Restaurants in Fort Myers Beach With a View

The backdrop of white-sand beaches and Gulf of Mexico sunsets compliments the relaxed, laid-back vibe of Fort Myers Beach. The area also boasts a unique personality and charm whether chatting with the locals or browsing the boutiques. Fort Myers, Florida is also full of options for waterfront dining with some of the freshest seafood around. Here’s where to find the best restaurants in Fort Myers Beach with a view.

Must Do Visitor Guides Waterfront dining. 6 Restaurants in Fort Myers Beach With a View.
Photo credit Debi Pittman Wilkey

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

Skip the indoor dining altogether and head outdoors to embrace Fort Myers Beach’s sunset instead. Situated on Estero Bay, Doc Ford’s offers spectacular waterfront dining in Ft. Myers Beach with live music. Unlike many of the restaurants in Fort Myers Beach, you can come by car or boat. A menu influenced by the Caribbean Rim includes panko fried shrimp, seafood paella, banana leaf snapper, and other delicacies along with a full bar selection. Sit back and enjoy the food while watching the country’s largest shrimp boat fleet cruise along. 

Dixie Fish Co.

For down-to-earth dining, join the locals at Dixie Fish Co. for seafood fare with waterfront views. The restaurant dates back to 1937 when it was primarily a fish market that’s retained its original character. The award-winning restaurant features fresh mahi-mahi, grouper, shrimp prepared in a variety of styles from Dixie garlic butter to coconut-crusted. Top off your stay with some homemade Key Lime pie and watch the sun dance across the waterfront.

The Whale

Celebrated for their grouper sandwiches and BBQ, The Whale in Fort Myers Beach features a family-friendly environment with nightly live music. A daily Happy Hour draws tourists and locals alike for patio dining with waterfront views. Guests come for the beachside views and live music and stay for flavorful dishes like lime Panko fish sandwich, fish tacos, and half-back Texas baby back ribs. 

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

Follow the music to the open-air Parrot Key Caribbean Grill with views of Salty Sam’s Marina. Dine on coconut shrimp, Caribbean burgers, or Hemingway’s Filet while enjoying waterfront views. Frequent rotation of Caribbean themed live music pairs with their selection of tropical fusion drinks that get you into the Caribbean spirit. Happy Hour specials are available for budget-minded travelers and locals from 3 pm until 6 pm daily.  

Nervous Nellies

Go big with Nervous Nellies’ oversized sandwiches or a selection of fresh seafood. As one of Fort Myers Beach’s most popular restaurants, diners enjoy gorgeous dockside views and a fun and lively atmosphere. “Big” is the theme throughout your Nervous Nellies dining experience with big drinks served in souvenir glasses and innovative desserts including Nellie’s Colossal Chocolate Cake and “Mile High” Carrot Cake. 

Check out more places to eat in Fort Myers, Florida here

Must Do Visitor Guides Waterfront dining. 6 Fort Myers Beach Restaurants With a View
Photo credit Debi Pittman Wilkey

Written by: Susan Finch | Author Website

Susan Finch is a travel writer and content marketer for the tourism industry who spends her time obsessing over the latest travel trends, wrangling her small kids, and planning her family's next big adventure.