On the Water - Restaurant Reviews
One of the great opportunities in Southwest Florida is exploring the area by boat. There are so many nooks and cranny’s with islands of mangroves, barrier islands, harbors, bays, canals and rivers. It’s challenging because of the shallow waters and precarious weather including wind, rain and lightning. But it is so rewarding. The beauty of these waterways with local and migratory birds and abundant sea life is amazing.
One of the challenges to boat travel are sanitary facilities and eating establishments. When I began boating here, I found it a bit of a research effort to find places I could dock, use the facilities and eat a good meal.
Here are the reviews of many of the restaurants accessible by boat in and around Southwest Florida. Nearly 40 boat accessible restaurants are available to you between Marco Island and Sarasota. On the islands or on the mainland, they are hidden away in coves, harbors, and rivers. There is much to enjoy. Click the Map button below to see a list.
Top Contenders
The Pink Elephant
This is an upscale restaurant on Boca Grande accessible by boat with seating indoors and out of doors. Make sure you dock in the prescribed Pink Elephant slips which are clearly marked. Restaurant opens at 11:30am. If you arrive early, pick your seat and sit down. Wait staff will welcome you when they open. Tables are neat and clean. Wait staff is top notch. Nicholas was outstanding. The attention to detail was quite nice. Pink elephants were found everywhere including little plastic elephants in the cocktails. The food was really excellent, shrimp and sausage on flatbread - delicious. Fish tacos were excellent as well. I suspect everything will be great. Can't wait to visit again.
Had a chance to once again visit the Pink Elephant... just to see if our first visit was a fluke, could they impress us again? They did not disappoint! Doyd, our incredible server, was phenomenal! With good humor, great care and attention, he delivered outstanding service, wonderful food and drink and gave all of us a time to remember. It is not a fluke. Lest I forget, the smokey Old Fashioned? Best I ever had. Thank you Doyd!
The Riviera
This restaurant is outstanding! Service was spot on, Heidi was spectacular. The grouper rueben was heavy on the grouper and delicious. The view from the picnic tables was outstanding. Calm and peaceful but every once in a while, a special boat goes by as you eat. Will go back very very soon.
Mango's
This is truly a hidden gem. Opens at 11:30am for lunch. You'll find this place hidden away in Safety Harbor on the north of North Captiva in Safety Harbor. Be careful when entering as the waters are shallow in the center of the harbor. Their rumrunner is a great refreshing cocktail. Tuna appetizer is yum. Grouper sandwich is outstanding. Fries are awesome and so are the onion rings. Heather will take good care of you. Note that a gratuity is added to every bill automatically.