The Lower Gulf Coast Restaurants

In this part of Florida, fresh seafood reigns supreme. Succulent native stone-crab claws, a particularly tasty treat, in season from mid-October through mid-May, are usually served hot with drawn butter or chilled with tangy mustard sauce. Supplies are typically steady, since claws regenerate in time for the next season. Other seafood specialties include fried grouper sandwiches and Sanibel pink shrimp. In Naples's highly hailed restaurants and sidewalk cafés, mingle with locals, winter visitors, and other travelers, and catch up on the latest culinary trends.

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  • 1. The Local

    $$

    Health-conscious foodies, hipsters, and retirees mix equally at this farm-and-sea-to-table bistro, which, as the name suggests, stocks its kitchen almost exclusively with items from local suppliers. Though it's in a strip mall a few blocks inland, it has a polished interior that manages to evoke both the beach and the farm. Choose from healthful options like a super-food salad or more indulgent dishes such as pork shoulder au jus with mango mustard.

    5323 Airport Pulling Rd. N, Naples, Florida, USA
    239-596–3276

    Known For

    • Pot roast with grandma's veggies
    • Flatbreads and pizzas
    • Fresh ingredients
  • 2. Old 41 Restaurant

    $

    A mostly local clientele populates the cheery dining room with its Philadelphia allegiances, offering a great cheesesteak. For breakfast, don't miss the incredible Texas French toast with homemade caramel and pecans, Carbon's malted Belgian waffles, or eggs and homemade hash with Boar's Head meat. Besides cheesesteak, lunch specialties include Boar's Head hoagies, burgers, in-house-roasted beef or turkey sandwiches, and other comfort food—all served until 3 pm.

    25091 Bernwood Dr., Bonita Springs, Florida, 34135, USA
    239-948–4190

    Known For

    • Slow-cooked turkey and roast beef
    • Chipped beef for breakfast
    • No reservations (but a call-ahead wait list on weekends)

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted
  • 3. Philly Junction

    $

    From the bread (Amoroso rolls) to the corned beef, almost everything here comes from Philadelphia. Not only are the cheesesteaks delicious and authentic, but the burgers and other sandwiches are excellent—and the prices are among the lowest around. Stay for an old-fashioned shake, or join the Philly natives for pork roll and scrapple at breakfast. The strip-mall café occupies two rooms sided with natural wood board-and-bead paneling. Signs at every table humorously reveal "25 Ways to Tell You're from Philly." If you come for dinner, plan on eating early because the restaurant closes at 8.

    4600 Summerlin Rd., Fort Myers, Florida, 33919, USA
    239-936–6622

    Known For

    • Authentic Philly cheesesteaks
    • Good, inexpensive breakfast
    • Closing by 8 pm

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun., Reservations not accepted
  • 4. Saigon Paris Bistro

    $$$

    Irish omelets, Belgian waffles, crepes, steak au poivre, Vietnamese sea bass, Waldorf chicken salad: this eatery's extensive menu clearly travels farther abroad than its name implies. And it does so with utmost taste and flavor, as its faithful local clientele will attest. The best deals are the lunchtime Vietnamese entrées and chicken egg-drop soup. The restaurant is known for its gigantic bowls of pho (traditional soup), which can be ordered any time of day (some people have them for breakfast). It also offers three-course Vietnamese or Parisian dinners for $30. Leave room for crepes à la Grand Marnier, prepared table-side. The interior is pleasant, if a bit old-fashioned, but provides a soothing surprise in this busy part of town with its fireplace, floral motif, and classic columns.

    12995 S. Cleveland. Ave., Fort Myers, Florida, 33907, USA
    239-936–2233

    Known For

    • Pho soup
    • Two-for-one breakfast deals
    • International cuisine

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. June–Sept.
  • 5. The Bay House

    $$$$

    Nestled in a hidden expanse of twisted mangrove trees and flowing canals is one of the area's best restaurants for casual fine dining. Restored wooden rowboats and modern chandeliers hang from the ceiling of the main dining room, which is packed almost every night in season. The food is a serious celebration of the sea with Southern accents, like their signature coastal pan roast with fresh Gulf fish. The adjacent Claw Bar at Tierney's Tavern shares the same kitchen but focuses on chilled shellfish and other Southern delights with nightly live music and a more casual vibe.  Saturday lunches are surprisingly quiet and a perfect time to snag one of the coveted tables closest to the windows.

    799 Walkerbilt Rd., Naples, Florida, 34110, USA
    239-591–3837

    Known For

    • Crab bisque
    • Coastal pan roast with fresh Gulf fish
    • Live music

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch May–Nov., Reservations essential
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