Fort Myers has transformed into a serious food destination, with the historic River District leading the culinary charge. The revitalized downtown along First Street now features over 50 restaurants within walking distance, from authentic New York-style pizza joints to Food Network-featured Southern cafes and international cuisine spanning Peruvian to Japanese.
The River District's walkability makes it ideal for restaurant hopping—park once and explore multiple options on foot. Beyond downtown, hidden gems line McGregor Boulevard and Colonial Boulevard, while North Fort Myers offers waterfront seafood with Caloosahatchee River views.
Whether you're exploring downtown after visiting the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, planning a special night out, or grabbing dinner before a Red Sox spring training game, these ten locally-vetted restaurants showcase the best dining Fort Myers has to offer.
Quick Navigation: Pizza | Seafood | Southern | International | Tips
1. Downtown House of Pizza
Downtown House of Pizza serves authentic New York-style pizza in the heart of the River District
Pizza dough crafted from scratch daily is just the beginning at this downtown favorite. Fresh vegetables, quality meats, and a charming courtyard seating area make this the go-to spot for authentic New York-style pizza in Fort Myers.
- Address: 1520 Hendry St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone: (239) 337-4992
- Cuisine: New York-style Pizza
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Casual lunch, family dinners
- Don't miss: Classic cheese pizza, cannoli
- Website: downtownhouseofpizza.com
2. Capone's Coal Fired Pizza
"Pizza so good it should be illegal." The 1920s Prohibition-era theme sets the mood, while 800-degree coal-fired ovens create that perfect crispy-yet-chewy crust that keeps locals coming back. House-made pasta and specialty cocktails round out the experience.
- Address: 2300 First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone: (239) 332-4600
- Cuisine: Coal-fired Pizza, Italian
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Date nights, groups
- Don't miss: Margherita pizza, house-made pasta
- Pro tip: The speakeasy vibe makes it perfect for date night
3. GinZa Japanese Restaurant
An extensive sushi selection awaits at GinZa, including favorites like the Rainbow Roll and Bubba Gump Roll. For a more interactive experience, the hibachi dining features skilled chefs who turn meal prep into entertainment.
- Address: 4429 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone: (239) 936-6010
- Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Sushi lovers, hibachi celebrations
- Don't miss: Rainbow Roll, hibachi dinner
- Hours: 11 AM to 9:45 PM (until 10 PM Fri-Sat)
- Website: endlessginza.com
4. Farmer's Market Restaurant
Fort Myers' oldest operating restaurant brings Southern charm to every plate
Fort Myers' oldest operating eatery brings farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients to the table. The rustic Southern charm and vintage decor transport you to simpler times, while dishes like fried chicken, meatloaf, and fresh vegetable sides satisfy the soul.
- Address: 2736 Edison Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916
- Phone: (239) 334-1687
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Breakfast, comfort food cravings
- Don't miss: Fried chicken, homemade pies
- Website: farmersmarketrestaurant.com
5. Three Fishermen Seafood Restaurant
Three Fishermen offers waterfront dining with made-to-order seafood
Waterfront dining meets made-to-order seafood at this North Fort Myers gem. Choose how you want your catch prepared: fried, broiled, blackened, grilled, or steamed. The full liquor bar and live evening music make it a complete night out.
- Address: 1120 Pine Island Rd, North Fort Myers, FL 33903
- Phone: (239) 997-0335
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Waterfront dining, fresh seafood
- Don't miss: Key lime pie, peanut butter pie
- Live music: Most evenings
- Website: threefishermenseafood.com
6. El Gaucho Inca Steakhouse
A unique fusion of Peruvian, Argentine, and Italian cuisines from this family-owned bistro. Steakhouse parrilladas, fresh ceviches, grilled squid, and pasta dishes showcase the culinary traditions of three countries in one memorable meal.
- Address: 4383 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966
- Phone: (239) 936-4282
- Cuisine: Peruvian, Argentine, Italian
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Adventurous eaters, steak lovers
- Don't miss: Parrillada, ceviche
- Website: elgauchoinca.com
7. Izzy's Fish & Oyster
New England seafood with a Florida twist. Famous for clam chowder, oysters Rockefeller, and grouper sandwiches, Izzy's delivers fresh catches in an upbeat River District atmosphere.
- Address: 2282 First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone: (239) 337-0755
- Cuisine: New England Seafood
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Happy hour, oyster lovers
- Don't miss: $5 cocktails and $1 oysters at happy hour
- Events: Oktoberfest, 4th of July, St. Patrick's Day celebrations
- Website: izzysftmyers.com
8. The Lodge
Sports fans, take note: The Lodge boasts the biggest LED TV in South Florida plus a 50-foot projection wall. The slow-smoked BBQ holds its own against any sports bar, with 28 draft beers and a unique self-tap wall offering 12 options.
- Address: 2278 First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone: (239) 476-7256
- Cuisine: BBQ, American
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Game day, BBQ lovers
- Don't miss: Smoked brisket, self-tap beer wall
- Website: thelodgefl.com
9. The Standard Restaurant Downtown
The Standard serves made-from-scratch comfort food in the heart of downtown
Family-owned since 2015, The Standard lives up to its name with made-from-scratch comfort food under Executive Chef Jeremy Kurtz. Home-cooked style dishes and on-premise desserts make this feel like grandma's kitchen (if grandma was a professional chef).
- Address: 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone: (239) 791-8473
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Date nights, special occasions
- Don't miss: House-made desserts
- Website: thestandardftmyers.com
10. Fancy's Southern Cafe
Featured on Food Network's "Extra Mile" and recognized by national food critics, Fancy's delivers heartwarming Southern comfort foods made entirely from scratch. The chicken and waffles and meatloaf sandwich have earned serious acclaim.
- Address: 8890 Salrose Ln #101, Fort Myers, FL 33912
- Phone: (239) 936-2777
- Cuisine: Southern
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Brunch, Southern food lovers
- Don't miss: Chicken and waffles, meatloaf sandwich
- Features: Full bar, live music
- Website: fancyssoutherncafe.com
Tips for Dining in Fort Myers
Best Dining Areas
River District (Downtown First Street): The heart of Fort Myers dining with the highest concentration of quality restaurants within walking distance. Capone's, Izzy's, The Lodge, and several others line this revitalized historic district. Park once and explore.
McGregor Boulevard: The residential corridor with hidden local favorites away from tourist traffic. Farmer's Market Restaurant and longtime neighborhood gems.
Colonial Boulevard: Fort Myers' international cuisine corridor. El Gaucho Inca and a diverse array of ethnic restaurants representing cuisines from around the world.
North Fort Myers: Across the Caloosahatchee River, waterfront spots like Three Fishermen offer Caloosahatchee views with fresh seafood.
Parking in the River District
Street parking: Free but limited, especially evenings and weekends.
City garages: Affordable hourly rates ($1-2/hour), multiple locations downtown.
Valet: Available at some upscale spots during dinner hours.
Pro tip: Arrive before 6 PM for easier street parking, or plan on using garages.
Reservation Strategy
- Always reserve: The Standard, Three Fishermen (especially weekends)
- Call ahead: Capone's for date nights
- Walk-in friendly: Downtown House of Pizza, The Lodge, Fancy's
When to Visit
Season (December-April) brings crowds and longer waits. The River District gets particularly busy on weekends. Weekday dining is significantly easier. Summer brings locals-focused service with better availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best restaurant for a date night in Fort Myers?
Capone's Coal Fired Pizza offers a romantic 1920s speakeasy vibe with excellent coal-fired pizza and house-made pasta. The Standard delivers upscale comfort food in a polished setting. For waterfront romance with live music, Three Fishermen in North Fort Myers is hard to beat.
Where can I find the best seafood in Fort Myers?
Three Fishermen offers waterfront dining with made-to-order preparations. Izzy's Fish & Oyster brings New England seafood to the River District with excellent happy hour deals ($1 oysters, $5 cocktails). For a casual vibe with excellent seafood, check our waterfront restaurants guide.
Are these restaurants family-friendly?
Most restaurants on this list welcome families. Downtown House of Pizza, Farmer's Market Restaurant, GinZa (especially hibachi), and Fancy's Southern Cafe are particularly family-friendly with casual atmospheres and diverse menus.
What's the best area for restaurant hopping in Fort Myers?
The River District (downtown First Street) offers the highest concentration of quality restaurants within walking distance. Park once and explore Capone's, Izzy's, The Lodge, and more all within a few blocks.
Do I need reservations in Fort Myers?
During season (December-April), reservations are recommended for dinner at most spots, especially weekends. Weekday lunches are more flexible. The Standard and Three Fishermen should be reserved; casual spots like Downtown House of Pizza and The Lodge are walk-in friendly.
What's unique about Fort Myers' food scene?
The River District transformation has created a walkable dining district rare in Southwest Florida. The combination of Food Network-featured Southern restaurants, authentic international cuisine (Peruvian, Japanese), New York-style pizza, and waterfront seafood delivers genuine variety within a compact area.
How does Fort Myers compare to Naples for dining?
Naples offers more upscale, fine-dining options at higher prices. Fort Myers delivers better value and more variety, with a stronger downtown district for restaurant hopping. The River District's walkability is a significant advantage. Both are worth exploring.
Where's the best Southern food in Fort Myers?
Fancy's Southern Cafe has earned Food Network recognition for its chicken and waffles and meatloaf sandwich. Farmer's Market Restaurant—Fort Myers' oldest operating eatery—serves classic Southern comfort food in a nostalgic setting.
More Fort Myers & SWFL Guides
Looking for more dining options and things to do? Check out these related guides:
- 10 Best Waterfront Restaurants in SWFL — Dine with stunning water views
- Fort Myers Beach Live Cam — Check beach conditions before you go
- Retiring to Fort Myers Guide — Everything about living in Fort Myers
- Best Restaurants in Cape Coral — More dining options across the river
- Best Restaurants in Naples — Upscale dining 30 minutes south
Have a favorite Fort Myers restaurant we missed? Let us know and we'll check it out!
