15 Best Places To Eat In Downtown Fort Myers

If you’re anything like me, then you plan your trips around food. Downtown Fort Myers has plenty of great food options for all kinds of food lovers.

I am fortunate enough to live in Fort Myers, Florida and work in the historic district. If theres anything I know, it’s food in the downtown area. I may not have tried all of them yet, but I have been able to try most. And it’s about time I share my favorites with you.

Full disclosure, I’m an eat dessert first kind of person. So, this list wouldn’t be complete without some extra dessert options.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may make commission off of purchases made through the links in this post.

Best Places To Eat in Downtown Fort Myers

Quick Bites – In & Out Fast

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls

Mason’s is known for their delicious Maine lobster and garlicky butter rolls. They have warm and cold sandwich options, salads, and soups. Oh, and did I mention lobster mac & cheese AND grilled cheese. If you’re a lobster fan, I highly recommend you check them out! My personal favorite is the lobster BLT roll.

Mason's Lobster Roll - best places to eat in fort myers

3 Peppers Burrito Co.

3 Peppers is your classic burrito joint. You can never go wrong with a burrito or nachos. 3 Peppers is great for a quick meal or to hang out with friends and have a drink or two. Don’t forget, ever meal ends with a great dessert. You definitely want to try the Cookierito.

Wise Guys Deli

Wise Guys is locally owned and operated. It’s like your favorite mom & pop sandwich shop. I love a nice cold sandwich on a hot day. It’s the perfect spot for a quick breakfast or lunch. Grab a sub and take it on the boat with you.

Downtown House Of Pizza

DHOP is probably the best pizza I’ve ever had. It’s classic, New York style pizza, from fresh dough made daily. Stop in and grab a slice or get a whole pie. They also have delicious calzones and stromboli. For those health conscious folks, they have vegetarian and vegan options available. Did I mention cannolis and tiramisu?!

Green Cup Cafe

If you’re into earthy vegan meals, Green Cup is the spot for you! The organic menu features wraps, sandwiches, bowls, and smoothies. It’s also a great spot to stop for coffee, tea, and boba. You can grab a healthy meal, quick bite, or just an afternoon pick me up. Don’t forget the vegan desserts, if that’s your thing.

Bahia Bowls

Bahia Bowls is a great stop for salads, wraps, smoothie bowls and smoothies. The salads and wraps are filling and you can add chicken to any of them. If you’re in a hurry, you can grab a smoothie and some protein bites and call it a lunch. They also have sweet and savory toasts. My personal favorite items are the tidal wave bowl, cookie craze toast, and the avocado toast.

Sit-Down Restaurants

Bruno’s of Brooklyn

Bruno’s is a family owned and operated Italian restaurant. The food is authentic, homemade and fresh. They even make their own noodles! It has an intimate atmosphere and would be great for a date night, birthday celebration, or business meeting.

Ford’s Garage

If you’re in the mood for a good burger, Ford’s is the place! All of their burgers are 1/2 pound black angus beef and mostly named after cars or garage stuff. Have you ever had a burger with peanut butter on it? If you’re adventurous, try the Jiffy burger. There’s more than just burgers on the menu. You can find all the comfort foods on their too.

The Lodge

Hello delicious BBQ! The Lodge has a really cool atmosphere, a tap wall, and amazing food. You can never go wrong with bbq, but they also have all the southern comfort food. They have 12 local brews on tap and you pour/pay by the ounce. There’s not a thing on the menu that I don’t like. You don’t want to miss the brisket burnt ends and corn bread!

Capone’s Coal Fired Pizza

What’s your pizza style? If it’s coal fired, check out Capone’s. They have a really unique 1920’s prohibition themed restaurant right in the heart of downtown. There’s something on the meal for everyone. Capone’s is known for their pizza, but they have a variety of Italian dishes. And, their dessert sampler is absolutely delicious!

Twisted Vine Bistro

While the Twisted Vine Bistro has good eats, it’s known more for its atmosphere. They are known for their fresh seafood dishes and their homegrown herbs and spices. Throughout the year, they have themed nights and speciality dinners. You won’t want to miss their wine and bourbon selections. In the Barrel Room, you can taste carefully crafted cocktails. If you’re in town on a Sunday, head over for lunch and live jazz.

Firestone Grill

Firestone Grill is open for dinner and has great nightlife, right on the water. Their wood-fired kitchen offers a wide range of menu items that your whole family will enjoy. If you’re a steak person, definitely try one of their wood fire grilled steaks! The taste is amazing. For the after party, head upstairs to the martini bar and sky bar for a good time.

On the Pricey Side

The Veranda

If you’re looking for an upscale, outdoor dining experience for a date night or celebratory dinner, The Veranda is the place. It’s a romantic setting, with a southern cuisine inspired menu. They are known for their exquisite seafood and red meat dishes. Plan ahead, you do need a reservation here. Also, not kid friendly in my opinion.

Izzy’s Fish & Oyster Bar

Izzy’s brings the Cape Cod feel right to Downtown Fort Myers. Their New England inspired menu offers a raw bar, a variety of seafood items, and great appetizers. The raw bar menu can get a little pricey depending on the season, but there is something on the menu for all price ranges. If you don’t like seafood, this probably isn’t the place for you.

Blu Sushi

Hands down, Blu Sushi is our favorite sushi bar downtown. They are known for their fresh sushi and delicious cocktails. If you’re a sushi lover, you’ll want to go for lunch. They have endless sushi from 11:30-2 everyday! It’s the most bang for your buck and you can try as many rolls as you want. Personally, I don’t like raw fish, so my a fan of their cooked menu. Like lava drops, sugar mama, and volcano rolls.

Desserts in Downtown Fort Myers

Scoops on First

Scoops on First is the classic mom & pop ice cream parlor in the heart of downtown. It’s right on First St, in the middle of everything. They have 32 flavors of homemade ice cream. It’s the perfect afternoon snack or after dinner treat.

Belgian Yummies

Belgian Yummies could really fall under quick bites with their savory breakfast and lunch menu, but I’m a huge fan of their desserts! They have homemade Belgian gelato, fresh crepes, and bubble cones, and Belgian waffles. Everything in their shop is made from scratch and absolutely delicious!

One of the perks of traveling in your own city is trying out all of the local restaurants and finding the best hang out spots. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a vacation. Choose a staycation instead and learn how to TRAVEL IN YOUR OWN CITY.

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