3 Restaurants for a Thanksgiving Meal Near Sanibel

This year, what are you thankful for?

Planning a Thanksgiving on Sanibel Island will certainly give you plenty more to add to your list: pristine, secluded beaches, 80-degree weather, incredible biodiversity, delicious restaurants and more. The beaches of Sanibel Island are renowned for their beauty and plentiful sea shells, and temperate Sanibel Island weather ensures that every day is beach day.

Thanksgiving is certainly one of the most family-centered times of the year. Loved ones gather together to make memories and share good food. While this is usually done at home, there’s certainly no reason why the festivities can’t come to Sanibel with the family!

Sanibel vacation rentals provide fully-stocked kitchens, but while on vacation, many would prefer to avoid the stress of large meal preparation. To make the entire process a little easier, here are a few Sanibel restaurants open for Thanksgiving.

Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant

The Thistle Lodge provides a delightful culinary experience that is casual yet elegant. This historic beachfront restaurant once catered to the likes of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. Its gastronomic masterpieces are award-winning and sure to delight anyone who has the pleasure of dining there.

For Thanksgiving, the restaurant will offer a special menu consisting of classic carved, oven-roasted Tom turkey, slow roasted prime rib, hearth baked cornbread, buttermilk whipped russet potatoes, and more. The menu consists of a mix of traditional Thanksgiving food items along with other less conventional ones, such as a pasta station. The meal will be followed by the chef’s assortment of desserts and pastries.

Reservations should be made in advance. Tickets cost $54.95 per adult and $19.95 per child under 10. On Thanksgiving Day, the restaurant is open from 11am to 7pm, and it is located on 2255 West Gulf Drive in Sanibel.

South Seas Island Resort

Located on 5400 Plantation Road on Sanibel Island’s sister island, Captiva, the South Seas Island Resort maintains several bars and restaurants with luxurious dining and stunning views overlooking the marina. It offers a special Thanksgiving buffet, which includes citrus-poached shrimp, local half-shell oysters, chef’s antipasti table, roasted turkey, prime rib, Jamaican sweet potato souffle, and a selection of delectable desserts.

Consider dining at the resort for a fancy Thanksgiving meal that strays slightly from tradition. Adults cost $60 per person and children between 5 and 12 cost $30. Children younger than 4 are free. Reservations should be made in advance.

George & Wendy’s Sanibel Seafood Grill

This family-run business offers outstanding service, atmosphere, and cuisine, and its menu is fun, fresh, and affordable. A traditional Thanksgiving dinner is available on Thanksgiving evening. Reservations are suggested in advance to ensure your family receives a table.

In addition to the traditional meal, customers may select anything off the regular menu. Select from seafood-based appetizers, sandwiches, flatbreads, tapas, pastas, and grilled meats. Delicious desserts, such as coconut cream cake, and fine domestic and international wines will make a satisfying addition to your meal.

George & Wendy’s Sanibel Seafood Grill is the perfect option for families trying to keep things affordable while still getting great value for their dollar. Its comfortable and casual atmosphere will make the whole family feel right at home; the garden patio is even pet friendly, so the entire family really is welcome! You can find Sanibel Seafood Grill at 2499 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

Thanksgiving is one of the most important times of the year, a time where we give ourselves permission to reflect on what’s most important. The memories we share with loved ones are truly priceless, and food is a big part of bringing everyone together!