Top 14 Sanibel Island Restaurants On The Water

Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille is a restaurant and bar located in Southwest Florida, specifically on Sanibel Island. It is known for its relaxed, beachy atmosphere and its menu featuring a variety of seafood dishes.

The restaurant takes its name from the fictional character Dr. Marion "Doc" Ford, who is the central character in a series of novels written by author Randy Wayne White.

These novels are set in and around the Florida Gulf Coast and often feature Doc Ford's adventures in the region. The restaurant captures the essence of these novels by offering a taste of the coastal Florida lifestyle, with a focus on seafood and tropical drinks.

The menu at Doc Ford's typically includes items like fish tacos, shrimp dishes, crab cakes, and a variety of other seafood options. They are also known for their mojitos, daiquiris, and, of course, a wide selection of rum-based cocktails.

The Mucky Duck is a casual restaurant located on Captiva Island, Florida. It is known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning views of the sunset. 

The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The Mucky Duck is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and it is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

It was founded in 1976 by a group of British expatriates. The name "Mucky Duck" is a reference to the British slang term for a pub. The restaurant has been a popular destination for locals and tourists ever since.

The restaurant is located at 11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva Island, Florida 33924. It is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

Thistle Lodge Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant located in the Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island, Florida. The restaurant has been in operation since 1929 and has been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The restaurant is housed in a historic building that was originally built as a private residence in the 1890s. The building has been beautifully restored and now features a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.

The menu at Thistle Lodge Restaurant features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as steaks, chops, and pasta. The restaurant also has a separate bar menu that features a wide selection of wines, cocktails, and beers.

The Mad Hatter Restaurant was a New American restaurant located on Sanibel Island, Florida. It was known for its upscale plates in a white tablecloth, beach cottage setting.

The restaurant was founded in 1972 by a couple who wanted to create a dining experience that was both elegant and whimsical. The restaurant's name and decor were inspired by the Mad Hatter character from Alice in Wonderland.

Restaurants in Sanibel island a popular spots for locals and tourists alike. It was known for its fresh seafood such as the lobster mac and cheese and the Key lime pie.

The restaurant was closed for renovations in 2019 and was scheduled to reopen in 2020. However, Hurricane Ian struck Sanibel Island in 2022 and destroyed the restaurant. The owners have not announced any plans to rebuild the restaurant.

The Back Deck is a casual restaurant with a waterfront view. They have a menu that features seafood, burgers, and sandwiches.

It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. They are known for their fresh seafood, as well as their casual atmosphere. 

Sanibel Island Florida restaurants have a large outdoor deck with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Sea Breeze Cafe is a casual restaurant located at 1001 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island, Florida 33957. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets with a view of the Gulf of Mexico.

They have a wide variety of food options, including seafood, pasta, pizza, and sandwiches. They also have a salad bar and a dessert bar.

Sea Breeze Cafe is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. They are known for their delicious food and their affordable prices. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week.

Sunset Grill is a restaurant with a rooftop deck that offers stunning views of the sunset. They have a menu that features seafood, steaks, and pasta.

It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. They are known for their delicious food, as well as their stunning views. The restaurant has a large rooftop deck with tables and chairs and a bar.

The restaurant is situated in a picturesque waterfront location with views of the Gulf of Mexico. It's particularly famous for offering a great spot to enjoy the sunset.

They typically offer a menu featuring various seafood dishes, including fresh catches of the day, shrimp, crab, and other seafood specialties. They also serve American cuisine with options for those who prefer non-seafood dishes, such as steaks and burgers.

Keylime Bistro is an award-winning restaurant located in the middle of the Historic Captiva Island Village. Stop by for breakfast and try their Bistro Style Corned Beef Hash and Eggs or Crab Cake Benedict.

Enjoy their superb Seafood Antipasto Appetizer or delicious Grouper Sandwich. Late afternoon or dinner fit your needs better? Check out their Shrimp Scampi, Key Lime Pasta, or tender steak filets.

They also have a signature Key lime pie, which is made with fresh key limes and is said to be the best on the island. The restaurant has a patio that is perfect for enjoying a meal al fresco, and they also have live music on weekends.

The Blue Giraffe Restaurant is a casual, island-inspired American cuisine restaurant located in Periwinkle Place, Sanibel, Florida. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner, seven days a week.

It is known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and its creative menu items. Some of their popular dishes include the Classic Breakfast.

The restaurant also has a full bar and a selection of desserts, including the Key Lime Pie.

The Blue Giraffe Restaurant is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. They are known for their friendly service and their relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant is also a great place to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

It is a casual restaurant with a fun atmosphere located on Periwinkle Way in Sanibel Island, Florida. It is known for its seafood dishes, burgers, and sandwiches.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. They have a large outdoor patio that is perfect for dining al fresco. The restaurant is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along for the meal.

The Lazy Flamingo is owned by a local couple who are passionate about food and hospitality.

Best restaurants Sanibel has a large selection of beers on tap, as well as a full bar. It is also a popular spot for live music.

Pinocchio's Original Italian Ice Cream is a colorful, perennial parlor doling out handcrafted ice cream in generous portions & original flavors.

They have a wide variety of flavors, including traditional favorites like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, as well as more unique flavors like key lime pie, pina colada, and black raspberry. They also offer a variety of gelato flavors.

Pinocchio's Original Italian Ice Cream is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Coconuts is a poolside restaurant located at the Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island. They serve American cuisine with a tropical twist, as well as a full bar.

It's conveniently located near many of the island's attractions.

They typically offer a menu that includes a variety of seafood dishes, American cuisine, and tropical-inspired fare. You can expect to find fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads, and more.

The restaurant's hours of operation may vary depending on the season and other factors, so it's a good idea to check their official website or contact them directly for their current hours.

Gramma Dot's Seaside Saloon is a casual restaurant with a waterfront view. They serve a variety of seafood dishes, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

It is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. They have a large outdoor patio with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway.

The restaurant is named after the owner's grandmother, who was a local fixture on Sanibel Island. The restaurant is known for its casual atmosphere and friendly service.

This famous European restaurant is named for the famous green flash phenomenon that occurs at sunset when the conditions are right. 

This place is located right off of Captiva Drive and there’s even a boat dock for any hungry seafaring patrons to tie up and come ashore for some delicious food and a waterfront view. 

I highly recommend either the oysters Romanoff or the oysters Rockefeller to get you started.