal prepared just for you. When you walk through the door of Bianca's, whether stopping by for a glass of Chianti or settling in for an authentic Italian dining experience, all of us at Bianca's strive to personally welcome each of you with a friendly smile and a cheery "ciao"!

Reviewed By Traveller2789 - Fort Myers, Florida

My partner and I ordered the seafood verona, which was supposed to have lobster in it. It did have several overcooked shrimp, decent small scallops and a lot of generic light red sauce smothering it (ugh) in a pasta. They charged $26.00 for this dish. We also ordered the black grouper special, for $29.00, which came with a decent sized piece of OVERCOOKED fish over a bed of spaghetti containing a few capers. Completely tasteless and disappointing. The pasta soup was very tasteful, but that was the only redeeming part of the meal. Service was slow and the place was packed. If we ever went back it would be for a more generic and appropriately priced plate such as a parmesan dish. You cannot really screw that up!

5. Cape Cod Fish Company

15501 Old McGregor Blvd Ste 12, Fort Myers, FL 33908-2793 Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Takeout, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards American, Seafood, Soups, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 7 - SGD 52 +1 239-313-6462
Excellent
75%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 906 reviews

Cape Cod Fish Company

Authentic New England Seafood! "Bringing the flavors of the New England shores to Florida's Gulf Coast." Fried Ipswich Belly Clams, Chowder and Clamcakes, Lobstah Rolls. Casual restaurant with counter service, indoor and outdoor seating. Near beaches. Full Menu available for Take out.

Reviewed By Prestoni - Raleigh NC

I researched TripAdvisor to see what seafood restaurant was highly recommended and this one surfaced to the top. My wife ordered the Pimento Cheese and Crab Sandwich and I ordered the Lobster and Corn Chowder along with the Connecticut Lobster Roll Sandwich (because it was warmed while others weren't). We both were extremely pleased. Service was friendly and frequent without hovering.

6. Courtside Steakhouse

17260 Harbour Point Dr, Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa, Fort Myers, FL 33908-2704 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Steakhouse, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner +1 239-466-2138
Excellent
77%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 214 reviews

Courtside Steakhouse

Reviewed By milsie4 - Kansas City, Missouri

Make reservations early as they fill up quickly. Wait staff was great. Helped us pick excellent choices. Steak and black grouper. Both were excellent. Ordered aside of Brussel Sprouts. Huge portion for side dishes. Too full for dessert. Good wine list too. Will go back every time we visit!

7. Mina's Bistro

4391 Colonial Blvd Ste 104, The Colonial Center, Fort Myers, FL 33966-1055 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Latin, Ecuadorean, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 20 - SGD 42 +1 239-225-1139
Excellent
78%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 602 reviews

Mina's Bistro

We are a family owned and operated restaurant who prides itself in using the best products out there to create the most delicious food in town!!

Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member

Family owned restaurant from host to chefs with outstanding service and delicious food! Highly recommend! We had Salmon Marsala and Ecuadorian beef with yellow rice and sweet plantains. Both delicious.

8. Osteria Celli

15880 Summerlin Rd, Unit 308, Fort Myers, FL 33908-9612 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner SGD 26 - SGD 66 +1 239-267-1310
Excellent
79%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 353 reviews

Osteria Celli

Osteria Celli Best italian restaurant is a local Italian Restaurant, a bit less formal than a "ristorante", where the focus is on simple, but delicious food and wine. Menu items are prepared fresh daily and made using the best quality local ingredients. Here at Osteria Celli, we maintain relationships with local farmers and purveyors while importing some of the essential items from Italy. We honor the Italian culinary tradition of making our own pastas, sauces, and desserts. Our focus and commitment is to freshness and we have a deep respect for every ingredient that goes into our dishes. Best Italian Restaurant in Fort Myers Thank you for choosing us and Buon Appetito!

Reviewed By Dean C

We ordered the ciopinno and lamb papperedlle. Both were excellent. Food takes a while to arrive, but that's because it takes time to make it right. Not cheap, but very large portions. Very good value for what you get: fresh,excellent food. Bread straight out of the oven was incredible as was the tappenade accompanying. We will be back.

9. Twisted Lobster

1341 Del Prado Blvd S, Suite 1, Cape Coral, FL 33990-3744 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards American, Seafood, Soups, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 9 - SGD 58 +1 239-800-2879
Excellent
72%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 713 reviews

Twisted Lobster

The Twisted Lobster - Fresh - Flavorful - Unforgettable Whether you're looking for our Famous Twisted Lobster Bisque, our creamy New England Chowda, our succulent Crab Cakes Dinner or our Sriracha BBQ Salmon, you are sure not to be disappointed. Come get "Twisted" at the Twisted Lobster Seafood Grille, Cape Coral!

Reviewed By goldpedler - Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, United States

Went earlyish on a Wed evening, for the lobster tail special. Tons of people waiting, already. Sat at outdoor bar for a beer while we waited- that bartender was REALLY hopping- he was also waiting outdoor tables ! The indoor waitresses seemed crazy busy too. I saw this restaurant compared with Lobster Lady online, and yes, they're both seafood restaurants, and both very busy ! Both Lobster Lady is a whole diff ambiance- much more "upscale", as are their prices. We were satisfied at Twisted Lobster, considering the great price. The "conch fritters" were practically ALL fritter, and very little conch.

10. Courtney's Continental Cuisine

20351 Summerlin Rd, Ste 111, Fort Myers, FL 33908-3757 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards Steakhouse, Seafood, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner SGD 20 - SGD 46 +1 239-466-4646
Excellent
73%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 290 reviews

Courtney's Continental Cuisine

Get ready to experience the best food in Fort Myers! Voted Best Continental Cuisine in The News-Press Reader's Choice Poll. Our menu, offering high-quality food served with a beautiful presentation is so varied we are sure to please everyone in your party. We also have a full bar to accompany your dining choices. We can also cater offsite with a menu tailored just for you, based on your unique needs and budget. Our warm and welcoming lounge is great for Happy Hour, offered daily from 4:00-Close. Dale, Betty and Courtney hope to welcome you soon!

Reviewed By TwoTravelersToG... A - Florida

Dined here on a spur-of-the-moment as first-time customers. We did not have reservations but seemed to time it right between the "early birds" and regular reservations, thus we were able to get a nice table. I imagine that it might be best to make reservations during season to ensure you don't have a long wait.

The menu (available on their website) has a nice variety of choices which should please just about anyone. They also have a full bar along with beer and wine.

Our waiter (and other servers) were VERY professional and we had top-notch service all the way around. When asked for a slight change to a menu item, the waiter ensured it was accommodated and the dish came out correctly.

The entrees come with either a soup or salad. We opted for salads which were fresh and the dressings were flavorful. They also bring you good quality, warm bread and oil for dipping it in.

Our appetizer (shrimp) was very tasty and of good fresh quality - not overdone at all. Our entrees (chicken dishes) were both seasoned nicely with a very large portion size which was far more than either of us could eat. The side dishes, especially the vegs, were also fresh and not overdone.

All in all we had a delicious meal at Courtney's and would return. One slight concern is that the prices are a tad on the high side. I know many people enjoy huge portions and take leftovers home, but I would prefer a smaller portion size along with a smaller price!

I also prefer a more modern, 21st Century-looking atmosphere and Courtney's is definitely decorated on the dark side - but that isn't a deal breaker nor should it be for others if you want an above average dining experience with great service and food.

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