Our waterfront creates the lifestyle that most only dream of. Part of the fun living here is enjoying waterfront restaurants that are accessible by boat or car. To be sure, going by boat is the most interesting way to go and compliments a great day of boating or fishing. Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands are full of waterfront restaurants. Several are only accessible by boat.
A cheeseburger in paradise at Cabbage Key, a wedge of classic Key lime pie while watching the sun set at Tarpon Lodge or an incredible grouper sandwich at the Lazy Flamingo are just a few of my favorites. Each restaurant has its own nautical flair, most have outdoor eating and some with a bar. Many have local bands playing near or after sunset….how good can it get? Part of the fun is watching the various types of boats docking and coming in. Some have fish stories to tell and some are just thirsty for a brew.
The list below is a summary of the local waterfront restaurants. Charlotte County and Lee County restaurants are included because on a day of boating you will be in the waters of both counties. I have tried to make this list complete but will update the list from time to time.
Here are some local waterfront restaurants listed below. There are many more restaurants and I will add them in the near future. As you can see from this partial list, there are plenty of great waterfront restaurants to explore.
VILLAGE OYSTER BAR RESTAURANT
1200 Via Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL. 33950
Located at Fisherman’s Village.
941-637-1177
SMUGGLERS, THE CAPTAINS TABLE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
1200 Via Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL. 33950
Located at Fisherman’s Village.
941-637-1177
RIVIERA OYSTER BAR RESTAURANT
5500 Deltona Dr,
Punta Gorda, FL
941-639-2633
BENEDETTO’S STEAKHOUSE & MARTINI BAR
Located in the Best Western Waterfront
300 Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL. 33950
941-639-9695
SHARKEY’S ON THE PIER
1600 Harbor Dr.
South Venice, FL. 34285
941-488-1456
THE LOOSE CABOOSE
4th & Park Ave
Boca Grande, FL. 33921
941-964-0440
SOUTH BEACH BAR & GRILL
Best food in Paradise. Waterfront dining overlooking the beach. Located near the Boca Grande Lighthouse.
777 Gulf Bl.vd
Boca Grande, FL.
941-964-0765
RUMRUNNERS
Upscale yet relaxed waterfront dining at the Cape Coral locks in Cape Harbour.
5848 Cape Harbour Dr.
Cape Coral, FL. 33914
239-542-0200
HURRICAINE HARRY’S WATERFRONT DINING
Waterfront tiki-hut happy hour appetizer. Florida pub food atmosphere. Live music.
MARINATOWN HARBOR
3448 Hancock Bridge Pkwy.
North Fort Myers, FL.
239.997.8300
WALLY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
Waterfront happy hour. Florida pub food atmosphere.
3442 Marinatown Ln.
Fort Myers, FL 33903-7059
239-997-7110
CHANNEL MARK
Grand waterview courtesy of expansive picture windows. Seafood, continental dining with interesting wine list.
19001 San Carlos Blvd,
Fort Myers Beach
Before the bridge onto Estero Island/Fort Myers beach.
239.463.9127
THE LIGHTHOUSE
Fort Myers just before you enter Sanibel – elegant waterfront dining.
14301 Port Comfort Rd,
Fort Myers, FL.
239-489-0770
BERT’S BAR & GRILL
Old Florida bayfront burger and seafood bar with pool and live music.
Overlooking the beach, near the Boca Grande Lighthouse.
Pine Island Rd,
Matlacha, FL.
239-282-3232
MORETTI’S SEAFOOD
Best sunset food around – Italian/German & seafood entrees.
4299 Pine Island Rd,
Matlacha, Pine Island, FL.
239.283.5825
SANDY HOOK FISH & RIB HOUSE
All things conch, seafood & more.
4875 Pine Island Rd,
Matlacha, Pine Island, FL.
239.283.0113
THE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT & MARINA
Waterfront Restaurant Offers The Best Of Both Worlds. Casual dockside dining or air conditioned inside dining. Canal front fun, casual seafood and burgers.
2131 Oleander St.
St. James City, FL. 33956
Located on the corner of Stringfellow Rd. and Oleander.
239-283-0592
PARROT KEY CARIBBEAN GRILL
The casual open-air restaurant features a spectacular view of Matanzas Harbor, and offers the best in tropical drinks, tempting appetizers and delicious entrées.
2500 Main St.
Ft. Myers Beach, FL.
239-463-3257
THE LOBSTER SHACK
3135 Stringfellow Rd.
St James City, FL 33956
239.283.5300
TARPON LODGE
Historic elegant fishing lodge featuring views of Pine Island sound.
13771 Waterfront Dr,
Pineland, FL.
239-283-3999
TARPON HOUSE AT SANIBEL HARBOUR
View of San Carlos Bay & pool, outdoor & indoor dining & upscale seafood.
17260 Harbour Pointe Drive,
Fort Myers, FL. 33908
239.466.2128
THISTLE LODGE
Beyond charming, cottage like ambience with view of the Gulf & Beach. Upscale seafood & more.
2255 West Gulf Drive,
Sanibel, FL.
239.472.9200
LAZY FLAMINGO
Seafood, steaks, local favorites, Raw Bar & grill.
16501 Stringfellow Rd.
Bokeelia, FL.
Located at Harborside at Four Winds Marina.
239-283-5959
THE FISHERY RESTAURANT
Old Florida waterfront dining.
Located on Fishery Rd.
Placida, FL.
941-697-2451
THE GREEN FLASH – MARKER 38
Raw oysters, bisque, fresh seafood, surf & turf.
15183 Captiva Dr.
Captiva, FL 33924
239-472-3337
OLD CAPTIVE HOUSE TWEEN WATERS – MARKER 38
Wild mushroom ragout, curry lobster spring rolls, roasted rack of lamb & Caribbean crusted grouper.
15951 Tween Waters Drive,
Captiva, FL.
239-472-5161
THE LIGHTHOUSE RESTAURANT – MARKER 11
Full bar, indoor & outdoor dining, seafood, crab cakes, pasta & prime rib.
14301 Port Comfort Road,
Fort Myers, FL.
239-489-0770
SANIBEL HARBOR RESORT & SPA – MARKER 11
Choose from Charley’s Cabana Bar, with light fare served at a casual bar on the water; Tarpon House, with inside and outside seating that overlooks the resort pool and waterfront serving a mix of Florida favorites; or Courtside Steakhouse with its full bar & menu featuring steaks, seafood & upscale service.
17260 Harbour Point Dr.,
Fort Myers;
239-466-4000
