15 Must-Try Restaurants in Marco Island, Florida
Looking for the top restaurants in Marco Island, Florida? From beach bars to swanky steak joints, we’ve got you covered!
Marco Island, Florida, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and transparent water. Due to its small size (only 12 square miles of land), this biggest among the Ten Thousand Islands has an abundance of sun-kissed beaches and a variety of exciting activities to keep visitors entertained.
You can swim to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico from the city’s sugar sand beaches, but the city’s restaurant culture truly makes it a paradise.
Marco Island restaurants provide a wide variety of cuisines, from fine dining to casual, come-as-you-are restaurants, and even fish market stalls when it comes to eating out. These restaurants can satisfy your appetite for Italian food, plates of seafood, or whatever else you might be craving.
Whichever type of Marco Island eating experience you seek, this list of the most outstanding establishments will not disappoint you on your food tour of southwest Florida!
15. Sale e Pepe
480 S Collier Blvd Marco Island Beach Resort, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-393-1600 | Italian, Vegetarian Friendly | $15 – $30
Marco Island’s Italian restaurants are well-known like the eateries in other parts of Southwest Florida. Sale e Pepe is among the city’s most outstanding Italian restaurants for homemade pasta and pizza.
Plus, the atmosphere at this high-end restaurant makes it one of the favorite Marco Island venues for a special event.
Since Sale e Pepe focuses on Southern Italian cuisine, expect plenty of tomatoes and shellfish on the menu. Spaghetti Allo Scoglio (seafood spaghetti), branzino with confit tomato and capers, and risotto al Fiore e Gamberi are all excellent choices for your meal (risotto with squash flowers and shrimp).
Plus, there’s plenty of wine to go around. You can choose between Sicilian pinot grigio, Argentinian Malbec, or French Bordeaux from Chateau Bellevue Peycharneau.
Sale e Pepe has a welcoming environment with delicious food and fine wine. It’s a lovely picture, with white tablecloths and shimmering candles.
You can catch the picture-perfect sunset over the Gulf of Mexico in this restaurant. Relaxed yet classy, the alfresco eating on The Terrace at sundown or in the tiny dining room with marble floors and arm decorations will have you coming back time and time again.
Wine Spectator magazine has consistently praised the restaurant’s enormous wine collection, and the chef’s team produces Southern Italian cuisine every day and matches it with wines from the set.
14. Snook Inn
1215 Bald Eagle Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-394-3313 | Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly | $9 – $28
Snook Inn, a Marco Island institution since its inception more than three decades ago, serves traditional island fare. Loyal consumers have already referred to it as a monument because of its constant appeal.
This restaurant on Marco Island is among the most highly recommended, thanks to its distinctive ambiance and enjoyable and easygoing atmosphere. The Marco River is directly next to the eatery, making it an ideal setting for a waterfront meal.
The Snook Inn is a well-known institution on Marco Island and is a great place to dine on island specialties for lunch or dinner. Live entertainment contributes to the already stunning view of the Marco Island sunset from Thursday to Sunday.
This restaurant provides indoor and outdoor waterside eating options so you won’t worry about the weather.
Included in the menu of Snook are Seafood Chowder, Mahi Mahi, and Snook Inn’s Famous Grouper Sandwich. Cocktails are essential to any dinner at a beachside eatery; try its rum runner, a 1930s mai tai, a tiki rum punch, or a raspberry mojito.
We recommend Snook Inn’s Famous Grouper Sandwich. There is a good reason why it contains the word of the eatery. This sandwich is a favorite, and your meal will be incomplete if you don’t try it.
The Shrimp Denny and the Smokehouse Baby Back Ribs, a scallop-stuffed shrimp wrapped in smoked bacon, are two other must-try favorites. This eatery also features a salad bar where you can design your salad creation!
13. Marco Prime Steak & Seafood Restaurant
599 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-389-2333 | American, Steakhouse, Seafood, Grill | $12 – $35
Traditional American restaurant Marco Prime Steak & Seafood Restaurant features French, Italian, and Asian elements. With a prime location in the middle of Marco Island, this restaurant offers excellent satisfaction in serving inventive dishes, wines, and cocktails.
This Marco Island’s premier steakhouse uses only the finest cuts of beef and prepares them to perfection. Their steaks are succulent and flavorful. They also provide high-quality seafood prepared with eminence ingredients and an expansive wine and drink list during happy hour.
The dishes on the menu are meticulously prepared and presented, whether it is the Maine lobster soup, Wagyu meat carpaccio, Chilean sea bream, braised short ribs, or petit filet that catches your eye.
The chocolate souffle is an old-school but delicious dessert just right for the final part of the meal. But make sure to order it with your entrée as it takes 30 minutes to cook.
Try the Surf and Turf as well as the Wagyu steak. This dish features cold water lobster tail, filet mignon, and mashed potatoes alongside asparagus. Choose a Pinot Noir or a quirky drink to accompany your meal.
The Marco Walk Plaza off South Collier Boulevard houses this establishment, so drop by if you pass through the area. While on Marco Island, you can’t go wrong with dining at this elegant steakhouse or seafood restaurant.
Marco Prime ticks all the boxes in terms of good dining and excellence. Be sure to try the delicacies in this place! This is definitely one of our favorite restaurants in Marco Island for a fancy night out.
12. Doreen’s Cup of Joe
267 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-394-2600 | American, Café, Vegetarian Friendly | $11 – $30
If you’re heading fishing or to the beach, stop by Doreen’s Cup of Joe for a full breakfast!
Doreen’s menu offers a variety of breakfast options, including sweet and savory dishes and juices, coffee, and Mexican-inspired dishes. Vegetarian options are also available. The environment is warm and welcoming for those early morning routines before the bustle of the city.
Since the cafe is popular with locals and visitors, there may be a queue for a table at the busiest times. Party sizes must be at least eight individuals to make a reservation. Doreen’s is one of the island’s newest eateries, and its designs focus on a beachy style.
Traditional diner fares like pancakes, corned beef stew, biscuits, and gravy are also on the menu. Breakfast nachos are only one of the more premium options available at the eatery. More nutritious options on the menu comprise yogurt and fruit.
Other lunch options include classic American diner fares like cheeseburgers and BLT sandwiches made with grilled chicken breast. Breakfast is available all day, so those who enjoy it or wake up late will be pleased to see it.
Their Key Lime pancake is a popular choice among customers. They have Huevos Rancheros, which you can get with their Fig Omelet if you’re running behind on breakfast but early on lunch. You can choose from various items to make a skillet of eggs and toast.
Regarded as one of the top 10 most “amazing breakfast restaurants in Florida that will make your morning epic,” this establishment is beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Stop by and try what this award-winning café offers!
11. The Oyster Society
599 S Collier Blvd #218, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-394-3474 | American, Seafood, International | $20 – $75
Right in the middle of Marco Island sits the Oyster Society, a seafood and raw bar. It is proud to provide only the freshest, locally sourced seafood, shellfish, and daily raw bar offers.
Designed to showcase the wealth of the ocean, the fine-dining restaurant has a 1920s-inspired art décor with nautical elements and the soothing sounds of jazz. Come hungry and fill in various delectable seafood and meat meals, including freshly shucked oysters and different USDA-certified prime cuts.
The restaurant is open for supper every night, and the full-service bar offers an extensive selection of world-class wines, artisan cocktails, draft beers, and top spirits.
This place is likely to be a treat if you’re an oyster lover. The oyster selection here is beyond anything we’ve ever seen before! Oysters around the East Coast are available, but that’s only the spear’s tip. The Oyster Society has several delicious dishes if oysters aren’t your thing.
We recommend ordering the Chef’s Dozen or Baked Oyster Plate if you want to stay for cocktails later. This platter is the pride and joy of The Oyster Society and works well with just about anything.
Additionally, you can try a variety of Japanese rolls at the sushi bar for dinner. You can also consider the Lobster Thermidor, one of the restaurant’s most popular entrees.
The Oyster Society’s classy yet easygoing ambiance draws customers in addition to its seafood and sushi. It is a great spot to relax after a long day. The location is excellent for supper or happy hour with all the lighting systems and chandeliers. This restaurant is a must-see on Marco Island!
10. La Tavola Restaurant and Bar
961 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-393-4960 | Seafood, American, Italian, Bar, Contemporary | $8 – $44
La Tavola Restaurant and Bar visitors experience exquisite contemporary food, world-class wine, and polite hospitality.
New American cuisine cooked with fresh seafood, organic herbs, salads, vegetables, and the most refined oils and vinegar is on the menu at the friendly and minimally designed eatery that serves up a world-class variety of modern New American cuisine.
Meals in this restaurant are cooked from scratch and in-house and served with a selected range of good wines to accompany the food. The menu includes soups, sauces, dressings, pasta, and desserts.
This resto-bar is just a few blocks from the Winterberry Public Beach Access. Some Italian meals are on the menu at La Tavola, and some more unusual entrees like lamb and bison patties.
La Tavola, which means “The Table” in Italian, also specializes in American seafood cuisine.
We suggest the light, fresh salad comprised of burrata cheese, beefsteak tomatoes, crunchy shallots, grilled garlic oil, and balsamic sauce. Also available is the Rack of Lamb with Amarena cherry & minty demi syrup, roasted garlic, mashed potatoes, and vegetable du jour.
Bison Burger with Wisconsin sharp cheddar, beefsteak ketchup, house-smoked bacon, caramelized onions, and toasted bread is excellent if you are into lighter dinner.
You will enjoy the delicious food, but you’ll also be able to experience live music and alcoholic beverages. This place comes alive when the bar starts and the live band begins to perform in the evenings.
This place is buzzing with activity, and if you want to have good times in Marco, it is the place to go! This is one of the best restaurants in Marco Island for a trendy yet upscale affair without going all-out (i.e. it’s fancy but not steakhouse level).
9. Fin Bistro
657 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-970-6064 | Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly | $6 – $44
Fin Bistro is a cozy, family-run restaurant serving the freshest of the region’s fin fish and seafood. It’s one of the best restaurants in Marco Island for a homey vibe with higher-end food.
It is a classy seafood restaurant that uses only the finest ingredients to prepare dishes. Launched in 2012, it aimed to serve every kind of fish found in Southwest Florida and make them delicious.
Thanks to its high-end but fun atmosphere, this restaurant isn’t an intimidating place to dine. String lights cast a romantic glow indoors and out, making the space appear larger than life. This restaurant is an excellent choice for romantic dinners or casual seafood lunches.
Fin Bistro’s modern dining room boasts tiled flooring, sparsely decorated walls, white linen tables, dark wood seats, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.
In addition to prime meats, fresh fish, and seafood from the area, the culinary team offers a variety of seasonal, organic vegetables and other side dishes, such as arugula potato cakes wrapped in bacon.
Cocktails created with premium alcohols, an ever-changing wine list, and craft and draft brews from across the world are available at the full-service bar.
The restaurant’s seafood menu has something for everyone. Seared black grouper from Florida and coconut battered shrimp are other excellent choices.
In addition to the seafood, this Marco Island restaurant’s desserts are exceptional. White chocolate croissant bread pudding, dark chocolate truffle cake, and key lime flan are all must-have desserts.
Overall, Fin Bistro is an excellent restaurant in Marco. Don’t hesitate to try what this eatery serves if you want good food!
8. Bistro Soleil at the Olde Marco Inn
100 Palm St, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-389-0981 | French, American, Seafood, European, Vegetarian Friendly | $23 – $35
An upscale dining experience awaits guests of the Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites, where Bistro Soleil delivers classic French cuisine amidst stunning ocean views.
Chef Denis Meurgue, a native of Pont-a-Mousson, France, owns Bistro Soleil in a refurbished 1883 structure. Travels to the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and the Mediterranean influenced his cuisine.
The restaurant has a complete bar, live musical entertainment, and food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
You will have a great time here! The cuisine is delicious, the band is playing reasonably, and there are several unique things you won’t find in other restaurants.
Bistro Soleil is the place to be when it comes to special occasions. Everyone knows they can count on the service and food at this cafe to be top-notch for essential happenings such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.
Sizzling escargots cooked in a fragrant garlic herb butter sauce is the best way to have your meal going. Since it is one of the customers’ favorites, it is safe to say that this is a surefire way to start your dinner.
Try their Carré D’agneau Provençale, a grilled New Zealand rib of lamb provençale, as an entree at the restaurant. Alternatively, Ratatouille Provençale, a vegan dish, is available.
The ideal way to cap off the meal is by trying their handcrafted crispy hot apple Tarte Tatin topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with balsamic vinegar sauce.
This inn is well worth visiting for the setting alone and the refined French food, even if you’re not planning on staying. The romantic eating experience in this place makes it one of the best restaurants in Marco Island for date night!
7. Lee Be Fish Company
350 Royal Palm Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-389-0580 | Seafood | $6 – $18
Lee Be Fish Company is a fish store and restaurant. The food is casual and emphasizes the quality of the ingredients at this small establishment. This eatery is near Royal Palm Drive, close to the Dolphin Cove Marina.
Regarding freshness, Lee Be Fish Company can rival Fin Bistro; however, Fin Bistro only offers seafood caught that day, while Lee Be Fish Company is first and mainly a fish market.
Lee Be Fish Company’s slogan is “from hook to the mouth,” which proves that this is one of Marco Island’s most enjoyable restaurants.
Lee Be Fish is a highly casual seafood market eatery where you won’t be disappointed regardless of what you order. Look at their daily catch of day basket or try their shrimp tacos and grouper sandwiches.
A quick and casual eatery that serves fresh fish is Lee Be’s specialty. Fresh fish straight from the sea is a specialty of this eatery. They keep things simple on their menu so customers can focus on their culinary abilities.
Because of its quality, Lee Be Fish has the best lunch on Marco Island. It boasts a charming inner room, and there is also an enormous deck with outside seating available.
If you are a starter, we suggest ordering a combination of fish and shrimp paired with the restaurant’s famous black beans and rice (which can be either grilled or fried). As the flavors mix, they burst and collide. Also available are fish sandwiches and tacos if you’re looking for something a little lighter.
6. Verdi’s An American Bistro
241 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-394-5533 | Steakhouse, Seafood, American | $9 – $35
Verdi’s An American Bistro is a cozy, romantic restaurant with a chic interior that serves home-cooked meals and international wines in a relaxed, casual setting.
New Zealand rack of lamb, Chilean sea bream, prime sliced filet mignon, crispy duck, and meatloaf are just a few of the farm-to-table items Chef Upham serves at his farm-to-table restaurant.
A wide selection of casual beers and other wine-growing countries, together with brews by the bottle and made-to-order cocktails, accompany the food, produced from scratch using locally sourced ingredients and the finest local products.
This restaurant is always a terrific choice for a fancy date night or a special dinner for two. Check out Verdi’s catch-of-the-day offers and the soup specials if you plan to visit. These items change often, so you should check back frequently for updates.
We highly recommend the rack of lamb for supper, but be careful not to overindulge; the homemade sweets are as delicious as the entrée!
Included also in the listing are grouper, snapper, and pasta dishes. The brilliant chef prepares everything on the menu from scratch with fresh ingredients. Warm rustic bread coated in herb-infused olive oil and baked apple strudel with cinnamon ice cream is also available daily.
The unpretentious atmosphere, outdoor tables, small interior, and friendly staff make this place a must-visit. Be sure to check this out if you are to explore Marco Island!
5. Red Rooster
1821 San Marco Rd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-394-3100 | : American, Café | $8 – $15
Breakfast is probably the important meal each day, so don’t miss out on any fantastic Marco breakfast restaurants like Red Rooster. This family-run restaurant serves breakfast and lunch and has various breakfast and lunch options, including eggs and pancakes.
For good reason, Rooster is a popular brunch destination. It serves various breakfast items, and it’s a guarantee that you’ll love at least one.
This place is a favorite hangout for both locals and visitors because of the quality, flavor, and variety of options it provides. Its casual vibe, partnered with friendly staff and exceptional service, makes it one of the best restaurants on Marco Island that specializes in early meals.
You can’t go wrong with their quiche if you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast. Take advantage of any “specials” that may appear on the board, even if they are not on the menu.
The Mexican scramble with chorizo sausage, onions, tomatoes, green chiles, and cheddar cheese, topped with black beans, salsa, and sour cream, is a crowd-pleasing dish for egg lovers.
We highly suggest the restaurant’s signature omelets. Prawns, cream cheese, scallions, and cheddar are all included in this omelet. Belgian waffles are an excellent option if you enjoy a sweeter breakfast.
Breakfast in Red Rooster is unquestionably the greatest in town and is one of the finest local restaurants. Besides the food, the staff members are also lovely and attentive. This superb service can urge you to come back for more!
4. Ciao Bella Ristorante Italiano
1000 N Collier Blvd #6, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-970-0505 | Italian, Vegetarian Friendly | $10 – $35
For more than 30 years, Ciao Bella Ristorante Italiano has served authentic Italian cuisine and shown genuine Italian flair and atmosphere on Marco Island.
Italian cuisine, including wood-fired pizzas and salads, chunky garlic bread, robust entrees, and decadent desserts, can be found at this family-friendly restaurant in the Harbor Light Landing.
In addition to traditional Italian delicacies like lasagna and spaghetti Bolognese, lighter options such as meatballs with sauce and veal parmigiana with ravioli are also available.
Wines from Italy and other wine-producing countries are also offered, such as lagers by the bottle, and made-to-order cocktails, to accompany the cuisine at this restaurant.
Ciao Bella is one of the numerous Italian eateries on Marco. Italian hospitalities, clean décor, and a vast Italian cuisine make this restaurant stand out. Each dining spot in Ciao Bella will make you feel like Italy, even when you are in Florida.
This restaurant’s best-known dish, Boneless Stuffed Pork Chop, is a must-have. This meal is a pork cutlet packed with prosciutto and mozzarella cheese in a mushroom marsala wine sauce.
Venison with prosciutto, eggplant and marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and wine sauce is another crowd-pleaser on the menu at this Italian restaurant.
However, know that those are just a few delectable possibilities out of many. Do visit this restaurant if you crave Italian specialties!
3. Little Bar Restaurant
205 Harbor Pl N, Goodland, FL 34140, USA | +1 239-394-5663 | Steakhouse, American, Bar, Seafood | $15 – $35
Little Bar Restaurant is located directly on Marco Island’s waterfront in the lovely town of Goodland, Florida. For the past 43 years, this local institution has consistently served superb seafood and steaks in a laid-back and welcoming setting.
The menu is diverse. An array of lunch and dinner options and traditional seaside foods featuring fresh seafood like Grouper and Soft Shell Crab is available.
Super fresh seafood is available in the restaurant, with meals such as Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Snapper, Stone Crab Claws, Steaks, and Prime Rib. Different kinds of lunch and supper specialties and traditional waterfront fare are all on the menu at this beachfront restaurant.
You can dine at the discretion of your room if staying on-site, on the covered lanai, or on the waterside patios. This spot boasts its well-known laid-back atmosphere and lively bar scene, sometimes complete with live music.
What makes Little Bar stand out is that it is also a dog-friendly eatery. Make sure to carry your pet with you if you want to taste the delicacies in this lively restaurant!
2. Arturo’s Bistro
918 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-394-7578 | European, Italian | $22 – $38
Arturo’s Bistro has offered classic French cuisine and an extensive wine list in a tranquil and refined setting for over two decades.
Creative cuisine produced with locally sourced ingredients and regional products such as genuine, wild-caught seafood, naturally-raised cattle, lamb, and poultry, and organic herbs, salads, and vegetables are on the menu at this quaint café.
You’ll find an eclectic selection of seafood dishes and Creole-inspired meals like Jambalaya and Creole-inspired dishes like Salmon Filet Crusted with Pecans, Twin Tournedos Grille, and Angel Hair Giardiniera.
In addition to premium spirits and wines, the full-service bar offers craft, microbrews, and classic cocktails.
Arturo’s Bistro is the place to go for a polished and premium French restaurant on Marco Island. While it doesn’t acquire as much attention as it deserves, it can be an advantage if you’re a fan of more low-key restaurants like this one.
The escargot bourguignon appetizer is a great way to begin your meal. You must also not miss the famous roasted duck a la orange or the veal parmigiana. Do not forget your glass of wine after!
1. Da Vinci Ristorante Italiano
599 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-389-1888 | American, Seafood, Contemporary, Italian, Tuscan, Romana, Lazio, Sicilian | $15 – $31
Family-owned and managed Da Vinci Ristorante Italiano sits in the Marco Walk Plaza and serves authentic Italian dishes in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
In addition to a full-service bar and an inviting dining area, the popular restaurant serves a variety of appetizers, pasta, risotto, premium meats, chicken, fresh seafood, and fresh garden salads.
Fresh ingredients from the region’s farmers, fishers, and artisanal producers are combined with imported items such as imported cheeses, hand-cut pasta, and extra virgin olive oils to create delectable seasonal dishes.
Full-service bartenders are on hand to serve various beverages, from wine to traditional cocktails, in the bar.
As a result of the idyllic setting on Marco Island, the Carvelli family has developed a small representation of their native Italy. Each guest will feel at home as they indulge in delectable trademark cuisine and well-chosen wines, all prepared with an eye toward their guests’ refined palates.
Experience the charm of Italy without the fatigue of a long flight with cuisines inspired by Central Italy, North Italy, and South Italy here in this Marco Island restaurant!
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