Restaurants are everywhere and you can enjoy friendly and attentive service while enjoying a spectacular sunset or simply enjoying the warmth of Florida's weather. It is not expensive eating out here, but if you are prepared to pay a little more, there are some excellent restaurants in the area, particularly in Port Charlotte and Boca Grande.

An amazing amount and variety of seafood is harvested from Gulf Coast waters each day, this appears fresh in restaurants throughout the region. You can find fresh crab, shrimp, oysters, scallops, and fish simply prepared at beachside cafés or elegantly presented in local restaurants. The Gulf-Coast is home to small town seafood shacks, these are also worth trying. They serve cheese grits, coleslaw, deep fried mullet and hush puppies. Some restaurants in resort areas may change their hours or even close in the winther months, so it is worth checking first to avoid disappointment.

Fishermen's Village in Southwest Florida, located on the water in Punta Gorda is a gourmet's heaven. There is a wide selection of elegant restaurants including Italian dining, fine dining and fresh seafood all with plenty of choice to tempt you.

If you enjoy waterfront dining, then visit the Fishery Restaurant, in Placida, located on the mainland near the Boca Grande Causeway in the old fishing village. Taste the best seafood and steaks in the area whilst relaxing and watching the dolphins, manatees, pelicans and other wildlife.