Cape Coral Dining Scene Thrives: New Eateries Join Timeless Classics Amidst Booming Growth

Cape Coral welcomed more than 35 new eateries in 2025. The city's food options kept expanding. Walk-On's arrived. So did Bacio's Pizzeria, Yonutz, Cape Brazilian Grill, Pei Wei, Sunset Chicken, and Tropical Smoothie. Wow Steakhouse opened its doors, and Huey Magoos started serving chicken. Two Papa Johns locations appeared along Pine Island Road or just off it, joined by Eagle Specialty Coffee, Taqueria Casamigos, Foxtail Coffee Co., and Stella Marie's.

Another 20-plus places popped up across town. Slipaway began operations. Indian Breeze, Oise-Ushi, Seed & Bean, Oak & Stone, Escondido Lounge, Hacienda Jalisco, Clase Azul, and Florida Boy Burger all entered the market.

Several spots will launch in 2026. Aqua and Big Nick's at The Cove at 47th should arrive soon, along with Omelet House, Bimini Basin Seafood & Cocktail, Tacos & Tequila, and Chicken Salad Chick.

"There was nothing out there when we opened Bubba's in 1998," said Jay Johnson to The News-Press. "Within five miles, there were maybe 10 restaurants at best. Now you can't even count them."

The city's first eatery opened in 1959. Surfside started serving customers at 1502 Cape Coral Parkway two years after brothers Leonard and Jack Rosen began building their Waterfront Wonderland project.

New owners bought Surfside in 1971. Workers tore it down in 1992. Years later, Perkins took over the spot.

"There weren't many restaurants at all back then," said Diane Thompson, who works at the Cape Coral Museum of History and has been a resident since the early 1980s. "There was only one place for pizza. There wasn't much to choose from."

Siam Hut opened in 1984, making it the city's oldest operating restaurant. The Café, Annie's, Ralph's Place, and Ariani all started in the late 1980s and haven't stopped since.

Papa Joe's and Iguana Mia just celebrated 35 years on Cape Coral Parkway. BackStreets on SE 47th Terrace threw a party for its 30th birthday.

Ralph Centalonza launched his first restaurant in town back in 2003 with partners Todd Johnson and Jeff Gately—a place called Rumrunners. "Cape Harbour was where we fished when I was younger. It was a swamp," Centalonza said. "There wasn't much true waterfront dining around here. The amount and level of competition were sparse."