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When most people think of Marco Island, they think of luxury. From the luxury hotels, beautiful marinas, and impeccably maintained golf courses to the kind of white sandy beaches you see in your dreams.
However, one thing that might fly under the radar is their well-developed restaurant scene. Whatever experience you’re looking for as a diner, it is highly likely that Marco has everything you need because the plethora of restaurants can accommodate different tastes.
Elegant dining? Check. Casual? Check. A place where you get fish fresh from the ocean on that same day? Check. If you visit the island, here are our best recommendations of the restaurants you need to check out.
Marco Prime Steak & Seafood Restaurant
Marco Prime Steak & Seafood restaurant is a locally owned classic-style steakhouse that is a perfect spot for celebrations and fun times with friends. They manage to maintain that well-known staple American steakhouse vibe while also adding a touch of sophistication.
The owners pulled out all the stops when crafting this fine dining experience. First, there are fountains at the entrance with little benches.
I like the sound that the water makes splashing back into the pool, so I took some time to sit here and enjoy it. The ambiance was perfect for the surprise dinner I had planned for my good friend.
The flavorful fried seafood made lovely appetizers. I had the admittedly expensive wagyu steak for the main course while my friend tried the red snapper. Even though it is a very pricey restaurant, you will get every penny’s worth in your dining experience.
The Oyster Society
The Oyster Society is a high-end seafood restaurant and raw bar. Its interior styling is more on the side of mid-century modern, and the ambiance will have you questioning just how expensive the restaurant you’re in is.
Only one element takes away from its high-end styling, elegant table placemats, and chic lighting. That element is the TV screens mounted by the bar constantly showing live sports games.
I believe this was intentional so that the restaurant attracts a more casual and perhaps younger clientele.
Speaking of the bar, my partner and I came to the oyster society specifically to take advantage of the happy hour menu. We ordered & split the baked oyster trio and a few mini lobster rolls between us.
Arturo’s Bistro
High-end bistros with service and menu execution worthy of the name are a dime a dozen. Arturo’s Bistro is one such place, and it just oozes class!
The decor is very toned down, emphasizing warm tones, reflected in the light temperature, wall colors, and the staining on the furniture.
They have an extensive selection of wines proudly displayed at the bar section. I had a slight case of analysis paralysis when trying to decide which wine to pair with my perfectly seasoned lamb chops.
Thankfully, Aaron, my server at the time, was very knowledgeable and helped me make the right choice.
Zaza’s Kitchen
Zaza’s Kitchen is a specialist in super delicious Mexican food. The tacos were so crispy, with various meat-based and vegetarian fillings available for diners. However, my favorite dish was the steak fajitas, which would be my immediate recommendation for anyone going to Zaza’s.
The restaurant is tucked away in a strip mall along bald eagle drive, and if you’re not careful, you might miss the place.
Aside from food, the decor is basic with regular hardwood chairs and tables, nothing to wow the senses. However, the owner is typically on standby to ensure that all diners have their needs met.
There is a theme based on masks that permeate throughout the restaurant. They have cool nacho libre-style masks lining the walls and beautiful artwork on the big restaurant windows.
Summer Day Market & Cafe
You can think of Summer Day cafe as a large grocery store with an annex or outpost serving food. The market section is more prominent and is the part you would probably see at first glance. Thankfully, the cafe’s outside seating gives it away.
I wasn’t feeling too hungry during my visit, so I opted for some fruit juice to pair well with my acai bowl.
However, I would recommend the chicken wraps or the Waldorf chicken salad for anyone looking to get into the menu there. They greatly emphasize vegetarian and gluten-free options to promote healthy eating.
These considerations are not something you see very much, even in large, high-end joints. They can go neglected, so this menu was a big plus for Summer Day Cafe.
The outside seating is very gentle and ideal for groups. But if you intend to go during the weekend, keep in mind that they do not open on Sundays.
The Boulevard
The Boulevard is one of the pricier options on this list, but after dining, you will understand why. It felt like we received first-class service just because of the staff’s level of attention.
Chef Edgar also took a moment to pass by a few tables and make entree recommendations. The owner was also on-site and made sure to check in with people at every table, thanking them for their patronage.
Now, onto the food! My flatbread order got paired with delightfully fresh vegetables. I also had a gluten-free pasta and a side order of sausage and peppers.
My partner had the Salmon Azul with mashed potatoes and asparagus, which I knew was delicious because I kept stealing from her plate.
The Lakeside Eatery
The Lakeside Eatery offers a lunch menu with multiple options for dining in takeout or having deliveries sent to you.
But if you’re planning a visit, you need to be wary of their somewhat odd opening hours. They only open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. Sorry, no weekend hangouts with the squad!
However, the eatery certainly nails the trendy part. The packaging is meticulous and well-done, making the process of unwrapping your food feel like Christmas morning. It’s all super gorgeous to look at and ideal for the gram.
Their slogan is “Trendy food with a healthy twist,” and I opted for a turkey croissant off their menu which undoubtedly hit the spot! My friend opted for their super green power bow with a side of hummus. Both meals were well-prepared and delicious—no complaints from us.
Stilts Bar and Grill
I would say that Stilts Bar & Grill gets its name from the elevated nature of the dining area. The one thing everyone raves about after going here is the spectacular views that the seating offers you.
They have an elevated beachfront sitting with a total capacity of around 80, which gives a front-row seat to the stunning sunset views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Please make time to visit this Marco Island restaurant instead of getting takeout because the combination of food and views is worth the money!
I combined my crab cakes with key lime pie for dessert, and I think I left this joint a few pounds heavier than I was when walking in because the portion is sizable.
Stilts Bar & Grill is right off of Collier Boulevard and opens from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays. They have the same operating hours for weekends but open slightly earlier at 8 a.m.
The SpeakEasy Marco Island
The adherence to the prohibition era theme is evident in this restaurant’s name. Sitting on the waterfront, The SpeakEasy has a stunning interior with great little details like monogrammed glasses and iconic neon signs above the bar.
I would highly recommend that people new to this place grab some seats outside because the view is very much worth it.
They have large canopies so your group can stay comfortable regardless of the sun’s position. My Reuben sandwich burst with flavor, and I opted for a simple soda to wash down the meal.
Snook Inn
Ask anybody on Marco Island about Snook Inn, and they probably know this iconic landmark. It should be their first stop for people new to the island as they experiment with authentic local cuisine. The joint’s delicious meals are the reason they’ve been in business for thirty years!
My party enjoyed the evening live band as we downed Snook Inn’s legendary stuffed oysters. I would also recommend the tuna nachos and crispy calamari for seafood lovers.
The prices are more than fair, and we were glad that the serving sizes were quite generous. The Snook Inn is open every day from 11 a.m to midnight.
Sunset Grille
Take a trip to the Sunset Grille for picturesque Florida sunsets while enjoying the local Florida cuisines they are known to make. Part of the menu includes vegetarian and vegan options, which you can enjoy while watching live sporting action on TV.
I was pleased by the speed of service because my order of stuffed shrimp appetizer came quickly.
My friend had a succulent steak sandwich, and they prepared the meals very well. Perhaps as an extra precaution, check the weather ahead to ensure the best possible sunset experience.
LeeBe Fish
As the name suggests, Leebe Fish specializes in grilled & fried fish plus seafood. Also, they serve tacos, burritos, and a variety of drinks to match. You can get both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
I ordered a snapper taco with a side of rice and beans, and I must say, the seasonings really make the fish’s flavors pop. In the end, it left my friends trying very hard to figure out how we could replicate these recipes at home. That was such a savory, 10 out of 10 experience.
Located on Royal Palm Drive, the restaurant’s exterior is charming and styled to look like a brightly-colored seaside summer house.
LeeBee is in a neighborhood with several shops having the same cute exterior, but this doesn’t feel like a regular old strip mall.
Capri Fish House
Right on the border of South Naples and Marco Island is Capri Fish House, a casual restaurant offering regional and American seafood styles.
The decor is very brightly colored, playful, or even whimsical and has repurposed multiple island elements like shells, taxidermied fish, and dried-out coral beds giving the place a unique feel.
Regular sailors and watersport fans know how easy it is to build up an appetite while at sea. Thankfully this Marco Island restaurant is right on the water; you can pull right up from your kayak.
My ice-cold tequila sunrise cocktail provided some much-needed relief from the hot afternoon sun. I decided to split the coconut shrimp entree with my kayaking buddy, and it comes with a deliciously magical island-style dipping sauce.
There is a daily happy hour that runs from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m, so plan your visit at this time.
Book Your Marco Island Visit
I recommend a visit to Marco Island at least once in your lifetime. With our exciting list of all the best restaurants in the area, the only thing left for you to do is book a stay at a local vacation rental property and head on over for a lovely, unforgettable trip.
