As a beach destination, it’s probably no surprise that Ft. Myers Beach has a plethora of seafood restaurants, but there’s also much more to discover beyond the fresh catch of the day. From upscale dining right on the oceanfront to hidden gems tucked off the main tourist corridors, Ft. Myers Beach offers a wide variety of options for the foodie. And for those who are willing to venture a little further off the tourist track, additional great Ft. Myers Beach restaurants await. On your next beachside getaway, be sure to snag a meal at these top 5 local restaurants in Fort Myers Beach!
Smokin’ Oyster Brewery
Situated near Times Square and the Fort Myers Beach Pier, Smokin’ Oyster Brewery (also referred to locally as SOB), is a convenient location to grab a casual bite to eat. With an outside porch, live music every day of the week, and plenty of cold drinks flowing, it’s easy to make yourself right at home at Smokin’ Oyster Brewery. You don’t have to love oysters to eat at this diner, where other fresh seafood items, sandwiches, and casual bar fare such as wings are plentiful. Start your meal out with oysters on the half shell and an order of island bread (homemade garlic bread topped with bleu cheese, tomatoes, scallions, and melted mozzarella) to share. For mains, opt for an order of finger licking good garlic crab legs or the mesquite grilled grouper sandwich. Wash it all down with an island style cocktail or cold beer as you linger beyond the last bite of your meal to enjoy the festive live music!
The Doghouse
For a quick bite convenient to the beach, head to The Doghouse, a family-owned and operated Fort Myers local restaurant serving up late breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After you’ve placed your order at the window, snag a seat on the large patio to indulge in their American comfort food. Generous helpings are served up in paper lined baskets alongside perfectly seasoned fries. The hangover burger is a favorite, topped with cheese, fries, bacon, and a fried egg. They’re also known for their Cuban sandwich, made with homemade pulled pork, smoked ham, and Swiss. Although they also offer a few salads, you’ll likely be too tempted to try creations such as the bacon and bleu cheese fries to worry about calorie counting.
Tuckaway Café
This casual eatery serves up breakfast, lunch, and early dinner in an indoor dining room or on the quaint brick patio. Their breakfast options are an especially delicious way to indulge in the most important meal of the day. Start the morning with one of their famous liege waffles, topped with options such as Nutella, strawberry, or mango jam. Different than regular waffles made with pancake batter, these concoctions are made from yeast dough that rises for 2 hours before adding imported pearl sugar from Paris. At Tuckaway Café, they take their waffle making seriously! The bagel sandwiches are equally as delicious, made on bagels that are baked fresh each morning. Get your caffeine fix with a tall glass of iced coffee!
Heavenly Biscuits
Grab lunch or brunch like a local from Heavenly Biscuits, where you may spot the long line of customers waiting to get in their order before you see the charming renovated yellow cottage in which it’s located. This cash only eatery is the perfect place to start the day with a heavy dose of carbs. For a deliciously sweet start, try one of their huge freshly baked cinnamon rolls topped with a generous portion of icing. Their biscuit sandwiches are also well worth the wait, created on freshly homemade biscuits with a side of home fries. If you can’t take another bite, order the banana bread pudding to go!
Dixie Fish Co.
Built in 1937, the Dixie Fish Co. began primarily as a fish market for locals to buy and sell freshly caught scallops, clams, oysters, mullet, and snapper. The industry later focused more on shrimp, which became known as pink gold, and many shrimp boats can still be seen off the coast today. Not only does the Dixie Fish Co. have deep roots in the area, but it still retains its original building, complete with the charm of a tin roof and an open, airy interior. Without the pretention of an eatery designed simply to cater to tourists, the Dixie Fish Co. serves up fresh seafood dishes caught by local fishermen just as they have for over 80 years. You can’t go wrong with a basket of their peel & eat shrimp or the fresh catch of the day alongside a handful of their homemade chips. In true southern style, end the meal with a slice of key lime pie!
Dine at the Best Fort Myers Local Restaurants
To eat like a foodie on your beach vacation, be sure to dine at these top 5 local restaurants in Fort Myers Beach! Contact us to learn more today!
