As the slow days of summer arrive on Sanibel Island, there is no better way the spend your day than lazing away on the sands of this sanctuary island. From sun up to sun down, expect smaller crowds and less traffic—the perfect setting for the ultimate summertime beach getaway. It is during this time of year that temperatures are at their height, but that alone shouldn’t keep you away from the scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico available across the island. Why not step out of the sun during peak hours and enjoy a delicious meal along with a million dollar view.
There are plenty of Sanibel island dining options with a view. Grab a cocktail, step out of the sun, and indulge in Sanibel Island’s best waterfront dining.
Mad Hatter Restaurant
Located near the historic and beautiful Blind Pass waterway, The Mad Hatter offers new American cuisine serves with a side of stunning scenery. Inspired and eclectic menu choices evolve depending on the season, and every meal is always fresh and prepared from scratch. Chef Kurt and Michelle Jarvis bring new life to this cozy, romantic restaurant on the beach with its well-deserved reputation and unbeatable sunsets.
6467 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL 33957
239.472.0033
Gramma Dot’s Seaside Saloon
Dine leisurely at the dockside restaurant Gramma Dot’s. Located at the Sanibel Marina, enjoy a full line of “only fresh” seafood, salads, sandwiches and more. Appropriate dress is required. Named for Dorothy Sterns, Dot loved an adventure. As a teenager, she traveled the world by ship with her family. She rode camels in Egypt, rode horses and played billiards in the Wild West. She was an avid sailor who loved the sea and logged many hours exploring Long Island’s Great South Bay. In the late 50’s, her sea explorations brought her to Sanibel. The restaurant was named after Gramma Dot by her son Myton Ireland.
634 N. Yachtsman Drive, Sanibel, FL 33957
239.472.2723
Traditions on the Beach
Located just east of your accommodations at Gulf Breeze Cottages sits Traditions on the Beach, a quaint and contemporary restaurant directly on the sand. With Live music and dancing every night plus contemporary cuisine served Sanibel style and complimentary valet parking. Using only the freshest local ingredients, Traditions, as the locals call it, offers the most delicious dishes found anywhere in Southwest Florida. Award-winning Chef Aziz uses the finest of local ingredients to create dishes with vibrant visual and taste appeal. In true Island style, the restaurant provides its warmest welcome for the many guests who return year after year for memorable cuisine served in a breathtaking surrounding. Fun fact: Traditions on the Beach is Sanibel’s first dining room and has been delighting its guests since 1895.
3111 West Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-4559
