If you’re planning to spend time on Sanibel Island, there is a good chance that you’ll want to eat where the locals eat. Many locals tend to eat at the same places that most visitors are found. This is a good indication of the quality of food that is to be expected. Even if you are staying at one of our Sanibel listings, it doesn’t mean that you’ll want to cook. It can be time-consuming trying to figure out where to eat near the Sanibel Island lighthouse so we figured we would help you out. There are other options but here are just a few of the places that might be of interest to you and your family close to the Sanibel Island Lighthouse.
East End Deli
This unassuming small deli is open for breakfast and lunch. If you’re looking for something on the go, then this is one of the best restaurants in Sanibel for you! Many will stop here before heading off to the lighthouse or to their beach destination.
Everything is made fresh daily, which certainly makes it worth visiting.
Some of the most popular menu items include Cuban sandwiches, beans and rice, shrimp tacos, and salads. The service is quick and efficient. This unique little deli also allows you to pick up a little something to take home as a memento of your time on Sanibel Island, as it also serves as a small souvenir shop.
East End Deli is open for takeout.
Lighthouse Café
Even before stepping foot in the lighthouse, stop by the Lighthouse Café, where they are known for having the best breakfast in town. While they also serve lunch and dinner, it is the breakfast that is often the most crowded of the day, as the food is great and the prices are just right.
Some of the most notable breakfast items include pecan French toast, Fisherman’s omelet, and pancakes. You may have to wait a little longer than what you are used to, but you can trust that it will be well worth the wait. You’ll be pleasantly welcomed by a friendly and accommodating staff that will make you feel right at home.
The Lighthouse Cafe is open for takeout.
Gramma Dot’s Seaside Saloon
Gramma Dot’s Seaside Saloon is a laidback dockside restaurant offering fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads, and more delicious menu items for lunch and dinner. If you are leaving the Sanibel Lighthouse, make it your final destination before heading back to your accommodations. Many visitors love the dockside views!
Some of the restaurant’s most notable food items are the coconut shrimp, poussin, fish sandwiches, and homemade chips. This is the ideal place to end the day, either with a cocktail out on the dock or perched at the bar inside, sipping on a signature cocktail.
There is no shortage of dining options in and around the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. It’s nice to know that there are some local dining options that are just as good as those found in Fort Myers. We suggest that you check the weather in Sanibel on the day that you plan on visiting one of the restaurants with outdoor seating.
Some of the restaurants are available at specific times of the day, so plan accordingly. You’ll notice that some are on the way to the Sanibel Island Lighthouse, which makes it easy to stop off to grab a bite to eat. You will also notice that many of your dining options are close to our VIP Realty Sanibel condo listings. Any of the above restaurants that you choose are sure to be a hit!
Gramma Dot’s is open for takeout.