This was not my first time here but I was impressed with the new layout, changes, and they added a lot more outdoor seating. We did the early dining and it was worth it because it included a bottle of their house red or white wine. I got the chicken Milanese because I love balsamic glaze and the greens mixed on top all went well together. The chicken was nicely seasoned and cooked well. Underneath it all were the potato wedges that were seasoned and cooked perfectly crisp on outside. My partner got the Tuscan capellini which he liked and both meals were really large portions we couldn't finish it all. We will definitely be back to try their desserts next time. Tip: make reservations because they fill up fast. It was hard to get a later reservation for 5pm. read more

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Absolute horrible service and rude staff overall. Food took almost an hour and our last person didn't get served until everyone was done eating. No manager or supervisor as restaurant is so poorly run by amateurs. We did not top as server was so rude to our elderly family members. The server chased us outside while doing a family picture to confront us about leaving no tip. Never return! read more

OK, my last update must've been on an off-night for South Fork - ignore it! We've been there many, many times since and have always had the best food and service! Last night we just stopped by after dinner for drinks at the bar and had a great time - Jessica is the best! read more

Stopped by on March 12 for lunch! No reservation but was very accommodating. Then sat outside because we had the birthday girl that was in a electric wheelchair and thought it would be best and not in the way. Then the storm brew in and the sky turned black.... We asked our waiter to see if we could get inside and he asked the manager ALEX... within a minute he was extremely accommodating! Thanks to him we stayed safe, dry and had a great celebration.... Would come back! read more

South Fork Grille - Happy Birthday Dawn - American Near Me - Estero, Florida

Great place for lunch! Food is excellent and varied. Great waitress, Cathy, is pleasant and efficient. She remembers our preferences and helps make dining at Southfork fun. Definitely would recommend sSouthfork and ask for Cathy. Chip and Mari Werry read more

the service was excellent and the manager Rose was outstanding. She checked on our table several times to m sure we were enjoying our mea. I will definitely come bac!!! read more

Dinner tonight was disappointing .......a big change from our past visits. Slow inattentive service . Our bread was served after 2 requests, but only after our meals arrived. My half chicken entree turned out to be only two legs/ thighs. The server presented our check with each entree at $5 more than the menu price. When asked, it took a while to receive a correct bill and he said he gave us the wrong menu, simply not true. And the hostess and manager were not interested at all in our feedback . read more

We met another couple for lunch on the patio on a beautiful January Monday. Our server, Lindsay, was great, as was the food. Th ladies in our group ordered a couple of glasses of wine, which were nice-sized pours, and they had a good selection to pick from. The menu had a number of interesting options. The women each got a Beet Salad with shrimp. They both enjoyed it a lot...lots of greens and veggies, with plump and tasty shrimp. The other gentleman in our group got the Pan Roasted Salmon - he devoured it all. I got the Lamb Sliders. They were excellent! The goat cheese and arugula were great accompiaments and really made the sandwich delicious. I got the Jimaca Slaw - it was really fresh, but I expected more of a kick to it. Nevertheless, it was a good side. Lindsay checked in on us regularly and offered great suggestions. Reasonable prices, and a nice setting on the patio and the inside looked inviting as well. read more

Been here half a dozen times since moving to the area! Service and food preparation has been spot on every time! We enjoy dining here and recommend to everyone! It is the classic strip mall find of Southwest FL!! Dishes are well thought out and delicious! From Salmon, Mahi Mahi to Filet and the Pork Chop! All great flavor!! read more

Stopped in for a relaxing lunch with a friend. First time here, we split the pineapple boat and calamari. We enjoyed both and will be back. Good service and nice atmosphere. read more

I attend many business dinners that I don't usually review because I can't take pictures and I don't usually get to try a wide variety of dishes. I have to make an exception with South Fork Grille because the dining experience was top notch. I was surprised that a restaurant located in an outdoor shopping mall, in the heart of Estero, could be so casually elegant. With low ceilings and two smaller dining rooms you almost feel like you are in someone's home. There is also patio dining. Our party of eleven was seated immediately and the service was exceptional all evening. I have been to dinners with large parties where the dinner took forever, but everything ran exceptionally smoothly at South Fork Grill. The table shared several appetizers including Crispy Calamari, Arancini Rice Balls, and Cheese & Charcuterie Platters. Everything was excellent. I am not usually a fried calamari fan but these were big, thick meaty rings of calamari with the lightest crisp. Loved the Cheese & Charcuterie Platter , which had a large variety of items and was perfect for a large group. Most of ordered salads including the Wedge, Caesar, and Seasonal . They were all large and impressive. The Seasonal Salad did not look like a salad at all and was really interesting (really wish I could have had a pic of this one!) The Salad was deconstructed with individual endive leaves stuffed with beet cubes, goat cheese, and other ingredients. Great for sharing! For my entree I ordered the Seared Scallops. The Scallops were huge and cooked to perfection. They went perfectly with the carrot purée and tasty fingerling potato hash. Everyone else at the table thoroughly enjoyed their entrees which included more Scallops, Crispy Trout Milanese, and lots of Steaks. I don't know when I will be in this part of Estero again (it is about 10 minutes off of I75), but I would definitely love to visit South Fork Grill again. read more

I enjoyed a nice lunch pre Covid and it was fine. I never thought to review. This evening with a group of 4 we took advantage of their early bird special from 4-6. We were seeing a music show at 6:00PM. Likely one of the best early bird specials I've ever had. 2 entrees at $42.00 and that includes a bottle of house wine. Large selection of entrees all full portions. We had the Salmon as well as the short ribs. Both were outstanding! You can add app's or salad at a small up charge. If you're dining between 4-6 PM this is great food at a great price. Great service as well. Check out their website to see the special menu, you won't be disappointed. read more

Fresh off a flight and looking for food, we walked up the South Fork Grille and came away pleasantly surprised. Split a salad (wedge) and two appetizers (baked Brie and caprese) and it was all solid. Service was good, ate outside and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Plenty of seafood entrees to pick from as well (salmon and risotto was also regarded highly) since you're in SW Florida after all. Good Happy Hour too. Highly recommend. read more

Great ambience and delicious entrees. Thoughtful service. Love the happy hour specials too.

I come to South Fork quite often for the early dining special. They have several items to choose from, you get two entrées and a bottle wine for $35. You have a choice of a red wine or white wine and today the red one was from Stonebridge, a Cabernet Sauvignon. My favorite is the pan-roasted salmon. But tonight I tried the braised short ribs. I substituted the mashed potatoes for the cauliflower rice. I found the meal to have generous portion of short ribs but lacking in flavor in the gravy. I normally do not add salt to my food but this time I did. For my second entrée I ordered the shrimp fra diavlo. I will be taking this one home. I would highly suggest for you to come here and enjoy there food. read more

South Fork Grille - Braised short ribs with green beans and cauliflower rice. - American Near Me - Estero, Florida

Really really disappointing for $200 after tip for 4 people. For $200 you would hope to be full at the end. Service was the worst part. Waitress was really apathetic and indifferent of not getting our drinks or getting them correct. Didn't get us bread, when we asked she blamed someone else and didn't care. Just all around bad service and small portions for $200. That being said: Calamari and Brie was really tasty appetizers Chicken and rack of lambs were savory just very small for $30 a plate. Buddha bowls were pretty much allllll riced cauliflower for $24. No meat or anything. Not worth going back considering all the other options. Just really disappointing. read more

I've been here for lunch but dinner is definitely better The beet Salad was excellent and you must try the Short rib! read more

South Fork Grille - Cod, Short rib and Salmon! - American Near Me - Estero, Florida

Good value for the price on the early dining menu, however we had both overcooked and undercooked entrees. Spouse enjoyed the complimentary wine provided. Suggestion they leave off the cheese topping on the steak frites, also change to a different potato. Caesar salad has no taste as their was not enough dressing. If you are looking for early dining specials try the Saloon about 100 ft to the North read more

I'd go back here maybe, and here is why. Management cared, food was really good, atmosphere not all that, a little close, but felt open, had good ventilation. Okay, food.. my husband had the fish and chips ( he is not a big fish eater) but liked theirs, and I had a Buddha Bowl a couple of weeks ago, and that was delicious! Was not a big food night but I remember feeling like I mattered. Really friendly service. Management comped a round of drinks because we had no designated server...waited 20 minutes before we met her. It was a packed house that night. read more

Popped in here for a appetizer and refreshing cocktail to escape the sun during the Art Festival. We obviously weren't the only ones with that idea as the place was packed. We ordered the caprese appetizer. It was good but I don't think that the mozzarella was fresh or homemade as it was a little bit chewy. We also had to ask for more balsamic because the drizzle was so light. Cocktails were tasty! We were mesmerized by the dishes as they were passing by our table to be delivered to other guests. Our check for two drinks and an appetizer was almost $35 not including tip. We felt it was a little pricey but our server made it worth it but suggesting two ice waters to go. We definitely want to go back and try more things on the menu. Then we will give a more thorough review. read more

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We arrived at 8pm Saturday night. We were still able to be seated although they close at 9:00pm. The menu had so many items that we love, but we just had to try the Cioppino. It was delicious and loaded with shrimp, scallops, mussels and swordfish. We asked for ours without calamari and they did that. There was enough to combine leftovers and bring home a lunch for the next day. It was a little pricey but considering how costly seafood is now, well worth what we paid. Service was excellent and we were not rushed although we left at 9:30pm. Highly recommend Southfork Gr read more

Being a Snowbird, I have been going to South Fork for years and always enjoyed the service and food. We went for the first time this year, ansd I need to say that although the service was perfect, the food was less then desire. being 4, the fish was overcooked and on not very warm, the lamb shank was very greasy. This is a big change from previous years. Lots of open table in the restaurant at dinner, never seen this so maybe an indication to management. Not sure the four of us would go back. read more

Always stop here for lunch after shopping at miramar Good service with good food. Recommended always good for lunch. read more

Great food, a wide variety of wines and outstanding service! Very clean and outdoor dining experience is very pleasant.

My recommendation would be to go to a different restaurant. It was my first time eating here, and I would like to note it takes a lot for me to leave a negative review- if it was just not my favorite I wouldn't waste time leaving a review thinking maybe it was just a one time deal or my personal preference on food, however, I feel I need to leave this due to the prices so people can decide on their own if they would like to take the chance. I did not eat my meal...meaning I did not eat it and then express my dislike... I took my first bite... and my first thought was interesting (in not a good way) weird flavors, mushy consistency, I mixed it together more, I gave it 2 more bites...and instead chose to go hungry. The server did not ask about the completely uneaten meal, and when brought to their attention the manager replayed with attitude. Not only my meal but within the group I was with, another person did not eat their meal, and the others ate theirs with the statement "I'm so hungry I'd eat anything but I will not be coming here again". I grew up working in the food and bev industry so I understand the ins and outs, the server was friendly which I would like to note - the lack of quality meals has nothing to do with the service, but I was quite surprised at the managers lack of professionalism. read more

Food was delicious. Attentive service. Outdoor seating comfortable. Covered with a breezeway. Even brought water to the table for our dog. read more

Pretty disappointing experience tonight. Service was fair to poor-waited 20+ minutes for our drinks, 40+ minutes more for our food. Had to ask for silverware, salt and pepper, bread, etc. Buda Bowl was good, but 3 of us got the Steak Frites and none were very good. Clearly staffing issues in the kitchen and with the wait staff. read more

Our group ate there last Sunday and the food was good , the server was good, after paying our bill the manager I believe rushed us out of the table telling us they need the table. We had literally paid the bill by maybe five minutes. We did not appreciate this and would think long and hard before returning . I counted six open tables on the way out and nobody was waiting inside or outside. Possibly four at the bar. I would recommend a much better ending conversation for the manager or host. read more

I was not impressed by this restaurant despite the indubitably cute outdoor seating. It took us a few minutes to be seated & when we asked to sit outside they told us they had no open outdoor seating. Immediately after they sat us, they helped two other parties to outdoor tables-- super irritating. The food took a while to come out but it was tasty. I got the BLT burger with shoestring fries. Probably won't be back again. read more

South Fork Grille - BLT Cheeseburger - American Near Me - Estero, Florida

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we arrived for our reservation and were greeted by two wonderful hosts they offered us either inside or outside seating and we chose the outside. The evening was warm and we had a great table, prompt service ,excellent drink and wine menu. Our waiter Paul was knowledgeable of the menu offered options and helped with our selection. The timing was perfect the courses came spaced . Paul checked on us every few minutes the food was excellent . We enjoyed our food and evening . read more

Skip the calamari Tastes like saw dust Great early bird special Salmon was very good read more

Hubby and I went for dinner to celebrate our wedding anniversary on Friday, 3/25. This place was recommended by some friends that we are visiting in Estero. They also said it's really difficult to get reservations but I went on Open Table and was able to get a 4:30 reservation. A tad early for us but we also don't like to eat at 8 pm either, which was the only other option. The place is really nice inside, and has a lot of outdoor seating too. We were pleasantly surprised by the "earlybird dinner special", where you get two entrées and a bottle of wine for $42. The entrées offered are the same that are on the regular menu, same portions, same seasoning, same presentation. We started off with fried calamari as an appetizer that was simply delicious! The calamari was super crispy on the outside and tender inside with just the right amount of seasoning, served with fried banana pepper rings that gave it a great tang. The marinara sauce was piping hot and also seasoned well. We split the South fork salad, and I was so glad that our waitress told us the salads were large because it was plenty for two people. My husband had the braised lamb shank dinner served with mashed potatoes and a demi glaze sauce. The meat was tender and fell off the bone. I don't even like lamb, but it looked so good I had to try it, and it was incredible. I ordered the pan roasted salmon served over spinach risotto and green beans with a buerre blanc sauce. I think it was the best salmon I've ever had in my life. It had a perfect crisp on the outside but melted in my mouth! I selected the house bottle of Pinot Grigio and it was really light and citrusy. The desserts are house made and we had the crème brûlée and bread pudding. The bread pudding had a great flavor, and was served with vanilla ice cream; however if you're looking for a creamy/custard bread pudding, this is not the one for you. It reminded me more of a French toast consistency, on the dry side. Overall our dining experience was wonderful, and our waitress, Tracy, was absolutely fantastic. I would highly recommend this restaurant, and I will definitely go back. PS: we've been told the short ribs are to die for and sell out every night. I could smell them every time they went by and they were mouth watering. Will definitely try them next time! read more

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What an amazing dinner out, especially for New Year's Eve! The service was great, cocktails were strong, and our meals were delicious. Everything came out hot, cooked to perfection, and presented in a delightful way. The mashed potatoes were definitely homemade, the filet mignon was the perfect temperature, and the short ribs were tender and flavorful. We are so glad we were recommended to this place. We can't wait to come back! read more

Nice spot....good food, good service, great value with the early dinner special menu. Thats the trifecta, will be back for sure.

First time and last time for the South Fort Grille! Way over price for the quality and quantity. Service was good but the food was awful! I ordered blacked grouper and I got two little pieces of grouper that were way over cooked. The asparagus was also over cooked and stringy, I hate stringy asparagus! In fact, some of the asparagus were burned. My wife ordered a pasta dish with chicken, hard to believe she got 4 little pieces of over cooked chicken and full dish of pasta. The only good part of the meal was we were with friends that we haven't seen since before Covid. I would not recommend the South Fort Grille!! read more

Incredible service and awesome food! Austin and Lauren were great servers and had us coming back several times during our week in Bonita. Highly recommend the short rib gnocchi and the Brussels sprouts...delicious! I'n addition, this place has a great wine list that is sooooo reasonable! read more

I wanted to amend my first review of South Fork as we have been back many times over the past couple years and have had very positive experiences. I tend to stick to the meat and potato dishes while there, getting either the braised short ribs, roasted chicken or the new and improved meatloaf (when available). My wife usually gets a seafood dish. We have also taken guests there and everyone leaves happy. The service is usually good as are the decor and ambiance. read more

We love Southfork Grill. The salmon risotto is my favorite. It's a nice setting considering the location and has great outside dining space. read more

Ate lunch with a dear friend today. Love the food there! Food was good as usual but service was terrible. Had to ask for help to get drink refills etc more than once. Talked to "manager" and told him we were begging for help. He brought the bill and a Diet Coke I ordered. The bill was incorrect. Finally original server asked did we want to pay. " manager says. I've got the bill. Original server used the at table device. My friend and I put no tip on the bill. Server said her grandmother died unexpectedly and was crying. Maybe true but the management should have sent her home or picked up the slack. No compensation was offered. Don't know if I'll be back. Sorry because we like this place!!" read more

We've been snowbirds for three years now, so we're always on the hunt for great restaurants to take our guests to. Wellllllll, did we hit the jackpot with South Fork Grille -- WOW!! Not only do they take reservations for outdoor seating (a real plus in Florida!), but the atmosphere is lovely, the service excellent (a shout-out to our waitress Dona, who did a fabulous job!!) and the food simply put, is some of the best we've had in Florida. There were four of us at dinner, and each person stated that what they had -- which included a filet, salmon, meat loaf, and burnt ends -- was some of the best of that item they have ever had. The spinach risotto was to die for and the mashed potatoes excellent. I had skinny asparagus, which is never my preference since it's usually tough, but this was tender as could be and wonderfully seasoned. We've been back several times now and plan to take all of our company there in the future. read more