If you’re considering planning a vacation to the sunny state of Florida, you’ve got lots of options of where to go. You could pick a more crowded destination like Miami or Orlando, but we’d recommend heading somewhere more laid-back and relaxed like Sanibel Island. There are plenty of fun things to do on Sanibel Island for every visitor, including breathtaking beaches, fascinating historical sites, abundant shopping opportunities, and of course, delicious seafood!
During your stay in one of our Sanibel Island rentals, you should treat yourself to some of the freshest local seafood. Luckily, there are plenty of places to do just that! There are so many fantastic seafood restaurants on Sanibel Island that it would be nearly impossible to list them all in one article. However, we’ve rounded up our top four favorite restaurants right here!
The Clam Shack
You might think that you have to travel up to Maine to taste the best of New England seafood, but The Clam Shack brings that delicious cuisine right down here to Florida! This family-owned restaurant has quickly become one of the most popular staple locations on the island, perfect for when you want to spend a casual lunch or dinner with your loved ones. The team at The Clam Shack prides itself on providing a relaxing and welcoming environment for all groups, so you don’t want to miss a trip here!
Although the name of this restaurant is The Clam Shack, there’s so much more on the menu than just clams. Enjoy a delicious lobster roll, some delicious fried scallops, an order of New England Style Fish and Chips, and more. You can even get a Clam Bake (enough for two people) to have everything taken care of in one order! Everything is prepared to order using the freshest local seafood, so there’s never any doubt that you’re getting the highest quality meal.
The Clam Shack is located at 2407 Periwinkle Way. They are open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market
If you’re searching for the most unique Sanibel Island restaurants, you have to make a stop at Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market. This establishment has been serving guests and locals of Sanibel Island since 1978 and is one of the best places to get the freshest seafood you can find in the area. If you want to prepare your food yourself, there are all kinds of incredible options for you to choose from in the market, which rotate daily. However, if you don’t want to go through the hard work of preparing yourself, you can stop by the restaurant for the same delicious cuisine!
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The menu here offers a little something for everyone, so even the pickiest eaters will enjoy their meal. While entree options may vary depending on the season, visitors have been enjoying before the lobster tail, Captiva crab cakes, sea scallops, crunchy grouper, and more lately. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, they do also offer several varieties of steaks.
Timbers Restaurants & Fish Market is located at 703 Tarpon Bay Road. They are open daily from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Lazy Flamingo
At one point, the Lazy Flamingo was a restaurant that only the locals knew about. However, it has since caught the attention of visitors. Many now consider it one of the best restaurants on Sanibel Island. If you’re looking for a genuinely casual experience where you can relax and be yourself, Lazy Flamingo offers it! You can enjoy a nice cold beer with your friends or bring the kids along to enjoy the exciting atmosphere.
On the menu, you’ll find just about any seafood option you can imagine, including oysters, clams, shrimp, mussels, and more. You can also enjoy fried grouper, fried shrimp, and land options like chicken tenders and Mesquite-grilled ribs. No matter what you select, you can rest assured that it’s been prepared with precious local ingredients and is always made to order. At the end of your meal, finish off with a slice of Key Lime Pie or ask about their daily dessert specials.
Lazy Flamingo is located at 1036 Periwinkle Way. They are open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Plan Your Next Stay
So, are you ready to come to sample these seafood restaurants and enjoy the other attractions of Sanibel Island for yourself? Contact us today to get started planning your vacation!
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
If you’ve been on the lookout for the best Sanibel Island bars, don’t miss a trip to Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. This restaurant is named for Doc Ford, a marine biologist who is the main character in the novels of author Randy Wayne White. White is an area local and can even be seen frequenting the restaurant throughout the year! Even if you haven’t read the novels, you can still enjoy a delicious meal and an incredible atmosphere.
The menu here features flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim, but of course, you’ll be dining on the freshest seafood that Sanibel Island has to offer. Lately, visitors have enjoyed selections like the macadamia nut-crusted grouper, seafood paella, penne with shrimp, banana leaf snapper, and more. If someone in your group has a dietary restriction, you’ll be pleased to know that this establishment features a special gluten-free menu. At the end of your meal, get a slice of Key Lime Pie or sample the banana bread pudding or double-decker brownie!
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is located at 2500 Island Inn Road. They are open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Find Your Sanibel Island Rental
After you’ve enjoyed your meal at one of these incredible Sanibel Island seafood restaurants, you’ll probably want nothing more than to relax with your family and plan the next day of sightseeing. There’s no better place to do just that than one of the Sanibel Island rentals offered by Sandalfoot. We are proud to retain a considerable catalog of rental properties perfect for individuals, couples, or families. Each of our rentals is unique, but they all feature luxurious amenities such as spacious bedrooms and living rooms, a stunning view of Sanibel Island, multiple flat-screen TVs, high-speed Internet access, and so much more.
Throughout your stay, you’ll also have the added benefit of having our customer service team by your side. We make every effort to get to know each guest by name and be available around the clock to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Whether you want to know about the future in your Sanibel Island condo rental or you want a recommendation for the next thing to do, we’ve got you covered! No matter whether you stay inland or take advantage of our Sanibel Island beachfront rentals, you’re sure to have the time of your life exploring our beautiful island.
