Social House’s Watermelon Fiesta cocktail. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY
Bellini’s Fort Myers – 13451 McGregor Blvd. Suites 5-9, Fort Myers – 239-270-5005
Almost forty years ago, chef and restaurant owner Andrea Mucciga opened his first restaurant on Captiva Island. Mucciga – an immigrant from Sardinia, Italy – still speaks with a heavy Italian accent. When he speaks, even the simplest menu items sound romantic. Mucciga’s newest restaurant is Bellini’s Fort Myers. The detailed menu offerings, including seared scallops with lemon and pink pepper, simply come alive when introduced by the lilt of his enunciation. After Hurricane Ian devastated Mucciga’s island restaurants, he chose to open the newest Bellini’s on the mainland. “We have a beautifully priced seafood tower,” the owner suggests, “and though our menu is filled with seafood specialties and many cuts of meat, I must suggest our veal chop.” The veal chop is priced at $54 and accompanied by Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, asparagus, Marsala Wine demi-glace and Sicilian Caponata. Consider a lovely red Sangria in union with the veal chop, and settle in to a range of live music offerings while you dine. Mucciga said his patrons are treated to all types of music. “Sometimes we have jazz music and sometimes we offer Broadway tunes,” he added. Jazz night is held on Tuesdays beginning at 6 p.m. The restaurant can also provide live music for your private event.
Cielo – 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel – 239-472-5555
When evening light arrives on Sanibel Island, Cielo begins to glow. A corner of the restaurant, warmed by golden lamp light and lined with windows, is the only part of the structure viewable at night from the street. Inside, Cielo offers a warm tropical atmosphere. Live entertainment is not the exception here, but the norm. Live jazz piano music accompanies diners Tuesday through Sunday, beginning at 6 p.m. It is important to note that the restaurant requires advance reservations. Cielo offers GF and vegetarian menu items beginning with the appetizer section. Vegetarian diners might start with the mushroom bisque, while mussels Cielo – listed for $18 – is a more traditional appetizer incorporating white wine, garlic butter and tomatoes. Entrees vary significantly, from the American Wagyu burger topped with Gruyere and arugula to lobster alla vodka, featuring twin lobster tails paired with a vodka and cherry tomato cream sauce. For children with mature palates, Cielo offers Antarctic Salmon or Wagyu sliders along with time-tested favorites like chicken tenders and mac and cheese. Regardless of your age, why not complete your dining experience with vanilla crème Brule or chocolate tiramisu mouse. As the evening lingers, live music will accompany you until 9:30 p.m.
Downtown Social House – 1406 Hendry Street, Fort Myers – 239-337-7646
According to the website, Downtown Social House – aka SOHO – is an urban oasis, and the description feels accurate. Low modern couches and tabletops sit scattered below twinkling white lights across a generous outdoor patio. A special perk for diners with four-legged friends is the restaurant’s policy of allowing dogs in their outdoor space. SOHO embraces a celebratory vibe, hosting themed music nights like Wepa Wednesdays, embracing Latin music with a resident DJ. Fridays and Saturdays bring a mix of live music and DJ entertainment. You might consider accompanying the live music with a specialty craft cocktail like the Watermelon Fiesta. This drink features watermelon juice, tequila and bite of jalapeno syrup. The menu options are equally spicy – if you feel adventurous. Shareables start at $11 and feature items like the fully loaded queso, with ground beef, pica, guacamole and crema surrounded by a plate of crispy tortilla chips. The main menu is an excellent follow-up to your starters, offering familiar bites like a Philly cheesesteak loaded with both American and provolone cheeses or fish and chips – served as a sandwich!