Be prepared to enjoy amazing food during your visit to Sanibel and Captiva Island! There is a wide range of restaurants available on the islands. These are some of our favorite restaurants that we experienced during our visit! These 8 Sanibel Island Restaurants not to miss are our favorites from visiting the islands multiple times.
What are the best Sanibel Island Restaurants?
The Bubble Room
Ok, I have to tell you a funny story about the Bubble Room. I visited Sanibel Island way back when while I was in college and heard about the Bubble Room. For some reason I envisioned the Bubble Room being a really upscale expensive restaurant which it is not! The Bubble Room is a fun, eclectic must-see on the island!!! I can’t believe we missed out on the experience years ago because we thought it was too expensive. During our recent visit to Captiva Island , we made a point of visiting the Bubble Room and it did not disappoint at all!
Ed, our server was hilarious! He told us he looked like a miniature version of Rick Moranis so life was pretty much what it was and he was going to have fun with it! His humor continued during our entire visit. We had heard that the bubble bread is a must try and let me tell you it is amazing! They bring you a plate of bubble bread and cinnamon rolls when you sit down….hello yum!
Any restaurant that brings you cheese bread and cinnamon rolls wins in my book. We also had the Greek flaming cheese which is also a must-order! Where else can you get a plate of cheese with flames shooting out from it?
Everyone told us that desserts were not to be missed
Address: 15001 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924
Pinocchio's Ice Cream
Sadly Pinocchio's Ice Cream is currently closed. It is my understanding that a new ice cream shop is in the same location but I have not been there so I can't say if the ice cream is great.
Key Lime Bistro
Key Lime Bistro has great outdoor seating and an amazing menu. The Key Lime Martini is strong but good. They also serve a killer slice of key lime pie. Our entrees were so big we ended up bring leftovers back to our room for snacks. The musician was really good during our visit. This is the perfect restaurant for a relaxed evening on the island.
Address: 11509 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, FL 33924
Mucky Duck
The Mucky Duck on Captiva Island has gorgeous views of the sunset. One thing to know is this is a really popular spot for sunset and dining. We tried to get in on a Friday night and ended up just enjoying the view for a while. There was a large wedding party and other groups while we were there that had the place packed. If you are planning on catching the sunset at the Mucky Duck make sure you get their early and grab a seat. We heard that the food is fantastic and the drinks are even better!
Address: 11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, FL 33924
Doc Fords Rum Bar and Grille
Doc Fords is a really fun Sanibel Island Florida restaurant. They have a large menu with a little something for everyone. You can order the specialty mojito and a portion of the proceeds go towards a charity each year. The restaurant has a cool island vibe and offers great food and drinks.
Address: 2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
Island Cow
The Island Cow is a must-visit at some point during a Sanibel Island trip. This restaurant has such a cool vibe, great food, and is just a great time. The vibe is fun, eclectic, and filled with well cow stuff. The staff was super friendly and the meals were great. We had breakfast here twice in the three days we were on the island we liked it so much. This is a Sanibel Island Restaurant that we keep going back to every trip!
Address: 2163 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Over Easy Café
The Over Easy Cafe had a huge amazing breakfast. The staff was super friendly and the food was great. The only thing we were not a huge fan of was the coffee. It was a bit strong for our liking. I did love the Tervis mugs that they serve everything in. You get a nice big glass of water and don't have to flag down a waiter every two seconds to get it filled. This is one of the breakfast places that the locals suggested for us.
Address: 630 Tarpon Bay Rd #1, Sanibel, FL 33957
Schnapper's Hots
We didn't have a chance to visit this hot dog restaurant during our trip but we were recommended it at least three times by local residents.
They said if you are looking for a hot dog this is the place to go.
Address: 1528 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
What are your favorite restaurants on Sanibel Island? Let us know so we can add to our list of Best Sanibel Island Restaurants!
Additional Sanibel Island Resources
Top things to do on Sanibel Island
Pamela
We have been to Sanibel several times. Absolutely our favorite place to go! We try to go to places we haven’t been, but we find ourselves going to the Blue Giraffe and Cheeburger Cheeburger multiple times in one week! Lol...
The Blue Giraffe has The Best fish tacos! And Cheeburger Cheeburger has so many choices for burgers, plus deep fried pickles and mushrooms that no other place can even come close to! We will be there again in August and so looking forward to trying one of the places you mentioned!
Terri Ledford
We have been doing research on places to visit in Florida. We will be there in May. Can't wait to try these suggestions. Thanks! Just curious, is your husband Park Ranger John?
Tammilee
Hi Terri,
My husband is Park Ranger John. Have you visited his site? I think you will love Sanibel. It is such an amazing place to visit.
Terri
Oh, I did recognize him! Awesome. Yes, I read a couple of his articles. One on the Dry Tortugas and the other on the Everglades. He looked familiar. Can't wait to visit - it's our first time in Florida! First time for everything, right?! We appreciate all your insight! Thanks!
John B
The Old Captiva House is excellent! I’ve been several times and the food and atmosphere is always top notch. The Green Flash is a favorite as well.
Maureen Baeck
Tammilee, we loved Sanibel and we ate at the Mucky Duck on our last night there and loved it. We are moving down that way so you MUST visit us when you are down!
Tammilee
That is amazing! We are in on any reason to visit Sanibel again
Gail Amato
Pinocchio is an absolute must. Love All the restaurants you posted
Bubble bread is the best
Doc Fords is a must as is The Mucky Duck
Tammilee
I could go for a Pinnochio's ice cream cone today happily! So good
Shannon
We got engaged on Sanibel and ate at many of these restaurants. Good choices.
Tammilee
Congratulations on your engagement! We love visiting Sanibel every chance we get.
Erin Newton
My husband and I make our annual trek to Sanibel and we try to never miss out going to Traders for a more upscale feel and Cheeburger Cheeburger for a great burger. Also, Island Cow is a MUST especially for breakfast!
Aleece McGehee
Ed has been our waiter at the Bubble Room two or three times. We love him! These are some of our favorites too.