Settle in for a delightful dining experience in Estero
Southwest Florida is not just a beautiful place to live, it's also a fantastic place to find a wide range of places to eat. And as residents know, dining is not just going out for a meal, it's a palate-pleasing adventure. Dining in Estero is centered around two main locations — Coconut Point, where you’ll find more upscale, local establishments, and the Miromar Outlets, with franchise dining options and some surprises. Here’s a list of 10 restaurants in Estero that are sure to bring joy to your tastebuds.
Divieto Ristorante
Divieto comes from the Italian word for “prohibit,” and Divieto’s decor and menu take you back to the Roaring Twenties in New York City during Prohibition. Their mixologist has created a wonderful list of vintage cocktails, like the Smoked Old Fashioned. The Branzino and Divieto Tuna are sure to please seafood lovers. And a favorite at Divieto is the table-side preparation of Fettucine Alfredo in a parmigiano-reggiano wheel, with a flavor that is unmatched.
Mamma Anna Trattoria
Italian cuisine abounds in Southwest Florida, and there are many Italian restaurants in Estero. One of the nicest is Mamma Anna’s. From pizza fired in a brick oven to Italian culinary favorites, this family-owned trattoria is authentic Italian in a casual setting. The Pollo Napoletano makes you think you’re dining in Naples. Seafood lovers will enjoy the Tutto Mare. Don’t forget the Cannoli for dessert.
South Fork Grille
If you’re looking for lunch while shopping at Coconut Point, try the Lamb Sliders with goat cheese and arugula on a brioche bun, one of the tastiest dishes among a variety of salads, sandwiches, and seafood. The Grille offers both early and later dinner options with separate menus. The Short Rib Gnocchi is a delightful twist on a classic pasta dish, and there are plenty of fresh seafood options to choose from.
Chops City Grill
If a restaurant in Estero knows steak, it’s the Chops City Grill. With over 25 different cuts of chops and steak, they know how to create a meal that goes beyond a typical steakhouse. Featuring wagyu and in-house dry-aged beef, Chops offers a range of appetizing and appealing sides to complement your meal. For dessert, be sure to try the Pecan Kahlua Sweet Potato Pie. Indoor and outdoor dining options are available in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
Rodizio Grill
For a change of pace, try this Brazilian-style steakhouse. Grilling is done on rotisseries, and the aroma of roasting meat pervades the spacious open atmosphere. Service is in the churrasco style, with waitstaff, or gauchos, slicing grilled meats tableside. Outdoor patio dining is available overlooking the water. Even the desserts have a Brazilian influence — try the Pudim de Leite, a caramel flan.
Lehne Burger
If you’re looking for a great burger in a friendly, casual atmosphere, Lehne Burger (pronounced Lenny Burger) is the go-to restaurant in Estero. Diners build their own burger creations from a custom menu, selecting from a design guide of burger types (including veggie and vegan), cheese, bun, toppings, and sauce. Starters include Cheese Curds and Fried Pickle Fries! The best add-on to your meal is a design-your-own milkshake.
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar
Sure, it’s a franchise, but don’t let that keep you away from the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar. Think drinks, fun, live music, and kicking back in a patio atmosphere where the staff strives for you to be happy and enjoy being on island time. The menu is a selection of lighter fare with most of the food designed to be handled: tacos, sliders, quesadillas, and paninis. If you would like to use a fork, the Blackened Shrimp Chopped Salad or the Ahi Poke Bowl are favorites. Try the Mai Tai from the cocktail list, and don’t forget the Key Lime Pie for dessert.
Amfora Mediterranean Restaurant
For an old-world Mediterranean taste, try Amfora, named for the Roman amphora, which was a two-handled sealed vase used to transport wine and oil around the Mediterranean Sea. As the Roman traders visited many coastal regions, so does the Amfora menu, with influences from Spain, France, Greece, and North Africa. The Octopus for a starter sets the stage for a full tour of the Mediterranean, with Branzino prepared tableside or the Turmeric Chicken with couscous. And no meal is complete without the best Baklava in the area for dessert.
Naples Flatbread Kitchen
Pizza is all over Southwest Florida, and it’s often difficult to tell a good place from a great place for pizza. Their signature item is the flatbread pizza, but they also offer crusts that are gluten-free or cauliflower. Several of the pizzas are spicy if you like the heat, including the Ginsu Pizza with seared ahi tuna, goat cheese, and a Thai chili sauce. Naples Flatbread Kitchen has a wider menu of sandwiches and entrees, with something for everyone in the family. Not only is the food great, but the beer selection is exceptional. Their Tap Wall boasts a selection of over 40 brews, from IPA to Stouts to Porters, with some Ciders available, too.
Caffe’ Da Michele Osteria Italiana
To round out the list of ten great restaurants in Estero, here’s one more Italian dining option, tiny and tucked away in the Miromar Outlets. The Caffe’ Da Michele is not Americanized Italian food but authentic Italian cuisine. Start with the Antipasto Misto for Two, but save room for dinner. The pasta is all homemade (semolina egg pasta), and the sauces are made fresh onsite, too. Two favorites are the Linguine alla Carbonara and the Lasagna alla Bolognese e Besciamella. Round off your meal with a fantastic Tiramisu.
Moving to Estero? Work with The Guillette Group
These are just a few of the many excellent restaurants in Estero, and even more dining options are available in nearby Bonita Springs, Naples, Cape Coral, and Fort Myers. You will never run out of options for your dining adventures in Southwest Florida.
If you would like to know more details about life in Estero or if you’re ready to start looking at homes for sale, contact the professionals at The Guillette Group for expert guidance, exquisite listings, and customer service that is unparalleled in Southwest Florida.