RESTAURANT REVIEW

ON THE WATER

CAPRI FISH HOUSE RESTAURANT - Fresh Florida seafood is the specialty in this casual restaurant where every seat has an amazing sunset water view.  Outside seating also available in the waterside chickee bar which looks out directly onto Capri’s beautiful Johnson Bay. In addition to the seafood, the varied menu also features pasta, steak, chicken, veal, bouillabaisse, jambalaya and a variety of salads as well as a children’s menu. Live entertainment. Sunday beach breakfast buffet from 9-11:30am and  “all-you-can-eat” beach lunch/dinner buffet from 11:30-5:30pm.  Early bird specials from 4-5:45pm Mon-Sat. Private and large parties welcome, major credit cards accepted.  Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 9am-9:30pm until the end of May.  Breakfast served on Sundays only from June 1st. .www.caprifishhouse.com, 203 Capri Blvd., Isle of Capri (just 3 miles from Marco). 389-5555

CAMELLIA STREET GRILL - Waterside dining featuring freshly prepared Mediterranean style cuisine.  Vegetarian, fresh blue crabs, and fish dishes are a specialty and everything is cooked to order. Live classic old-time country music Fridays,Saturdays and Sundays. 202 Camellia Street, Everglades City.  239-695-2003
Closed for summer from end of May

LITTLE BAR - Located right on the water in the quaint fishing village of Goodland, Little Bar Restaurant is a local tradition, serving consistently good seafood and steaks in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Varied menu including Stone Crabs, Prime Rib, and Chicken, Luncheon specialties. Open seven days at 11:30, dinner service begins at 5.  Attitude Adjustment 3-6 in the full service bar.  Eat in, on the lanai or on the pretty waterside patios.  Live entertainment. www.LittleBarRestaurant.com.
Goodland.  394-5663

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 149 passengers and offers a full service bar.  The cruise leaves Rose Marco River Marina. Reservations Recommended.  642-5415  www.sunshinetoursmarcoisland.com

OLD MARCO LODGE CRAB HOUSE - One of Collier County’s most picturesque waterfront restuarants offering panoramic views of the Marco River and Goodland Bay from its large outside deck or air conditioned restaurant and lounge.  Built in 1869 by W D Collier as his family home on Marco, it was moved to its present locastion in 1965.  The extensive menu offers a wide variety of shellfish and seafood.  Live entertainment and happy hour 3-6pm.  Come by boat, car or trolley.  Open seven days 1130am - close in sesason. www.oldmarcolodge.com.  401 Papaya St, Goodland.  642-7227 

PARADISE CAFÉ Enjoy our extensive Breakfast Buffet served 7-11am, Lunch and Dinner overlooking Marco’s Beautiful Beach. Don’t miss the renowned all-you-can-eat Seafood Buffet every Friday night featuring the freshest fish, snow crab, oysters, and sushi. Every Saturday night they offer Italian Buffet featuring fresh soup and salad bar, chef pasta station, chicken piccata, veal scaloppini, assorted breads and desserts.   Open daily. Casual attire. 560 S Collier Blvd. 642-2181

SALE E PEPE - Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Sale e Pepe offers authentic Italian cuisine complemented by surroundings of aged stone, marble floors and hand-painted frescoes.  Enjoy this ultimate dining experience in a relaxed casual setting in the dining room, the saletta or alfresco on the terrace.  Chef Varetto presents the finest cuisine of his northern Italian homeland, including a broad a la carte menu and a tasting menu paired with wines from an extensive wine list.  Accolades for Sale e Pepe include the AAA Four Diamond Award for Dining, as well as Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seasonally.  Two for one happy hour 4:30-6pm with bar bites menu.  www.sale-e-pepe.com.  Located at Marco Beach Ocean Resort, 480 S. Collier Boulevard. 393-1600  www.sale-e-pepe.com

SNOOK INN - A Marco Island landmark for more than 30 years.  Outdoor and indoor casual dining overlooking the beautiful Marco River.  Enjoy their famous salad bar and a wide variety of seafood, steaks, sandwiches and continental specialties as you watch dolphin, manatee and the boating activities. Live entertainment daily at the chickee bar. Come by car or boat, docks available.  Complimentary transportation provided to and from your island residence. 1215 Bald Eagle Drive.  394-3313  www.snookinn.com

STILTS BAR & GRILL - at Marriott’s Crystal Shores, Marco’s newest beachside grill, elevated above the dunes giving stunning uninterrupted views of the gulf and beach.  Open on three sides, the atmosphere is tropical, fresh and sunny, cooled by gulf breezes.  Island cuisine with an emphasis on seafood, includes scallop poppers, spicy grouper tacos and sweet chili glazed grouper.  Open for lunch and dinner daily with the island’s longest happy hour from 2-6pm.  Live music Thursday & Saturday 6-9pm.  600 S. Collier Blvd.  393-6790
 
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. They also serve beer and wine and their key lime pies and sauces are homemade. “All-u-can eat” stone crabs are cooked on the premises. Open seven days10.30am-??pm. Located in Everglades City behind the school on the Barron River.  239-695-2662


ISLAND CHIC
BISTRO SOLEIL at the Olde Marco Inn - French cuisine creatively prepared by Award-winning chef Denis Meurgue.  Denis is influenced by his passionate culinary odyssey in the Mediterranean, Mexico, Europe and the tropics.  Enjoy appetizers such as warm goat cheese, escargot or mussels.  Menu selections include grouper topped with crab meat, rack of lamb or calve’s liver to name few.  Guests enjoy creme brulee, apple tarte tatin and delectable chocolate fondant.  Full bar and entertainment, please call for details.100 Palm Street. 389-0981  www.bistrosoleil.net

CAFE DE MARCO - Nestled in the charm of Olde Marco, one of the island’s finest seafood restaurants is celebrating  26 years of culinary excellence. This intimate bistro offers award winning original recipes, contemporary decor and outstanding service for a truly satisfying evening out.  Voted best seafood on Marco and part of the winning Iron Chef of Marco competition. Twilight specials 5-5:45pm (not on holidays) and special anniversary package: $26 includes wine, salad, special entrees, dessert & coffee.  Pretty outdoor patio seating available.  Reservations are suggested. Open for dinner from 5pm 6 nights (closed Sundays from April 4th).
244 Royal Palm Drive, next to Olde Marco Inn & Suites. 394-6262  www.cafedemarco.com.

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.  389-1888  www.ristorantedavinci.com

ISLAND CAFÉ - An intimate fine-dining restaurant offering creative and classic cuisine from around the world. The Island Café offers a constantly changing menu showcasing the chef’s versatility, using the freshest ingredients from area markets.  Early diners will appreciate the fixed price dinner combinations featuring the best value in fine dining on Marco Island. Reservations are suggested. Open for dinner from 5pm Monday-Saturday (closed Sunday). 918 N. Collier Blvd. 394-7578   www.theislandcafe.com

KONRAD’S SEAFOOD & GRILLE ROOM - An Island favorite for excellent cuisine and friendly service in a casually elegant atmosphere.  The famous gourmet salad bar is beyond compare and Konrad’s is also noted for its fresh seafood, fresh fish, pasta, Bavarian dishes and chef’s specials.  Dinner is served seven days 5-10pm with sunset specials between 5-6pm. Lite menu served in lounge from 5pm until closing. Lounge and courtyard seating with smoking permitted in the courtyard.  Complimentary Valet Parking.  Visit our website at www.konradsrestaurant.com.   599 S. Collier Blvd. Marco Walk, across from the Hilton Hotel. 642-3332  www.konradsrestaurant.com

MOZART’S RESTAURANT - Alfred, a restauranteur for 20 years, and his wife Manuela have created a casual “Old World Retreat” in their restaurant in the Shops of Marco Shopping Center.  The menu is  extensive, with dishes drawn from many corners of the world, featuring German/Austrian and Italian entrees as well as classic American fare.   Alfred is a graduate of “Hotelfachschule” (Culinary Institute’s European counterpart).   Enjoy the incomparable music of W.A. Mozart while you dine. 151 S. Barfield, next to Publix. www.houseofmozart.com.  642-5220

SANDCASTLES RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - At Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa, with nightly live entertainment and Happy Hour is the ideal place to stop before experiencing the Resort’s award winning Sandcastles restaurant where you’ll savor our Chef’s tantalizing Caribbean inspired menu. Dressy casual attire.  Open to non-residents. 560 S. Collier Blvd. 642-2181

SASSO’S INTERNATIONAL CUISINE & SEAFOOD - An unforgettable experience with gourmet dining at reasonable prices.  The menu features the finest meats and freshest fish and seafood prepared to perfection.  Twilight specials and a casual bar menu are also available.  Children are welcome and all guests are made to feel at home in the private villa which features Venetian chandeliers, beautiful artwork and fountains in a park view setting.  A variety of dining areas include the starfish room, private booths and the piazza.  Full bar and great wine list, nightly happy hour in bar and regular live entertainment. Serving dinner from 5pm.   www.sassos.com.  Reservations suggested.  Across the street from the  hotels, 961 Winterberry Drive. Call for reservations:
239-393-4960    www.sassos.com



ISLAND CASUAL


CAPT. BRIEN’S SEAFOOD & RAW BAR - Where the New England Seafood is flown in daily, and the native fish is fresh off the boats from local fishing fleets.  Everything is prepared from scratch and cooked to order, even the batters and sauces are made fresh daily.   Open for lunch and dinner seven days.  Crabby Sundays and raw bar and late night menu during Comedy Club hours Thursday-Sunday. Indoor/outdoor dining, free valet parking and curbside takeout. Marco Walk Plaza, 599 S Collier Blvd. 389-6900  www.captbriens.com

CASA MIA ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE - A friendly welcome awaits you at this popular restaurant, where they offer indoor and outdoor waterside dining on the banks of the beautiful Marco Lake.  Open for dinner daily .   Full service bar with daily happy hour.  Early bird specials 4-5:0pm Sunday thru Thursday.  Live entertainment to liksten or dance to Friday and Saturday night. Eat in or take-out. 155 First Avenue, inside Marco Lakeside Inn.  642-5253  www.casamia.easylocalshopping.com

CHEFS’ EXPRESS - Key West style dining in a relaxed courtyard setting under colorful umbrellas with new indoor seating for inclement weather. Creative breakfast and lunch with the finest ingredients. Try lobster eggs benedict or the Key West salad with grilled shrimp, mango, strawberries, toasted almonds and hearts of palm. Learn how to create your own meals at one of the live cooking shows on the outdoor grill. Open for breakfast and lunch seven days from 8am-4pm (except Sundays to 2pm).  Now serving beer and wine.  Happy hour 2-4pm. Parties catered. 176 Royal Palm Drive, in the Shops of Olde Marco
239-393-2433  www.thechefsexpress.com

COCOMO’S Casual dining at its best!  Relax while your kids play in our game room.  Come and get a taste of what the Island is talking about.  Marco’s finest menu with the best variety. Serving Grouper, Ahi Tuna, (Tuna  Nachos are a local favorite) Steaks, 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.  $399 Margaritas and $199 16oz  domestic drafts all day everyday. Serving Lunch Mon-Fri from 11:30-4:00 and Dinner nightly 4:00-11:00.  Ask about our daily special and our whole tempura fried snapper!  945 N. Collier Blvd (between McDonald’s and Bald Eagle in Sunset Plaza) 394-3600 www.cocomosgrill.com

HOOTS - Everything is made from scratch (including the wheat, white & rye bread, which is baked fresh every morning). It’s where the local’s go!  Open for breakfast and lunch seven days and dinner Mon-Fri 5-8pm in season. To go orders available. Offering the same menu at their other location at the Shops at Eagle Creek,(at 41 and 951).  Open Mon-Fri 7am-8pm, Sat-Sun 7am-2pm.  563 Elkcam Circle (opposite Main Post Office). 394-4644

LA CASITA - This Tex-Mex restaurant, is famous for its great baby back ribs and margaritas.  Live entertainment.   Reservations are recommended. Dont’s miss the Pub at La Casita it’s a friendly neighborhood bar now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  1817 San Marco Road, across from Walgreens in the Shops of Marco. 642-7600

MARCO I-NET CAFE & BOUTIQUE - Marco's newest cafe offering gourmet coffees, breakfast pastries and desserts, as well as the island's fastest internet access and Wifi.  You can print, copy, fax and scan while enjoying delicious refreshments and browsing the selection of shoes, clothing, fine art and crafts.  www.marcoinetcafe.com.  Marco Walk Plaza, 599 S Collier Blvd., next to Chicio's and across the street from the Hilton Hoterl.  970-0250   www.marcoinetcafe.com

MARGARITA’S  - Serving authentic Mexican cuisine for lunch, dinner and take-out. Margarita’s promise is to serve the best Mexican food on the island or it’s free! Visit their website at www.margaritasontheisland.com to see their  wide ranging menu and call to check their live entertainment schedule. Inside and outside seating.  Marco Town Center Mall, 1069 N Collier Blvd.  For take-out call 394-6555  www.margaritasontheisland.com

NACHO MAMA’S - With indoor and shaded outdoor seating, this restaurant offers a wide menu of Tex-Mex and American dishes and a fun atmosphere.  Open 11am-1am 7 days, (kitchen open ‘til midnight). Two great happy hours  daily: 3-5pm & 10pm-close (except on nights with entertainment), entertainment Thurs thru’ Sat nights and ladies’ nite on Thursdays.  599 S. Collier Blvd. Marco Walk, across from the Hilton Hotel 389-2222

THE SAND BAR - Marco’s ultimate sports bar is “Where the Locals Go”.  Over 25 years of Great Food, Great Prices and Great Fun. The portions are generous and they are famous for their Fish Sandwich and ½ Price Pizza on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Catch your favorite game on one of the 40 TVs, including several 55” Hi Def  flat screens, 11 satellites with convenient portable wireless table speakers! Pool tables, arcades, shuffle board, Wii Bowling, juke box and kid’s games available. Open every day with a full service bar and restaurant from 7am-2am, serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Late Night. Great Happy Hour Drink and Food Specials 3-6pm and 10pm to close. No reservations needed. ATM on site. All major credit cards accepted. Take out and children’s menu available. Come see why they’ve been around so long! www.sandbarmarcoisland.com   826 E Elkcam Circle.
642-3625

SUSIE’S DINER - For 26 years Susie’s Diner has been serving Marco Islanders with great tasting and good value breakfasts and lunches.  They were voted “best breakfast” on Marco Island for five years running.  They offer great daily lunch specials.  Reservations for large parties accepted.  Marco Town Center Mall.  642-6633

TOKYO INN - Your favorite Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar.  Tempura, seafood, traditional Japanese cuisine prepared before your eyes. Japanese hot and cold Sake and beer.  Takeout can be ordered by fax, 642-1897.  1825 San Marco Road, Shops of Marco. 642-3999

PREPARED FOOD, ICE CREAM AND TAKE-OUT

BEEBE’S ICE CREAM, Located in Marco Walk close to the Movie Theater, Beebe’s has the same great premium home made ice cream as its sister store Sweet Annie’s.  599 S Collier Blvd. 642-9800

THE CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY - Marco’s oldest ice cream parlor offers a huge selection of ice creams, yogurts and 24 flavors of authentic low fat Italian Gelato (all made in house), as well as handmade chocolates, truffles, luxury boxed and novelty chocolates, and, the house specialty, succulent chocolate strawberries. New Location at 937 N Collier Blvd . 394-5999  www.chocstraw.com

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.  915 North Collier Blvd.  394-0302  www.michelbobs.com

PARADISE SEAFOOD & GOURMET MARKET - Known as the ‘Island’s Best’! We bring you fresh seafood from local waters and around the world. Chef Scott Young and his team prepare incredible gourmet fare to eat, heat or cook at home.  From our tasty dips and spreads, to our homemade chowders and bisques, unique side dishes and our freshly prepared entrees, such as our own Seafood en papillote and fresh lobster ravioli, we have something for everyone. Open 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday, call for Sunday hours.   712 Bald Eagle Dr (same plaza as Porky’s Restaurant). 394-3686  www.paradiseseafoodmarco.com

SWEET ANNIE’S - Ice cream  parlour  &  confections, has been serving ice cream and fat free selections the “old fashioned” way at a sit-down soda fountain, since 1986.  Separate amusement arcade with fun for all the family.     Major credit cards accepted. 692 Bald Eagle Dr. 642-7180

TUTTI FRUTTI - Specialises in smoothies, yogurt, ice cream, soft serve ice cream with flavor burst and Key West key lime pie dipped in chocolate on a stick. Try our new Tart Yogurt! Now also serving frozen smoothies,  as well as a lunch menu with hot dogs.   Open daily from11am-10pm.  680 Bald Eagle Drive, next to CVS. 642-7779