This was the best dining experience we had on island. We'd made reservations (highly recommended)…read moreand we were welcomed and seated right away. We had very good service throughout even though they were busy. We weren't rushed. We dined leisurely but without gaps between courses. We shared a Caesar salad to start. It was a good appetizer. For my main entree, I had the lamb chops. There were two double chops perfectly cooked to my request -- crisped on the outside. They were delicious. And served over mashed potatoes with asparagus and carrots. The portion was large. My husband had the burgundy braised short ribs. The meat was tender and flavorful. He said the sauce they were in was just rich and wonderful. We were too full to try any of their desserts. As we were leaving, we both said that this restaurant is a "keeper". We wished we'd been here sooner.

Our last night on Sanibel Captiva and my wife had made reservations for the end of my Birthday…read moreVacay. So glad she did! After a friendly welcome, we were seated and our server Eric took our drink orders. After looking over the menu and hearing the tempting Specials for the night, we chose our meals. We shared a Caesar salad and I had the Short ribs over red bliss mashed potatoes. YUM! My wife had the Lamb chops, charred and cooked to her desired temperature. She loved them! We looked at the desert menu but were pleasantly full and gave dessert a pass. Great ambiance, great service, Great food and a wonderful evening!

Came here while staying in Captiva, it's a 20 min drive and so worth it! The restaurant is located…read morein a cute shopping plaza surrounded with little shops. Extremely clean and the staff is friendly and very attentive. We went for breakfast (didn't take pics lol) and it was so good we went back the next day for lunch! Large menu. Outdoor seating that allows . Breakfast: The special avocado, bacon, tomato Benedict was scrumptious. My boyfriend enjoyed the meat lovers omelette and the biscuits and gravy. Lunch: loved the buffalo chicken wrap. The chicken was very crispy and delicious. The pasta salad was refreshing.

I was excited about everything about over easy café from the location, ambience, dog, friendly…read morenature and overall aesthetics. Unfortunately, that excitement faded as soon as we sat down. I know people love this place. I wanted to love this place. Our waitress was fine, just fine a little lackluster, but she got the job done. Here's what we ordered for three of us: cinnamon roll, the shrimp omelette, something like the veggie omelette, and eggs Benedict. We also had a side of corned beef hash, and one of us had a coffee. The shrimp omelette was flavorless. It came with a side of hollandaise sauce, which unfortunately was so gelatinized that it kind of was like pudding but thicker. The coffee was so weak. My companion didn't even want a refill. The cinnamon roll had no lovely layer of the cinnamon butter sugar mixture that normally is in a cinnamon roll. To boot it felt like it was microwaved because the bread was hard and Chewy. It was difficult for us to even cut through it. My eggs Benedict had that same gelatinized hollandaise sauce on it there was no zing from the lemon that should have been in there. Now this is my favorite breakfast meal, and I generally devour the entire dish: unfortunately in this case, I left the entire other half with the dark, heavy congealed hollandaise sauce. Hollandaise sauce should not be so thick it doesn't move. The corned beef hash was yummy. Thankfully. The other omelette was fine but just fine; rather flavorless and watery due to the vegetables in it. The potatoes were fine just not my preference for potatoes. In my opinion, our waitress should have seen the vast majority of food left over on our table and asked us what was up. I would have loved to tell her, but I didn't want it to seem like it was just a bunch of complaints. It's just amazing how every single item except for the corned beef hash fell short. Hopefully the owners read this. But maybe I am just an anomaly in guests here as people love this place.

If you're looking for breakfast on Sanibel, Lighthouse Cafe absolutely deserves a visit. We love…read morebreakfast, and after trying so many places over the years, it can start to feel like every menu offers the same dishes prepared the same way. Lighthouse Cafe managed to make a classic breakfast memorable. We ordered the French toast, and the portion was huge and easy to split. More importantly, it was absolutely delicious. The eggs we ordered were cooked exactly as needed, the bacon was perfectly crisp, and the cheese grits were rich, creamy, and full of flavor. We literally cleaned our plates and ate every bite despite our intentions to simple stop by for a taste. One of the biggest surprises was adding fish to breakfast. It's not something I would have ever thought to eat for breakfast, but it ended up being one of the highlights of the meal. The fish was incredibly tender and paired surprisingly well with the rest of the meal. It was such a unique addition that it changed the way I think about breakfast. We intentionally ordered some standard breakfast items because we believe that's the best way to judge a breakfast restaurant. If a place can make the classics exceptionally well, that's usually a great sign. Lighthouse Cafe exceeded our expectations across the board with their delicious plates and service. Not to mention it is nice to visit a locally owned restaurant whose owner is present and working alongside their staff. From the quality of the food to the generous portions, everything was excellent. If you're on Sanibel and want a breakfast that goes beyond the ordinary while still nailing all the classics, Lighthouse Cafe is a great place to visit.

This establishment is definitely one of the better places on the island for a great breakfast…read more Dailey specials like crab cake & spinach Benedict, stuffed French toast along with typical American breakfast offerings are available. The owner, Dan greets each and everyone that walks in the door. The coffee is robust and they are quick to refill your cup. Definitely a place where you feel welcome and the service is great.

We enjoyed our experience at the Sanibel Cafe. Staff were very friendly and attentive. We tried the…read morebreakfast quesadilla and steak omelet. The jams are fresh and they sell them at the counter too. The restaurant was clean with cute local decor. Overall I would recommend!

Local diner. Great for breakfast. Food and service A+. Tried the crunchy French Toast. Yum.read more

We saved Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant for our final dinner of a weeklong trip to Sanibel Island,…read moreand it ended up being one of the highlights of our entire vacation. Every seat in the restaurant was filled, which tells you everything you need to know. Make a reservation because this place is incredibly popular. The service was outstanding from start to finish. Our server was warm, attentive, and somehow managed to provide exceptional service despite the restaurant being completely packed. The entire staff made our last night on the island feel special. We forgot to take photos of the appetizers, but trust me, don't skip them. The fried green tomatoes were the unanimous favorite at our table and an absolute must-order. Crispy, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. We also ordered the conch fritters, which our family always seeks out whenever we're in Florida, and these were honestly some of the best we've ever had. The crab cakes were delicious as well, but the fried green tomatoes and conch fritters definitely stole the show. For my entrée, I ordered the Quinoa Steak Salad, and I was shocked by the size. The portion is enormous and could easily be shared by two people, or even serve as a family-style salad for three or four. The steak was perfectly cooked, and the combination of quinoa, avocado, fresh vegetables, and cheese made it both hearty and refreshing. Several people at our table ordered the evening special, the blackened snapper over mushroom risotto, and it was phenomenal. The snapper was perfectly cooked, flaky, and full of flavor, while the creamy mushroom risotto complemented it beautifully. It was easily one of the standout dishes of the evening. The honey glazed salmon was another favorite at our table. The braised short ribs were rich, tender, and beautifully presented. One person in our group ordered the stuffed lobster and thoroughly enjoyed it, mentioning both the flavor and the generous portion size. The fish tacos were good, but with so many exceptional dishes on the table, they simply weren't the standout. Between the exceptional food, generous portions, outstanding service, and lively atmosphere, this was the perfect way to end our week on Sanibel Island. It's easy to see why every table was full. If you're visiting Sanibel, make reservations in advance. This restaurant is popular for a reason, and after dining here, we completely understand why. Five stars. We can't wait to come back.

Came here for dinner and it was packed! Good thing we had a reservation. Not a very big place more…read moresmall and quiet but they packed lots of tables and booths inside. As well as some tables outside and there is a bar area inside with tvs on. Service was great. All the staff were very friendly and kind. To eat we ordered the strawberry salad with blackened grouper. The salad was fantastic but the grouper was just nothing special. I wouldn't recommend it. My husband got the scallops with the coconut risotto. He said the scallops were amazing but the risotto wasn't great. We also got the tuna tartar which was just ok. The menu isn't large so not many options to pick from. Maybe breakfast or lunch would've been better.

Excellent food with a nice range of different entrees to choose from. The employees are all…read morefriendly, welcoming, and give it their all to make your visit a satisfying and enjoyable experience. My Barbacoa Beef Burrito was delicious and my Mango Margarita was very refreshing and enjoyable after a 12 mile bicycle ride on a sunny March day. It's located past the main hub of Sanible along the road to Captiva and only a "stone's throw" from J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, (which should definitely be on your list to visit, btw). It's an open air room concept with a small bar area, and plenty of booths and tables to accommodate small or large parties. However even so, the noise level is not bad. It's quite enjoyable and I recommend you check them out.

We really enjoy it here most times we visit. This time was a miss for us but we've had good…read moreexperiences here in the past so we will come back. I do wish they had a better spice guide on their menu. This time I ordered 2 tamales and one was very spicy. I damaged my stomach when I was in college and anything spicy now makes me sick so I was only able to eat half of my meal. There no mention or indication that one of them was spicy at all. My margarita was also incorrect. I ordered a specialty marg off the menus and requested a sugar rim rather than tajin which is what it comes with and I received one with Tajik. So I had to drink it with a straw. Usually that kind of annoy me bit it was off season and we were the onlookers there and we just having a snack not a meal. Also is it a note the margs are quite large so that's helps lol My husband really liked his burrito and it was massive. Even by normal standards. I had a few bites of that and it was very good. This was a first time blunder for us and again it has been all positive in the past. So don't let this completely discourage you just be aware it may not be a perfect experience.

Such a amazing experience at the blue giraffe restaurant. I ordered the taco salad and it was…read moredelicious. You could tell it was made with care. All of the staff here is always so so so friendly and that is the reason why me and my family keep coming back. Thanks for the amazing time!

What a difference a year makes! Excellent service, great…read moredrinks with quick food delivery. The menu was extensive and all of our meals were delicious Glad they figured it out

The food and service were amazing!! The breakfast burrito and pancake sandwiches were big hits…read more Our new favorite breakfast spot!!

Kris and Mike are always engaging and super hard working! I love the gyro and the steak and eggs!read more

Recently my wife and family when to the Green Flash Waterfront Restaurant, located on Captiva…read moreIsland. This is one of the more unique restaurants. Situated on the waters of Roosevelt Channel, the Green Flash overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, the waters of Pine Island Sound, and Buck Key. The Green Flash can be navigated by boat and is located southwest of Marker 38 on the Intracoastal Waterway. Once we checked in with the hostess, we were taken to our seats immediately. The entire dining room overlooks the Intracoastal waterway. It's such a beautiful sight while dining. When our server came and greeted us, we were ready to order. My sister in law and I ordered the Pan Seared Diver Scallops- with a saffron lemon cream sauce. For sides I got polenta and she got spaetzle. I thought the scallops had a nice sear. The saffron lemon cream sauce was delicious. My wife ordered the Seafood Sampler(Oyster Rockefeller, Fried Scallops, BBQ Shrimp wrapped in bacon, Steamed Shrimp, and Fresh Fish Filet) my said she enjoyed her meal. I asked her what the fish filet was, she didn't know but it tasted good. My mother in law ordered the Captiva Salad(Mix baby greens, mandarin oranges, asparagus, artichoke hearts, smoked salmon, pan seared scallops, seared shrimp, and blue cheese) She always gets this dish every year. Tonight she said it's still her favorite. My father in law ordered the peel and eat shrimp. He gave me thumbs up needless to say the dish was good. Green Flash is always a stop for us while in Captiva. We shall return for sure.

The Green Flash is located on Captiva Island and has been a great lunch spot for our family for…read moremany years. In recent years we have been going for dinner and where my whole family enjoys it, I just do not love it. I cannot seem to find the item I really love. However, the views alone are fantastic, especially on a sunny beautiful day! The entire back wall is all windows so everyone is looking out on the water and boats pulling up and docking to eat. They have a private parking lot which is small and can get really crowded. They also are located on the second floor so you can use the stairs and ramp or head to the back and take the elevator. There is a bar right inside when you first go in and can just visit to sit at the bar. We made a reservation and it was challenging to get one. We had to adjust days and they were very busy. I would recommend a reservation unless you want to wait or have a small party. Our server was very nice and polite. She seemed a little overwhelmed and did not refill waters or anything. However she was so sweet when my mom did not like her cocktail and wanted a different one. My husband and I ordered espresso martini's which were delicious, my mom tried a cosmo and did not like it, so she also switched to an espresso martini. They start by bringing you warm sourdough bread and butter. I love any meal that starts with bread! My husband and sister ended up ordering the same, they ordered the Pan Seared Diver Scallops- with a saffron lemon cream sauce. My husband chose polenta for his side and my sister got spaetzle. The scallops had a nice sear and the saffron lemon cream sauce was delicious, however, it was small and one of the most expensive items on the menu. My husband was still slightly hungry. I chose something new and got the Seafood Sampler which had a Oyster Rockefeller, Fried Scallops, BBQ Shrimp wrapped in bacon, Steamed Shrimp, and Fresh Fish Filet. I was looking at the BBQ Shrimp on its own but after speaking to the server, that only came with 5 shrimp and for a couple of dollars more, I got the sampler. It just seemed like a better deal. It was good to be honest. I did actually enjoy my meal. The fish was a little cold and I did ask for butter to dip the shrimp, that took awhile so most of my food was on the cooler side. Nothing came out piping hot which was a disappointment for me. I gave my oyster to my mom. I also chose the scalloped potatoes as my side. I think I just want a baked potato and they don't have that! My mom ordered the Captiva Salad which is Mix baby greens, mandarin oranges, asparagus, artichoke hearts, smoked salmon, pan seared scallops, seared shrimp, and blue cheese. She loves this dish and has gotten it a few times. My dad ordered the peel and eat shrimp, which he loves. Its simple and plain for his stomach. I will say that all the food was coming out fast but nothing was extremely hot which was weird. Their prices can be very high, it was well over $250 for our family of 5. I know its fish and seafood, but to me, to have luke warm food and pay over $250 is just not worth it. My sister did have to send hers back for being cold cold and the owner did come over which was nice. I kind of thought he would give us a free meal or take some money off, but he did not. It took a bit for her to get her meal too so we all ate slower which again didn't help with the temp. I just felt for ice cold scallops the recovery could have been better. MY favorite part of this restaurant is the bathrooms. They are weird and unique. The men's bathroom (I sent my husband in to check it out) has a one-way mirror. As they are using the bathroom, they can look out onto the bar! WHAT! It's so funny to me. The bar only sees a mirror and have no idea that the bathroom is staring at them! The women's bathroom has a mannequin when you walk in. It literally startles me every single time. I have no idea the story behind this, but it makes our family smile and laugh every single time! All in all, this is a great place. Its unfortunately not my absolute favorite on the island but it is for sure in the top. I know this is a spot we will visit each year. The views and the food are really what makes this a fantastic restaurant.