The Best Restaurants On Marco Island: A Local's List

Our island’s local restaurants offer a wide range of menus that will suit any palate. Where else in the world can you get key lime pancakes, crab-stuffed Grouper, lobster fries, and stellar ocean views? Below is a short, but mouthwatering list of favorite eateries and watering holes – the best restaurants on Marco Island – and even what to order when you get there. Do check out our recommended pizza places, best breakfast spots, exciting  new  local restaurants and of course our top picks for “The Happiest of Hours”.

Oh, and don’t forget about the complimentary taxi service on the island where patrons choose to dine at one of 12 participating restaurants and earn a cab ride (there and back) on the house! Just pay gratuity. It’s all part of the Marco Island experience. (Note: all distance is calculated from Marco Island Beach Getaway vacation properties.)

The Best Restaurants on Marco Island: A local’s list

Where Sea Meets Shore (Waterfront Restaurants):

Sunset Grille (Right on our Apollo property!) 900 Collier Blvd. Phone: (239) 389-0509 sunsetgrilleonmarcoisland.com A beachfront location where the ocean and drinks and crab cakes will put you in an easy breezy island mood.

CJ’s on the Bay (Located in the Esplanade, 3 miles) 740 N Collier Blvd. Phone: (239) 389-4511 www.cjsonthebay.com We love these guys! Mosy on over to this hot spot for their happy hour and Smokehouse Bay views. Do a little dancing each and every Thursday evening to the sounds of the featured DJ in the courtyard overlooking the Bay. Oh, and don’t forget to try their lobster fries, a signature Marco Island treat.

Snook Inn (4.4 miles) 1215 Bald Eagle Dr. Phone: (239) 394-3313 snookinn.com Check out live entertainment daily at the chickee bar and definitely try the blackened red snapper and mahi mahi. And the salad bar is a must try too!

Stilts Bar and Grille (Located in the Marriott Vacation Club, 10 minute beachside stroll!) 600 S Collier Blvd. Go for the grouper sandwich, happy hour and the stellar beachfront view!

Upscale Dining:

Sale e Pepe (less than 1 mile, waterfront dining) (239) 393-1600 sale-e-pepe.com Oenophiles and seafood Connoisseurs! Beach Ocean Resort’s elegant dining room offers refined from-scratch Southern Italian fare & wines. Pair freshly made pasta and the shimmering Gulf sunset all on the water’s edge.

Fin Bistro (11 minute walk) 657 South Collier Blvd. Phone:(239) 970-6064 www.finbistro.com Be adventurous and try their spiny lobster or go for the crab cakes. Any way you order, though, top it off with bread pudding or key lime flan.

Marco Prime (Located in the Marco Walk Plaza, 13 minute walk) 599 S Collier Blvd. Phone:(239) 389-2333 www.marcoprime.com When your after-swimming/water sports appetite calls, dive into a sizzling juicy porterhouse or ribeye and top it off with house made chocolate soufflé. (Make sure to order this dessert well ahead of time as it takes 20-30 minutes to prepare).

DaVinci Restaurant Italiano (Located in the Marco Walk Plaza, 13 minute walk) 599 S Collier Blvd. Phone:(239) 389-1888 www.ristorantedavinci.com Italian at its finest. Order up fresh plates of lobster ravioli, linguini with clams or, of course, their pizza.

Island Casual:

Michelbob’s Championship Ribs & Steaks (3.1 miles- Take-out only) 915 N Collier Blvd. Phone: (239) 394-0302 www.michelbobs.com You’ll want a second helping of everything here including napkins. The menu favorites include ribs, chicken and fresh sides. This is how Southwest Florida does BBQ.

Lee Be Fish Company (4.6 miles) 350 Royal Palm Dr. Phone: (239) 389-0580 www.leebefish.com When you need to get your fresh catch fix, Lee Be Fish is the answer. Go for the grouper with a side of rice and beans.

Dolphin Tiki Bar & Grill (3.7 miles) 1021 Anglers Cove Phone: (239) 394-4048 dolphintiki.com A little known gem on Marco Island, this festive establishment serves up amazing frozen concoctions like Rum Runners and tasty morsels like pulled pork sandwiches and crab towers. Located at the marina, this bar is a great choice when you’re looking for things to do in Marco Island at night.

Joeys Pizza and Pasta (2.3 miles) 257 North Collier Blvd. Phone: (239) 389-2433 www.joeyspizzamarco.com With a large variety of pizza toppings, you can choose thick or thin crusted pies. In addition to the extensive pizza selection, the salad and pasta selections are numerous. They also offer some gluten free options. Portions tend to be sizeable!

Marco Island Brewery Marco Town Center Mall (3.3 miles) 1089 N Collier Blvd. Phone:(239) 970-0461 www.marcoislandbrewery.com Casual brewhouse offering large selection of beer on tap, 40 flat-screen TV’s & creative pub grub

 Breakfast Fare:

Doreen’s Cup of Joe (2.3 miles) Located next door to Joeys. Doreen and Joey (Joey’s Pizza and Pasta) are husband and wife. 267 N Collier Blvd. Phone:(239) 394-2600 doreenscupofjoe.com Fuel up on coffee, freshly squeezed Florida orange juice, breakfast nachos or our island’s famous key lime pancakes at this scrumptious morning meal spot.

Red Rooster (2.9 miles) 1821 San Marco Rd Phone:(239) 394-3100 redroostermarco.com If it’s a good no nonsense breakfast you want-look no further – you will find it here! Best breakfast sausages on the island!

NeNe’s Kitchen (2.2 miles) 297 N Collier Blvd. Phone: (239) 394-3854 www.neneskitchen.com If you’re craving crunchy French Toast or awesome Eggs Benny (and who doesn’t?), head here.

Looking for more breakfast fare suggestions?  Read our breakfast blog.

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