10 Best Restaurants in Englewood, FL (2026 Local Guide)

Englewood's laid-back beach town vibe extends to its dining scene, where fresh Gulf seafood, stunning Lemon Bay views, and casual elegance blend seamlessly. This charming coastal community—straddling both Charlotte and Sarasota counties—delivers authentic Old Florida dining experiences at better prices than neighboring beach towns like Venice or Boca Grande.

From beachside tiki bars steps from Englewood Beach to fine dining with panoramic Lemon Bay sunsets, the restaurants here serve locals and visitors who appreciate quality without pretension. Whether you're grabbing fish tacos after a day of shark tooth hunting at Venice Beach or celebrating a special occasion with bay views, these ten locally-vetted restaurants showcase the best Englewood dining has to offer.

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Quick Navigation: Beach Dining | Waterfront | Fine Dining | Brunch | Tips

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1. SandBar Tiki & Grille

SandBar Tiki & Grille sits steps from the sand at Englewood Beach

The quintessential beach restaurant, SandBar Tiki & Grille sits just steps from the sand at Englewood Beach. The covered outdoor patio offers those essential Gulf breezes and a front-row seat to the beach scene. This is exactly the kind of casual, flip-flops-welcome spot you picture when you imagine Florida beach dining.

The menu focuses on fresh seafood prepared simply—grouper sandwiches, shrimp tacos, and blackened fish that let the quality of the catch shine through. The tropical cocktails are strong, cold, and perfect after a day in the sun. Live music on weekends adds to the laid-back atmosphere.

• Address: 1975 Beach Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
• Phone: (941) 475-0773
• Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM daily
• Cuisine: Coastal Casual, Seafood
• Price range: $$ ($15-25 entrees)
• Best for: Beach-goers, families, casual dining
• Don't miss: Fresh grouper sandwich, fish tacos, frozen drinks
• Setting: Steps from Englewood Beach, outdoor patio dining
• Pro tip: Grab a table on the patio around 4 PM—close enough to sunset for views but early enough to get seated without a wait

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2. Farlows On The Water

Farlows offers panoramic waterfront views with locally-sourced seafood

Farlows sits right on the water with sweeping views of the Intracoastal that make every table feel like a VIP seat. The seafood-forward menu changes based on what the local boats bring in, and regulars know to ask the server about the day's fresh catch before even glancing at the printed menu. The coconut shrimp is a crowd favorite, and the pan-seared grouper with a citrus beurre blanc has earned a loyal following. Happy hour draws a solid local crowd, especially on the waterside deck.

What keeps people coming back to Farlows is the consistency—the kitchen doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but they execute seafood classics at a high level every single time. The outdoor deck is the place to be, particularly on a calm evening when the water turns glassy. Service can slow down during peak season when every seat is full, so plan accordingly. If you're visiting on a Friday or Saturday night between January and March, calling ahead is a smart move.

• Address: 2080 S McCall Rd, Englewood, FL 34224
• Phone: (941) 474-5343
• Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM (hours may vary seasonally)
• Cuisine: Seafood
• Price range: $$$
• Best for: Waterfront dining, fresh seafood
• Don't miss: Coconut shrimp, pan-seared grouper, daily catch specials
• Setting: Panoramic waterfront views, outdoor deck seating
• Pro tip: Hit happy hour early on the deck for the best seats and discounted drinks

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3. Lock 'N Key

Lock 'N Key serves crafted cocktails and coastal fare steps from shore

Lock 'N Key has carved out a niche as Englewood Beach's go-to spot for people who want something a step above typical beach bar food without losing the sand-between-your-toes vibe. The craft cocktail program is what sets it apart—the bartenders know their way around a shaker, and the signature drinks rotate seasonally with fresh tropical ingredients. The smoked fish dip is outstanding, made in-house and served with warm flatbread, and the seared ahi tuna tacos are worth the trip alone. The menu walks the line between elevated and approachable perfectly.

The atmosphere leans into a fun, slightly eclectic coastal feel. The outdoor seating fills up fast during sunset, and for good reason—the views are gorgeous without the premium price tag of the fine dining spots up the road. Locals love it for a casual Friday night out or a lazy Sunday afternoon with friends. Parking can be tight on beach days since you're sharing the area with beachgoers, so arriving a little early or walking from the public lot is the move. Live entertainment on select evenings keeps the energy up without being overwhelming.

• Address: 2045 N Beach Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
• Phone: (941) 830-0600
• Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM (may vary seasonally)
• Cuisine: Coastal, Cocktails
• Price range: $$$
• Best for: Sunset dining, craft cocktails, elevated beach fare
• Don't miss: Smoked fish dip, seared ahi tuna tacos, seasonal craft cocktails
• Setting: Beachside location with outdoor seating
• Pro tip: Arrive before 5 PM on weekends to snag outdoor seating without a wait—or plan for a 30-minute cocktail at the bar while you wait

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4. Magnolia's On the Bay

Magnolia's offers Southern-inspired seafood with stunning Lemon Bay views

Englewood's premier fine dining destination, Magnolia's On the Bay pairs sophisticated Southern-inspired cuisine with some of the best waterfront views in Charlotte County. The expansive deck overlooking Lemon Bay transforms into a magical setting at sunset, with dolphins occasionally visible in the distance as you dine.

The menu emphasizes fresh Gulf seafood with Southern influences—think low country bouillabaisse, shrimp and grits elevated to fine dining standards, and chef's specials that showcase the day's freshest catch. The wine list is impressive for a town this size, and the craft cocktail program holds its own. Live music several evenings a week adds ambiance without overwhelming conversation.

This is the go-to for anniversaries, proposals, and special celebrations in Englewood. The service matches the food—attentive without being intrusive.

• Address: 2395 N Beach Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
• Phone: (941) 473-6960
• Hours: 5 PM - 9 PM (closed Monday)
• Cuisine: Southern Seafood, Fine Dining
• Price range: $$$$ ($35-55 entrees)
• Best for: Special occasions, romantic dinners, anniversaries
• Don't miss: Chef's seafood specials, shrimp and grits, key lime pie
• Features: Live music (Wed-Sat), Lemon Bay views, craft cocktails
• Reservations: Essential during season, especially for sunset seating
• Pro tip: Request deck seating when making reservations—it fills up weeks in advance during peak season

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5. Landy's Restaurant

Landy's serves refined coastal cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients

Landy's is one of those spots that flies under the radar with tourists but has a fiercely loyal local following. The menu changes frequently to reflect what's fresh and available, and the kitchen treats each plate with a level of care you don't always find at this price point. The blackened mahi-mahi is a standout, and the seafood pasta with a light white wine sauce has become a regular-order staple. Portions are generous without being excessive, and the presentation shows real pride in the craft. The atmosphere is relaxed but polished—nice enough for a date but comfortable enough for a Tuesday night dinner.

What regulars love about Landy's is the personal touch. The staff remembers your name after a couple of visits, and the kitchen isn't afraid to accommodate special requests. The setting is quieter and more intimate than the bigger waterfront spots, which is part of the appeal—you actually feel like you're eating at someone's place rather than a restaurant trying too hard. Parking is easy with their own lot, and you rarely wait long for a table during the week. Weekend evenings do pick up, so arriving by 6 PM or calling ahead is a good strategy.

• Address: 1400 Aqua View Ln, Englewood, FL 34223
• Phone: (941) 681-2685
• Hours: 4 PM - 9 PM (closed Sunday)
• Cuisine: Seafood, American
• Price range: $$
• Best for: Quality seafood, casual elegance, date nights on a budget
• Don't miss: Blackened mahi-mahi, seafood pasta, daily fresh catch
• Setting: Relaxed, sophisticated, intimate dining room
• Pro tip: Ask your server what came off the boats that day—Landy's daily specials are often the best thing on the menu

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6. Waverly Restaurant & Bar

Waverly offers a curated menu celebrating both land and sea

The Waverly occupies a sweet spot in Englewood's dining scene—it's refined enough for a proper date night but doesn't take itself so seriously that you can't enjoy a cocktail and appetizer at the bar. The menu reads like a greatest hits of American fine dining with a coastal twist: filet mignon with a crab Oscar topping, pan-roasted duck breast, and beautifully prepared Gulf fish that changes with the season. The chef clearly cares about sourcing, and the flavor profiles are more nuanced than what you'd expect from a smaller beach town restaurant. The wine-by-the-glass selection is well curated and reasonably priced.

Indoor seating offers an elegant, climate-controlled dining room that's a welcome escape from humid summer evenings, while the outdoor patio provides a more casual feel when the weather cooperates. Regulars swear by the early evening happy hour as one of the best-kept secrets in Englewood—quality cocktails and small plates at a fraction of the dinner price. Service is polished and knowledgeable, with servers who can walk you through the menu with genuine enthusiasm. Reservations are strongly recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings during season, but midweek visits are usually walk-in friendly.

• Address: 2095 N Beach Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
• Phone: (941) 474-0100
• Hours: 4 PM - 9 PM (hours may vary seasonally)
• Cuisine: American, Seafood
• Price range: $$$
• Best for: Date nights, curated dining, special occasions
• Don't miss: Filet with crab Oscar, pan-roasted duck, happy hour small plates
• Setting: Elegant indoor dining room, outdoor patio
• Pro tip: Hit happy hour for a preview of the kitchen's talent at a fraction of the dinner menu price

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7. Mango Bistro

Mango Bistro serves creative brunch with relaxed elegance

Mango Bistro is Englewood's answer to the question "where do we go for brunch?" Located on charming Dearborn Street in downtown Englewood, this spot brings real creativity to a meal most restaurants phone in. The eggs Benedict gets a tropical upgrade with crab cake and a mango hollandaise that's become the dish people drive from Venice and Punta Gorda to eat. The stuffed French toast with fresh berries and mascarpone is dangerously good, and the lunch menu pivots to elevated sandwiches and salads that use the same quality ingredients. Craft mimosas and specialty coffee drinks round out the beverage program.

The interior is bright, airy, and tastefully decorated without feeling fussy—think white tablecloths meets Florida sunshine. Weekend brunch draws a crowd of regulars who treat it like a social event, so expect a 20-30 minute wait on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 10 AM and noon during season. The staff handles the rush with good humor and efficiency. Street parking along Dearborn is free and usually available if you arrive before the rush. This is also a great spot to combine with a stroll through downtown Englewood's boutiques and galleries after your meal.

• Address: 301 W Dearborn St, Englewood, FL 34223
• Phone: (941) 473-0077
• Hours: 8 AM - 3 PM (breakfast and lunch only)
• Cuisine: Brunch, American
• Price range: $$
• Best for: Brunch lovers, creative cuisine, downtown Englewood
• Don't miss: Crab cake eggs Benedict with mango hollandaise, stuffed French toast, craft mimosas
• Setting: Bright, airy cafe on Dearborn Street
• Pro tip: Arrive before 9:30 AM on weekends to avoid the brunch rush, or go for a leisurely weekday visit when you can linger over coffee

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8. Paraiso Mexican Grille & Bar

Paraiso serves vibrant Mexican fare with lively patio atmosphere

Paraiso brings genuine Mexican flavor to Englewood with a menu that goes well beyond the typical Tex-Mex offerings you find at most Florida beach town restaurants. The fajitas arrive on a sizzling cast-iron skillet piled high with perfectly seasoned steak or chicken, and the fish tacos feature fresh Gulf catch with a chipotle crema that regulars are borderline obsessed with. The tableside guacamole is prepared fresh to your spice preference, and the chile rellenos are stuffed and battered with obvious care. Margaritas here are made with real lime juice and decent tequila—none of the neon-green mix that plagues lesser spots.

The patio is where the action happens, especially on weekend evenings when the festive atmosphere kicks into gear. Bright colors, string lights, and upbeat music create an energy that feels like a genuine celebration rather than manufactured ambiance. Families are welcome and kids get their own menu with reasonable portions. The price point is excellent—you can feed a family of four with drinks for under $80, which is tough to beat anywhere in Englewood. Parking is plentiful in their own lot on Placida Road. If you're craving something other than seafood after a week of Gulf dining, Paraiso is exactly the change of pace you need.

• Address: 2639 Placida Rd, Englewood, FL 34224
• Phone: (941) 473-0707
• Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM daily
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Price range: $$
• Best for: Families, margarita lovers, festive dining, a break from seafood
• Don't miss: Sizzling fajitas, fish tacos with chipotle crema, tableside guacamole, house margaritas
• Setting: Colorful patio with festive atmosphere
• Pro tip: The lunch specials (11 AM - 3 PM) offer full-sized entrees at a significant discount—same great food, smaller bill

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9. LightHouse Grill

LightHouse Grill pairs fresh Gulf seafood with waterway views and live music

LightHouse Grill is one of those hidden-gem waterfront spots that locals try to keep to themselves. Tucked along the waterway on Maryland Avenue, it doesn't have the visibility of the Beach Road restaurants, which is part of its charm. The seafood is fresh and prepared with confidence—the fried grouper basket is perfectly golden and flaky inside, and the peel-and-eat shrimp come in generous portions seasoned with Old Bay and garlic butter. Daily specials often feature whatever just came in, and the chowder has won over more than a few skeptics who thought they'd tasted the best already.

The live music lineup, usually acoustic sets and classic rock on weekends, adds a laid-back soundtrack that fits the waterway setting perfectly. Tables along the water let you watch boats pass while you eat, and the sunset views from this angle are different from the beach spots—quieter, more intimate. The crowd skews local, which tells you everything about the food quality and value. Service is friendly and unhurried in that good Florida way. Parking is available in their lot, and you won't deal with the beach traffic headaches. If you're staying in the Grove City or Placida area, LightHouse should be one of your first stops.

• Address: 260 Maryland Ave, Englewood, FL 34224
• Phone: (941) 681-2955
• Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM (may vary seasonally)
• Cuisine: Seafood
• Price range: $$$
• Best for: Waterway views, live music, local atmosphere
• Don't miss: Fried grouper basket, peel-and-eat shrimp, seafood chowder, daily specials
• Features: Live music (weekends), waterfront seating
• Pro tip: Sit waterside and time your visit for late afternoon—you get the sunset glow on the water without competing with the dinner rush crowd

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10. Ken & Barb's Grove City Kitchen

Ken & Barb's serves all-day breakfast with hometown hospitality

Ken & Barb's is the kind of neighborhood spot every town needs but few actually have. This unpretentious Grove City kitchen has built its reputation on doing simple American comfort food exceptionally well. The breakfast menu is the star—fluffy pancakes, perfectly crisp bacon, eggs cooked exactly how you ask for them, and biscuits and gravy that would make a Southerner nod with approval. The omelets are overstuffed in the best possible way, and the home fries get that ideal crispy edge. Lunch and dinner bring burgers, hot sandwiches, and daily specials that rotate with the season.

What makes Ken & Barb's special goes beyond the food. The owners and staff genuinely care about their regulars, and first-timers get treated like neighbors from the moment they walk in. The portions are honest, the prices are fair, and the coffee stays full. It's the kind of place where construction workers sit next to retirees and everyone's happy. No reservations needed—just walk in and grab a booth. Morning is peak time, especially on weekends when the breakfast crowd fills the place by 8:30 AM, but the line moves fast. Plenty of parking in their lot on Oyster Creek Drive. If you're tired of paying resort prices for a basic breakfast, Ken & Barb's will restore your faith.

• Address: 2000 Oyster Creek Dr, Englewood, FL 34224
• Phone: (941) 473-9600
• Hours: 7 AM - 8 PM daily
• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
• Price range: $$ ($8-15 entrees)
• Best for: Breakfast, hometown favorites, comfort food, families
• Don't miss: Biscuits and gravy, overstuffed omelets, pancakes, daily specials
• Vibe: Warm, welcoming neighborhood kitchen
• Pro tip: Get there before 8:30 AM on weekends for the shortest wait—or come for a weekday lunch when the pace is slower and the daily specials are worth asking about

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Tips for Dining in Englewood

Beach Dining After a Day at Englewood Beach

• SandBar Tiki & Grille - Steps from the sand, no need to change
• Lock 'N Key - Beachside cocktails and elevated casual
• Paraiso Mexican Grille - Margaritas and festive atmosphere

Best Sunset Restaurants

Waterfront spots with the best sunset views:

1. Magnolia's On the Bay - Lemon Bay views, fine dining
2. Farlows On The Water - Panoramic waterfront
3. LightHouse Grill - Waterway views, live music

Reservation Strategy

• Always reserve: Magnolia's, Waverly (especially Friday/Saturday during season)
• Call ahead: Farlows, LightHouse Grill
• Walk-in friendly: SandBar, Paraiso, Ken & Barb's

Best Times to Avoid Crowds

• Lunch (11 AM - 2 PM): Most restaurants are quieter
• Early dinner (5 PM): Beat the sunset rush
• Weekdays: Significantly less crowded than weekends during season

Parking Tips

• Englewood Beach area: Public lot fills early on weekends, $5-8 fee
• Downtown: Free street parking, usually available
• Waterfront restaurants: Most have their own lots

Seasonal Considerations

• Peak Season (December-April): Reservations essential, expect waits without them
• Off-Season (May-November): Easier seating, some reduced hours
• Snowbird surge: January-March busiest, locals avoid prime dinner hours

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Plan Your Englewood Dining Trip

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best waterfront restaurant in Englewood?

Magnolia's On the Bay offers fine dining with stunning Lemon Bay views and is widely considered Englewood's top special occasion restaurant. For excellent seafood in a more casual waterfront setting, Farlows On The Water provides panoramic views with a broader menu.

Where can I eat right after the beach?

SandBar Tiki & Grille is steps from Englewood Beach—you can walk there in flip-flops without changing. Lock 'N Key is also beachside with elevated casual fare and craft cocktails.

What's the best restaurant for a special occasion in Englewood?

Magnolia's On the Bay delivers fine dining with live music, craft cocktails, and spectacular bay views. Make reservations well in advance during season and request deck seating for sunset. Waverly Restaurant & Bar offers a more intimate, curated dining experience.

Are there good breakfast or brunch spots in Englewood?

Ken & Barb's Grove City Kitchen serves all-day breakfast with hometown hospitality—locals swear by it. Mango Bistro offers creative brunch with a more upscale vibe.

What makes Englewood's dining scene unique?

Englewood delivers authentic Old Florida dining—laid-back atmosphere, fresh Gulf seafood, and waterfront views—at prices 20-30% below nearby beach towns like Venice or Boca Grande. The scene attracts locals who know quality without paying for pretension.

Do I need reservations in Englewood?

During peak season (December-April), reservations are essential at Magnolia's, Waverly, and recommended at other waterfront spots, especially for sunset seating. Off-season and weekday visits are much more flexible.

Is Englewood good for families?

Yes. SandBar, Paraiso, and Ken & Barb's are all family-friendly with casual atmospheres and kid-friendly menus. Beach proximity means children can burn energy before or after meals.

What's the best Mexican restaurant in Englewood?

Paraiso Mexican Grille & Bar offers authentic Mexican fare with strong margaritas and a festive patio atmosphere. It's become a local favorite for both food quality and value.

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More Englewood & SWFL Guides

Looking for more dining and activities? Check out these guides:

Englewood Area

• Things to Do in Port Charlotte — Nearby activities and attractions

Nearby Dining

• Best Restaurants in Venice — Shark tooth capital dining
• Best Restaurants in Punta Gorda — Historic downtown restaurants
• 10 Best Waterfront Restaurants in SWFL — Stunning water views across the region

Have a favorite Englewood restaurant we missed? Let us know and we'll check it out!