Estero Island is a foodie haven, offering the best eateries and bars from Fort Myers Beach and beyond. While waterfront dining, beach side tables, and Happy Hours special are almost a given on this quaint Floridian paradise, breakfast and brunch spots are a tad harder to eye. Although many parts of the island might be a bit sleepy and slow to rise, the friendly residents know the best hubs to grab a jump start to the day. Check out these places to find the best waffles, omelets, and mimosas as well as late morning dishes like lobster bisque, fish sandwiches, shrimp burgers, and ocean inspired salads.
The Salty Crab Bar & Grill
Located just steps from the sea, The Salty Crab Bar & Grill is one of the very few cafes with true breakfast hours open from 8am. From the colorful tables right in the sand, delight in an extensive breakfast menu which ranges from pancakes to chicken with waffles, French toast, omelets, egg sandwiches, to shrimp and grits or biscuits and gravy. If a hearty breakfast is what you're after, The Salty Crab Bar & Grill is the place to find it. Don't miss out on the incredible sunrise bar options from mimosas to Irish coffee, spiked chocolate milk and much more.
Truly Scrumptious
On the far south side of the island, discover one of the best kept secrets on Fort Myers Beach. Designed just for breakfast lovers and sweet tooth sallies; Truly Scrumptious offers a fabulous array of breakfast dishes including the famed orange French toast. Other delightful finds include the eggs Benedict, pie with ice cream, lobster rolls, cinnamon rolls, crepes, milkshakes, and more. Open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch starting at 7am Thursdays-Tuesdays.
Bayfront Bistro
Arrive a little later to pull up a seat to watch the dolphins flipping in the Gulf while dining for late breakfast, brunch, lunch, and beyond. Expect high level service and ambiance, paired with internationally inspired American style seafood renderings. Opening for brunch on the weekends starting at 11am, and during the week at 11:30am, diners can top off the morning with a Greek Omelet or dip into a mid-day meal with the likes of Lobster Risotto, Lobster Bisque, Asian calamari, or pasta dishes paired with shrimp and scallops. Trickle back to Bayfront Bistro later in the day for Happy Hour specials and hearty dishes like surf'n'turf, Butter fish platters, pork chops, or rib eye.
Matanzas on the Bay
Tip towards the brunch renderings at Matanzas on the Bay with exquisite views and a discerning selection of casual, seafood infused delights. Located within the Matanzas Bayside Inn, diners routinely relish over the quiet spaces indoors or over the spectacular patio ambiance with seating starting at 11 am. This is the place to soak up classic harbor views with feel good comfort food offered through delectable dishes like bacon-wrapped shrimp, shrimp burgers with homemade potato salad, and the best rated pizza on the island.
PierSide Grill
Don't let the simple, rustic ambiance fool you, as PierSide Grill is one of the most loved eateries on Estero Island. Located right on the Fort Myers Beach boardwalk in view of the fishing pier, the ambiance is lively and entertaining. The outdoor patio as well as the attached Blowfish Bar are icons of the community, serving fuss-free dishes like burgers, stuffed shrimp, crab cakes, spinach salad, and fish sandwiches from 10:30am to well after dark. It's the perfect place to watch the world come to life as the beach starts to buzz in the late morning hours.
To learn more about the discerning retirement lifestyle at Fort Myers Beach on Estero Island, contact us today.
