Dock and Dine: 10 Bradenton and Sarasota Area Restaurants You Can Visit by Boat
The Sarasota and Bradenton areas of Florida’s Gulf Coast bring a mix of history, culture and nature to the table. Attractions like the Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, and the history and gardens of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates are perfect companions to the nature and seascapes of Siesta Key, Lido Key and Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
If your dock rental is on the Manatee River, Estero Bay, the Gulf of Mexico or Gasparilla Sound, keep reading to check out some of our favorite dine and dock restaurants.
Bayfront Bistro and Bar
4761 Estero Blvd.
Fort Myers, Florida 33931
Bayfront Bistro is on Estero Island within Snook Bight Yacht Club & Marina. It overlooks the docks and features mangrove and “back bay” views. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the menu offers salmon, sea bass, salads, filet mignon, pasta and chicken dishes. Take dessert home to your private boat slip for a late-night snack.
Cortez Kitchen on the Bay
Photo: Cortez Kitchen Facebook
4528 119th St. W.
Cortez, Florida 34215
Cortez Kitchen is located in a fishing village near Bradenton Beach at Mile Marker 49. If you’re craving fresh seafood and live entertainment in an open-air setting, this is the place to be. Choose from sushi, sashimi, peel and eat shrimp, burgers and seafood platters. It’s a convenient and scenic stop after a day on Anna Maria Island. Check it out before heading back to your private boat lift rental.
Flippers on the Bay
Photo: Flippers Facebook
8771 Estero Blvd.
Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931
Flippers on the Bay is part of Lovers Key Resort and looks out on the beautiful waters of Estero Bay. It’s located near Big Carlos Pass at Channel Marker 4. The menu includes Gulf red snapper, sea scallops, tuna ceviche, pasta and lots of specialty drinks. Enjoy a laid-back light lunch of salad, soup or sandwiches before heading back out onto the water. Flippers is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so sail on by any time.
Gather
5971 Silver King Blvd. Suite 116
Cape Coral, Florida 33914
Gather is located at Tarpon Point Marina. Bookcases and big leather club chairs give a comfortable ambiance. You can eat, drink and chill (as their motto states) with happy hour specials, homemade pasta and smoked salmon as well as specialty items like steak and potatoes and New Zealand lamb meatloaf.
Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant
Photo: Lighthouse Waterfront Facebook
14301 Port Comfort Road
Fort Myers, Florida 33908
Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant is right at the causeway, next to Port Sanibel Marina, on your way to Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Enjoy dockside views of yachts, wildlife and those gorgeous Gulf Coast sunsets. Choose from seafood, steaks, pasta and burgers. Special events include live music and happy hour specials.
Mad Hatter
6467 Sanibel Captiva Road
Sanibel, Florida 33957
If you happen to be cruising around Sanibel and Captiva Islands, the Mad Hatter is a must for its sunset scene. Enjoy fresh seafood in an elegant and romantic setting right on the water.
Rum Runners
Photo: Rum Runners Facebook
5848 Cape Harbour Drive
Cape Coral, Florida 33914
Rum Runners is located in a marina on a narrow canal with direct access to the Caloosahatchee River. Pull up after a day on the water and snack on conch fritters, escargots and hand-breaded oysters while enjoying the waterfront views. Other menu items include pasta, steaks, burgers and wraps, along with a large selection of frozen cocktails, martinis and more.
Ophelia’s on the Bay
Photo: Ophelia’s Facebook
9105 Midnight Pass Road
Sarasota, Florida 34242
How about Sunday brunch on the water? Enjoy lemon and ricotta pancakes, eggs Benedict dishes, soups, bagels and bloody Marys. Stop by for happy hour or dinner after a day of sightseeing around Sarasota Bay. Ophelia’s has been voted the number one restaurant in the U.S. for Dock and Dine by Power & Motoryacht Magazine. With a title like that, it has to be worth a try. The dock can accommodate boats up to 50 feet.
Pier 22
1200 1st Avenue W.
Bradenton, Florida 34205
Pier 22 sits on a beautiful stretch of the Manatee River just south of channel marker 22. The menu features local Gulf Coast fish, beef, chicken cordon bleu, Cuban sandwiches and jambalaya. It’s open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Docking is free on a first come/first serve basis.
Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar
Photo: Phillippi Creek Facebook
5353 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34231
If you’ve been cruising around Siesta Key and Longboat Key, or if slip rental is on Sarasota Bay, Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar is a great place to unwind and take in the view. Along with oysters, there’s a wide variety of fresh fish, lobster, steak and creative cocktails to choose from. Dine indoors or out. The boat docks are right in front of the restaurant.
So put down the cooler and sandwich baggies and leave the meal prep to the pros. Whether you’re cruising in a 50-foot sportfish, a 30-foot center console or a 23-foot bowrider, these dock and dine restaurants have got you covered.
