Food & Drink · May 28, 2025
One of the best parts of visiting Southwest Florida is the food — fresh Gulf seafood, laid-back waterfront patios, and a surprisingly good international scene. Here's how a local thinks about eating well around Cape Coral and Fort Myers.
For sunset dinners on the water, look toward the Cape Coral Yacht Club area and the Tarpon Point and Cape Harbour marinas, where you'll find grouper sandwiches, stone crab in season, and live music on weekends. Just over the bridge, Fort Myers Beach and the rebuilt waterfront offer classic shrimp-boat-to-table fare.
Cape Coral's SE 47th Terrace ("the entertainment district") is packed with breweries, taco spots, and coffee shops — perfect when you want something relaxed after a beach day. Downtown Fort Myers' River District is the other walkable hub, with everything from wood-fired pizza to craft cocktails.
If you have a car for the week, it's easy to make a night of it in Punta Gorda's harbor district or head south to Naples' 5th Avenue for a special occasion. Both are an easy, scenic drive from Cape Coral.
Skip the rideshare math — a rental means you can chase the best sunset table without worrying about a ride home. Just remember to plan a designated driver if drinks are involved.