One of the best days out from Fort Myers is a trip to the sandy beach and small shops on Captiva Island. Easily accessed via the scenic Sanibel Causeway (toll) from McGregor Blvd or Summerlin Road, peaceful Captiva Island lies at the extreme western end of Sanibel Island.
Cantina Captiva
There’s something appropriately tropical about Mexican or Tex-Mex cuisine, and Cantina Captiva on Captiva Drive gets the balance between tasty and spicy just right. Bite into freshly prepared tequila-lime shrimp or try the delicious fish tacos as you relax beneath the leafy canopy of palm fronds and huge agave plants.
Those wanting a more authentic taste of Mexico should sample the chef’s guacamole or the chile relleno – pablano peppers stuffed with tasty ground beef and cheddar cheese. You’ll need a drink to cool you down, and a frozen margarita in lime, mango or strawberry should do the job nicely!
Sunshine Seafood Café and Wine Bar
Another informal bistro-style eatery with an open-air kitchen and wood burning grill is Sunshine Seafood Café and Wine Bar. It offers signature seafood dishes including jumbo lump crab cakes, seafood paella and freshly caught jumbo Gulf shrimp. With live music and an extensive wine list, you’ll want to linger and enjoy the atmosphere long after the meal is over.
Keylime Bistro
USA Today’s recommended choice for island dining is Keylime Bistro, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The open air breezy dining has a great atmosphere after dark with live sax, jazz and guitar music daily.
You can’t go wrong, whatever you choose from the seafood, steak and pasta menu, but do leave room for a slice of their award-winning Key Lime pie. It’s a little slice of paradise.
Captiva Pizza, Yogurt and Gifts Emporium
For a light bite that is definitely not light on flavor, try a gourmet pizza from Captiva Pizza, Yogurt and Gifts Emporium which is located in the Celebration Center on Captiva Island. Pizzas have fun names such as Man Overboard (sausage, pepperoni, onion, mushrooms, green pepper and black olives) or Jaws, (a Great White with ricotta, basil, tomatoes, spinach, and mozzarella). Order a specialty salad or create your own from over 20 salad ingredients.
There’s only one dessert to choose after your delicious pizza meal, and that’s a dish of frozen yogurt, made from fresh seasonal fruits and dressed with a selection of toppings including chunky choc chips and Reece’s pieces.
RC Otter’s Island Eats
Located in the heart of Old Captiva Village, RC Otter’s is about as laid back and enjoyable as Captiva Island itself. With a choice of over 100 menu items, it’s got steaks, pasta and seafood covered and beer lovers will appreciate the house micro-brew. Dine indoors, outdoors or back at your own place and appreciate why this fun restaurant was voted “Best Of” by News-Press Readers.
Whether you arrive by boat or by car via the Sanibel bridge, the chance to dine at one of these locally owned unique restaurants should not be missed.