Sanibel Island is the perfect romantic getaway for you and your sweetheart.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, your anniversary, or just being together, the island’s romantic landscape is the ideal backdrop to a weekend (or week) of sun, fun, and great food.
Sanibel is home to several romantic Sanibel Island restaurants, but these three establishments top the list for their superb menus and intimate settings. Our Sanibel vacation condos are conveniently located near these romantic restaurants.
Fine Dining at The Mad Hatter
One of the best-rated Sanibel Island restaurants, The Mad Hatter offers fine dining, an eclectic menu, and spectacular views of the beach. Don’t let the Alice in Wonderland theme fool you – the atmosphere is romantic.
Book your reservation around sunset to catch stunning views of the beach out of the glass window that spans the entire width of the restaurant. Views of the beach can be enjoyed from just about every table.
Try the lobster tail dinner or the crab cake dinner, with mango rum remoulade and toasted coconut risotto. For a vegetarian option, there’s the decadent roasted root vegetable risotto topped with parmesan cheese and drizzled with white truffle oil.
Complete the evening with a slice of NY cheesecake, crème brûlée, or the trio dessert with French press coffee.
The Mad Hatter is one of the most popular restaurants in Sanibel for Valentine’s Day, so make sure that you book your reservation well in advance.
The Mad Hatter is located at 6467 Sanibel Captiva Rd in Sanibel and is open Tuesday-Sunday from 4:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Swim and Dine at Coconuts
Dine in the sun while taking in views of the Gulf of Mexico. Coconuts Poolside Bar & Grill may not be your conventional romantic restaurant, but you and your sweetie can enjoy a delicious meal and sumptuous cocktails poolside.
The restaurant, located at the Casa Ybel Resort, is open for breakfast and lunch daily. The menu includes a selection of appetizers, flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, frozen cocktails, smoothies, wine and more.
Try the Churrasco Steak flatbread, with marinated grilled skirt steak, arugula, chopped scallions and chimichurri sauce. The Gulf Grouper sandwich is a favorite. The Shrimp & Lobster Quesadilla puts a unique twist on this classic dish.
Other popular dishes include the Tuna Taco, Portobello Burger and Tri-Color Nachos.
Covered tables are scattered throughout the pool area, but you can also enjoy a drink at the bar in the shade.
Coconuts is a great place to grab a bite to eat after a day of swimming and offers a more casual setting. Enjoy the beautiful weather in Sanibel with your sweetheart at this poolside restaurant – no reservations required.
Coconuts is located at 2255 W Gulf Dr. in Sanibel and is open from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Food service runs through 5 p.m. Happy hour is from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. daily.
Italian Food at II Tesoro
II Tesoro, which means “The Treasure” in Italian, serves contemporary Italian cuisine in a romantic, Bistro-style setting. Original oil paintings adorn the walls of this open-kitchen restaurant, which has hundreds of Italian wines to choose from.
II Tesoro’s menu focuses on fresh ingredients and includes vegetarian dishes. Share a bottle of wine, soak up the intimate atmosphere, and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine right on Sanibel Island.
Choose from a variety of artfully prepared pasta dishes, like the Linguine Vongole with fresh clams, white wine, garlic and crushed red pepper, or the Penne Puttenesca with white wine, garlic, olives, capers and fresh cherry tomato sauce.
Other standout dishes include the Lobster Ravioli, Veal Involtini Milanese, Lamb Osso Buco and Bronzino, which includes a grilled and sautéed whole fish in a rich lemon butter sauce.
End the night on a sweet note with a slice of tiramisu or chocolate cake.
Reserve your table in advance to ensure that you and your sweetheart don’t miss out on this special restaurant.
II Tesoro is located at 751 Tarpon Bay Rd in Sanibel. They’re open daily from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
These three romantic restaurants are sure to please even the most discerning of diners. The Mad Hatter, Coconuts, and II Tesoro are conveniently located near Sanibel Island 2-bedroom rentals as well as many of the homes and condos in our Sanibel Island vacation home listings. It’s the perfect way to end an evening with your special someone.