Cape Coral's food scene has exploded in the last few years. As locals who run vacation rentals throughout the city, we eat out constantly with our guests, our families, and our investor partners. Here are 20 restaurants we send guests to and actually go to ourselves.
Waterfront Dining (Worth the View)
The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill
Tiki vibes on the canal. Best for a long lunch. Order the mahi tacos and a frozen rum runner. Live music on weekends.
Lobster Lady Seafood Market & Bistro
Family-run, casual, the lobster rolls are absurd. Pet-friendly patio. Lines on weekends - go at 11:30 or 2pm.
Fathoms Restaurant & Bar
Tarpon Point waterfront. Sunset views are unbeatable. Date-night caliber. Reserve.
Iguana Mia
Tex-mex by the canal. Frozen margaritas the size of your face. Family standard for 30+ years in Cape.
Brunch Spots (Where Locals Actually Go)
Annie's Restaurant
Cape institution. Diner energy, gigantic portions, cash-friendly. The hashbrowns alone are worth the wait.
Karma Greek Cafe
Greek omelets and strong coffee. Tiny spot, big flavor. Try the spanakopita.
Heidi's Island Bistro
Eggs Benedict that actually deserve the price. Mimosa flights. Outdoor seating.
Cafe You
Healthy and indulgent at the same time. Acai bowls, breakfast tacos, espresso.
Hidden Gems Tourists Miss
Capone's Coal Fired Pizza
Strip-mall location, world-class pizza. The vodka pie is non-negotiable.
Nice Guys Pizza
New York-style by the slice. Late night vibes. Open until 10pm most nights.
Big Blue Brewing
Local craft beer, gastropub menu. The smashburger is criminally good.
Slice and Pour
Wine bar meets pizza shop. Run by a couple, feels like dinner at a friend's house.
Fine Dining (Date Night Worthy)
Rumrunners
Cape Harbour location. Steaks, fresh fish, white-tablecloth without being stuffy.
Slate's Restaurant
Modern American. Chef-driven menu changes seasonally. Reserve a week out for weekends.
Ariani Restaurant
Italian, romantic, real-deal pasta made in-house. Bring a date and an appetite.
MOJO at the Westin Cape Coral
Hotel restaurant with surprisingly good seafood. Nice for a special occasion without the wait.
Casual and Quick
Lelulo's Pizzeria
Best slice in town for under $5. Family-owned, no frills, perfect.
Overtime Pizza and Sports Bar
Watch the game, eat real food. Wings are top tier.
Duval Donuts
Glazed donuts that taste like a Krispy Kreme upgrade. Get there before 10am.
Love Boat Ice Cream
Cape Coral institution. Homemade ice cream, sunset spot, takes cash.