Naples and Fort Myers Beach Restaurants Featured In Culinary Series

VISIT FLORIDA and Emergent Media announce the next chapter in the "Florida's Table" journey with the debut of a fifth season of the custom original video series. "Florida's Table" promotes the state's dynamic culinary scene by showcasing a diverse handful of restaurants. Each episode features a local chef or restaurateur who is a reflection of the place they live and work. In the most recent episodes, Naples and Fort Myers Beach restaurants were both featured.

This is the fifth season of the Florida's Tables series featuring a different part of Florida for each season. Season 5 tells the story of Southwest Florida cuisine.

The "Florida's Table" series is notable for its chef-focused storytelling, and the Southwest edition brings that approach to new heights, featuring: Chef Vincenzo Betulia of Osteria Tulia in Naples, Chef Chas Taitgen of Dixie FIsh Co. in Fort Myers Beach, Chef Marc Alton of Fins in Venice, Chefs George Sayeh and Andrew Duncan at Baba on Central in St. Petersburg, and Chef Jeannie Pierola of Edison Food + Drink Lab in Tampa.

In this clip, the series visited the Dixie Fish Company on Fort Myers Beach.

Here's a look at Osteria Tulia in Naples.

Of special note, focusing on Fort Myers Beach restaurants such as the Dixie Fish Company highlight the progress Southwest Florida has made since Hurricane Ian. If you remember, DFC had a boat left on it's doorstep after the water receded. Kudos to Visit Florida and Emergent Media for including them. If you want to see more of the restaurants featured, here is the link to those.

It's hard to believe that this week marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Ian and there are 20 restaurants that are open on Fort Myers Beach.

This Thursday, September 28, marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Ian. Parts of Southwest Florida were completely devastated, mainly the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. We've come a LONG way over the past year. It still breaks my heart to go down there see so many things gone. But it's also refreshing to see so many things that have reopened. It's so important to support the businesses that have been able to reopen. I've been going to Fort Myers Beach nearly every weekend and I love seeing so many people down there. Whether they're eating, drinking or taking a walk at sunset.

Diamondhead, Pink Shell, Edison Beach House, Gullwing, and Lighthouse. There are also a bunch of vacation rental companies on the beach too. I love that more and more places are becoming available just in time for season. If you have friends and family coming down for holiday vacations, they'll be able to stay on the beach and enjoy all it has to offer. And when it comes to attractions, there are wave runner rentals, boat cruises and more.

But not only for visitors, us locals love to eat and drink, and with a backdrop like the beach, it doesn't get any better. For a full list of everything open on Fort Myers Beach, click here. But I put together a list of the 20 restaurants have reopened on the beach. Go down, soak up our paradise and support these Fort Myers Beach restaurants as we continue to rebuild after Hurricane Ian, one year later.

Bonita Bill's is a low-key no frills spot right on the bay offering great food, cold drinks and live music. I recommend the fish sandwich.

Cabanas is located inside Diamondhead Resort. You'll love the 360 degree bar, indoor seating, outdoor patio, and amazing views of the beach.

After a day on the beach, cooling down with some ice cream hits the spot. Located right in Times Square as soon as you cross the bridge.

If you haven't been to Dixie, it's a great old Florida fish house. For cocktails, I recommend the Toasted Coconut Colada.

Doc Ford's just reopened a few months ago and it's been SO busy ever since. I love everything on their menu and sitting outside on the deck makes for a great setting for dinner.

Eats at the Beach is located at 61 Ave C. They have breakfast, sandwiches, wings, salads and more.

https://www.eatsatthebeach.com/

Fresh Catch Bistro is located at 4761 Estero Boulevard. Enjoy happy hour daily from 2:30-4:30.

Jack's is open for breakfast 7 days a week from 7:30am – 11am. A great option for hotel guests and visitors to the beach.

Junkanoo has a new location behind Publix at 4761 Estero Blvd. I went for the first time about a month ago for dinner with company in from out of town and we loved it. Had a great mahi sandwich and great cocktails right on the water.

La Ola has two locations now, one at Bell Tower and another on the beach. Enjoy happy hour daily from 3:00pm – 6:00pm with $7 margaritas and $1 off beers, wines and wells.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-ola-surfside-restaurant-fort-myers-beach-2

Matanzas is located on the bay offering an old Florida atmosphere. They have a limited menu available. Petey's Upper Deck is also open on the second floor.

Mojoe's is located at 1740 Estero Blvd. If you're looking for gourmet coffee on the beach, this is the spot!

https://www.yelp.com/biz/mojoes-coffee-bar-fort-myers-beach

Parrot Key is one of my favorite spots. It's where I always take company in from out of town for dinner, drinks or both! My favorite is the Key Lime Colada and the mussels.

Snug Harbor is located on Old San Carlos Blvd. If you're looking for great, fresh seafood, they unload their boats daily.

While The Beach Bar doesn't serve food, what they do serve up are great cocktails. I was there a few weeks ago to check out some live music and when your feet are in the sand, there is nothing better.

The Rude Shrimp Company is now located at Moss Marina. Enjoy Hawaiian Fusion cuisine, inspired by the flavors of the North Shore.

The Whale is located right on Estero Blvd. With live music and a great menu, make sure to add this to your list of stops while on the beach.

The Tiki Bar serves breakfast daily 8-11am, plus a great all-day food menu and tasty cocktails. Also a killer deal 7 days a week: $3 bloody mary's and screwdrivers.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/lighthouse-tiki-bar-and-grill-fort-myers-beach

My parents just went to Wahoo Willie's a few weeks ago and loved it! They got a bunch of apps and enjoyed their all day happy hour.

Yucatan is located on San Carlos Boulevard just north of Times Square. Featuring a great happy hour and live music daily from 2-5pm.

Bella Mozzarella Pizza & Grill- 1000 Fifth Ave

Flipper's On The Bay- 8767 Estero Blvd

Heavenly Biscuit on Wheels- 110 Mango St

Liki Tiki BBQ- 17650 San Carlos Blvd

Margaritaville Beach Resort- 251 Crescent St

Meli's Ice Cream- 50 Old San Carlos Blvd

Mr. Waves Island Bar- 1028 Fifth St

Nervous Nellie's- 1131 First St

Yo! Taco- 1005 Estero Blvd

Pinchers- 18100 San Carlos Blvd