But the best part? The menu always evolves with the season! Whimsical and true to Alice’s adventure, this is world class dining. With a great view and an American inspired cuisine, you’ll find yourself seated in a cozy and romantic dining room that overlooks great sunset views.Īll food is fresh and prepared from scratch here. The eclectic menu keeps locals and tourists coming back, despite limited hours.įor 7 days a week, after 4:45 PM, this fancy restaurant opens its doors and welcomes all to Wonderland. The Mad Hatter RestaurantĪlice and the white rabbit anyone? The well-deserved reputation of the Mad Hatter places it on a list of the best restaurants in Sanibel. This place is a little pricy, but is very gluten-free friendly, and the dining experience is worth it all! 5.

So when here, make sure to check out the maple leaf farms duck breast, or even the escargot Rockefeller. There is a reason Cielo was the proud winner of the Best Seafood Category, as well as the Taste of Taste Award. Many of their ingredients are locally sourced, and a lot of the techniques used to craft these meals are inspired from locals, traditions, and history!

They treat each bite as a well-deserved opportunity to toast to the richness of the island, as well as family and friends.įamily and friends gather here at Cielo to really enjoy the handcrafted food and drink. At Cielo, chefs and staff known that every meal is a special occasion. CieloĬielo is one of those restaurants in Sanibel that is popular because of the care they take with their meals. So consider taking some food to go too! 4. From the ever famous big bang shrimp to a seafood platter that features shrimp scampi, scallops and grouper, there are tons of options! And don’t worry: this place stayed true to its roots and still offers steak and red snapper! But what makes this really stand out is the retail fish market: the fish market of Timbers features the largest selection of fresh fish in Southwest Florida. You can eat inside, outside or take your food to go with ease. Today, this location is known as “Sanibel’s Seafood Specialists.” Literally, the only fish they served was red snapper!īut as time went on, and as chefs and owners quickly realized the demand of fresh seafood, this place opened up its doors and menus to a bigger demand. When they first opened, the focus of this restaurant was steak, shrimp and red snapper. Originally Timbers was created as one of those very limited restaurants in Sanibel. And in addition to this, there is a great selection of draft beers and signature cocktails: the Mango Mai Tai and Key Lime Martini are a must try!Īfter enjoying a meal here, linger in the fun gift shop to take a surprise home! Eat inside or outside and bask in the ambiance here: you will be relaxed in no time! And while the flavors of food and cocktails melt on your tongue, also check out the liver entertainment they have every night! 3. The coastal inspired dishes here– from pan blackened Mahi to seared scallops with lobster ravioli– keep people coming back!īut in addition to the wonderful food, Traders is also well known for its extensive and varied wine list. Traders is one of those restaurants in Sanibel that features a unique dining experience. And enjoy the coldest beer in southwest Florida here too! 2. Guests also can bring their own catch of the day here! Chefs will prepare it for them– Island style! But make sure to clean and fillet it first! So whether you are a local or a tourist, check out what was once Sanibel’s best kept secret. From fish tacos made with fresh mango and coleslaw to conch chowder, this is a place to check out. The food features tropical island flavors. When driving over the bridge, you can’t miss the local rustic feel of this pink building. Thankfully today the locals have shared their knowledge of this wonderful stop. Sanibel is obviously known for its unique island flair, and the Lazy Flamingo adds to that! The Lazy Flamingo was once kept hidden as one of the best restaurants in Sanibel. The relaxation is endless! 15 Best Restaurants in Sanibel Island You Must Try 1. So when you begin to plan your trip, also plan out these 15 best restaurants at Sanibel! We promise you won’t be disappointed. No matter where you eat– at a fine restaurant or a quick service stop– there are options for everyone! Tap into Island dining by sampling local fare and fresh seafood. However, we want to make sure you eat too!įoodies have flocked to Sanibel recently, exploring where to eat amongst the beaches. Are you looking for some of the best restaurants in Sanibel Island, Florida? We’ve got you covered! Although Sanibel is known for its famous beaches and seashells, there is more to do here that goes beyond the sun! We know there are tons of things to do while you explore the shady neighborhoods and hidden beaches.

Lazy flamingo sanibel