Make Reservations at These 4 Fine Dining Restaurants in Boca Grande

Located between Sarasota and Ft. Myers, Boca Grande is a quiet area on the island of Gasparilla popular with tourists, retirees, and those who want to live a laid-back lifestyle. With unique shops, plenty of fishing opportunities, and quaint neighborhoods without traffic lights or high-rises, Boca Grande is an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you plan to start looking at Boca Grande homes for sale and will be in the area to attend open houses or showings, you’ll want to get a taste of the local cuisine. Here are some dining options you won’t want to miss.

South Beach Bar & Grille is situated on the white sand beach of Boca Grande, Fla., offering spectacular sunsets and panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. South Beach focuses on casual, beach-front dining while its menu (and views!) are worth celebrating. A sunset dinner at South Beach will feel like a tropical resort.

The menu specializes in fresh local fish cooked with an island flair and gastro-pub-style dishes. Locals love the Roasted Sesame Shrimp Wraps, Blackened Grouper Fish Tacos, and Seafood Cannelloni. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, South Beach is unrivaled in Southwest Florida for its quality and range of menu items.

Head to The Eagle Grille at the Boca Grande Marina overlooking the marina basin for waterfront dining. Every table offers unique views overlooking Boca Grande bayou and Charlotte Harbor from the second floor.

 

The interior is old-world and classic, with replicas of sailing ships, brass compasses, and ships' wheels. Locals love the creative coastal cuisine prepared fresh daily. The Eagle Grill is only open for dinner and offers several steaks, fresh fish, and several dinner salad options.

 

There are actually two restaurants on the property — Eagle Grill and Miller's Dockside Bar & Grill. Miller's Dockside is Southwest Florida's legendary tarpon fishing hangout with a more lively atmosphere. The bar menu pays homage to Tarpon Tide Tournaments with drinks like "Millerite" and "Miller's Mary."

 

You can enjoy a great meal at these quintessential establishments while experiencing a lively marina.

With its pale yellow wooden frame and Victorian-style gable roofs, the intimate and graceful Gasparilla Inn Dining Room evokes a feeling of old Florida charm. Since 1913, the inn has been a premier destination along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Situated along the Boca Grande Bayou, the restaurant is located across the street from the inn. Known for its great food in a casual setting, this is a top-notch eating and drinking establishment with signature drinks and refined service.

 

Gasparilla is open for breakfast during the week and brunch on the weekends. Or you can enjoy the four-course heritage dinner experience. Lunch and dinner menus focus on innovative regional cuisine with evolving seasonal dishes.

 

Located in the old "Theatre Building" in the downtown village, this seaside Italian restaurant offers fresh Florida seafood with an Italian flair. Owned and operated by locals Chef Glenn Scarpa and his wife Ashley, Scarpa's Coastal was conceptualized as drawing inspiration from the past while looking forward toward the Florida coast.

 

Start your dining experience at the Fishtale Lounge for a drink or appetizer, hidden behind a 250-gallon aquarium, before moving to the main dining room.

 

Enjoy fresh homemade pasta and locally-caught seafood. The menu changes regularly, but previous options have included Squid Ink Linguini with Grouper Medallions in Champagne, Shallot, and Lobster Sauce; Blackened Red Snapper with Pineapple and Kimi Salsa; Sea Scallops with a Chardonnay Lemon Basil Reduction over Squid Ink Linguini and Crab Cakes. Scarpa's also has an extensive wine list that focuses on wines imported from Italy and Napa Valley.

One of the great things about Boca Grande real estate is how close you’ll be to other wonderful Florida towns. Just under seven miles away is Placida, Fla., which offers the fine dining restaurant Leverock’s, founded by oyster farmer and adventurer Johnny Leverock in 1948.  Expect traditional coastal dining with oyster and crab options, macadamia-crusted Mahi, platters of seafood boil, shrimp and grits, or smoked beef brisket, and plenty of innovative cocktails.

Drive a little further, and you’ll hit Isabella’s Bistro in Englewood. This Italian eatery is open for dinner and serves classics like Chicken Marsala, Veal Cacciatore, and Lobster Ravioli in a quaint, relaxing environment. If you plan on heading to Englewood, be sure to check out Isabella’s nightly specials.

_{Photo Courtesy of Isabella’s Bistro}

 

Boca Grande is a perfect community for those who want a laid-back life. If you plan to check out Boca Grande homes for sale, visit these restaurants to get a sampling of the local cuisine and lifestyle. Then reach out to local agent Olivia Jones for expert assistance.