Phone: 239.992.9100
Location: 26811 South Tamiami Trail | Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Not only does Sanibel Island have some of the best views, beaches and shelling in the world, it’s also known for its food. It’s one thing to vacation in paradise, but when the breakfast and lunch options on the island are so good, you just have to explore them all! This is your guide to some of the best breakfast and lunch restaurants on Sanibel Island. Enjoy!
In no particular order, the best breakfast and lunch restaurants on Sanibel Island are:
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and many people’s favorite. If you’re staying on the island, treat yourself to one of the best breakfast restaurants on Sanibel. After you’ve tried them all, let us know your favorite in the comment section!
The Island Cow has been on the island for more than 15 years, and it’s practically a way of life. Kids will love its fun cow-themed décor, and The Island Cow’s breakfast is some of the best on Sanibel. Some people visit for the homemade muffins alone. When the weather is nice (and it is most of the year!), you can sit outside and take in the island’s sights and sounds.
Why Plan a Visit:
What to Order:
Visit The Island Cow at 2163 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida, 33957.
If you want a breakfast with a view, we recommend Sea Breeze Caféat the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa. It has the best view on the island and food is served buffet-style.
Why Plan a Visit:
What to Order:
Visit Sea Breeze Café at 1451 Middle Gulf Drive Sanibel, Florida, 33957. It’s located in the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa.
When you think about breakfast on Sanibel, this is one of the places that should instantly come to mind. Locals love it. Tourists love it, too. The food is always good and there’s usually a smile on everyone’s face. When you find a good, consistent breakfast place, it’s a keeper.
Why Plan a Visit:
What to Order:
Visit the Over Easy Café at 630 Tarpon Bay Road, No. 1, Sanibel, Florida, 33957.
The sign in front says “World’s Best Breakfast,” and many people on Sanibel Island would agree. The inside is simple and charming decorated with artwork of lighthouses from around the world, and the food is delicious. You can even purchase the Lighthouse Café’s world-famous strawberry preserves and blueberry sauce. There is also a collection of Sanibel Lighthouse photos to look at to inspire you to take a trip to the Lighthouse yourself!
Why Plan a Visit:
What to Order:
Visit Lighthouse Café at 362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida, 33957.
The restaurant was recently purchased, but the name stayed the same. The new owners have a penchant for serving delectable breakfast, and they want the whole island to know it. The interior has also been redone, so everything inside is brand spanking new.
Why Plan a Visit:
What to Order:
Visit the Blue Giraffe Restaurant at 2075 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida, 33957.
It’s not a secret some of the best breakfast restaurants are on Sanibel, but one could argue that some of the best lunch restaurants are on Sanibel, too. If you love fresh seafood with a view, you can’t resist some of these places. Others are island staples you just have to try!
This gem is located in the Sanibel Marina near the Lighthouse. It’s always packed, and with good reason. We highly recommend calling ahead for reservations, or getting there early. You can also pull up here on your boat and enjoy a homemade meal like the kind your grandparents would make. Gramma Dot’s Seaside Saloon is nostalgia at its best.
Why Plan a Visit:
What to Order:
Visit Gramma Dot’s Seaside Saloon at 634 North Yachtsman Drive, Sanibel, Florida, 33957.
This fun burger restaurant chain began on Sanibel Island, and you can still visit and dine at the location where it all began. The 1950s theme and décor is playful and packed full of attitude. In addition to burgers and fries, Cheeburger Cheeburger also serves up some mean shakes. You can even leave with cool shirts from the gift shop for the kiddos.
Why Plan a Visit:
What to Order:
Visit Cheeburger Cheeburger at 1975 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida, 33957.
This family-owned restaurant serves up fresh seafood in a New England style. Think clam cakes, lobster rolls and wicked good food. The décor gives off a Cape Cod and nautical vibe. Locals from New England, as well as visitors vacationing from the area, will feel at home here.
Why Plan a Visit:
This is a great place for lunch or dinner if you love a place with a great atmosphere, you’re from New England and/or you love seafood. It’s also an excellent locale to unwind with friends and family, whether you want to sit outside on the patio and have some drinks, or celebrate a special occasion with some delicious seafood dishes. It’s a nice change from some of the other more high-end restaurants on the island.
What to Order:
A reviewer from The Fort Myers News-Press praised the shrimp and the clam cakes. Yelp reviewers also raved about the lobster roll. After all, this is a New England establishment.
Visit The Clam Shack on Sanibel at 2407 Periwinkle Way, No. 5, Sanibel, Florida, 33957.
This casual dining locale offers seafood and mouthwatering wings. It’s also become somewhat of a Sanibel Island tradition. It’s not fancy, but it does have its own style. The seven large TVs make the Lazy Flamingo a great place to watch a big sports game.
Why Plan a Visit:
What to Order:
Visit the Lazy Flamingo at 1036 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida, 33957.
Schnapper’s is where you go when you’re craving a good hotdog. But, they’re not just any hotdog. They are old-fashioned butcher hotdogs with a natural casing. Tradition and the way they prepare their food sets Schnapper’s apart. After you try it, you’ll know what we mean!
Why Plan a Visit:
What to Order:
Visit Schnapper’s Hots at 1528 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida, 33957.
This isn’t one of the best breakfast restaurants on Sanibel, or one of the best lunch restaurants on Sanibel. However, it is one of the best ice cream places in Southwest Florida. Enjoy any one of Pinocchio’s delicious flavors after breakfast, lunch or dinner!
This is one of the best places to go for ice cream on the island. Many would argue that nothing else compares to Pinocchio’s. Besides, who doesn’t love homemade ice cream? Some of the flavors are inspired by the beaches and Southwest Florida. Each treat also comes with a cute animal cracker. If it doesn’t have the animal on top, it’s not from Pinocchio’s.
Why Plan a Visit:
What to Order:
Visit Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream at 362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida, 33957.
The great thing about Sanibel is that it’s a smaller island, which means you’re just a quick car ride or short bike ride away from some of the best breakfast and lunch eateries and other Sanibel Island restaurants. We also have the best restaurants on Captiva Island for you to enjoy.
Create lasting memories with friends and families and top it off with some delicious meals from our local island favorites. Check out Royal Shell’s Sanibel vacation rentals and let any of our agents know if you see a home or condo you’re interested in learning more about. And let us know what you think of some of the best breakfast and lunch restaurants on Sanibel in the comments!
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