There is a wide variety of delicious eateries on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. From fresh seafood to delicious grills and exotic food, you'll have plenty to choose from. Browse through our list of local favorites below and start planning your tasting tour today!
Discover Top Restaurants on Sanibel & Captiva Islands
Start Dreaming About Your Delicious Vacation Meals
Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille
5400 Plantation Road Captiva | 239-312-4275 | www.docfordscaptiva.com
The restaurant is named after Randy Wayne White’s famous marine biologist/former government agent, Doc Ford, who is the main character in most of Mr. White’s books. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to see the charming Mr. White who can tell a story as well as he can write one.
Sunset Grill
6536 Pine Avenue Sanibel, FL | 239-472-2333 | www.sunsetgrillsanibel.com
Located in “Santiva”, at the western most end of Sanibel just before the bridge to Captiva, this restaurant is an undiscovered jewel. It is one of the few restaurants that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and each meal is more delicious than the next.
Traders
1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 239- 472-7242 | www.traderssanibel.com
If you’re looking for really good food, this is the foodies’ choice for the islands. The food tends toward the gourmet but is not so unusual that those with less exotic tastes can’t enjoy it.
Over Easy Cafe
630 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 239-472-2625 | www.overeasycafesanibel.com
If you’re looking for a great breakfast on Sanibel, the Over Easy Cafe is one of the most popular spots on the two islands. Their expertise is breakfast and lunch so they are not open for dinner.
Gramma Dot's Sanibel Marina
634 N Yachtsman Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 239-472-8138 | GrammaDots
Gramma Dot’s offers a marvelous lunch and dinner menu serving our customers seven days a week from “Sanibel’s only Seaside Saloon” where you can leisurely dine dockside at the Sanibel Marina. Menu features full line of “ONLY FRESH” seafood, salads, sandwiches and more. Appropriate dress required.
The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market
703 Tarpon Bay Rd., Sanibel FL 33957 | 239-395-2722 | timbersofsanibel.com
This iconic restaurant has been an island favorite since 1978 serving fresh seafood and steaks with a lot of personality. The Timbers consistently delivers a full menu of favorites including some of the best oysters in the area. You can also check out the fabulous fish market offering the same delicious items as on their menu.
Paper Fig Kitchen
2003 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 239-877-0050 |https://paperfigkitchen.com/
Their philosophy…..Inspired Fare, Glorious Presentation, Old Fashioned Hospitality! Grab a bite for breakfast, lunch to go (or on the porch), or a take-along dinner. You won’t be disappointed by the variety and flavors of this beloved-by-locals establishment
Joey's Custard
2467 Periwinkle Way Sanibel FL 33957 | 239-472-7222 | www.joeyscustard.com
If your sweet tooth says indulge, there is no better place than Joey’s Custard to satisfy your need for gourmet ice creams, yogurts and custards. With so many choices, you’ll be sure to return time and time again and stay to enjoy the fun atmosphere with board games and free wifi!
The Great White Grill
2440 Palm Ridge Rd Sanibel FL 33957 | 239-472-0212 | greatwhitegrill.com
With the largest beer selection on the island, hand-made pizzas, and amazing Pittsburg style sandwiches, the Great White Grill is the perfect place to get a bite. This Steelers bar is full of fantastic memorabilia, smiling locals and carries every NFL game on their big screen TVs.
Traders 2
2340 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 239-558-8919 | https://www.t2traders.com/
Opened by the owners of Traders, T2 offers more modern flair to your favorite dishes. Think trendy tacos and savory flatbreads and coastal-inspired delicacies. Relax at the full bar with mixology cocktails, craft beers, and a desirable wine list.
The Pecking Order
2496 Palm Ridge Road Sanibel | 239-472-2534 | www.thepeckingordersanibel.com
The Pecking Order is at the top of the list for carry out and delivery joints. If there is such a thing as gourmet carry out, this is it. They feature fresh and delicious southern-style comfort food that is simply heavenly. It is owned by long-time residents of the island and their family recipe for fried chicken will keep you coming back for bucket after bucket.
The Green Flash
15183 Captiva Drive | 239-472-3337 | www.greenflashcaptiva.com
This restaurant has some of the most beautiful views of all the restaurants on both islands. It has an outdoor patio and the inside is a wall of windows. They have a small marina for boaters and the islanders love the conch chowder.
Lighthouse Cafe
362 Periwinkle Way | 239-472-0303 | www.lighthousecafe.com
They claim to have the “World’s Best Breakfast” and you may just agree! This cozy café is a popular breakfast destination known for it’s pancakes and is only open for breakfast and lunch. Their hash browns are fresh, not frozen and they make their own jams or “sauces”. You will not be disappointed!
The Island Cow
2163 Periwinkle Way | 239-472-0606 | www.sanibelislandcow.com
This colorful and popular restaurant has in and out-door seating and has one of the longest menus you’ll find. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are known for their complimentary morning muffins and nightly live music. If that isn’t enough to steer your bike in their direction, they also serve Starbucks coffee!
The Bubble Room
15001 Captiva Drive Captiva | 239-472-5558 | www.thebubbleroomrestaurant.com
The Bubble Room on Captiva is a unique dining experience that is fun for adults and kids. Bubble Scouts bring you sticky buns and pizza bread (aka Bubble Bread) before you even begin your meal and be sure to leave room for their spectacular cakes. The décor is difficult to describe so you’ll have to see it for yourself! As they say, “It’s always Christmas at the Bubble Room!” Be sure to check out their unique gift shop next door.
The Sanibel Sprout
2463 Periwinkle Way | 239-472-4499 | www.sanibelsprout.com
The Sprout is an organic gourmet vegan café and juice bar and the vegan meals are so delicious it makes you happy to be healthy! Islander favorites are the lasagna and taco salad. They also have fresh pressed juices and smoothies. They are located in Bailey’s Plaza on the corner of Periwinkle Road and Tarpon Bay Road. You can eat there or take it to go!
Mudbugs Cajun Kitchen
1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 239-472-2221 | www.Amongtheflowers.com
Located on the main drag of Periwinkle Way, Mud Bugs is a newer addition with major Cajun flair and an Island twist. Open for lunch and dinner, make sure to stop by and get your fill of Crawdads, etouffee soup, and beignets! With a fun New Orleans atmosphere and live music, Mud Bugs is a must on the Sanibel restaurant scene!
Sanibel Bean Island Coffees
2240 Periwinkle Way Sanibel | 239-395-1919 | www.sanibelbean.com
The Sanibel Bean has a dedicated following and is located across from the public park. It is self-service and has indoor and outside seating.
Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory
2330 Palm Ridge Road | 239-472-2555 | www.sanibeldeli.com
The Deli has a little bit of everything. Breakfast sandwiches, homemade soups, and a local favorite for pizza. They also serve delicious Queenie’s ice cream! They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is self-serve and there is casual indoor and outdoor seating.
Spoondrift Island Bowls
2441 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL | (Bailey’s Shopping Plaza) | 239-472-0875 | http://sanibelspoondrift.com/ Spoondrifts’ motto is that an on-the-go beach lifestyle demands fresh, delicious, and healthy food. Try their ‘create your way’ poke bowls and see why their main ingredient is a special one: love!Cielo Sanibel
1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island | 239-472-5555 | cielo-sanibel.com
Farm to table food the way it is meant to be done. From freshly-crafted cocktails to hand-selected ingredients in your meals, your entire dining experience will be full of everything good and good for you.
Huxsters Deli & Market and Huxters Liquors
1203 Periwinkle Way Sanibel | 239-472-6988 | www.huxtersmarket.com
Stop by Huxters and enjoy delicious southern fried chicken, excellent hand-crafted sandwiches and other amazing selections that are perfect for a quick meal. There is also a market to help with all of your grocery needs and a liquor store next door so you'll have everything you need to make your vacation perfect!
Jerry's Foods
1700 Periwinkle Way Sanibel | 239-472-9300 | www.jerrysofsanibel.com
Open 7 days a week from 7am to 7pm, Jerry's Foods has everything you need to keep you full and create wonderful meals in your vacation rental. There is also a deli and a café inside Jerry's Foods to fuel up with some coffee and a sandwich before getting your groceries for your vacation in Sanibel!