Try These Amazing Waterfront Restaurants on Sanibel Island

No one wants to cook while they are on vacation. That is why you will find plenty of places to grab a quick bite or a full-course sit-down dinner when you book your Sanibel Island vacation rental. There will be options for even the pickiest eaters, and most cater to all sorts of special diets. Enjoy our summary of the best Sanibel Island restaurants with a view! 

Gramma Dot’s Restaurant

Enjoy dining at Gramma Dot’s restaurant with a spectacular view of the marina. Sanibel’s only seaside saloon, you can have a fantastic lunch or dinner all week long, inside or out. 

They offer a wide range of choices, great appetizers, and salads where you can add whatever you want. There are a lot of freshly caught seafood dishes, burgers, sandwiches, and plates to share. Plus, they come with fresh fruit and homemade chips. 

Their dinner menu has seafood dishes, sandwiches, and platters. They also have steak and a few vegetarian options. They also have a kid’s menu for those who can’t eat a whole basket of shrimp. Save room for Key Lime Pie or chocolate cake. Or both!

It’s an ideal place to get a quick bite or relax while you absorb all the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. You can also get your food to go if you are on your way for a great adventure around Sanibel Island.

Suppose you are on a boat; reserve a slip to park while you relax and enjoy your lunch. No boat? No problem, as they have boat rentals available as well. You can also charter a boat and take a harbor tour with the family.

a table set in front of the water at sunset
Photo from Shutterstock

Thistle Lodge

If you happen to be staying in a Sanibel beachfront rental, the Thistle Lodge will be close by. Located in Casa Ybel Resort, you will find the scenery as beautiful inside as it is on the outside. 

They offer an extensive wine list, plenty of seafood, other options for lunch, and more elegant choices for their dinner. They have seafood, steak, and some vegetarian choices as well.

Depending on what time of year you visit Sanibel Island, you can expect something special for holiday meals, like Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Easter. Holiday menus are set, so you can relax and let the chef make your choices. 

They also serve brunch with salad, egg dishes, and sandwiches. Thistle Lodge has plenty of choices for everyone, including meals the kids will enjoy. It’s more upscale than some places in the area, so be prepared to be dazzled.

You can get any of their menu items to go for those who want to stay in. Sometimes you want to hang around one of our Sanibel Island condo rentals and take in the view from your own space. 

Plan Your Stay

Sandalfoot Condos are close to the beach and offer you community while, at the same time, offering you privacy. Screened-in porches keep the bugs away but keep the view exactly where you want it. Featuring Internet and full kitchens and close to all the attractions you wish to see, these luxury condos are a popular choice for newcomers and those who return year after year. 

Sea Breeze Cafe

Classic elegance would not be out of place when describing the Sea Breeze Cafe. Dine indoors or out, enjoy great food, spectacular views, and a refreshing and cooling sea breeze.

They have great hours so that you can get in for a full breakfast, a quick lunch, or a lovely relaxing dinner at the end of your day. Whether you need a full meal or just a few cocktails after your adventures, Sea Breeze Cafe has it all.

Try their breakfast buffet, where you can get whatever you want. It is a great way to get a healthy breakfast for the kids, as they will enjoy picking their favorites. You can expect fresh seafood, lighter fare, like salads and other starters, and soups and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. They have a kid’s menu for the little ones.

Dinner has a more extended menu with all the same dishes, but for a dinner portion. They have seafood, steak, burgers, salads, and hot sandwiches. They have an extensive wine list and make some excellent specialty vacation cocktails.

Traditions on the Beach

If you like a little history with your meal, visit Traditions on the Beach. You get beachfront views, live music, a full menu for the dining room, or a tapas menu in the bar.

Their tapas menu is ideal for those who want a small bite and a few refreshing cocktails while you watch the sunset over the waves. You can sit here for the evening or before you have dinner.

They offer seafood, steaks, chicken, plenty of gourmet starters, and several pasta options. They have a kids’ menu or the opportunity to share an entree while you enjoy the atmosphere and the music.  

There are several choices for dessert, and they have a fully stocked bar for cocktails, beer, and many wine options. There is nightly entertainment, and you never know what special guest may show up to entertain you!

There is dancing by the sea, and you can also book Traditions for your wedding or another special event. It’s the ideal background for your milestone, and there is a beach cam for those who want to see the scene from the inside.

Book your event when you book your Sanibel beachfront vacation rental, and they can help you set everything up. The beach cam allows your guests to view the day and others from home, even if they are not there in person. 

The Mad Hatter

The Mad Hatter is open daily for dinner service only. The restaurant is as beautiful as the scenery. There are a few tables outside, but seating is limited, and reservations are strongly suggested. 

Book a night in when you book your Sanibel Island condo rental, and then you will know you won’t miss out. If you don’t get a reservation, you can always order from their fantastic menu to pick it up and eat at home. 

Their menu is more high-end than other places, so be prepared to be wowed. They have beautiful starters, seafood, steak, desserts, and a few vegetarian and gluten-free options. 

They only serve beer and wine, especially coffee, and dessert wines, as well. Even their salads are high-class, leaving you spoiled for anything else for quite some time. 

If you plan to visit Sanibel Island for your next family vacation, contact Sandalfoot Condos first. You want to get the perfect place for your getaway so you can start planning everything you will want to do!

Book now so you can check out all the other activities you will want and plan out your vacation so you can enjoy every single day. Get your home away from home on Sanibel Island when you contact Sandalfoot Condos today!

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