18 Best Restaurants on Marco Island You Have to Try — Naples Florida Travel Guide (2024)

If you’re heading to southwest Florida soon, and looking for the best restaurants on Marco Island, you’ll want to save this guide!

Despite the fact that Marco Island comprises just 12 square miles of land, this gem of an island (the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands) boasts loads of sunny beaches, amazing shopping districts, lots of fun things to do, and most importantly — some fabulous restaurants.

What’s great about dining out on Marco Island is the array of styles you’ll find — from elegant, fine dining to more casual, come-as-you-are eateries, even super-casual fish market joints — the restaurants on Marco Island Florida offer something for just about everyone, no matter what it is you’re craving.

If you’re hoping for fantastic Italian food, Sale e Pepe, DaVinci, and Osteria Capri are amazing options.

If you’d rather have a casual seafood platter, Snook Inn and CJ’s on the Bay are two of the best.

Or if it’s an awesome co*cktail to sip on as you watch the sunset, The Speakeasy is an incredible place to go.

Whatever you’re looking for, these 18 best restaurants in Marco Island are sure to please!

Although Naples and Marco Island are sister cities in the Paradise Coast, you’ll find the best restaurants in Naples are completely unique.

18 Best Restaurants in Marco Island

Sale e Pepe

Marco Beach Ocean Resort, 480 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island

Like so many places in Southwest Florida, Marco Island is known for its Italian restaurants.

So if you feel like devouring some homemade pasta and pizza, Sale e Pepe is one of the best Italian restaurants in town.

But the ambiance at this upscale eatery makes it one of our favorite Marco Island restaurants for a special occasion.

Sale e Pepe specializes in Southern Italian cuisine in particular, which means tomatoes and seafood feature prominently on the menu.

Order the spaghetti allo scoglio (spaghetti with seafood), the branzino with confit tomatoes and capers, or the risotto al fiore e gamberi (risotto with squash flowers and shrimp).

With these Italian entrees fit for a king, you’ll certainly want to pair your selection with a fabulous wine.

Will it be a bold Barolo from Piemonte Italy, a malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, or Bordeaux from Chateau Bellevue Peycharneau, France?

As if the scrumptious food and wine weren’t enough to convince you to book a table, the atmosphere at Sale e Pepe is another plus.

With pressed white tablecloths and flickering candles, it’s quite a romantic scene.

To top it all off, if you snag a seat outside, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and the pastel-colored sunset.

It’s picture-perfect, in my opinion.

Snook Inn

(Temporarily Closed Due to Hurricane Ian - Check back for updates on the anticipated reopening)

1215 Bald Eagle Dr, Marco Island

If you’d prefer a more casual take on seafood, you can head to another one of the Cavelli family’s restaurants: Snook Inn.

With its thatched roof huts and delicious seafood platters, this waterfront restaurant is the epitome of a casual Florida seafood joint.

You can order crispy calamari, seafood chowder, Caribbean mahi mahi, or Snook Inn’s famous grouper sandwich.

But a meal at a casual waterfront eatery wouldn’t be complete without a tropical co*cktail! Have the original rum runner, a 1930s mai tai, a tiki rum punch, or a raspberry mojito.

Marco Prime Steak & Seafood Restaurant

Marco Walk Plaza, 599 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island

First on our list of of best restaurants in Marco Island? Let’s talk about Marco Prime Steak & Seafood Restaurant.

As the name of this eatery implies, it’s the epitome of surf and turf with the freshest seafood and prime choice cuts of Angus beef.

Whether it’s the Maine lobster bisque, Wagyu beef carpaccio, Chilean sea bass, braised short ribs, or petit filet mignon that turns your head, all are done perfectly and with ample love.

If you still have the will to end on a sweet note, the chocolate souffle is old school but decadent, and a perfect Goldilocks size.

It takes 30 minutes to prepare, so be sure and order it with your entrees.

Doreen’s Cup of Joe

267 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island

One of the only restaurants listed here that doesn’t serve dinner, if you’re looking for the best breakfast in Marco Island, Doreen’s Cup of Joe is where you want to go.

But it’s not just for early risers.

While Doreen’s does breakfast so well, their lunch options are just as good.

No matter what type of breakfast food you’re looking for, Doreen’s will have something to satisfy your tastebuds.

Want something for your sweet tooth? Go for Doreen’s crunchy French toast, the homemade donut holes with fresh berries, or the lemon ricotta pancakes.

But if you’re in the mood for something savory instead, you can try the California omelet, the biscuit sandwich, or the huevos rancheros.

And no trip to Doreen’s Cup of Joe is completely without, well, a cup of Joe – or at least a drink of some sort.

Order a cappuccino, fresh squeezed orange juice, sweet tea, a mimosa, and even a coffee co*cktail!

The Oyster Society

Marco Walk Plaza, 599 S Collier Blvd #218, Marco Island

There are a handful of restaurant names that are batted around when it comes to Marco’s best of the best, and The Oyster Society is always among them.

A sister restaurant to Marco Prime located right next door, it’s consistently one of the best restaurants in Marco Island.

Happy Hour specials are a reason to come early, though in a nod to the prohibition-era theme of the restaurant, it’s delightfully referred to as “Social Hour” here.

The first thing you’ll notice about The Oyster Society is the eye-catching interior.

With its bold decor, massive bar, and wall of mirrors, there’s no place quite like it.

Top it off with live jazz music every weekend, and you’ll simply revel in the atmosphere of The Oyster Society.

Then, there’s the tantalizing menu.

With a name like The Oyster Society, it should come as no surprise to find out that the baked oyster platter and the chef’s dozen oysters are just two of the most popular dishes.

But if you’re not much of an oyster fan, the pistachio Chilean sea bass, the “Pier 39” cioppino, and the lobster thermidor are all amazing dishes.

While you’ll likely be stuffed after your entrée, I highly recommend ordering dessert.

The Oyster Society likes to put fun twists on classic treats, like the lemon & thyme crème brulee tagine and the sea salt & caramel tiramisu.

They’re both definitely worth a try!

La Tavola Restaurant and Bar

961 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island

Despite the fact that “La Tavola” means “the table” in Italian, La Tavola Restaurant and Bar actually doesn’t specialize in Italian food.

Rather, they focus on fine American cuisine.

While at La Tavola Restaurant and Bar, you’ll have lots of options.

If you’re hungry for something rather casual, opt for the bison burger or the lobster roll.

But if you’re looking for a fancier dish, try the crispy duck with an orange ginger glaze, the pork prime rib chops with veg du jour, or the half rack of New Zealand lamb with an Amarena cherry and mint demi sauce.

Ario

400 S Collier Blvd, JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Marco Island

Located in one of Marco Island’s best beach resorts, the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Ario is the property’s signature restaurant, and delivers quality food and wine that lives up to the status and recently helped land them on Wine Enthusiast magazine’s list of America's Best 100 Wine Restaurants.

This contemporary gem is known for their unique presentations on locally sourced meats and fresh Florida seafood.

The stars of the show however have to be their aged prime steaks, and the 34 oz Jackman Ranch Wagyu tomahawk ribeye steak for two.

Osteria Capri

387 Capri Blvd, Naples, FL 34113

So this restaurant may not be ON Marco Island, but if you’re familiar with this waterside eatery, you know we couldn’t omit Osteria Capri on nearby Isles of Capri.

If you love Italian, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more authentic place for it in southwest Florida.

With fresh seasonal ingredients and a nod toward simple, elegant Italian cuisine, Osteria Capri feels more like a trattoria in Bologna than an island in the tropics.

The Carciofi Romani was perfect — lightly crispy but tender inside, and the seafood and pasta dishes really shine.

The Tagliatelle Cacio e Pepe and the Pappardelle Bolognese are two great examples of that elegant simplicity I mentioned.

But take a closer look at their Neapolitan style pizzas. Oh. My.

Mango’s Dockside Bistro

Esplanade Shoppes at Marco Island, 760 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island

With its nautical atmosphere, 750-gallon fish tank, and cascading waterfall, Mango’s Dockside Bistro is quite a kitschy place.

But the food outshines the tropical beach bar décor, making it one of the best places to eat in Marco Island.

While Mango’s Dockside Bistro is open for breakfast (on weekends), lunch and dinner, the crowds flock to this restaurant for dinner in particular.

If you’re feeling a little tropical, start off with the Dockside conch fritters served with a pair of tasty sauces to get in the vibe.

Then choose from entrees like the fish tacos, the macadamia nut encrusted cobia (so fresh), or the house specialty whiskey burger.

There’s also an entirely separate sushi menu at Mangos’ Dockside Bistro as well — their mango tropical roll is pretty yummy.

The Deck at 560

Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa, 560 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island

With its gulf views and tasty plates, The Deck at 560 has certainly established itself as one of the best restaurants on Marco Island.

Located at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa, The Deck at 560 is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Depending on what time of day you visit, you’ll have a completely different experience.

If you love a good brunch, try it here.

You’ll be seated with many of the guests from the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa, as this meal is included with their stay.

And while brunch is often the busiest time of day, it’s worth the splurge.

Try the ocean benedict, the aqua coconut smoothie, or the citrus French toast.

Lunch at The Deck at 560 is filled with sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads. You can choose between scrumptious options like the heirloom tomato salad, the barbecued chicken flatbread, and the 560 burger.

Last but not least, there’s dinner. That’s when things get really good, with elegant dishes like cioppino, an excellent NY strip, and ahi tuna steak to choose from.

And to top it all off, watching a gorgeous sunset over the beautiful Gulf beaches on Marco caps off a great evening.

Sunset Grille

900 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island

It’s impossible to get sick of the fresh seafood during your time on Marco Island, which is why I’ve decided to include another casual seafood joint on this list of the best restaurants in Marco Island.

Sunset Grille Marco Island boasts a beachfront location, a thatched roof bar, tasty seafood, and tropical drinks – all of the necessary elements for the best casual seafood eateries.

If you’d like to start with a drink, you’ll definitely want to sip on one of the specialty co*cktails, like the sunset grille mai tai, a day at the beach, or the tropical tea.

Those lovely drinks will keep you busy until your food comes out.

Will you choose to enjoy the fish & chips basket, the famous crab cake sandwich, the snow crab legs, or the grilled teriyaki salmon?

DaVinci Ristorante Italiano

Marco Walk Plaza, 599 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island

Arguably the most authentic Italian-inspired restaurant in the bevy of eateries owned by the Carvelli family which include Marco Prime, Snook Inn and The Oyster Society, DaVinci Marco Island feels straight from Italy.

This makes perfect sense given that their family immigrated to the United States from Mesoraca, Italy and brought the family recipes with them.

There’s something about that close connection that lends an old country feel to DaVinci that is experienced in their food.

The setting is comfy and contemporary.

As for the traditional Italian food at DaVinci Ristorante Italiano, the tortelloni di carne — though unlike any tortellini we’ve had before in Bologna — was delicious, and the Porcini Pizza was earthy and outstanding.

Savor a nice red from their extensive wine menu with your dinner or pizza for an excellent meal.

For dessert, you can choose between the traditional tiramisu or cannoli, but the coconut panna cotta was next level.

CJ’s on the Bay

Esplanade Shoppes at Marco Island, 740 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island

Snook Inn and CJ’s on the Bay have similar vibes with their casual waterfront locations and seafood-focused menus.

But while Snook Inn is on the northernmost tip of Marco Island, CJ’s on the Bay is more centrally located in the Esplanade Shoppes at Marco Island.

At CJ’s Marco Island, there are loads of seafood dishes that you can choose from.

Try the fresh local stone crab, the rum butter mahi mahi, or CJ’s signature crab cakes.

The Speakeasy

1106 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island

The term “speakeasy” comes from the Prohibition era, when alcohol was illegal in the United States.

Since people weren’t all that willing to give up alcohol, speakeasies – or establishments that illegally served alcohol – popped up all across the country.

If there’s one thing that you need to order at Marco Island’s The Speakeasy, it’s an alcoholic beverage, of course!

Luckily for you, there are loads of options to choose from, including beer, wine, and co*cktails.

There are even quite a few fun dessertinis for you to try, including the German chocolate cake, the berry white martini, and the peppermint patty.

And while the drinks at The Speakeasy are fabulous, the food is just as good and you won’t regret staying here for your meal.

Try the hogfish snapper, the chicken piccata, the prohibition burger, or the loaded Italian beef Chicago-style pizza.

Stilts Bar & Grill

Marriott’s Crystal Shores, 600 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island

Stilts Bar & Grill appeals to locals and visitors alike. The visitors know about it because it’s located in Marriott’s Crystal Shores.

And the locals know about it because news of their fantastic happy hour has spread far and fast.

Happy hour at Stilts Bar & Grill is every day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

During that time, you can sip on delicious co*cktails, snack on tasty appetizers, and watch the sunset dip below the horizon.

An OTR margarita and a plate of conch fritters sound perfect to me!

You can also peruse the entire menu and not limit yourself to just the items on the happy hour menu.

Try the amazing island coconut shrimp, bite into the Silts signature burger, or savor the grilled mahi mahi street tacos.

Fin Bistro

657 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island

So far on this list of the best restaurants in Marco Island, we’ve included a few casual seafood joints.

But Fin Bistro is one of the Marco Island seafood restaurants that fills the gap on style.

Fin Bistro Marco Island is committed to serving only the freshest seafood possible.

As a matter of fact, all of the seafood served at Fin Bistro is caught that morning!

That means when the fishermen take some time off each Sunday, Fin Bistro closes its doors too.

You can’t go wrong with any of the seafood dishes at Fin Bistro. The Caribbean spiny lobster, seared Florida black grouper, and coconut tempura shrimp are all fantastic options.

And while seafood is the highlight of this Marco Island eatery, the desserts are nothing short of amazing.

You should definitely order the white chocolate apple croissant bread pudding, the dark chocolate truffle cake, or the key lime flan.

Lee Be Fish Company

350 Royal Palm Dr, Marco Island

While Lee Be Fish Company may compete with Fin Bistro for the superlative of having the freshest fish in town, Fin Bistro serves seafood caught that day, whereas Lee Be Fish Company is first and foremost a fish market.

In other words, if it were any fresher here it would still be swimming.

In fact, the slogan at Lee Be Fish Company is “from hook to mouth” — further proof this is one of the most fun places to eat in Marco Island.

No matter what you order at this uber casual fish market eatery, you won’t be disappointed with Lee Be Fish.

Get the catch of the day basket, the shrimp tacos, the grouper sandwich, or the combo Marco Island style platter.

And if you’d like to pair your fresh fish with a cold beer, that’s not a bad idea either.

Stonewalls

551 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island

The family-owned restaurant known as Stonewalls is one of the only eateries in town that serves a scrumptious breakfast, lunch, and dinner – which is why it’s considered one of the best restaurants in Marco Island.

If you decide to wake up early and pop in for breakfast, you won’t be disappointed by the selection.

You can delight in the crab cake benny, the crunchy French toast, or the breakfast burrito.

If you’d prefer to visit for lunch, you can opt for a Philly cheesesteak, a meatball parm sandwich, or a Chicago dog.

There’s also a large selection of giant baked potatoes, including the southwest, the bacon spud, and the porky pig.

Finally, if dinner is your preferred meal of the day, Stonewalls offers loads of comfort foods. You can slurp down a bowl of chicken noodle soup, cut into a marvelous homemade meatloaf, and enjoy an awesome chicken pot pie with an enviable flaky crust.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy place for breakfast, upscale dining experience, or some of the best Italian food in southwest Florida, you’ll find it all at these 18 best restaurants on Marco Island!