Dining GuideRESTAURANTS
Whether you are looking for the freshest local seafood, a view of the water from your table, live music to dance the night away or a once in a lifetime, special occasion celebration, there is a local restaurant that fits the bill. Here in our Restaurant Review we have broken down dining choices into four categories to make chosing your dining destination simple.
Also see our Recommended Restaurants Map and our Dining Guide features ALL of Marco’s many restaurants and includes their name, address, map reference, telephone number, type of fare, if they provide entertainment and an approximation of the average cost per person without beverage.
ISLAND CHIC
Fine dining at its best. The food and experience at these locally owned island favorites are worth leaving the beach for.
CAFE DE MARCO “Live to Savor!” Nestled in the charm of Olde Marco’s Historic District, one of the island’s finest seafood restaurants is celebrating 36 years of culinary excellence. The vast wine selection, award winning seafood and chef created specialities guided by the principles of sustainability) and the outstanding service will ensure a truly satisfying evening out. Voted best seafood on Marco since 1983 and awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence from 2011-2019. Twilight specials at $14.95 (available 5-5:45pm), except on holidays. After 36 years of running the restaurant by herself, Sandy Franchino has asked Nikola Leman to join the senior management team as general manager. Sandy looks forward to welcoming her 37th season at Café de Marco along with her entire staff. Click here to read our article on Café de Marco.
Don’t Miss: Their signature broiled Jumbo Prawns - delicious!
RISTORANTE DA VINCI’S - Experience the charm of Italy without the jet lag! Sophisticated taste blends into a family atmosphere where each guest will feel at home while enjoying signature dishes and carefully selected wines. The marble interior is RISTORANTE DA VINCI’S (continued) complemented by mosaics, a mural of Leonardo Da Vinci’s artwork and a full indoor/outdoor bar. Enjoy sushi prepared from the freshest ingredients before your eyes. Lunch and dinner are served daily and the bar, with its wood-burning pizza oven, stays open late. Don’t miss DJ night, Friday and Saturday from 10pm, playing sounds from the 80s, 90s and modern day. New “Quiet Room”, with conference facilities, available for private groups and parties.
599 S Collier Blvd, Marco Walk, across from the Hilton Hotel. Restaurant Map (6) 389-1888 www.ristorantedavinci.com
Known For: Authentic Italian Pasta and wood-burning pizza oven
THE DECK AT 560 BAR & RESTAURANT - located in Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa, features a stunning indoor and outdoor dining room that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico with its magnificent sunsets. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with a great happy hour. The menu focuses on seafood from local waters as well as meat and produce from their own beach-side garden and local farms.
ON THE WATER
Known For: Craft cocktails with a magnificent sunset view
FIN BISTRO - Husband and wife team Brian and Kathy O’Brien opened this casual restaurant, which focuses on fresh and locally caught fish, in 2012 and it quickly became a firm favorite with islanders and visitors alike. Last summer they moved in with their sister restaurant Ohana and now offer a full bar in their new larger location and live music with Sky Jammer on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Reservations recommended. Open for dinner from 5.30pm Tuesday-Saturday. 657 S. Collier Blvd. www.finbistro.com.
Known For: Local fresh seafood specials
LA TAVOLA - American Bistro. Come Gather at The Table! Farm to table concept restaurant using only the freshest ingredients. Serving fresh wild caught seafood, prime organic meats, organic greens, local farm produce and homemade desserts. Join them in the lounge bar for signature crafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. Happy hour daily, with happy hour food, from opening until 6pm, as well as live entertainment. Full menu available in the bar. Reservations recommended, Outdoor seating available. Open for lunch and dinner - check their website or Facebook page for summer hours and The Marco Review App for entertainment schedule. www.latavolarestaurantandbar.com.
961 Winterberry Drive.
Don’t Miss: The happy hour and live entertainment in the lounge
MANGO’S DOCKSIDE BISTRO -Tropical dining in a beautiful waterside setting at the Esplanade. The decor is colorful and fun with outside seating and an amazing view of Smokehouse Bay. Serving creative breakfasts, lunches and dinners with Sushi served daily. Don’t miss their fabulous tropical cocktails and check out their beutiful salt water fish tank! Happy hour 3-7pm, take-out and exceptional catering. Open seven days. visit www.mangosdocksidebistro.com for full menus.
ON THE WATER
Don’t Miss: Sipping the Smokehouse Bay Martini overlooking Smokehouse Bay
MARCO PRIME - One of Marco's chicest new restaurants. Although the decor is upmarket, the ambiance is friendly and relaxed. The menu offers a combination of a-la-carte, with a choice of a dozen sides and sauces to accompany your meat or fish selections, and all-inclusive house specialties. The extensive wine list features over two dozen wines available by the glass. The popular outside bar, which extends out into the pretty, well-shaded courtyard, also serves the full menu. The Carvelli family (of Restaurante Da Vinci fame) has used their many years of experience to create a comtemporary steak and seafood house with all the warmth and attention to detail you have come to expect from them. Marco Walk Plaza 599 S. Collier Blvd #304 Restaurant Map (16) 239.389.2333 www.marcoprime.com
Don’t Miss: Happy Hour at the outdoor bar & patio
THE OYSTER SOCIETY - Bringing 1920s glamor and sophistocation to Marco in a casual and comfortable setting, combining a “Great Gatsby” theme with a nautical fusion. Offering a wide selection of fresh local seafood, shellfish and daily raw bar specials, and complemented by a first class wine list and hand-crafted cocktails, this restaurant is definitely here to stay. Located in Marco Walk near its sister restaurants Marco Prime and DaVinci, The Oyster Society is dedicated to giving each guest a memorable experience while celebrating innovative ways prepare the fresh ingredients. www.theoystersociety.com
Don’t Miss: Fresh seafood, great happy hour & live entertainment
SALE E PEPE - Enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico while dining on elegant Italian cuisine at the award-winning Sale e Pepe restaurant. Executive Chef Andrea Cirino has designed a menu that honors the legacy of his southern Italian homeland and reflects his innovative, personal culinary style—resulting in a dining experience that is simply sublime. Dine within intimate, Italian-inspired interiors or outdoors on the Terrace, overlooking the sparkling waters and sunset views of the Gulf of Mexico. Plus, enjoy a selection from the 400 label wine list, consistently recognized by Wine Spectator with its Best of Award of Excellence. Open Wednesday-Sunday from 5-9 pm for dinner. Reservations suggested. Reservations suggested. Located at Marco Beach Ocean Resort, 480 S. Collier Boulevard.
ON THE BEACH
Known For: Fine dining with a view of the beach
LAID BACK
True Marco Island style. Laid back and comfortable.
Enjoy any of these casual restaurants for their relaxed atmosphere and quality food and service.
CAPRI FISH HOUSE RESTAURANT - Fresh Florida seafood is the specialty in this casual family owned and operated restaurant where every seat has an amazing sunset view. The waterside chickee bar looks out onto beautiful Johnson Bay and a small sandy beach. Live entertainment. Sunday “all-you-can-eat” buffets - breakfast buffet from 9-11am and lunch/dinner buffet from 11:30-4:00pm. Early bird specials from 4-5:45pm Daily. Happy hour 2:30-5:30pm daily. Come see their brand new inside/outside bar and now offering a full bar! Special occasions and large parties welcome, major credit cards accepted. www.caprifishhouse.com,
ON THE WATER
Don’t Miss: The Sunday Breakfast and Lunch Buffets
COCOMO’S - Casual dining at its best! Relax while your kids play in their game room. Come and get a taste of what the Island is talking about. Marco’s finest menu with the best variety. Serving incredibly fresh fish including Grouper, Yellowtail, Mahi, Ahi Tuna, (Tuna Nachos are a local favorite), Steaks (including a 14oz bone-in ribeye) Salads, Chicken lettuce wraps, Falafal and Hummus, Marco’s best Grouper sandwich and many other great items. Don’t forget the Cocomo Bread. Happy hour 3-6 daily. $4.99 Margaritas and $2.99 16oz selected drafts all day everyday. Serving Lunch: Mon-Fri from 11:30-4:00 and Dinner: Mon-Fri 4:00-close, Sat-Sun 5:00-close. “U Hook it, We’ll Cook it!” Ask about daily food specials and their whole tempura fried hogfish!
394-3600 www.cocomosgrill.com
Known For: Whole tempura fried hogfish and consistent good quality
LITTLE BAR - Located right on the water in the quaint fishing village of Goodland, Little Bar, a local tradition for 39 years, continues to serve consistently good seafood and steaks in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Varied menu. Fresh Seafood including Grouper, Soft Shell Crab, Stone Crab Claws, Steaks and Prime Rib, luncheon and dinner specialties, as well as traditional waterfront fare. Open seven days at 11:30, dinner service begins at 5. Attitude Adjustment 3-6. Eat indoors, on the screened lanai or in the casual leafy surroundings of the waterside patios. The Best Live Entertainment in the intimate bar. Get there by bike, boat or Bugatti. un-Open July-September. Visit us in early October. www.LittleBarRestaurant.com.
ON THE WATER
Don’t Miss: Papa Ray’s chocolate peanut butter pie. Just trust us, it’s good!
MARCO ISLAND BREWERY - Marco’s largest sports bar features a beautiful indoor/outdoor full service bar and family friendly indoor dining rooms. With over 40 HD TVs and a huge variety of sports packages, you can watch every NBA, MLB & NHL game! The Brewery takes pride in their food menu where everything is made fresh, from pizzas and sandwiches to their homemade meatballs! Recipes are authentic and time-tested with the ingredients always fresh, including the grouper. With a large selection of beer and over 40 fine craft beers on tap from around the globe, there is bound to be one to suit your taste. Serving breakfast (call for hours), lunch and dinner.
239-970-0461
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Don’t miss: The great atmosphere during games in football season
MARCO ISLAND PRINCESS - Marco’s on the water lunch and dinner dining experience! Help yourself to a delightful lunch or dinner, while enjoying the sights of Marco by water or a spectacular Gulf sunset. The “Marco Island Princess” accommodates up to 149 passengers and offers two full service bars. Reservations Recommended. Cruises depart from Rose Marina. Restaurant Map (15) www.themarcoprincess.com. 642-5415.
LITERALLY ON THE WATER!
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Known For: Giving ‘on the water’ dining a whole new meaning!
MARGARITA’S - Serving authentic Mexican cuisine for lunch, dinner, take-out and now delivery. Margarita’s promise is to serve the best Mexican food you’ve ever tasted! Daily happy hour 3-6pm. Outside seating on the patio and inside seating in restaurant and Margarita bar. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Order take-out or delivery by phone or on-line.
For take-out or delivery call 394-6555. www.margaritasontheisland.com
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Known For: Authentic Mexican dishes, and their reliable delivery service and Cinco de Mayo party
NACHO MAMA’S - With indoor and shaded outdoor seating, this restaurant offers a wide menu of Tex-Mex and American dishes. Favorites include their tuna tower appetizer, shrimp, chicken and beef combo fajitas, and their fabulous grande nanchos, enough to feed the whole family! Open 11am-1am 7 days, (kitchen open ‘til midnight). Two great happy hours daily 3pm & 10pm-close, except on nights with entertainment. Live entertainment with the Elliot West Band Saturday nights.
599 South Collier Blvd. Marco Walk, across from the Hilton. Restaurant Map (19)
www.thenachomamas.com. 389-2222.
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Don’t Miss: Nacho Mama’s World Famous Margaritas & St Patrick's Day and Cinco de Mayo parties
PARADISE FOUND RESTAURANT & BAR - One of the areas’s most picturesque waterfront restaurants, offering panoramic views of the Marco River and Goodland Bay from its newly enlarged outside deck and inside restaurant and lounge. Built in 1869 by W D Collier as his family home on Marco, it was moved to its present location in 1965. The menu offers a wide variety of shellfish and seafood with a popular salad bar. Come by boat or car, see the mermaids at the weekend, and enjoy the regular live entertainment (see The Marco Review App for details). Free parking lot shuttle. Open 7 days, 11:30 to close.
401 Papaya St, Goodland. Restaurant Map (21) 239-330-7773
ON THE WATER
Don’t Miss: Their live entertainment with great water views
SAMI’S - Fine dining in a casual atmosphere! Sami’s has undergone a huge transformation over the last year and is now a fully fledged great value family restaurant with indoor and out-door seating and an inside/outside bar and pretty outdoor patio with comfortable seating. As well as their very popular pizza, they now serve a full menu of chicken, veal, fish and pasta dishes from around the world. They are now also open for breakfast. Live entertainment 7 days in season. Delivery is available - see their full menu and order on line on their website: www.samispizza.com.
227 N Collier Blvd. Restaurant Map (24) 239.389.7499.
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Known For: The largest pizza on Marco Island and their fast delivery
SAND BAR - For over 30 years, Marco’s family friendly sports bar has been“Where the locals go for consistently good food at reasonable prices”. All the best sports packages, so catch your favorite team on one of over 40 TVs with new portable table speakers! Two pool tables, arcade games, kid’s menu as well as free Wifi. Open every day with a full service bar and restaurant from 7am-2am, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night. Three great happy hours. Free Texas Hold’em on Mondays and free DJ Trivia from 6pm and Karaoke from 8pm on Wednesdays. No reservations needed. ATM on site. All major credit cards accepted. Take out available. www.sandbarmarco.com.
826 E Elkcam Circle, located behind Walker’s Marine. 239-642-3625
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Don’t Miss: Their laid back atmosphere and consistently good food
SNOOK INN - This iconic waterside Marco Island restaurant offers outdoor and indoor casual dining overlooking the beautiful Marco River. After 32 years under the same ownership, the restaurant sold in late 2017 and is now part of the Carvelli Restaurant Group, who also own island favorites Da Vinci’s, Marco Prime and the Oyster Society. Enjoy their newly extended outside chickee bar, their newly refurbished inside restaurant with its famous salad bar and a wide variety of seafood, steaks, sandwiches and continental specialties as you watch dolphin, manatee and the boating activities. Come by car or boat, docks available. Live entertainment daily at the chickee bar. Happy Hour 4-6pm Mon-Fri and 10pm-close 7 days. Open 7 days 11am-10pm. 1
ON THE WATER
Don’t Miss: Daily entertainment outside by the chickee bar
SUNSET GRILLE - Marco’s only sports beach bar is celebrating its 11th anniversary. Enjoy a fabulous view of the beach while sipping a cocktail or sampling the wide ranging menu, which includes burgers, wings, steaks, seafood and pasta and a whole lot more. Locals and visitors gather for the daily happy hour at the tropical tiki bar while the sun sinks into the Gulf. If you prefer to dine in air-conditioned comfort there’s a large indoor dining room with a spectacular gulf sunset view from any seat. Play shuffleboard or watch the many TVs for live sport. Open 7 days from 11am-10:30pm. 900 South Collier Blvd., in the Apollo condominiums - ½ mile south of the Hilton. Also accessible from the beach. Restaurant Map (26) 389-0509 www.sunsetgrilleonmarcoisland.com
ON THE BEACH
Known For: Cocktails at sunset and great beach view
THE SPEAK EASY OF MARCO ISLAND - IIf you’re looking for a friendly and fun place to relax, have a cocktail and enjoy some fresh, well prepared food, this restaurant with its brick, granite and neon rich interior and pretty waterside patio is a great place to start. Open from 11am for lunch and dinner 7 days. Call your order in for pickup or bring in your fresh catch for them to prepare for you. There’s a full bar, Sport Packages - come watch your favorite teams - and don’t miss their daily happy hour from 2-6pm. Johnny Fusco appears live every Saturday from 5:30-8:30pm and on Thursday there’s karaoke from 6-9pm.Check website for details of specials. On and off premises catering available. Call Cindy to plan your next event. Come and visit their new retail store and take out area. www.speakeasymarco.com.
ON THE WATER
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Known For: Friendly neighborhood bar atmosphere
TRIAD SEAFOOD CAFE & MARKET - This rustic family owned and operated restaurant in the heart of Everglades City serves the freshest of seafood on a deck over the beautiful Barron River. The view is spectacular and there is full table service. They also serve beer and wine and their key lime pies and sauces are homemade. “All-u-can eat” stone crab claws fresh from local boats are cooked on the premises when they’re available. Located in Everglades City behind the school on the Barron River.
www.triadseafoodmarketcafe.com. 239-695-2662
ON THE WATER
Known For: Friendly laidback atmosphere and all you can eat stone crab claws
ZAZA - Intimate traditional Mexican taqueria, crafting authentic tacos and Latin Fusion street fare using high quality fresh ingredients. Taqueria-style tacos, fajitas and burritos with meat slowly cooked in their own smoker for 12 hours - even the vegetables for the homemade salsa are smoked. They have recently introduced Detroit style pizza to the line-up to great acclaim! Cooked in special deep pizza pans it is really crispy and delicious. Serving Mexican beers, Sangria and ZaZaritas, ZaZa’s wine based take on a margarita, complete with dry ice for a unique presentation. Happy hour every day from 3-5:30pm. Serving lunch and dinner seven days from 11am - 9pm. www.eatatzaza.com
1095 Bald Eagle Drive. Restaurant Map (31) 239-970-5205
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Don’t miss: Their delicious new Detroit style pizza - you have to try it! and great value specials
T-SHIRTS & FLIP FLOPS
For those days when all your extra minutes are spent on the beach or by the pool, these great restaurants don’t mind your flip flops and t-shirts.
CRAZY FLAMINGO Located at the Marco Town Center Mall, in the heart of Marco Island, the famed, Crazy Flamingo is a local favorite for casual fare including seafood, wings, burgers and more. Come as you are to Marco’s only raw bar and sample fresh oysters and clams on the half shell shucked to order, succulent stone crabs (when in season) and their famous steam pot, chock-full of clams, mussels and oysters steamed in their own juices with secret spices, celery and onion. Enjoy live entertainment on weekends, billiards and the happiest happy hour twice a day every day from 3-5pm and again from 10pm-close. Great day at sea? Awesome! Bring in your fresh, filleted catch and they’ll cook it up for you family style with Caesar salad and french fries. Serving Marco Island since 1989 and affectionately known to the locals as “The Bird Bar”, The Crazy Flamingo, serving beer and wine inside and out is open daily from 11am-2am. Call ahead to order pick-up.. www.thecrazyflamingo.com.
Marco Town Center Mall, 1035 N Collier Blvd.,
Don’t Miss: The fresh shellfish steampot!
RED ROOSTER - One of Marco’s most popular breakfast/lunch spots, with locals and residents alike. The light and airy restaurant is famous for its friendly atmosphere and perfectly cooked, freshly prepared housemade comfort food. Lunch treats include a selection of homemade quiches and tasty salads and don’t forget to try their recently added lunch platters and new salad and burger options. www.redroostermarco.com. Like them at Facebook.com/redroostermarcoisland to see daily specials and more.
Don’t Miss: The assortment of daily quiche specials (especially the lobster!)
TAKE-OUT
Many Marco restaurants allow their full menu to be ordered as take-out, but Michelbob’s Championship Ribs is purely a call-ahead and pick-up location
MICHELBOB’S ON MARCO - Winner of “Best Ribs in America” and numerous national and international “Best” Awards. This is the take-out version of the world famous restaurant in Naples. Featuring imported baby back ribs from Denmark and BBQ chicken, pulled pork, smoked sausage and a delicious selection of sides. Try their NEW short and meaty St. Louis Ribs and authentic Cuban Sandwiches. Open 7 days a week - all year long. Check website www.michelbobs.com for current hours.
915 North Collier Blvd.
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Known For: Reliable, call ahead delicious take-out dinners.
SWEET TREATS & COFFEE
Whether you are just starting your day, needing an afternoon pick-me-up, or an after dinner sweet treat, these locally owned Marco staples are the perfect destination to satisfy everyone in your group.
BEEBE’S ICE CREAM - - Located in Marco Walk close to the Movie Theater, this popular store offers 44 flavors of homemade ice cream and is the only ice cream store on Marco serving soft serve. Open Sunday-Thursday 1-11pm, Friday & Saturday 1-12pm. 599 S Collier Blvd. Restaurant Map (1) 239-642-9800
Known For: A great spot to stop after Marco Movies
DOLCE MARE - This gorgeous edible gift store, is packed full of tempting delights..... homemade chocolates (including chocolate strawberries) truffles and the best peanut and pecan brittle, rub shoulders with homemade popcorn, delicious artisanal gelato, homemade cakes (by slice or whole cakes to order), and authentic French macarons. These can be accompanied by a cup of coffee or perhaps a glass of wine or champagne, and can be enjoyed while people watching in the courtyard, relaxing in their newly opened coffee house, or taken home to be savored in private! Also offering custom gift baskets and shipping. The Coffee House has an espresso bar with espresso frappes as well as regular coffee, with flavored coffee syrups, and offers croissants, quiche, coffee pastries and crepes with Nutella whipped cream. Open 9am - 11pm daily. www.dolcemaresweets.com.
Located in the courtyard of Marco Walk, 599 S Collier Blvd. Restaurant Map (8) 239-389-9000
Don’t Miss: Their dessert room where you can enjoy champagne and homemade sweet treats
SWEET ANNIE’S - Serving ice cream the “old fashioned” way, at a sit down soda fountain, since 1986. Come indulge in their 47 flavors of ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and play a few games in the game room. Don’t forget to check out their great selection of nostalgic candies, Marco Island and Florida souvenirs. Pint and quart pre-packed ice cream and ice cream pies are now also available to take home. Marco Islands #1 rated Ice Cream Shop on Yelp and TripAdvisor. 692 Bald Eagle Dr. Restaurant Map (27) 642-7180.
Known For: The AMAZING traditional banana splits
WAKE UP MARCO - a friendly neighborhood coffee shop serving THE most delicious organic handcrafted coffees, as well as a great selection of teas. Bakery items such as muffins, bagels, croissants and pastries, are locally sourced, non gmo, organic and low in sugar, although they’re so good you’d never guess it from their taste. It’s the kind of place where, if you go in more than a couple of times, owner/barrista Oscar Galvez will spot you in the parking lot and have your favorite coffee brewing before you even open the door! www.WakeUpMarcoIsland.com 912 N Collier Blvd., Restaurant Map (30) 239-248-9398.
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Don’t Miss: The organic handcrafted cappuccinos and fresh muffins
FOR THE NIGHT OWLS
Although locals affectionately refer to 9pm as “Marco Midnight” when everyone is tucked up in bed, there are some residents and many visitors who like to live it up! So, there are a few restaurants and bars that cater to these late night owls.
NACHO MAMA’S in Marco Walk have live entertainment late on Saturdays and their kitchen stays open every night until midnight.
Also in Marco Walk, DA VINCI’S has a DJ late Friday and Saturday nights.
Just across Winterberry Drive at LA TAVOLA, there’s often late night entertainment in the lounge and bar as well as a lite bar menu.
In Marco Town Center Mall, CRAZY FLAMINGO, is open until 2am with food available until 1.30am and THE SNOOK INN has a late night happy hour from 10pm until close. And finally, the SAND BAR is open until 2am with full menu available until midnight.
For up to the minute information on all Marco Island’s live entertainment (and lots more besides!) download The Marco Review App - it’s free at the App Store and Google Play.
