Few things say \u201cSouthwest Florida\u201d quite like dining on fresh seafood while watching boats cruise by at sunset. From laid-back tiki bars to upscale waterfront dining destinations, the Fort Myers area is packed with incredible restaurants where the views are just as memorable as the food. Whether you\u2019re looking for Gulf seafood, tropical cocktails, steaks, sushi, or live music by the water, these waterfront restaurants deliver a true Florida experience.<\/p>\n
Here are 10 of the best waterfront restaurants in and around Fort Myers that locals and visitors love. For more local flavor, Suncoast Post readers can also check out our guide to the Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival<\/a>.<\/p>\n 1. Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant<\/p>\n A longtime Fort Myers favorite overlooking the water near Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach, this restaurant is known for fresh seafood, steaks, sunset dining, and live entertainment. The outdoor deck creates a classic Old Florida waterfront atmosphere.<\/p>\n Type: Seafood \/ New American 2. Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant<\/p>\n Located on Fort Myers Beach, Snug Harbor offers casual waterfront dining with excellent seafood, tropical drinks, and beautiful harbor views. Their grouper dishes are especially popular.<\/p>\n Type: Seafood \/ Casual Waterfront Dining 3. Doc Ford\u2019s Rum Bar & Grille<\/p>\n One of the most famous waterfront restaurants in Southwest Florida, Doc Ford\u2019s combines island-style seafood, waterfront seating, live music, and a fun atmosphere inspired by the novels of author Randy Wayne White. Their Yucatan shrimp is legendary.<\/p>\n Type: Seafood \/ Caribbean \/ Tropical Grill 4. Oxbow Bar & Grill<\/p>\n Situated along the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers, Oxbow has quickly become one of the hottest dining destinations in the River District. Expect panoramic river views, oysters, burgers, seafood, craft cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.<\/p>\n Type: Coastal American \/ Seafood \/ Bar & Grill 5. Boathouse \u2013 Fort Myers<\/p>\n The Boathouse offers a relaxed riverside atmosphere complete with tiki-style seating, live music, and boat access. It\u2019s especially popular for casual lunches, seafood baskets, burgers, and sunset cocktails.<\/p>\n Type: Seafood \/ Tiki Bar \/ Casual Dining 6. Matanzas on the Bay<\/p>\n An iconic Fort Myers Beach waterfront restaurant with dockside seating, seafood favorites, live music, and beautiful bay views. It\u2019s accessible by both land and boat, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.<\/p>\n Type: Seafood \/ Waterfront Grill 7. Parrot Key Caribbean Grill<\/p>\n Known for colorful tropical d\u00e9cor and laid-back island vibes, Parrot Key is a favorite for Caribbean-inspired seafood, frozen drinks, and waterfront sunsets near Salty Sam\u2019s Marina.<\/p>\n Type: Caribbean \/ Seafood \/ Tropical Bar 8. Dixie Fish Company<\/p>\n A historic seafood spot with rustic Old Florida charm, Dixie Fish is famous for fresh local seafood, shrimp baskets, grouper sandwiches, and dockside dining. If fresh Gulf seafood is on your mind, you may also like our look at the best restaurants in Cortez, Florida<\/a>.<\/p>\n Type: Seafood Shack \/ Casual Waterfront Dining 9. Fresh Catch Bistro<\/p>\n Fresh Catch Bistro blends upscale dining with waterfront views overlooking Estero Bay. The restaurant is known for creative seafood dishes, steaks, and elegant sunset dining.<\/p>\n Type: Upscale Seafood \/ Fine Dining 10. Flippers on the Bay<\/p>\n Located on Estero Bay, Flippers is known for scenic waterfront dining, fresh seafood, breakfast, and romantic sunset views. It remains one of the most relaxing dining spots in the region.<\/p>\n Type: Seafood \/ Waterfront Resort Dining Why Waterfront Dining Is So Popular in Fort Myers<\/p>\n The Fort Myers area offers one of the best waterfront dining scenes in Florida thanks to its combination of Gulf-access waterways, fresh local seafood, incredible sunsets, boat-friendly restaurants, and outdoor tropical dining year-round. Many restaurants even offer \u201cdock and dine\u201d access, allowing boaters to pull up directly to the restaurant.<\/p>\n
\nAddress: 14301 Port Comfort Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33908
\nPhone: (239) 489-0770
\nWebsite: Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant<\/p>\n
\nAddress: 645 Old San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
\nPhone: (239) 463-4343
\nWebsite: Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant<\/p>\n
\nAddress: 708 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
\nPhone: (239) 765-9660
\nWebsite: Doc Ford\u2019s Rum Bar & Grille<\/p>\n
\nAddress: 1300 Hendry St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
\nPhone: (239) 314-3856
\nWebsite: Oxbow Bar & Grill<\/p>\n
\nAddress: 17101 State Rd 31, Fort Myers, FL 33905
\nPhone: (239) 332-2628
\nWebsite: The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill<\/p>\n
\nAddress: 416 Crescent St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
\nPhone: (239) 463-3838
\nWebsite: Matanzas on the Bay<\/p>\n
\nAddress: 2500 Main St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
\nPhone: (239) 463-3257
\nWebsite: Parrot Key Caribbean Grill<\/p>\n
\nAddress: 714 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
\nPhone: (239) 233-8837
\nWebsite: Dixie Fish Company<\/p>\n
\nAddress: 3040 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
\nPhone: (239) 463-2600
\nWebsite: Fresh Catch Bistro<\/p>\n
\nAddress: 8771 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
\nPhone: (239) 765-1025
\nWebsite: Flippers on the Bay<\/p>\n