Question 1

Bleu Rendezvous

Accepted Answer

Bleu Rendezvous, 751 Tarpon Bay Rd., Sanibel. Fave French restaurant on the island, run by a husband-and-wife team. Great food, topnotch service, cozy, French country feel. Highly recommend the Foie Gras Two Ways and the Coq au Vin, though everything's delicious.

Question 2

Cielo

Accepted Answer

Cielo, 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Formerly Il Cielo, Cielo offers guests deliciously prepared gourmet food in a romantic setting, along with a wide variety of wine and cocktails. And yes, there is still that piano player, who is really very good. Guin just isn't a fan of being serenaded with lounge music while eating.

Question 3

Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grill

Accepted Answer

Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grill. Until there's a Guin's Place, check out Doc Ford's on Sanibel, Captiva, or Fort Myers Beach. (I personally prefer the one on Captiva, next to South Seas.) Good food and service with a laid back, Florida vibe. I'm partial to the raw oysters and crab cakes -- and the Scotty's Blonde Ale on draft.

Question 4

The French Brasserie Rustique

Accepted Answer

The French Brasserie Rustique, 365 5th Ave. S, Naples. One of my favorite restaurants in Naples. Great French food in a chic setting. Make sure you save room for dessert, cause their chocolate eclair is the bomb.

Question 5

Gramma Dot's

Accepted Answer

Gramma Dot's, 634 N. Yachtsman Dr., Sanibel (in the Sanibel Marina). Fave lunch spot on the East End. The Coconut Curried Lobster Salad is the bomb. Be sure to walk around the Sanibel Marina before or after and snap a pic of the Causeway.

Question 6

Lamoraga

Accepted Answer

Lamoraga, 3936 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. Another fave spot in Naples, located a few minutes from Artis-Naples. Often go here before a show or concert. They refer to their food as "International Cuisine," but I'd call it Cuban-Caribbean. Whatever you call it, it's delicious. Highly recommend the Lamoraga Paella and the Crispy Duck.

Question 7

Jane's Garden Cafe

Accepted Answer

Jane's Garden Cafe, 1209 3rd Street South, Naples. Hands down the best brunch spot in SW Florida. I regularly drive 1.5 hours for the Fabulous French Toast, which is truly fabulous. And their cocktails are to die for (figuratively, not literally).

Question 8

Lighthouse Cafe

Accepted Answer

Lighthouse Cafe, 1020 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Great little breakfast spot, also serving lunch (and dinner, in season), on the East End of Sanibel.

Question 9

Osteria Celli

Accepted Answer

Osteria Celli, 15880 Summerlin Rd., #308, Fort Myers. Great little Italian place, on the way from the airport to Sanibel.

Question 10

Over Easy Cafe

Accepted Answer

Over Easy Cafe, 630 Tarpon Bay Rd., Sanibel. Fave breakfast spot on the island. Love the roosters and the country/farmhouse vibe.

Question 11

The Pecking Order

Accepted Answer

The Pecking Order, TBD, Sanibel. REOPENING SPRING 2025. Some of the best fried chicken I've ever had. So good. Take-out only, though you can sit just outside on one of their outdoor stools.

Question 12

Sanibel Deli

Accepted Answer

Sanibel Deli, 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel. Great sandwiches, coffee, and ice cream. (I'm particularly fond of their Turkey Club sandwich and their Black & White milkshakes.) Outdoor seating as well as indoor available. Good for takeout.

Question 13

Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen

Accepted Answer

Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (formerly Matzaluna). Guin's new favorite Italian restaurant. Delicious food, good service, friendly vibe. Eat in or take out. Love the Insalata Tutti Pazzi, fried calamari, eggplant parm, veal/chicken marsala, the wood-fired pizzas, and desserts.

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