Fort Myers Waterfront Restaurants: Dine, Unwind and Enjoy the View

Situated on Caloosahatchee River, Fort Myers attracts water lovers to area beaches and secret natural hideaways. However, there’s another way to enjoy the view here. Several Fort Myers waterfront restaurants offer scenic spots, people-watching opportunities and delicious local food. Read where to dine and the top picks.

Fort Myers Waterfront Restaurants With the Best Views

Dixie Fish Company

Classic fish house meets must-try flavors at Dixie Fish Company. The company dates to 1937, when it served as a fish market. Today, the restaurant/market welcomes visitors to enjoy waterfront dining in Fort Myers Beach. This spot also hosts live music most nights.

Dixie Fish Company offers a smaller menu than its sister restaurant Doc Ford’s, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less noteworthy. Find popular seafood options – such as catch of the day, grouper and mahi mahi – and pair them with a homestyle side. In addition to seafood, Dixie’s also serves burgers, sandwiches, tacos and starters. Consider the smoked fish dip or oysters on the half-shell.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grill

Located next door to Dixie Fish Company, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grill attracts those who enjoy lively vibes and fresh food. Views of Estero Bay and San Carlos Island provide the ideal environment for relaxing with loved ones.

Find Caribbean flavors combined with locally caught seafood. The raw bar offers shrimp and half-shell oysters, or try one of the entrees. Popular options include grouper, snapper, and island-style shrimp and grits. For non-seafood dishes, try dry rubbed ribeye, roasted half-chicken or boneless pork. Diners also have several sandwiches available, including Doc Ford’s lime panko crusted fish sandwich.

Bayfront Bistro

Situated in Snook Bight Yacht Club and Marina, Bayfront Bistro offers upscale dining overlooking Estero Bay. Visitors sit outdoors on the bayfront cabana or downstairs patio while indulging in hearty favorites.

Dinner options include seafood such as lobster tails, red fish and grouper. Meanwhile, land lovers can try filet mignon or raved-about pot roast. Other items range from specialty soups and salads to appetizers such as sweet fire shrimp.

Bayfront Bistro also hosts live music on select nights and ranks as a top restaurant for special occasions. Its romantic atmosphere and extensive wine list make it a great choice for anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and weekend brunch.

Fresh Catch Bistro

Another upscale option among the best Fort Myers waterfront restaurants is Fresh Catch Bistro. Dine outdoors for water views and coastal breezes, or sit inside near large windows. There’s not a bad seat in the house.

This lounge and raw bar serves steaks and seafood. Try salmon, grouper and tuna. From the raw bar, order half-shell oysters, shrimp or the seafood tower for two. The tower features shrimp, lobster tail, crabs and oysters served on ice. Other options range from burgers to duck and salads to steaks.

Sunset Beach Tropical Grill

Need a casual hangout? Head to Sunset Beach Tropical Grill. In the 1950s, this historic site once operated as the first and only public place for adults to socialize on Fort Myers Beach. Today, not much has changed – just the addition of eclectic menus and live entertainment.

In addition to views and vibes, the grill offers catch-of-the-day, ribs, barbecue, steaks and chicken. Smaller plates feature salads, burgers and sandwiches made with a local twist. Happy Hour deals are also available and provide savings on grouper bites, half-shell oysters, and pizza slices.

Due to its creative drink list, beachfront views and regular live music, Sunset Beach Tropical Grill also ranks as an ideal nightlife destination.

Shucker’s at the Gulfshore

The Gulfshore is a collection of three restaurants located within steps of one another. The main restaurant – Shucker’s at the Gulfshore – features an updated design with big-screen TVs. Past visitors may know Shucker’s as Gulfshore Grill.

While dining, enjoy unobstructed beach views. Sit at the bar — which overlooks the beach — perfect for people-watching and sunsets. Diners find a huge selection of seafood favorites, including the seafood platter. Other options include steaks, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Or try something from the raw bar, such as oysters, clams and crab.

For a boost, pair the meal with a signature drink, or select from wines and beers. For more nightlife and live music, visit The Cottage Bar, which stays open until around 2 a.m. Need an early lunch? Try The Beach Bar located under Shucker’s, and dine at tables on the sand.

Don’t miss the chance to try these top Fort Myers waterfront restaurants! Book a rental today and bring an appetite.