With over half the island made up of wildlife refuges, Sanibel, Florida is home to some of the best shelling in the world along its beautiful shores. It can feel hard to tear yourself away from the water after a day of shelling and watersports fun. Instead of heading inland, savor the views from one of Sanibel’s best waterfront restaurants serving fresh local fare and inspired cocktails. Here’s where to get started.
Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant
Situated on the Casa Ybel Resort in Sanibel, the Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant offers beachside dining at its best. The team blends a Floridian and European culinary experience in an elegant setting that has served the likes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Browse a selection of creative signature cocktails like the Banana Cream Pie and Peartini. Entrees include seared yellowtail snapper, Gulf lobster tails
Traditions on the Beach
For nightly music and dancing, join the fun at Traditions on the Beach for contemporary cuisine with a Sanibel
The Mad Hatter
Cozy up inside Sanibel’s colorful Mad Hatter for new American cuisine prepared from scratch with the freshest ingredients. Literary lovers and kids at heart will love the Alice in Wonderland Theme while nibbling on crab cakes and bouillabaisse topped with a lobster tail. Although the inside is whimsical, guests are still dazzled with Gulfside views. Top it all off with a cocktail or slice of cheesecake that will keep you coming back for more.
Explore more places to dine in Sanibel, Captiva and Fort Myers, Florida.