A beachfront paradise full of things to do, Fort Myers is one of the premier destinations in Florida — both for vacationers and those looking for a new place to call home along the idyllic Gulf Coast.

In addition to the gorgeous beaches, abundance of outdoor recreation, and local art scene, Fort Myers is a foodie haven. The area boasts nearly a hundred restaurants, offering everything from casual cafes and seafood joints to fine dining, steakhouses, and an array of international cuisine.

It was a tough call with so many great restaurants to choose from, but we narrowed down the top picks. Here’s a look at eight of the best restaurants in the Fort Myers area!

1. Harold’s Restuarant


 Photo Credit: Carola

• Address: 15250 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers
• Website: haroldscuisine.com
• Price Point: $$$
• Favorite Menu Items: 12 Seasons Arugula Salad, Seared Scallops with Parmesan Risotto, and Coconut Cake

Rated #1 on Trip Advisor and constantly raved about by locals, Harold’s Restaurant is Fort Myers’ go to farm to table eatery. It offers an upscale yet relaxing atmosphere (including outdoor seating) and an innovative dinner menu focused on farm-to-table principles.

The menu features classic American and French dishes with a fresh, creative flair, like buffalo wing-style appetizers made with cauliflower, arugula salad featuring crisped goat cheese, and their signature seared scallops with parmesan risotto.

Harold’s also features a thoughtfully curated wine list and intriguing dessert menu with offerings like coconut cake drenched in rum sauce and crème brulée. Whether it's date night, a family dinner, or a get-together with friends — Harold’s is the perfect spot for any occasion.

2. Cantina 109


Photo Credit: D B

• Address: 9908 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers
• Website: cantina109.com
• Price Point: $$
• Favorite Menu Items: Tableside Guacamole, Tacos Al Pastor, and El Diablo Margarita

Voted the #1 Mexican Restaurant in Southwest Florida, Cantina 109 serves up authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites in a fun, vibrant atmosphere. Their menu features all the classics like tacos, burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, and fajitas, all served with the freshest ingredients. The tableside guacamole is a can’t-miss, freshly made and customized right in front of you.

Of course, what goes better with Mexican food than tequila? Cantina 109 boasts an impressive tequila menu featuring 135 different types. You can try some of these on their own or in one of their many, many margarita options. Visitor favorites include the sweet — Prickly Pear Margarita or the spicy — El Diablo Margarita, made with jalapeno tequila for an extra kick!

Pro Tip: Stop by between open and 6 p.m. for some excellent happy hour specials, including house margaritas and sharing platters.

3. Roadhouse Cafe


Photo Credit: Felicia McCullough

• Address: 15660 San Carlos Boulevard, Fort Myers
• Website: roadhousecafefl.com
• Price Point: $$$
• Favorite Menu Items: Lobster Bisque, Mussels Marinara, and Capellini D’Angelo

If you’re in the mood for dinner and show, reserve a table at the Roadhouse Cafe. It’s hard to tell from the outside, but this small restaurant tucked away in a plaza is one of the best-kept secrets in Fort Myers. As soon as you walk through the door, you’re transported to another time with white linen tablecloths, elegant tapestries, crystal chandeliers, and a 5-piece Jazz ensemble. It’s the perfect spot for a date night.

While most people come for the live music, the food is certainly no afterthought. Roadhouse Cafe offers a varied menu of Italian specialties. Foodie favorites include the lobster bisque, mussels marinara, stuffed portobello, and Capellini D’Angelo.

4. Salty Papa’s Shrimp House


Photo Credit: Bill Gordon

• Address: 15271 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers
• Website: saltypapasshrimphouse.com
• Price Point: $$
• Favorite Menu Items: Fried Green Tomatoes, Salty Papa’s Gumbo, Hush Puppies, and Oyster Po'Boys

With a motto of “Where the bayou meets the beach,” Salty Papa’s serves up southern Cajun comfort food and fresh seafood in a fun, cheeky atmosphere. When it comes to their specialties, it’s hard to choose just one. Many patrons recommend ordering a few different items to share with the table so you can try them all. The fried green tomatoes and hush puppies are always a fan favorite, as are the oyster Po’Boy sandwiches. Don’t forget to try a cup of Salty Papa’s gumbo, too, for a taste of authentic Louisiana.

Salty Papa’s menu also features a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes, burgers, sandwiches, and more. If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite with your pup, Salty Papa’s welcomes your four-legged friend to dine on their outdoor patio. They even offer a special dog menu, so every diner leaves with a full belly!

5. Downtown House of Pizza


Photo Credit: Lane Stevenson

• Address: 1520 Hendry Street, Fort Myers
• Website: downtownhouseofpizza.com
• Price Point: $
• Favorite Menu Items: Classic Italian Pizza, Grandma’s Sicilian Pizza, and Chocolate Cannoli

Voted the best pizza place in Fort Myers (by locals and reviewers on TripAdvisor), Downtown House of Pizza is a classic pizza joint with old-world and new-world specialties. You can get a custom pie with all your favorite toppings or try one of their signature specialties like the Classic Italian with a traditional blend of meats and veggies or house favorite Grandma’s Sicilian with fresh garlic, basil, and tomatoes.

This downtown Fort Myers treasure offers pizza for everyone, including options for gluten-free crusts, vegan cheeses, and lots of veggie toppings. Not in the mood for pizza? You can also choose from their menu of calzones, subs, salads, wings, and more. Don’t forget dessert; they offer decadent NY-style cheesecake, chocolate cannolis, and more.

6. Wisteria Tea Room


Photo Credit: Jennifer Alvaro

• Address: 2512 Street, Fort Myers
• Website: wisteriatearoom.com
• Price Point: $$$
• Favorite Menu Items: The Royal Afternoon Tea Service

A unique dining experience that’s a bit decadent, a bit elegant, and a whole lot of fun, the Wisteria Tea Room is a must-try! Take a step back in time with white linen tablecloths, gold-leafed trays, and elegant Victorian decor while you sip tea from hand-painted tea cups and dine on decadent scones, cucumber sandwiches, and petit fours.

Wisteria Tea Room offers a variety of options for multi-course afternoon tea service, plus à la carte menu items like soups, salads, and quiches. One of their most popular tea services, The Royal, includes soup or salad, a three-tiered tray of finger sandwiches, scones, and mini desserts, as well as unlimited tea.

Gluten-free and vegetarian patrons can also be accommodated. Have a tea varietal you particularly enjoyed? You can purchase some to-go in their adjacent tea shop.

7. Cape Cod Fish Company


Photo Credit: Kathleen Gomez

• Address: 15501 Old McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers
• Website: capecodfishfl.com
• Price Point: $$
• Favorite Menu Items: Clam Chowder, Ipswich Steamers, and Lobster Rolls

Known for their “wicked good” seafood, Cape Cod Fish Company is owned by a family from Rhode Island and offers up all your New England comfort food classics. Clam chowder, lobster rolls, fish and chips, clam cakes, and Boston baked beans are all on the menu.

If you’re a seafood lover, you can’t go wrong at Cape Cod Fish Company. If you’re more of a “landlubber,” don’t worry — they have you covered, too! They also offer plenty of non-seafood options like burgers, chicken, salads, and even hot dogs. Their truffle fries are a drool-worthy starter or side dish, and they offer premium, locally sourced ice cream for dessert.

8. El Gaucho Inca Restaurant


Photo Credit: Matthew Baker

• Address: 4383 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers
• Website: elgauchoinca.com
• Price Point: $$
• Favorite Menu Items: Ceviche, Papa a la Huancaína, Churrasco Steak, Panqueques, and Pisco Sour

A masterfully blended mix of Argentinian and Peruvian cuisine, El Gaucho Inca Restaurant is a foodie favorite. They have a wide variety of Argentinian and Peruvian dishes, including multiple types of ceviche (go for the ceviche trio to sample a few), grilled classics like Lomo Saltado and Churrasco steak, and seafood specialties.

The Papa a la Huancaína (Peruvian potato with yellow-pepper sauce) side dish, Panqueques (crepes with caramel) dessert, and Pisco Sour cocktail are all also on the must-try list.

El Gaucho Inca Restaurant is also open for breakfast and offers empanadas, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries with fresh coffee, juices, and tropical smoothies. A delicious stop any time of day!

9. The Veranda


Photo Credit: Janet Rizzo

• Address: 2122 Second Street, Fort Myers
• Website: verandarestaurant.com
• Price Point: $$$
• Favorite Menu Items: Blue Crab Cakes, The Southern Sampler, and Lobster Bisque

For a romantic rendezvous, The Veranda offers an award-winning dining experience in a beautifully restored turn-of-the-century home. You can dine indoors, in one of The Veranda’s elegant dining rooms, or outdoors in the charming courtyard garden. Start or end your evening with a glass of wine or a cocktail in the adjacent piano bar — reminiscent of a glamorous, old-time speakeasy.

The Veranda’s menu features Southern classics with a French twist. Blue crab cakes, Escargot, and lobster bisque are all standouts among the starter courses, while the Southern Sampler, which features a variety of seafood, is one of their most popular entrees. For dessert, the Southern pecan praline tart is not to be missed.

Calling All Foodies to Fort Myers

If your inner foodie is looking for a new place to call home, what better place than Fort Myers? With so much to see and do (and eat), it’s no wonder this town is becoming a popular spot for homebuyers. You’re also just a short drive away from iconic destinations like Cape Coral and Sanibel Island.

With top-notch experts in the local Fort Myers realty market, NVG Realty can help guide homebuyers every step of the way. Let us help you find your dream home in Fort Myers today!