Finding time in a busy schedule to enjoy a much-needed break is especially refreshing when you set your sights on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island as your vacation destinations of choice. As sunny and warm as they are filled with options for outdoor thrills, these locations are also packed with flavor. When you find yourself craving fresh caught fare while you’re here, the following Sanibel Island and Captiva Island seafood restaurants are must-visit stops that promise to be palate-pleasing!
Whether you’re visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island for the seafood, the shorelines, or the best of it all, make sure you check out our Area Guide ahead of time. Browse this comprehensive resource to find fun local events, activities, and attractions you might otherwise miss out on while you’re here.
Gramma Dot’s Seaside Saloon
Make your way to 634 N Yachtsman Drive on Sanibel Island and you’ll be treated to a sensational seafood dinner at Gramma Dot’s. This Sanibel Island eatery has earned its reputation for excellence around its wide selection of fresh caught fare on the menu, and the friendly service makes every visit that much more enjoyable. Here, the Gulf offers up a scenic backdrop to your dish of choice as you dine in casual style on the open-air patio. In addition to a tantalizing array of seafood options on the menu, visitors to Gramma Dot’s can savor salads and sandwiches too. Feel free to pair your selection with a handcrafted cocktail at this beloved local eatery that’s open daily from 11:30 am until 8:00 pm. Whether you drop by for the coconut shrimp or the grouper sandwich, your tastebuds will surely thank you for the experience.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
Yet another must-visit seafood restaurant on Sanibel Island for those with a passion for fresh-caught delights is Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. You’ll find this popular seafood-focused stop at 2500 Island Inn Road, and it’s often considered one of the top destinations in town for menu options that emphasize Caribbean flavors. The atmosphere at this seafood restaurant is vibrant and welcoming whether you drop by for a full meal or you’re more excited to savor a rum tasting paired with live musical entertainment on the patio. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is open daily from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm, and a few of the menu must-try items to enjoy when you drop by include the Yucatan shrimp and the Campeche fish tacos!
The Shipyard
For those who are on the hunt for a satisfying seafood restaurant on Captiva Island, The Shipyard has you covered. Located at 15951 Captiva Drive, The Shipyard is the place to be for a casual seafood-focused dining scene that includes rooftop seating and a collection of handcrafted cocktails on the menu that are as tantalizing as the seafood tacos. Serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, The Shipyard is loved for its grouper Rubens and salmon club sandwich just as much as it is for the burgers, fried shrimp, and seafood-topped pasta options on the menu.
Book a Stylish Stay in Florida
At Dream Vacation Rentals, we believe every trip to Sanibel Island and Captiva Island should be not only fun and refreshing, but infused with comfort, convenience, and exceptional style when it comes to your vacation rental options. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our customized and versatile retreats that offer up gorgeous views, keep you close to places you’re excited to explore, and are packed with amenities that make all the difference in your guest experience.