{"id":255280,"date":"2026-05-02T11:22:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T11:22:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/255280\/"},"modified":"2026-05-02T11:22:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T11:22:24","slug":"as-cape-corals-food-scene-booms-here-are-6-of-our-go-to-restaurants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/255280\/","title":{"rendered":"As Cape Coral’s food scene booms, here are 6 of our go-to restaurants"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s difficult to keep up.<\/p>\n

The Cape Coral dining scene continues to evolve at a mouthwatering pace.<\/p>\n

In the past six months, South Cape has seen the addition of Oak & Stone, Seed & Bean<\/a>, Big Nick\u2019s BBQ and Aqua<\/a>. And that\u2019s just at The Cove at 47th\u00a0alone.<\/p>\n

Across Cape Coral Parkway, Bimini Basin Seafood & Cocktails<\/a> debuted in late February, and Independent Pub popped up the month before.<\/p>\n

Head north, and you\u2019ll see the same thing.<\/p>\n

Last year, Walk-On\u2019s, Bacio\u2019s Pizzeria, Yonutz, Cape Brazilian Grill, Pei Wei, Sunset Chicken, Tropical Smoothie, Wow Steakhouse, Huey Magoos, two Papa Johns, Eagle Specialty Coffee, Taqueria Casamigos, Foxtail Coffee Co. and Stella Marie\u2019s\u00a0all opened along or just off of Pine Island Road.<\/p>\n

B\u2019s Grillhouse, Capriotti\u2019s<\/a> and Chicken Salad Chick are the newest places to debut along that stretch. And there will soon be more, with signs already up for Swig, Burrito Shak, Philly Pretzel Factory and Tacos & Tequila.<\/p>\n

\"Seared<\/p>\n

Seared salmon over risotto is a must-get item for us when we visit Next Door in Cape Coral.<\/p>\n

As a Lee County food reporter, it\u2019s hard to get back to restaurants after my initial visit with so many new venues steadily opening.<\/p>\n

I often daydream about the fra diavolo mussels over linguini I had at Aqua a month ago and the crab cakes with Key lime mustard from Bimini Basin Seafood I inhaled before that. For weeks now, I\u2019ve been trying to get back to those happy hour wonders.<\/p>\n

And it\u2019s been even longer since I\u2019ve stopped by Siam Hut<\/a> (oh, that pad Thai!), Nevermind (oh, those smashburgers!), High Tide Social (oh, the taco, clam and pulled pork pizzas!) and Ariani (oh, the food, the service and Dario!).<\/p>\n

\"Sage<\/p>\n

Sage on 47th in Cape Coral is modern and polished, friendly and unpretentious.<\/p>\n

Then there\u2019s Ralph\u2019s Place and BackStreets (the Reubens!), Trattoria Ciao and Indian Breeze, Stones Throw and J&P Asian, The Rustic and so many others I haven\u2019t been to in far too long.<\/p>\n

There are, however, a few places I\u2019ve been back to recently, and I couldn\u2019t love them more.<\/p>\n

From a neighborhood Italian deli to a family favorite, here are six Cape Coral restaurants I frequent whenever I can.<\/p>\n

Nice Guys\"Nice<\/p>\n

Nice Guys in Cape Coral is one of our favorite places in Southwest Florida.<\/p>\n

We love everything about this South Cape pizza and cocktail joint. On the one hand, it\u2019s divy, punky, edgy and fun with a glowing neon hallway, pinball-machine-lined arcade room and dark, Christmas lights-lit bar area with an eclectic mix of, well, stuff hung here and there.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, it\u2019s innovative, creative and trendy with some of the best pizza and bar food, and craftiest cocktails in Southwest Florida. Begin with an app like garlic knots, tots, wings, corn dogs or stinky buns 2. \u2014 you can\u2019t go wrong with any of them.<\/p>\n

\"Nice<\/p>\n

Nice Guys in Cape Coral is edgy, funky and oh-so fabulous.<\/p>\n

Then get a specialty pie like the chicken & waffles, burrizza (pulled pork, corn, pinto beans, and more), or Washington Carver (with peanut sauce, bacon, and raspberry jam). Grab a cocktail while you\u2019re at it, and don\u2019t be surprised if it comes in a bathtub or baby doll head. Then sit back and soak up the unpretentious vibe. It\u2019s the kind of place you come back to and hang out in over and over again. We do whenever we can. 1404 Cape Coral Parkway E; (239) 549-7542; niceguyspizza.com<\/a> or on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n

Sage on 47th<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve been coming to this chef-driven South Cape gem since it opened three years ago. It\u2019s the one restaurant we frequent the most. We\u2019ll swing by during happy hour (3-6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday) for the $10 craft cocktail of the day, $3 off wine by the glass, $5 house spirits, $8 grilled wings, $6 yucca fries, $8 Ralph\u2019s killer shrimp and more. We also come for the shareables (think duck fat fries, mussels, oysters, street corn, local mushrooms, steak bites) and mains (the seafood risotto, Ralph\u2019s killer shrimp over polenta and pork cheeks are three of our favorite dishes around).<\/p>\n

\"We'll<\/p>\n

We’ll be back for another order of killer shrimp at Sage on 47th.<\/p>\n

If it\u2019s a weekend, we pop in for brunch and if it\u2019s a holiday, there\u2019s a good chance we\u2019re there. No matter when we go, we keep an eye out for the chef\u2019s specials, like the recently offered panko & Italian herb-encrusted burrata cheese or orecchiette bolognese. Rest assured, though, whenever you swing by, it\u2019s a perfect time to go. And we very well may be there too.\u00a01015 SE 47th\u00a0Terrace; (239) 542-0200;\u00a0sageon47th.com<\/a>\u00a0or on\u00a0Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n

Next Door<\/p>\n

This chic and intimate waterfront gem at Tarpon Point Marina is our special occasion go-to. On each visit, we fall in love with it over and over again. The team here (and at neighboring Gather) is now headed by co-owner and executive chef Ben Voisin, newly appointed executive chef Ian Cooper and chef de cuisine Howard Barnes, who expertly guided us through a preview of their latest carefully curated menu.<\/p>\n

\"Next<\/p>\n

Next Door at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral is one of the best restaurants in Southwest Florida.<\/p>\n

We loved every colorful, flavorful, texture-rich item that came our way, including a light and refreshing watermelon salad, scallop crudo with a citrusy Tiger’s milk, seared salmon floating on a dreamy bed of herb risotto, lamb chops with confit potatoes, and the chef\u2019s (and our) favorite agnolotti Florentine with Gulf shrimp. I\u2019ll think of those dishes fondly for days and weeks to come, until my next visit. Chef Fabrice Deletrain will join the crew for a 7-course chef\u2019s dinner and wine pairing on May 21. Sounds like a perfect time to form new foodie memories. We can\u2019t wait. 5971 Silver King Blvd., Unit 114; (239) 984-2453; nextdoorcape.com<\/a> and on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n

Two Meatballs in the Kitchen\"The<\/p>\n

The bar at Two Meatballs in the Kitchen in Cape Coral fills quickly during happy hour.<\/p>\n

Whenever my kids are in town, they want to go to this Italian staple in South Cape. And who am I to disagree?<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t try to be gourmet,\u201d said Franco Russo, who co-owns this location with partner Wayne Entsminger. \u201cIt\u2019s not small portions with high prices. We offer high-quality food at fair prices. Almost everyone leaves with leftovers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Mama's<\/p>\n

Mama’s pasta at Two Meatballs in the Kitchen features diced sausage and meatballs saut\u00e9ed with pancetta, ricotta and peas served in a cream sauce over pasta.<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s what we love. I can get two, sometimes\u00a0three meals out of the Mama\u2019s pasta \u00a0(diced sausage and meatballs sauteed with pancetta, ricotta and peas served in a cream sauce over a choice of pasta). It\u2019s one of 11 signature dishes on a menu filled with classic Italian favorites \u2014 from pizza to chicken, seafood and veal entrees. Happy hour runs an impressive 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (at the bar only), is a great time to drop by and the new $29.99 three-course prix-fixe menu Monday to Thursday has recently caught our eye. There\u2019s something for everyone here. And you\u2019ll get a whole lot of it, too. 1403 Cape Coral Parkway E; (239) 347-3013; 2meatballs.com<\/a> or on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n

Amore\"Focaccia<\/p>\n

Focaccia is a popular item at Amore Italian Market & Bakery in Cape Coral.<\/p>\n

Although technically not a restaurant, this Italian market & deli is my go-to sandwich, need-something-for-dinner and sweet-tooth-craving stop. Display cases are lovingly filled with cheesecakes, cakes and cannolis galore, fresh-made salads (think tuna, cherry chicken, roasted potato, cucumber & tomato for starters), veggies and pasta (Mediterranean, Italian, lasagna, meatballs, eggplant rollatini and more). Then come the prepared and ready-to-go delights like chicken tenders and cutlets, eggplant and chicken parm, coconut shrimp, breaded cod, and maybe even a pepperoni (or ham & cheese or smoked sausage) roll or two or 12.<\/p>\n

\"Amore<\/p>\n

Amore Italian Market & Deli just celebrated seven years in Cape Coral.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything is fresh,\u201d said Giovanna Lafata, who co-owns this wonderland with her sister Francesca Ferrara. \u201cIt\u2019s all homemade. There are no preservatives, nothing is added. I think people are surprised by the variety I have.\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u2019m surprised and amazed every time I go. You will be too. 4703 SW 16th\u00a0Place, on the northwest corner of Chiquita Boulevard and Cape Coral Parkway; (239) 800-3938; amoreswfl.com<\/a>\u00a0or follow on Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n

Front Porch Social\"We<\/p>\n

We love the happy hour menu (3-6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday) at Front Porch Social in South Cape.<\/p>\n

I hadn\u2019t been back to this laid-back South Cape restaurant with its spaciously inviting porch since it debuted in the summer of 2023. But when Scotty\u2019s Bierwerks closed, my trivia-loving friends needed a new place to play. That\u2019s when we started coming here rather regularly on Wednesday nights. And I have been pleasantly surprised ever since. Table favorites include the hot honey sliders, zucchini fries and Korean tacos, all on the happy hour menu (offered 3-6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday and ending 30 minutes before trivia begins on Wednesdays).<\/p>\n

Pesto gnocchi, crispy wings, Nashville hot mac & cheese, Nashville tenders and the fried green tomato BLT have also been hits. Happy hour cocktails run from a $3 draft (Michelob Ultra) and $5 wells and wine to $8 cocktails (espresso martinis, cosmos and spicy margaritas included). Eventually, we may just eat and drink our way through the entire menu. And we might just start winning some trivia rounds, too. See you there. 4721 Vincennes Blvd.; (239) 347-8914; frontporchsocialcc.com<\/a> or find on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n

Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at\u00a0rhgeorge@fortmyer.gannett.com<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: As Cape Coral’s food scene grows, here are 6 of our go-to restaurants<\/a><\/p>\n