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This gem of an island off the shores of Southwestern Florida is not only known for its great beaches. Despite being just 12 square miles in size, Marco Island has a surprising number of amazing restaurants.
Whatever tempts your taste buds, you’ll find it here. We’ve gathered up this handy guide to the best restaurants on the island – your search starts and ends here!
Inexpensive Restaurants on Marco Island
Doreen’s Cup of Joe – arguably the best spot for breakfast and lunch. It doesn’t matter what type of breakfast food you crave, Doreen’s will have it. Want something sweet? Try the crunch French toast, the house made donut holes served with fresh berries, or the lemon ricotta pancakes. Or perhaps you’re more of a savory lover? Try the Californian omelet, the huevos rancheros, or the biscuit sandwich. And don’t forget that cup of joe! Or whatever your breakfast drink of choice, be it cappuccino, fresh squeezed orange juice, a mimosa, sweet tea, or a coffee cocktail. Doreen’s also has a delicious lunch menu, with classic fare such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Sunset Grille – with its casual beachfront location, it’s no wonder Sunset Grille has all of the necessary elements of a great meal. A thatched roof bar, scrumptious seafood and tropical drinks complete the trifecta of seafood goodness. Their specialty cocktails alone are worth a visit, with options like the sunset grille mai tai, tropical tea, and a day at the beach. The drinks will keep you occupied until the food arrives, which can be tasty fare such as the fish & chips basket, the snow crab legs, the grilled teriyaki salmon, or their famous crab cake sandwich.
The Speakeasy – a term from the prohibition era where alcohol was banned, and yet continued to thrive in the underground, you would be remiss not to indulge in one of this restaurant’s signature drinks of the alcoholic variety. But the food ain’t bad here, either! Try the hogfish snapper, the prohibition burger, the chicken piccata, or the loaded Chicago-style Italian beef pizza.
Moderately-prices Restaurants on Marco Island
Stonewalls – this family-owned restaurant is one of the few eateries on the island that serves scrumptious breakfast, lunch and dinner, which is why it’s on our “best of” list. Pop in for the first meal of the day and indulge in the crab cake benny, the delectable French toast, or the classic breakfast burrito. For lunch, opt for the Philly cheesesteak, a classic Chicago dog, or a meatball parm sandwich. They also feature a huge selection of baked potatoes, with choices like the porky pig or the southwest bacon spud. Then for dinner, come back for amazing comfort good in the way of homemade meatloaf, hearty chicken soup, or the enviable chicken pot pie with the flaky crust.
Snook Inn – for a more casual take on seafood, this waterfront favorite is the epitome of Florida casual. Dine on delicious seafood platters under thatched roof huts with items like seafood chowder, crispy calamari, Caribbean mahi mahi, or the restaurant’s famous grouper sandwich. Your meal cannot be complete without a tropical cocktail. Try a 1930s mai tai, tiki rum punch, a raspberry mojito, or the original rum runner.
Mango’s Dockside Bistro – featuring a nautical atmosphere, a 750-gallon fish tank and cascading waterfall, this bistro borders on the kitschy side. But don’t let that deter you from indulging in their fantastic menu. The bistro is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but locals flock here for dinner. Start things off with conch fritters with tasty sauces for dipping. Then delve into entrees such as fish tacos, macadamia nut crusted cobia, or the house specialty, the whiskey burger. Their sushi menu will knock your socks off.
Fine Dining on Marco Island
Sale E Pepe – this area of Florida is known for great Italian dining, and Sale E Pepe outshines them. If you feel like devouring a gorgeous plate of pasta or pizza, this is the place to be. Located at Marco Beach Ocean Resort, the ambiance of this upscale eatery makes it a favorite for celebrating that special occasion. Its focus on Southern Italian fare means there’s lots of tomatoes and seafood involved. Try their spaghetti allo scoglio (with seafood), the risotto al fiore e gamberi (risotto with squash flowers and shrimp.) Pair that with one of their fabulous wines, and you’ll be rolling home stuffed.
Marco Prime Steak & Seafood Restaurant – top on our “best of” lists when it comes to surf and turf on Marco Island. The freshest Gulf treasures and prime choice cuts of Angus beef await you here. Some delectable examples are their creamy Maine bisque, Wagyu beef carpaccio, braised short ribs, Chilean sea bass, and petite filet mignon, all perfectly prepared with love. But wait! Save room for dessert, because you cannot miss out on the chocolate souffle. It is so fresh that you should order it with your entrees, as it takes 30 minutes to prepare.
Davinci Ristorante Italiano – Continuing with the Italian theme, this upscale eatery feels straight out of the mother country herself. Which makes sense, as the family that owns this popular restaurant immigrated to the U.S. from Mesoraca, Italy and brought their family recipes with them. That close connection with the old country is experienced in every plate they serve. The atmosphere is comfy and contemporary. The food is traditional Italian with an upscale flair. The tortelloni di carne is a favorite, while the Porcini Pizza is outstandingly earthy. Pair that will a nice red from their extensive wine menu and you will have an excellent meal.
No matter how you slice it, a visit to any (or all!) of these wonderful San Marco restaurants will leave you coming back for more.
In a luxurious oceanview beach rental like our #811 unit at the South Seas West, it's tough to decide if you should dine outdoors or indoors with this stunning beach view. Are you interested in booking our luxury vacation rental? Click here to learn more about our Marco Island Beach Condo