Restaurants in West Coast
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French Connection
This place features good service, big sandwiches, quiches, crepes, salads and a killer French onion soup. Outdoor tables and a friendly bar (with an eight-hour happy hour from 11:00 to 19:00) rounds out the appeal.
reviewed
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Veranda
A cornerstone of downtown Fort Myers, the Veranda combines two historic homes with delicious French-inspired cuisine – love awaits.
reviewed
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Biff-Burger/Buffy’s BBQ
The last remaining Biff-Burger (once a national burger chain) is a St Petersburg institution. It’s no longer a fast-food drive-in, but instead a sit-down restaurant kitted out with the longest bar in town, two patios and 20 big-screen TVs tuned to sports. Come for eggs, pancakes and every other conceivable breakfast entrée in the morning, or stop by for live entertainment and a greasy cheeseburger or traditional Southern BBQ at night. Biff’s attracts a biker crowd, especially on Saturday nights, and is proud to say so.
reviewed
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Garden
The oldest restaurant in town hosts live jazz and makes a good salad Niçoise at lunchtime. Mediterranean-influenced dinner dishes might include grilled lamb chops or wild mushroom pasta. Or just sample a few dishes from the tapas menu. The Garden has indoor and outdoor seating, poetry readings, a martini bar and live jazz with the Buster Cooper Jazz Trio every Friday and Saturday from 9pm to 1:30am. On Salsa Nights (Thursdays), they dole out free dancing tips.
reviewed
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Bella Bravo
Authentic northern Italian cooking, a 1000-bottle wine list and lots of atmosphere in a building, whose frontage sports bright-orange-and-yellow checkered tiles, all combine to make Bella Bravo a top Tampa eating experience. Whether you’re indulging in thin-crust Roman pizza on the downstairs patio or house-made potato gnocchi on the upstairs balcony, you can bet that your nouveau Italian meal here will be delicious.
reviewed
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State Farmers' Market
On Thursdays from 07:00 to 15:00, visit the colorful farmers' market underneath the entrance to the Caloosahatchee River Bridge in Centennial Park. This is not to be confused with the State Farmers' Market, which is a restaurant buyers' hangout with two retail produce stands and a simple restaurant specializing in Southern dishes like grits, fried chicken and barbecue.
reviewed
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Bonefish Grill
Equally good food and service keep crowds coming back to this upscale eatery. Start with saucy shrimp and then listen up as the waitstaff describes first-rate daily specials. The regular fish menu is creative and eclectic, but the pistachio and parmesan-crusted rainbow trout is particularly special. There's always steak for the red meat deprived.
reviewed
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Joey’s Brooklyn Pizza Place
Big Apple transplants swear by the pizza at this small downtown restaurant – yep Joey’s knows how to make New York–style pies just right. Dine alfresco under the date-palm trees or grab a take-away pizza to feast on in your hotel room. Joey’s caters to the late-night crowd on weekends. Calzones, pasta and salads are also offered.
reviewed
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Captain Al’s Waterfront Restaurant
Locals take their guests here to show off their city. Out at the end of the pier, it allows you to eat surrounded by water. Although the food is just average fried seafood and fish (although the crab appetizer is quite good), it is really enhanced by the killer views from outdoor tables. At least go for late afternoon cocktails.
reviewed
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Liquid Cafe
By day this cool café has very good pies, specialty sandwiches, salads and coffee, as well as local art on the walls and funky chess chairs. By night, you can sample over 60 different bottled beers, check out the open mic on Tuesday and listen to bands on Friday and Saturday nights. Stop in and hang a while on the outdoor patio.
reviewed
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Fourth Street Shrimp Store
This fun place, with murals as far as the eye can see, is perfect for quick dinners like fresh grouper (and duh, shrimp). In addition to baskets of fried fish, their big seller (and a great bargain at around US$8) is a 22-piece shrimp platter with fries and slaw. Go all out with a platter of grouper, clams and shrimp for US$16.
reviewed
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Chateau France
French classics are paired with romance at Chef Antoine Louro’s acclaimed restaurant in an early-20th-century Victorian house. Everything is good, but the bouillabaisse, coq au vin, pâtés and filet mignon are superior. Save room for the decadent chocolate soufflé or bananas flambé. The wine list is exemplary.
reviewed
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La Trattoria Caffe Napoli
Run by the illustrious Gloria, this place fuses Cuban and Italian cooking with excellent results. Order the catch of the day – the fish special can be cooked in a spicy Cuban sauce or with Italian seasonings. Make sure to try the deep-fried plantains, they are loaded with garlic, and ultradelicious.
reviewed
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Morgan House
This casual but (nonetheless) fine dining establishment draws loyal patrons for sandwiches, salads and burgers. At night the menu ranges from chicken and steaks to seafood and pastas, so you're bound to find something satisfying.
reviewed
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Sandy Butler
This combined fine-ingredients market and restaurant offers very reasonably priced fine dining in Greater Fort Myers. Truffle pasta? Gorgeous. Best of all, you can pick up your own truffles (chocolate and fungi) as you exit.
reviewed
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McGregor Cafe
The location alone – tucked away in a residential area of high palm trees and bottle-green lawns – makes this cafe worth recommending. Then we tried the food. Amazing. Classic American fare, elegantly served.
reviewed
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Origami
Despite a bland shopping-center setting, Origami is the local pick for excellent sushi. There are a variety of rolls and sashimi to choose from, all very fresh. Portions are large and prices very reasonable.
reviewed
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Norman Love Confections
Norman Love and his talented staff make the sort of chocolates people commit crimes for. His home base ‘salon’ is excellent for a cup of hot chocolate or bar of cocoa that will melt your mind.
reviewed
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Bennett's Fresh Roast
The best coffee around is served at this cute cafe owned by a former Fort Myers radio personality. Do not miss the donuts! They’re homemade holes of beauty, and typically run out by 11am.
reviewed
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Cafe Alma
This cute subterranean café is a little hidden away but worth finding, serving sophisticated salads and sandwiches at lunch and small plates and mains at dinner.
reviewed
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Cru
The hottest destination on the Fort Myers eating radar at time of research. It’s a sexy place that serves innovative dishes in the New Floridian vein.
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Central Cafe & Organics
A little place with big-time organic sandwiches and soups, Central Cafe & Organics will look after your well-being with tasty and healthy meals.
reviewed
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Moon Under Water
Get your fill of fish-and-chips, tikka masala and cold pints at this British-style pub with a lovely front patio.
reviewed
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Two Meatballs in the Kitchen
This semi-corny Italian eatery may lay on the clichés, but the pizza and pasta are delicious and filling.
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Gratzzi Ristorante
Don't be fooled by its mall location; the food is amazing, with presentation that will leave you agog.
reviewed
