Cabbage Key (by boat only): A privately owned island with an Inn, cottages, souvenir shop, a water tower (that you can climb), friendly resident gopher turtles, sometimes manatees and dolphins, with a bar lined with tourist dollar bills. The smoked mahi fish dip is to die for! $$$  cabbagekey.com 

Mainstay North Captiva (by boat only): Great food and drink options with reasonable prices and fast service. Reopened September 2024 almost 2 years after hurricane Ian. Our favorite is their fish tacos with beans and rice. No website yet, but you can look them up on Facebook!    

Mango's, North Captiva (by boat only): This is the only island restaurant featuring poolside dining. It is relatively small part of the Island Club, a beautiful resort nestled away in an almost hidden cove. The menu is bar-type food with something for everyone. $$  northcaptiva.com/food-beverage/mangos/ 

Low Key Tiki, St James City (boat or car): Great for families on a budget. Beer and wine (no liquor). Located up the Monroe Canal which has an old Key West vibe. Our favorite: $9.95 blackened fish tacos. $  lowkeytiki.com 

Phuzzy's Boat Shack, St James City (boat or car): The most upscale of the island restaurants mentioned. It's part of the Pinchers family of restaurants. Excellent food, drink and service. Also located up the Monroe canal. Afternoons often feature a soloist on an acoustic guitar. $$$  phuzzysboatshack.com 

Snug Harbor, Fort Myers Beach (bayside): Excellent food. Outdoor dining only. Typcally has a musician playing all day. Great place to stop after Sanibel Beach.  snugharbor.restaurant/ 

Junkanoo Below Deck (bayside): This family-friendly restaurant boasts a beautiful bay view, outdoor seating, sports TV's at the bar, and cocktail specials all week long. Another place to stop after Sanibel or Lover's Key!  www.junkanoobeachfmb.com/