Marco Island Seafood Restaurants: Best Ways to Eat Local

Marco Island is one of the most popular barrier islands off southwest Florida’s coast. This Gulf of Mexico location means fresh seafood is easy to access – and even easier to eat. Plus, there are casual and upscale atmospheres, so visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds. For top options, check out these Marco Island seafood restaurants for local flavor.

Marco Island Seafood Restaurants: Where to Eat Fresh Catches

Lee Be Fish

This favorite prides itself on being the ‘littlest, biggest fish market in the area’ and operates two fishing boats. This ensures fresh catches for lunch and dinner every day.

On the menu, select from grilled or fried catches, sandwiches, tacos, and platters. Lee Be Fish also specializes in grouper, snapper and Gulf shrimp. Some say the restaurant is a little hard to find. Just head to Old Marco and look for a house-like building with bright colors and the sign. Inside and outside seating is available as well.

Fin Bistro

For a more upscale setting, visitors can’t miss Fin Bistro. The family-owned gem offers a relaxed setting and fresh menu options. Fin’s even closes on Sundays when they can’t have fresh fish delivered.

The restaurant serves dinner with seafood, salads, steaks, chops and pasta. Fresh catches include snapper, Caribbean lobster, swordfish and grouper. For non-seafood options, try the filet mignon, burger or marinated portobello. In addition to raved-about entrees, Fin’s also has a changing wine list.

Little Bar Restaurant

In nearby Goodland, Little Bar ranks among the best Marco Island restaurants for food and waterfront views. Once seated, get ready for fresh seafood and traditional American fare. For more than 40 years, Little Bar Restaurant has welcomed everyone with a family-friendly vibe.

This hot spot serves lunch and dinner. Those looking for local seafood find crab, oysters, fresh fish and shrimp, to name a few. Additional items include salads, sandwiches, steak, chicken and barbecue ribs. Little Bar Restaurant also hosts live music and happy hour in the full-service bar.

Snook Inn

Snook Inn ranks among the most famous Marco Island seafood restaurants and overlooks Marco River. For over 30 years, diners have enjoyed waterfront views as well as live music and tasty dishes.

Snook Inn opens for lunch and dinner. Visitors find a raw bar with clams, oysters and shrimp. Or select fresh catches, lobster, salmon and snapper. For something new, try an island specialty such as Snook Inn platter and craft sandwiches. In addition, Snook Inn offers a selection of steak, ribs, soups and salads.

Mango’s Dockside Bistro

This local favorite also offers waterfront views plus tropical vibes. Aside from food, guests come here to see the saltwater fish tank and shop. Plus, early birds enjoy breakfast on the bay. Mango’s Dockside Bistro serves guests all day and pets are welcome on the deck.

For breakfast, try Benedicts, pancakes or lighter options. Lunch brings a selection of burgers, sandwiches and platters. For dinner, sample seafood, pasta, steaks and ribs. Mangoes Dockside Bistro also offers a sushi menu with specialty rolls.

Sand Bar

Sand Bar also serves all three meals, and welcomes everyone to watch the game on more than 40 TVs. This family-friendly bar also has casual fare, pool tables and interactive games for kids.

Breakfast features omelets, egg dishes, burritos, waffles and pancakes. But the main attraction is the seafood, which is served for lunch and dinner. Fried seafood, raw oysters, shrimp tacos and combo baskets rank among the most popular dishes. Those who need a break from seafood find pizzas, burgers, salads and sandwiches.

Cafe de Marco

Located in Old Marco, Cafe de Marco has served the area for more than 30 years. This spot ranks among the best Marco Island seafood restaurants for its upscale ambiance paired with rich flavors.

Cafe de Marco opens for dinner only and appreciates reservations. Seafood entrees include tilapia, crab cakes, snapper and the captain’s platter. Non-seafood dishes range from chicken breasts, rack of lamb, steak and vegetarian dishes. For a local experience, try the jumbo prawns, Cafe de Marco’s signature dish.

CJ’s on the Bay

Another hot spot for waterfront views and seafood, CJ’s on the Bay overlooks Smokehouse Bay. Guests come here for seafood and southwest Florida vibes.

CJ’s on the Bay serves lunch and dinner. Start with oysters or scallops. Then select entrees featuring crab, cobia, fresh catches and lobster. Other menu items include pasta, steaks, soups, salads, sandwiches and CJ’s pot pie. There are plenty of surf-and-turf options, too. To complete the meal, don’t forget to pair it with a signature cocktail.

After filling up on fresh seafood, explore the best Marco Island beaches. Then view some Marco Island vacation homes located on the beach.