A Food Lover's Guide to Cape Coral

There's no doubt that food is an essential part of any travel experience, and Cape Coral is no exception. With a diverse dining scene that ranges from seafood to Cuban to Italian and other international flavors, Cape Coral has something to satisfy every craving. In this post, we'll highlight some of the must-try restaurants in Cape Coral, as well as some hidden gems and local favorites.

Cape Coral offers a plethora of dining options, with new restaurants, cafes, and bars opening up all the time. Whether you're in the mood for a casual meal, a fancy night out, or anything in between, you'll find it here. The local cuisine is diverse and influenced by the area's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, so seafood is a big draw. However, there are plenty of other options to explore as well, including Cuban, Italian, and other international flavors.

One of the top restaurants to try in Cape Coral is Rumrunners, located on the waterfront in Cape Harbor. The restaurant offers seafood and steak dishes, as well as a lively bar scene. Another must-try restaurant is Fathoms, also on the waterfront in Cape Harbor, which offers an upscale menu and an outdoor bar with a view of the marina. If you're in the mood for Italian, check out Dante’s, which offers wood-fired pizza and homemade pasta dishes.

If you're a seafood lover visiting Cape Coral or Fort Myers, you should definitely check out Deep Lagoon, located on McGregor Blvd. This restaurant is known for offering fresh, locally caught seafood in a beautiful setting with a laid-back atmosphere. For a more upscale experience, try the Fish Tale Grill in Cape Coral on SE 47th Terrace, which offers fresh seafood and sushi in a trendy, modern atmosphere. If you're in the mood for a classic Florida seafood shack experience, you can't go wrong with Skip One Seafood, which has been serving up delicious seafood for over 60 years.

One of the benefits of dining in Cape Coral is the abundance of waterfront restaurants with stunning views. In addition to Rumrunners and Fathoms, other top options include Gather, which offers outdoor seating overlooking the marina and the Gulf of Mexico. The Boat House, located at the Cape Coral Yacht Club, is another great location to enjoy dinner and watch the sunset over the Caloosahatchee River. UPDATE: The Boat House was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian and is currently closed.

For those looking to try something off the beaten path, Cape Coral has some hidden gems and local favorites worth exploring. One such spot is Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery, which offers tours and tastings of its award-winning rums. Another option is Nice Guys Pizza, which offers creative pizza toppings and a rotating selection of craft beer in addition to a great variety of pinball machines.

No meal is complete without something sweet, and Cape Coral has plenty of options for dessert and sweet treats. One of the best spots to try is Love Boat Homemade Ice Cream on McGregor Blvd. towards Fort Myers Beach, which offers over 50 flavors of ice cream made from scratch on site. Another great option is Amore Italian Market & Bakery in Cape Coral, which offers freshly made authentic Italian pastries and cakes.

Cape Coral is home to several farmers markets that offer fresh, locally grown produce, as well as other artisanal food products. The Cape Coral Farmers Market is held every Saturday and features over 100 vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to baked goods and homemade jams. Another great option is the Surfside Sunshine Market, which is held on Wednesdays and offers a variety of fresh, locally sourced foods. If you're looking to cook your own meals while in Cape Coral, these markets are a great place to stock up on fresh ingredients.

As you can see, Cape Coral has a lot to offer food lovers. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, Italian, or something in between, there's a restaurant or cafe in Cape Coral that will satisfy your cravings. Happy eating!