Where To Eat On Sanibel Island & Captiva Island- Sanibel Island is small and quaint but it has so many locals restaurants to eat at.  From ice cream shops, seafood, steakhouses, brunch spots and coffee shops. There are a lot of casual and fine dining there to choose from.  After many visits to Sanibel Island I thought I would put together a list for you of places to eat at on the island.  Here is a list of our favorite eats on the island.

Overview

Breakfast

Lunch/Dinner

Dessert

Breakfast

I typically love to eat breakfast and enjoy my coffee while overlooking the ocean. I get a lot of enjoyment out of slow mornings. But here are some great coffee and breakfast spots on the Island.

Over Easy Cafe

The Over Easy Cafe is a great breakfast, brunch or lunch spot. It is located right in the middle of the island. That have a large menu, pancakes, eggs and more. It should please any type of eater. They also have an outdoor tent area to eat in, if that makes you more comfortable.

The Coffee Bar By Baileys

Normally I wouldn’t think of a grocery store for grabbing a cup of coffee but the coffee shop, The Coffee Bar By Bailey, in the Bailey’s grocery and general store will always hit the spot. They have tons of different options, of a basic brew, cappuccinos and iced coffees as well.

The Sanibel Bean

The Sanibel Bean is also a great stop for a basic coffee shop, they as serve dessert here as well. There a few outdoor seats for if you want to enjoy order order there, or you can get it to go like we did! They also have smoothies, bagels and sandwich too. I would highly recommend the bagel sandwiches!

Sanibel Deli and Coffee Factory

We go to Sanibel Deli for a great sub and deli sandwich but they also have amazing coffee and baked goods.

Lunch/Dinner

The Clam Shack

I found this gem, The Clam Shack, while on the island by myself.  I biked for lunch and enjoyed their amazing ‘lobstah’ roll! Served in a buttery piece of toast.  I went back a few weeks later with my parents for some more lobster roll goodness.  Place an order to share for their fried clam strips, you won’t regret it. I will always make a stop here while on the island.

2407 Periwinkle Way #5, Sanibel, FL 33957

The Bubble Room

Any one who has been to Sanibel or Captiva Island has probably heard of well known restaurant, The Bubbleroom.  Famous for it’s colorful building and wacky decor The Bubbleroom is quiet the experience.  The restaurant was created in 1979 where it still stands today! The ‘bubble bread’ which is served with every entree is delicious and oh so healthy! (kidding) But the cheesy goodness it all worth it.

15001 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924

The Island Cow

The Island Cow is another staple on the island.  I love taking a group of friends or family to this restaurant as they have a huge menu, quiet possibly the largest menu I have ever seen!  This gives everyone many options depending on their own taste.  They always have some type of deal going on for drinks, which is a plus! I always get the crab legs, as its a fantastic deal for the price!

2163 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957

MudBugs

MudBugs is another restaurants that is high on my list of places to try. I love Cajun food so this place always hits the spot. Looking for something refreshing, get their grilled watermelon salad. Check out their happy hour for a good deal and to beat the crowds. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you like Cajun food this is the place to go on the island.

Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market

Timbers is not only a great steak and seafood restaurant but also a fish market.  We have dined in but have also used their fresh seafood market to purchase our own fish to cook up at home! They also have different seasonings and blends to used as a rub if you decided to grill at home. Check out their happy hour if you don’t mind an early dinner or drinks. Sit at their raw bar and enjoy some shrimp and oysters.

703 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grill is one of the largest restaurants on the island.  I will admit I was never interested until I saw Alton Brown write a good review! We went on our recent trip.  I couldn’t decide as there were many great options on their menu.  I decided on getting a few appetizers, ceviche and and oysters! They have a great beer and cocktail selection also.

Doc Ford’s also has another location on Captiva Island.

2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957

Island Pizza

We never leave the island without at least getting take out at Island Pizza for an evening.  Their pizza always hits the spot, I recommend grabbing a make your own 6-pack at Bailey’s to go with the meal 🙂

1619 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, FL. 33957

Schnapper’s Hots

For a casual lunch or a quick bite to eat check out Schnapper’s Hots. This classic hot dog stand had tons of different options from a classic dog to Chicago style, slaw dogs, foot longs and more. Not in to hot dogs? They also have classic hamburgers, sandwiches, sausages, chicken, fish, fires, onions rings, ice cream and more. Schnapper’s also has a large menu to please about anyone. They have a cute little area to eat outside as well.

The Pecking Order

I appreciate a good friend chicken. And The Pecking Order hit the spot on a chilly Sanibel evening. The chicken was crispy, the sides were delicious (get the fried cheese curds). This meal is very affordable for a big group as well. They have a super cute outdoor bar section to get a drink and eat outside if you wish to.

Cheeburger Cheeburger

If craving a classic cheeseburger, fries and milkshake definitely check out Cheeburger Cheeburger. If up for a challenge they do that a 1 pound burger, in which you finish a photo of you goes on their wall of fame!

Blue Giraffe Restaurant

I have only been to the Blue Giraffe Restaurant once, but I often think about how much I loved their coconut fried shrimp. You can find this restaurant in the shopping center. Oddly placed, but worth the visit.

Others Recommended To Us:

Spoondrift Bowls

Spoondrift Island Bowls is on my list to check out next time we are on the island. They are known for their Poke bowls, but also have amazing looking salads, smoothies, teas, coffees, sodas and desserts.

Sweet Melissa’s

Sweet Melissa’s is a little bit more of a high end meal than the ones listed above. They are open most days for lunch and dinner. They are known for their steaks, seafood and porch dining.

Traders

Like Timbers, Trader’s is the place to go if you live seafood. They have tons of options for fish, burgers, tacos and pasta. They have a mix of about everything. Their places has some shops in the same building so you can browse while you wait for a table.

Lazy Flamingo (Captiva & Sanibel Locations)

The Lazy Flamingo has both a Sanibel and Captive Island location. The have lots of seafood as most restaurants on the islands do. But also have a mid selection of burgers, wings, salads and more.

The Mad Hatter

The Mad Hatter is an upscale, white table cloth restaurant. It is located right on the beach. Except fine wines, steaks, duck and top notch seafood at the Mad Hatter.

The Mucky Duck

The Mucky Duck is more causal, think of a dive bar or a local pub. The have chowder, fish and chips, steak, seafood platters and more. They have a quarky design to their restaurant as well.

Dessert

Pinocchio’s

Another place I almost never miss while on the island is Pinocchio’s. This might not be a lunch or dinner recommendation but by the size of their scoops it might as well be. We always travel by bike to ease the ice cream guilt.

362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957

Joey’s Custard

If looking for classic ice cream or soft serve check out Joey’s Custard. My nephew and I took a visit to here and I loved this quaint shop next to Bailey’s General Store.

Breweries

For breweries you will need to go off of the island, we love stopping at Point Ybel Brewing on the way to the island. We always pick up for cans and crowlers. And if we have time stay for a sample flight.

Where To Stay