Where to eat Seafood food in Sanibel Island: The Best Restaurants and Bars

February 10, 2020 Layne Dawes

Reviews on Seafood food in Sanibel Island, Florida, United States. Most vacation spots are either relaxing (Tahiti) or family-friendly (Orlando). Sanibel Island, however, is that rare place which is both. Spend a quiet afternoon shell-collecting, or find a hotel with a kids' program so you can enjoy a trip to the spa or a round of golf.
Things to do in Sanibel Island

10. Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Sanibel Island

2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel Island, FL 33957-5717 American, Caribbean, Bar, Seafood, Grill Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront, Beach +1 239-472-8311 http://www.docfords.com/sanibel-island/
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4 based on 5970 reviews

Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Sanibel Island

Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille is the place to find the best Caribbean flavors on Sanibel Island and surrounding areas! It is named after the character from author Randy Wayne White's best-selling book series and is a favorite dining spot for travelers from

Reviewed By Herb B

PLEASE READ!!I invited my best friend from back in the mid 60's to meet for lunch here today (Wed. 10-23-19) We were partners in crime as you might say. I had not seen him in 50 years. So, he and his wife and my wife and I met. The thing I noticed when I pulled in early at 11:30 there were not a handful of cars. I mean maybe 8. Not a good sign at near noon. Especially since the employees probably don't walk to work! Or maybe with the few Tips they do!Went inside, bar had 6 people having a beer. The Greeting staff here was Great! but that's where it ends! We ordered lunch my friend and I had the $18.00 fried grouper sandwich and a couple sides. The wives had a baked fish, shared the salad and fruit. NOW, GET THIS! I ordered 6 oysters on the 1/2 shell. When the waitress brought them, I looked at the oysters and the piece of an oyster in the shells, the shells which by the way, were so much larger than the oyster laying in it, it was ridiculously obvious, they were not from the shell they were in.Further, none of them had any portion of the oyster except the body, none of the fleshy gills or mantle I could see. I think theywere straight out of a jar/can, iced down and placed in an old shell. If it were just my wife and I, no guests, there would be several pictures posted! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! My friend’s wife even made a comment looking at them. We are talking in most cases a 3" shell with a wad of grey matter MAYBE an inch or so in diameter. I had never seen a "round" oyster before! Maybe they were cold? TRUE.Ahh...the grouper lunches the grouper is bland, I mean tasteless even according to the wife. The portions are small! I just took the fish off the bun. When my wife and I left and were pulling out I said that-was-embarrassing... She said no kidding. People, I don't expect perfection but don't go!! Seriously, ANY fast food chain can give you better. And, it won't cost you, with a tip well over a hundred dollars! Please take my word for it. During the 3 hours talking/eating I believe only, two, three tables were seated total. I mean No traffic in or out the entrance, we were dead next to it, no talking over other patrons, zip.Update: I told my wife about the review I just posted, and she asked if I mention her fruit salad. So, Here goes. Her fruit bowl had the typical cantaloupe, a couple grapes, some melon and something else I believe It looked nice...but it was anything but ripe. My friend’s wife commented to mine "it's a bit too hard". I later tried it because the basically full bowl was just sitting there. I actually then didn't realize they tried it and passed. It was way more than firm...geez. Unbelievable, but true and comments are of factual experience. 10-24-19: Sorry. Another one of the ridiculous moments… Remember the oyster episode above... I asked our waitress how these shells ended up with such small oysters in them? She said, “I don’t know you’d have to ask God that one”. Absolute truth! My guess is God had nothing to do with it. It just shows how ignorant the management and I guess, now that I think about it, the waitress too thinks we are! Insulting. Not to mention any waitress of caliber who would even bring that to a table, or at least I would like to think, maybe she's under management duress or could care less. Unbelievable! Sorry I never in my Considerable travels see anything that blatant. Next my "Greens Salad" w/Bleu Cheese. I never figured out if it was really "Ranch" It was the consistency of cream, maybe, but NO lumps of Blue Cheese. I've had excellent mashed potatoes that weren't as smooth! 3 bites, done! The establishment, which of the Setting is a paver parking lot surrounded by bushes fits the description of another customer who said "it might as well be in the Mid-west". I believe the very poor quality is because they maybe losing their pants! No customers at noon til 3. A viewless surrounding, oysters the size of a quarter and Bleu Cheese that won't stick to lettuce! Bus.Mgr. email me "Give Us Another Chance" typ, std.reply.Like they really care! We're just1X TOURIST! :o(Sorry, Herb! We do take into consideration the comments and reviews of our customers to understand from their point-of-view on our food and service. We appreciate you taking the time to write to us about your experience. We strive in creating a standard of excellence in the quality of our food as well as our service, we're sorry that wasn't the case for you this time. We again do apologize for not meeting your expectations.

9. Gramma Dot's Seaside Saloon

634 N Yachtsman Dr, Sanibel Island, FL 33957-3912 American, Bar, Seafood, Soups Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront +1 239-472-8138 http://www.sanibelmarina.com/gramma.html
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4 based on 1929 reviews

Gramma Dot's Seaside Saloon

Reviewed By Batmom7

This is one of our favorite places on Sanibel. The decor gives it an island feel. The food is delicious. We had mahi, shrimp, and chicken, and everyone was pleased. Their homemade potato chips and fruit complete the meal. The flower is a nice touch. The service is exceptional for as busy as they are.

8. Traders

1551 Periwinkle Way Sanibel, Sanibel Island, FL 33957-4513 American, Seafood, International Drinks, Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Seating, Free Wifi, Accepts +1 239-472-7242 http://traderssanibel.com
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4 based on 1881 reviews

Traders

At Traders Restaurant on Sanibel, we want to make you feel right at home! Our location has been regarded as one of Sanibel's best kept secrets! Indulge yourself with one of our fantastic meals, or browse around for a great gift for a loved one. We are pro

Reviewed By SheilaS388

Took a visiting friend for a ‘big birthday’...we knew it would be good as it always is! The Spinach & Portabella Salad was a hit all round! Two of us had the Macadamia Grouper which was delicious and my friend declared the Lamb Shank as excellent. Best food on the island by far!

7. Sunset Grill Incorporated

6536 Pine Ave, Sanibel Island, FL 33957-2034 American, Seafood Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront [email protected] +1 239-472-2333 http://www.sunsetgrillsanibel.com
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4 based on 805 reviews

Sunset Grill Incorporated

Reviewed By derekw186

We holiday on Sanibel every October and have been since 1994.We've passed Sunset Grill many times but never visited. Seeing good reviews on TA and Sanibel Resturants Facebook we thought we'd give it a try. We were not disappointed. We arrived just before 6.30pm and were able to watch the sunset through the trees. Carlos was our waiter and was extremely helpful in recommending food.We ordered shrimp cocktail and the. strawberry gazpatcho followed by the Grouper with Pineapple Salsa and Salmon. We shared a Mexican dessert of banana deep fried in pastry. With beer,water and service our bill was $120.Yes more expensive than most restaurants but good to enjoy some well cooked sophisticated food.Incidentally the restaurant fills up immediately after Sunset.

6. Shima Japanese Steakhouse

1451 Middle Gulf Dr Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, Sanibel Island, FL 33957-6521 Japanese, Sushi, Seafood Dinner Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Free Of [email protected] +1 239-989-1160 http://www.sundialresort.com/eat/shima/
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4 based on 245 reviews

Shima Japanese Steakhouse

Look forward to an authentic Japanese experience as your dinner is artfully prepared right before your eyes on the hibachi grill. Shima offers award-winning teppanyaki expertly crafted and orchestrated to delight the senses. Shima has been voted Best Stea

Reviewed By danielD5978CO

This was our first visit to Shima after numerous visits to Sanibel. Food and service was outstanding. Only niggle it was not made clear to us that a gratuity was included in the bill. Our party of three tipped very generosity (25+ percent) on top of the added gratuity. Didn't realize this until after we returned to our condo. Not sure if we'll return.Thank you very much for your feedback, Daniel. We'd really like to discuss your visit with us. Our management team can be reached at 239-395-6017 or [email protected]. Thank you so much.

5. The Sandbar

2761 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island, FL 33957-5913 Steakhouse, Bar, Seafood Dinner Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Ca [email protected] +1 239-472-0305 http://www.sanibelsandbar.com
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4 based on 1423 reviews

The Sandbar

Since opening in 2013, The Sandbar has become known for its incredibly fresh seafood and choice cuts of beef and pork. We take great pride in having the best service staff on the islands. Check out the reviews or come in and find out for yourself!

Reviewed By Ed H

My wife and I found this restaurant for the first time and we will definitely return. The atmosphere is relaxed yet offers an air of simple elegance. We were warmly welcomed and seated quickly. The restaurant noise level is great for conversations. Our server was knowledgeable and appropriately attentative. The crab bisque is the best yet on the island. Boom boom shrimp and scallops were our entrees and both were exceptional! We will make The Sandbar one of our favorite spots on Sanibel!

Top 10 Things to do in Sanibel Island, United States

4. The Clam Shack

2407 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, FL 33957-3218 American, Seafood, Soups Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music +1 239-472-6882 https://www.facebook.com/Theclamshacksanibel
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4 based on 654 reviews

The Clam Shack

Reviewed By Ed H

Three of us visited for the first time and despite the very friendly staff the food was just ok. Beware they serve beer and wine so anything like a margarita is made with “wine-based liquor “; whatever that is. Clam bisque was good as was the peel ‘m and eat’m shrimp. Clam “cakes” are like hush puppies but ours were not done inside. Great onion rings.

Top 10 restaurants in Sanibel Island, United States

3. Il Cielo

1244 Periwinkle Way 1/10 mile east of Donax Street, Sanibel Island, FL 33957-4704 Seafood, American, International, Contemporary Brunch, Drinks, Dinner Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Wine and Be [email protected] +1 239-472-5555 http://ilcielosanibel.com
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4 based on 1136 reviews

Il Cielo

IL Cielo will begin a remodeling project on May13th 2019 and will re-open with an amazing new bar and dining room in Fall 2019. Visit our website or FB page for updates.

Reviewed By Sally123B

Here’s our view having eaten here last week. Slightly old fashioned ambience / setting with an average age of diners of 70yrs +. Excellent service (they have been trained well and not too intrusive).Good choice of wines kept well. Quality ingredients and cooked perfectly. Piano player was OK - seemed quite loud when we first arrived but as time went on the music blended into the harmonious atmosphere.

Most Popular American food in Sanibel Island, Florida, United States

2. Bleu Rendezvous Bistro

2430 Periwinkle Way Near Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel Island, FL 33957-3207 Seafood, Wine Bar, French Dinner Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Seating, Accepts Credit Cards, Table [email protected] +1 239-565-1608 http://bleurendezvous.com
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4 based on 398 reviews

Bleu Rendezvous Bistro

Intimate Bistro Dining with classic cuisine favorites, Petite Plates, Prix Fixe Menus and A la Carte. Make a Rendezvous with French Chef Christian and Mari Vivet on beautiful Sanibel Island.

Reviewed By Sally123B

Had supper here the other evening. Pleasant ambience, friendly service & bistro style. Food was good but not exceptional. Veal was a bit sinewy (tough) not enough to complain about but never the less not perfect. My fish en croute was fine and perfectly cooked - best bit was the Maine lobster tail, the dish had 1 scallop, 2 prawns and 2 grouper cheeks = $39. Sauce was delicious. Not sure about the red cabbage. Green beans were fine. Potatoes were tasteless. Sorry this is a mixed review given the high rating of other reviewers - but it wasn’t 5*

Best Pizza food near Sanibel Island, Florida, United States

1. Mad Hatter Restaurant

6467 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel Island, FL 33957-2015 Steakhouse, American, Seafood Dinner, Late Night Takeout, Highchairs Available, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront, Beach +1 239-472-0033 http://www.madhatterrestaurant.com/
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4 based on 1565 reviews

Reviewed By Daniel V

Had the bouillabaisse (spelling sucks) which was succulent and tasty like in southern France but with local ingredients. The olive tapenade that they offer you with warm bread delightful and not overpowering...perfect. Wine selection great. Sunset!!!!! Maybe crowded and compact but that makes people mingle amongst other tables. Great job!!!

Top 6 Italian food in Sanibel Island, Florida, United States

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