If you're a seafood lover, you're in luck! Because Sanibel has many fantastic seafood restaurants with delicious cuisines to match! Sanibel Island is a true tropical paradise, and if you're one for unique culinary experiences, there are several top-notch seafood restaurants on this beautiful island to wow your every taste.
Here are some top picks for the best seafood restaurants on Sanibel Island.
1. The Clam Shack
Seafood fanatic? You will love The Clam Shack! Located at the heart of Sanibel, this casual restaurant offers some truly delightful and mouthwatering dishes. With an outdoor seating area and friendly staff, it is no wonder so many islanders and visitors alike love to dine here. You can enjoy classics such as fried oysters, crab cakes, and calamari, or steamed clams and mussels, with several different sauces.
2. Sanibel Fish House
Sanibel Fish House is a Sanibel Island seafood staple for a good reason. The restaurant is located on the island's central coast, and you have to take a quick boat ride to this spot. Its unique location makes it stand out from the crowd, and while you're waiting for your food, you can enjoy some refreshing ocean views. Sometimes, it's even possible to spot some dolphins swimming by. Sanibel Fish House offers plenty of seafood options, and should you ever find yourself here, order their grouper sandwich. It comes with fresh veggies and homemade tartar sauce. You can also try their homemade crab cakes!
3. The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market
The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market is one of the best seafood restaurants in Sanibel. There is something for everyone here with a menu that includes local seafood, pasta, and steaks. The fish market has fresh fish available daily. Guests can choose what they want or let the chefs decide. Whether you are looking for a simple grouper sandwich or some of their signature dishes, you're sure to find something to satisfy your appetite. Those looking to dine-in can enjoy lunch or dinner on the patio overlooking the water and eat while watching boats go in and out of the harbor. The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market also has plenty of indoor seating with a bar and lounge area.
4. Sanibel Seafood Grille
Sanibel Seafood Grille is a family-owned and operated restaurant with an exceptional staff dedicated to providing guests with a beautiful dining experience. Sanibel Seafood Grille's seafood is fresh, local, and directly from the gulf. Their menu features daily specialties, including many non-seafood items, like steaks and pasta. They also offer a wide choice of fresh catch from the Gulf of Mexico, including snapper, Mahi Mahi, and cobia.
5. George & Wendy's Seafood Grille
George & Wendy's Seafood Grille is easily a favorite of Sanibel locals and visitors. The atmosphere is casual and friendly. George & Wendy's Seafood Grille has a vast menu that includes excellent seafood and non-seafood options. The menu consists of classic American dishes, such as burgers, sandwiches, and seafood specialties. Their fish tacos are a popular choice, along with their signature snapper dish — baked snapper topped with crabmeat stuffing and a lemon butter sauce. This Sanibel Seafood restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, overlooking the Sanibel Marina. You will need to get here early because it's usually packed come dinner time.
6. Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille
Are you looking for a unique seafood experience? Try the best seafood around at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille! Located on Sanibel Island, this fine establishment has been serving first-class service and food since 1997. Their menu is inspired by local seafood cuisines, and every day the chefs create innovative specials to showcase their culinary talent. They also have nightly specials at every location from Tuesday through Saturday. With a menu full of fresh selections, you'll have plenty of options to choose from.
7. Traders Restaurant
The unpretentious island atmosphere at Traders Restaurant is reflected in their staff's casual dress code, friendly service, and eclectic offerings of fresh seafood. Traders Restaurant offers lots of traditional fares, and it's open for lunch and dinner. This fanciful seafood restaurant provides a variety of sandwiches, salads, and a wide selection of seafood and land specialties for dinner. Traders Restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients, including farm proteins and local produce. They also offer gluten-free options. It's good to note Traders Restaurant has been voted 'Best Breakfast on Sanibel Island' every year since 2002!
8. Sunset Grill
Sunset Grill is a lively, casual waterfront spot that serves excellent seafood in Sanibel. The atmosphere is friendly and fun. You can dine inside or out on the patio for a great view of the marina. Sunset Grill is also famous for its homemade key lime pie. The restaurant offers full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu options. Their breakfast menu has several egg dishes (including omelets and scrambles), pancakes, and waffles. Dinner is where Sunset Grill shines, though. They offer crab cakes and the local favorite grouper sandwich (grilled or fried).
9. Lazy Flamingo
When visiting Sanibel Island, make a point of stopping by the Lazy Flamingo. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up fresh seafood since 1984. Lazy Flamingo is most famous for its chicken wings and oysters. So, whether you like your wings hot or mild, you can't go wrong at the Lazy Flamingo. The oysters on the half shell are served up daily and are always fresh. Try their fried grouper sandwich or fish tacos if you prefer something a little more filling. Both are delicious and will have you coming back for more.
10. The Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant
The Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant is located on the Gulf of Mexico at the Sanibel Island Beach Resort. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a wide selection of seafood, steaks, and vegetarian dishes. You can choose from omelets, pancakes, eggs Benedict and steak, and eggs cooked to order for breakfast. Lunch includes salads, sandwiches, and burgers, and dinner selections include appetizers such as crab cakes, fried calamari, and shrimp cocktails. You can find entrees like grouper, shrimp scampi over linguine, pork tenderloin, and boneless New York strip steak.
We hope this guide has helped you discover some hidden gems to grab amazing seafood on Sanibel Island. Read more about What Makes Sanibel Island So Popular here! Should you be looking to move to Sanibel, look no further than Phaidra McDermott, a seasoned real estate agent and a Lifelong resident of the island who can help you with all your Sanibel Island real estate needs. Contact Phaidra!