When vacationing on Sanibel or Captiva you expect things to be special. And so do the people who live and work on these lovely islands. They do their best to see that the things you experience on Sanibel are better than just good — they must be great. That is certainly true for your dining experiences. There is a wide range of eating pleasures on the islands – from the hamburger and hot dog feast at the little hut by the pool to the 7 course feast at that pretty restaurant overlooking the gulf. Here are some suggestions for some outstanding dining experiences.
THE MAD HATTER, located at 6464 Sanibel-Captiva Road, is a former beach-front bungalow that has turned into a charming intimate restaurant. They serve only dinner from 5 to 9 PM and feature such treats as Black Truffle Sea Scallops, Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Black Grouper as well as steaks, chops or whatever you might want. Reservations can be made by calling 239 472 0033 or going to www.madhatterrestaurant.com.
THISTLE LODGE is part of the beachfront Casa Ybel Resort at 2255 West Gulf Drive. It serves gourmet meals for lunch or dinner featuring such tasty dinner entrees as Pecan Salmon Filet, Berkshire Osso Bucco, Veal Milanese or Rack of Lamb as well as Kurobuta Pork Chops, Sauteed Escargot and “Holy Mole” Ribeye. Lunch starts at 11:30 AM and dinner is from 5 to 9 PM. Reservations are recommended. Call 239 472n9200 or go to www.casaybelresort.com.
BLUE COYOTE SUPPER CLUB is located in the clubhouse of the Sanibel Golf Club at 1100 Par View Drive for lunch every day starting at 11 AM and dinner from 5 to 9 PM Tuesday thru Thursday and 3 to 10 PM Friday and Saturday. It is open to the public. It has distinctly lovely artwork and lighting and a great menu of club fare – filet of beef, ribeye, lamb and pork chops and seafood. If you like they’ll take you and your party on a golf-cart eco-tour of the beautiful club grounds. (This is just from October thru May). For reservations call 239 472 9222 or go to www.bluecoyotesupperclub.com.
BLEU RENDEZ-VOUS FRENCH BISTRO is located on the corner of Tarpon Bay Road and Periwinkle Way – 2430 Periwinkle Way. Their mission is to serve the lovers of authentic French Cuisine. They offer such entrees as Ris de Veau a la Crème, Boeuf Bourguignon, Magret de Canard a l’Orange. And, to make you feel right at home, Idaho Mountain Trout. They also have a prix-fixe tasting menu. They serve dinner from Tuesday thru Sunday from 5 to 9 PM. For reservations call 239 565 1608 or go to www.bleurendezvous.com.
LIGHTHOUSE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT is located at 14301 Port Comfort Road in Port Sanibel Marina, just over the causeway in Fort Myers. Lunch starts at 11 AM and dinner is from 5 PM to 10 PM Monday thru Sunday. You can be seated inside or outside, depending on the weather. The dinner menu offers a full range of entrees, steaks, chops, poultry, seafood, pasta and a variety of soups and salads. For reservations call 239 489 0770 or go to www.lighthousewaterfrontrestaurant.com.
Those are some of the restaurants you might consider. There are also some really good restaurants on Captiva. The Old Captiva House (239 472 5161), Mucky Duck (239 472 3434) and the Bubble Room (239 472 5558).