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The Veranda

2122 Second Street, Ft. Myers – 239-332-2065

The Veranda requires reservations. So, book early for a romantic dining experience within the walls of two of Fort Myers’ most historic downtown homes. This restaurant creates a unique opportunity to enjoy southern regional cuisine in two turn-of-the-century houses, where the grounds offer luscious botanical foliage and even a Koi pond. However, inside the kitchen is where the flavor is at. Starters include a savory lobster bisque or fresh blue crab cakes. One might consider following up with an entrée of Shrimp Scampi tossed in capellini pasta, or Chicken Orleans. The latter entrée combines a pan-seared chicken breast topped with plump Gulf shrimp, arugula and a Cajun beurre blanc. For dessert, Veranda chefs whip up a magical peanut butter fudge pie or traditional Florida Key Lime pie. The Veranda is open Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Sip & Sizzle

2236 First Street, Fort Myers – 239-851-5599

With moody lighting and an extensive cocktail menu, this upbeat steakhouse is both a Day Café and a Chophouse. Sip & Sizzle offers moonlight diners the chance for an interactive experience with upbeat vibes. Sizzling stones heated to 500 degrees are delivered to the table for diners who choose to cook their protein. Bistro filet, duck breast and even ahi tuna may be ordered for the hot stone interactive experience. Diners are offered a choice of three delectable sauces, like Mushroom Truffle or Cowboy Butter. Sip & Sizzle’s dinner menu also contains traditional handhelds like burgers, along with the tender vegetarian Cauliflower Steak for $18. The cocktail menu – true to the establishment’s name – is loaded with “Sips.” Their Jungle Bird is just one exotic concoction, combining Goslings dark rum, Compari, lime juice, pineapple juice, simple syrup and Frond. The cocktail menu even offers an ode to “Fizzy Sips.” With the opportunity to cook at your leisure and to sip away, your dining experience at Sip & Sizzle may last a couple of hours. They are open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Blossom & Brie

8250 Nalle Grade Road, Fort Myers – 239-385-0415

If a scenic setting is what you’re looking for in a romantic dining experience, Blossom & Brie is it. This restaurant presents a Farmside dining experience in a rustic setting. White fences stretch to the horizon and burros and sheep meander along the farm’s meadows. Inside an open barn-like structure, diners enjoy fresh meals prepared by chef Wesley Robbins and his team. Reservations are required at Blossom & Brie, where Robbins creates dishes from scratch. The menu features house-made bread by the full or half loaf. The warm bread is served with local honey butter. Dinner entrees include savory fare like the farm-raised Jerk Chicken plated alongside rum-glazed sweet potatoes, fried plantains, roasted zucchini and tomatoes, or Fettuccine, stirred with local royal red deep water shrimp, garlic, basil, heirloom tomatoes, fresh cream and grated parmesan. Blossom & Brie offers lunch Wednesday – Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Brunch Saturday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner Wednesday – Saturday 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.