17 BEST Restaurants in Fort Myers, FL (Great Eats Near The Beach!)

Kick back on the beach and relax in Fort Myers, FL, or take the kids for a fun-filled family vacation. You’ll find opportunities for outdoor adventures, touring historic homes, and other sightseeing experiences. Of course, with all those activities, you’ll want to know the best restaurants in Fort Myers.

Grab tasty seafood or steak at Whiskey Creek Station, or have some Creole or Cajun fare at Salty Papa’s Shrimp House. Courtney’s Continental Cuisine offers a wine bar experience, and you can enjoy an afternoon tea service at Wisteria Tea Room and Cafe. Other favorites are King’s Kitchen, Harold’s, Fancy’s Southern Cafe, and Cantina 109.

Don’t miss a beat when you’re touring Fort Myers from the beaches and beyond. Keep yourself energized and renewed with a great meal and refreshments at these top restaurants.

1. 10 Twenty Five

Address: 33 Patio De Leon, Fort Myers, FL 33901 | Phone Number: (239) 208-6903

The owner of 10 Twenty Five has worked in the restaurant business for over 25 years. The eatery offers excellent food at reasonable prices.

What To Eat At 10 Twenty Five

Try the Mac N Cheese Fireballs, fish and chips, pot roast, or grouper tacos. Other favorites are the Phoenix Alfredo, pork shanks, shrimp po-boys, and pork tenderloin sandwich.

Why Should You Eat Here?

There’s a warm, welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. Enjoy creative craft cocktails, a nice wine list, and other tasty drinks to go with your fantastic food. You can also opt to eat outside on the patio or take advantage of rooftop seating.

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Mac N Cheese Fireballs
• Cuisine: American, Wine Bar, Pub

2. Whiskey Creek Station

Address: 11481 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919 | Phone Number: (239) 482-3241

Whiskey Creek Station is in the former home of Clancey’s, one of Fort Myers, Florida’s oldest restaurants. The new owners created the neighborhood lounge in 2021. 

What To Eat At Whiskey Creek Station

Enjoy Clancey’s Fish and Chips, coconut shrimp, or seafood taco salad. The Mango Chipotle Salmon, Cranberry Pecan Encrusted Grouper, and Caribbean Mahi Mahi are some of the “Chef’s Favorites.”

Why Should You Eat Here?

You’ll be glad you stepped into this little slice of culinary history in Fort Myers. It’s casual and inviting, with excellent food and service. You can also eat outside to enjoy your meal on a nice day.

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2
• Cost: $$-$$$
• Specialty Dish: Mango Chipotle Salmon
• Cuisine: American, Seafood, Steakhouse

Related Read: 45 BEST Things To Do In Fort Myers, Florida

3. King’s Kitchen

Address: 2150 W First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901 | Phone Number: (239) 208-8518

This restaurant opened its doors in 2016. It features a wide variety of internationally-inspired comfort foods.

What To Eat At King’s Kitchen

Order the El Churrasco, a 10oz flank steak, or try the slow smoked prime rib or some seafood paella. The Pastelon features sweet plantains layered with beef and green olives, loaded with mozzarella cheese. You can also get sweet plantains with ice cream for dessert or try some churros.

Why Should You Eat Here?

Incredibly flavorful cuisine with global flair is one of the main reasons to eat at King’s Kitchen. You’ll also find friendly and capable service and a fantastic rustic ambiance, complete with a bar for all your refreshment needs.

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Pastelon
• Cuisine: International Comfort Food

4. The Standard Restaurant

Address: 1520 Broadway Cir, Fort Myers, FL 33901 | Phone Number: (239) 219-6463

The Standard Restaurant opened in 2015. It provides many home-cooked dishes made from scratch. 

What To Eat At The Standard Restaurant

Try the black bean quinoa or salmon quinoa bowl, or go for The Radio City, a sandwich featuring pastrami, corned beef, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing. You also can’t go wrong with The Standard Burger, a freshly-ground 8oz burger with bacon.

Why Should You Eat Here?

This establishment features a fun and hip vibe with fantastic food. They also offer unique events like a sausage-making class and Drag-Queen Bingo. Or attend the Drag Queen Brunch. Plus, you can enjoy bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys.

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: The Standard Burger
• Cuisine: American

Related Read: Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park

5. Marko’s Diner

Address: 16305 San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33908 | Phone Number: (239) 204-9172

This family-friendly eatery is a quaint local place that has a simple vibe. You can eat inside or take advantage of patio seating.

What To Eat At Marko’s Diner

Try some of the restaurant’s famous skillets like the Gyro or Biscuits and Gravy Skillets. The Marko’s Skillet features sausage, bacon, onions, pepper, cheddar cheese, three eggs, and hashbrowns. You’ll also find many breakfast classics like eggs and bacon or country-fried steak.

Why Should You Eat Here?

Sometimes the best packages come in the most unexpected places, and that’s what you feel at Marko’s. Filling, satisfying meals with friendly service and a simple, casual setting that stirs up a little bit of nostalgia.

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2
• Cost: $
• Specialty Dish: Marko’s Skillet
• Cuisine: Breakfast, Brunch

6. Salty Papa’s Shrimp House

Address: 15271 McGregor Blvd #1, Fort Myers, FL 33908 | Phone Number: (239) 482-7272

Local Floridian, Vallee A., opened the restaurant in 2014 with the promise of providing wild-caught US seafood. Everything is fresh and cooked when you order it.

What To Eat At Salty Papa’s Shrimp House

Don’t miss out on Salty Papa’s Gumbo, then try some fried shrimp, scallops, or a jumbo po-boy. Other favorites are corn and crab chowder, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and Louisiana gator tail.

Why Should You Eat Here?

You’ll get fresh, amazing seafood, and you can bring your canine companion along for the meal. They offer dog-friendly patio seating. Creative cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere are more reasons to choose Salty Papa’s.

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Salty Papa’s Gumbo
• Cuisine: Seafood, Southern, Creole, Cajun

Related Read: 40 BEST Things To Do in Naples, FL

7. Harold’s

Address: 15250 S Tamiami Trail #107, Fort Myers, FL 33908 | Phone Number: (239) 849-0622

This upscale restaurant offers a rotating menu of farm-sourced dishes. It started in 2015 with owner Harold Balink.

What To Eat At Harold’s

The veal chop is tender, or you can try the foie gras, short rib, or halibut. Sit at the bar and order a few bar bites, like truffle popcorn, tenderloin gorgonzola balls, or crispy pork dumplings. 

Why Should You Eat Here?

The menu rotates, so you’ll always find something new. If you’re really into food, you can opt to sit at the counter to see how they prepare the food. You’ll also find an extensive wine list and outstanding service.

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Veal Chop
• Cuisine: American

8. Cantina 109

Address: 9908 Gulf Coast Main St, Fort Myers, FL 33913 | Phone Number: (239) 314-8226

This new Mexican restaurant recently took over Salado Pedro’s in 2015. It replaced the mainly Veracruz cuisine with more contemporary Tex-Mex fare.

What To Eat At Cantina 109

The Las Fajitas Favoritas is one of the most popular menu items, along with shrimp tacos, taco salad, and grouper tacos. Other top picks are Santa Fe salad and Tex-Mex chicken tacos.

Why Should You Eat Here?

The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful and wants to ensure you have a pleasant dining experience. Another reason to make Cantina 109 your next meal stop is the blood orange margarita.

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Las Fajitas Favoritas
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Mexican

Related Read: 17 BEST Gulf Coast Florida Beaches for Families

9. Wisteria Tea Room and Cafe

Address: 2512 Second St, Fort Myers, FL 33901 | Phone Number: (239) 689-4436

This charming tea room is located in what was once a historic home, restored by the new owners. It’s the only place in town offering such an eclectic mix of cold and hot teas.

What To Eat At Wisteria Tea Room and Cafe

A classic tea service is an excellent experience, with three-tiered trays full of desserts and tea sandwiches. But you can also try tasty dishes like wild rice soup, a sweet, spicy turkey sandwich, and baked mac ‘n cheese.

Why Should You Eat Here?

This restaurant is much more than just a place to eat. The tea service is an entire experience that transports you to England. You can try so many different and unique teas and even purchase your favorites to bring home. 

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: House-Made Baked Mac & Cheese
• Cuisine: Tea Room

10. Courtney’s Continental Cuisine

Address: 20351 Summerlin Rd #111, Fort Myers, FL 33908 | Phone Number: (239) 466-4646

This restaurant has a contemporary vibe and was voted the Best Continental Cuisine in the News-Press Reader’s Choice Poll. It features high-quality ingredients and also provides off-site catering.

What To Eat At Courtney’s Continental Cuisine

Try some crab cakes, veal piccata, or dill pickle chowder. The Veal Oscar and the Veal Courtney are other standouts or try the Chicken Francaise or Chicken Tuscany. Round out your meal with some tasty brownie a la mode for dessert.

Why Should You Eat Here?

In addition to the incredible cuisine and creative menu items, you’ll also enjoy a full bar. There’s a happy hour every day from 4 pm to 6 pm, and the staff is welcoming and efficient. It’s an overall pleasant experience, perfect for many different occasions.

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Veal Courtney
• Cuisine: Seafood, Steakhouse, Wine Bar

11. Roadhouse Cafe

Address: 15660 San Carlos Blvd # 280, Fort Myers, FL 33908 | Phone Number: (239) 415-4375

Roadhouse Cafe in Florida opened in December of 2007. It also has two private dining rooms for special events.

What To Eat At Roadhouse Cafe

Kick off your meal with a bowl of lobster bisque. Order the filet mignon or Seafood Fra Diablo Scallops. Other sure-to-please picks are pan-seared jumbo lump crab cakes and baked dijon-encrusted baby rack of lamb.

Why Should You Eat Here?

The restaurant provides an elegant, upscale fine dining experience, perfect for a special occasion or romantic date night. You can enjoy live jazz music as you dine, with a free jazz trio or quartet performing frequently.

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Lobster Bisque
• Cuisine: Steakhouse, Seafood

12. CIBO

Address: 12901 McGregor Blvd STE 16, Fort Myers, FL 33919 | Phone Number: (239) 454-3700 

Established in 2001, CIBO prides itself on being one of the best restaurants in Fort Myers. They often have food critics as their regular customers.

What To Eat At CIBO

Spaghetti alla Bolognese, spinaci, penne alla vodka, and ricotta gnocchi are all favorite items on the menu. You can finish off your meal with irresistible tiramisu or an outstanding cannoli.

Why Should You Eat Here?

You’ll find an elegant dining experience at this popular restaurant, along with fabulous service. Enjoy lively conversation and authentic Italian cuisine. You can also take advantage of a daily happy hour from 4 pm until close every day at the bar. 

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Ricotta Gnocchi
• Cuisine: Italian

13. Farmer's Market Restaurant

Address: 2736 Edison Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916 | Phone Number: (239) 334-1687

This local eatery has been dishing out amazing comfort food since 1952. It’s the place to go for some down-home cooking with true Southern flair.

What To Eat At Farmer's Market Restaurant

You must try the fried chicken or go with the fried pork chop or country-fried steak. There are just so many fantastic options, like the smothered pork chops, corn fritters, and liver and onions. Don’t skip dessert -- try out-of-this-world homemade pies, including chocolate and sweet potato.  

Why Should You Eat Here?

It’s a little bit of home with every meal when you eat at The Farmer’s Market. You feel like you’re eating at a family member’s house or with a good friend. It’s satisfying, and you’ll get warm hospitality around every turn.

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Fried Chicken
• Cuisine: American, Southern, Breakfast, Brunch

14. Downtown House of Pizza

Address: 1520 Hendry St, Fort Myers, FL 33901 | Phone Number: (239) 337-3467

Downtown House of Pizza opened in 2005. It’s an authentic New York-style pizzeria serving delicious food and alcoholic beverages.

What To Eat At Downtown House of Pizza

You need to try the pizza, especially the white pizza or the Supreme. If you want more protein, order the Meat Lovers. Finish up with a cannoli or two for dessert, or grab some to-go.

Why Should You Eat Here?

You’ll find the laid-back atmosphere at this pizzeria very comforting and inviting. Kick back and unwind on the back patio and enjoy the breeze. You can also enjoy a collection of local craft beers, as well as wine and other cocktails.

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: White Pizza
• Cuisine: Pizza

15. Artisan Eatery

Address: 8951 Daniels Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912 | Phone Number: (239) 887-4844

Artisan Eatery’s chef and co-owner, Timothy Yoa, trained at some of Philadelphia’s top restaurants for 25 years. He made his way to Florida, eventually collaborating with local and national farmers to bring the freshest and best ingredients to the restaurant’s dishes. 

What To Eat At Artisan Eatery

A breakfast burrito is also a filling way to start your day. Indulge your taste buds with the Artisan Burger, lobster roll, or parmesan truffle fries. For a more classic bite, order the French toast or cheese steak sandwich.

Why Should You Eat Here?

This hip and casual eatery is perfect for brunch with friends or a casual lunch. You can also order beer or wine with your meal or simply stop in for a cup of coffee. The portions are ample, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Lobster Roll
• Cuisine: American

16. McGregor Cafe

Address: 4305 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901 | Phone Number: (239) 936-1771

This local favorite makes everything in-house. You can enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch with no reservations required.

What To Eat At McGregor Cafe

Start your day off with sweet, delicious French toast or eggs benedict. For lunch, try the lobster cake salad or a turkey club. Don’t miss out on their homemade desserts; ask your server what’s on the menu that day.

Why Should You Eat Here?

The whole atmosphere of this local favorite is comfortable, casual, and chill. You can dine inside or enjoy covered seating on the shady patio. There are also beer and wine options to help add a little extra something to your meal.

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Lobster Cake Salad
• Cuisine: Breakfast, Brunch, American

17. Fancy’s Southern Cafe

Address: 8890 Salrose Ln #101, Fort Myers, FL 33912 | Phone Number: (239) 561-2988

This eatery was recently featured on Food Network and showcased as one of the top places to eat in Fort Myers. It features a unique atmosphere with a family feel.

What To Eat At Fancy’s Southern Cafe

Get in line for the fried chicken or order the crab cakes or chicken pot pie. Adventurous eaters can try the frog legs or stick with downhome favorites like country-fried steak or pot roast.

Why Should You Eat Here?

You’ll find lots of reasons to eat at Fancy’s Southern Cafe. Not only is there excellent downhome cooking, but an impressive list of spirits to choose from. There are lots of classic cocktails plus a few creative options too.

• Yelp Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Fried Chicken
• Cuisine: Southern