15 Best Restaurants In Marco Island You Should Try

Are you looking for the best restaurants in Marco Island? You’ve come to the right place!

The largest of 10,000 Islands, mangrove-lined estuaries lie just south of Naples, Florida. Marco Island’s beaches and surrounding sandbars offer some of the best shelling in the world.

Perfect for a spot of fishing, you can reel in snook, tarpon, and trout. Many restaurants in Marco Island will happily prepare any fish you catch, leaving you to just sit back and enjoy the sunset!

Marco Island is home to many landmark restaurants that locals have patronized for years. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, a beach bar, an island cottage breakfast spot, or authentic Italian or Japanese cuisine, the best restaurants in Marco Island have it. Let’s dig in!

15 Best Restaurants In Marco Island You Should Try

Snook Inn

When looking for restaurants in Marco Island, why not visit the area’s most famous landmark, the Snook Inn. Here you’ll find the perfect place to experience authentic island cuisine. Whether you’re there for lunch or dinner, you’re in for a treat.

Serving the Marco Island community for over 30 years, the Snook Inn is an area mainstay. You’ll never have to worry about the heat or rain with waterside dining and a covered patio! You can even enjoy live music every evening while catching the Marco Island sunset.

Get your Island Time on with snacks like Crispy Calamari, Ahi Tuna Nachos, or the famous Snooks’ Stuffed Oysters. For entrees, you’ll love the Pecan Entrusted Snapper served with mashed potatoes, asparagus, and a delicious butterscotch cream sauce!

Find the Snook Inn on 1215 Bald Eagle Drive open every day from 11 AM – 12 PM.

DaVinci’s

One of the best restaurants in Marco Island serving up classic authentic Italian cuisine can be found courtesy of the Carvelli family! You’ll feel right at home while dining on the signature dishes of DaVinci’s Ristorante.

Brothers Luigi, Sal, and Francesco teamed up with their cousins Adamo and Francesco to recreate the atmosphere they love and remember from their childhoods in Mesoraca, Italy. Since 1996, they have been recognized as one of the area’s finest dining experiences.

Demanding only the freshest ingredients for every recipe, you’ll love the Gnocchi DaVinci with their house tomato basil sauce topped with fresh burrata. Or try the Zuppa Di Pesce with white shrimp, mussels, Florida middleneck clams, calamari, and a light marinara sauce served with either crostini or linguine!

Find the DaVinci’s in the Marco Walk Plaza on 599 S Collier Blvd, open every day from 4:30 PM – 2 AM.

Oyster Society

Another one of the restaurants in Marco Island founded by the Carvelli family, the Oyster Society brings to life seafood in an elevated atmosphere. Themed after F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, you’ll be transported by lively music, decor, and delicious food.

Leonard Beck once said, “To Eat an Oyster is to kiss the sea on the lips.” At the Oyster Society, the kitchen takes this sentiment very seriously. There’s even a raw bar to taste the freshest fish Florida’s oceans provide! Try the Chef’s Dozen where you’ll taste four different oyster varieties with daily unique sauces.

Other seafood delights include the Truffle-scented Tuna Tartare with crispy shallots, chives, cucumber, and shaved truffles. If you’re missing the land, you can even get the 16 oz house-cut Prime NY Strip Steak served with boursin mashed potatoes, broccolini, black garlic aioli, roasted cipollini puree, and a sherry peppercorn sauce.

You can find the Oyster Society in the Marco Walk Plaza on 599 S Collier Blvd, open on Sunday through Thursday from 4:30 PM – 10 PM and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM.

Sunset Grille

On beautiful South Beach, you’ll find one of the best restaurants in Marco Island. Channeling the Caribbean through a quaint beach bar, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and like it’s name suggests, the unbeatable Florida sunsets.

Accessible from the beach, the Sunset Grille serves local Florida cuisine as an American sports bar. You’ll also find seafood, but don’t worry, they also offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly options!

Sunset Grille offers a variety of food including wings, burgers, seafood, soups and salads, sashimi, and naan! Local favorites include the Snow Crab legs steamed with house seasonings and served with drawn butter. Don’t forget their famous Crab Cake Sandwich served on an Amoroso kaiser roll!

Find the Sunset Grill on 900 S Collier Blvd, open every day from 11 AM – 10 PM. Happy Hour lasts from 2 PM – 5 PM every day.

Ario

When you’re on vacation, it can be difficult to find a great place to eat because you’re unfamiliar with the area. In this case, you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your hotel! One of the best restaurants in Marco Island is simply a walk away from your room!

Found in the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Ario provides everything you could possibly need. A choice eatery, they offer steaks, chops, and other familiar American fares in a contemporary setting. They’ve even been ranked as a 2019 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Restaurant in America!

The food at Ario is globally inspired and locally sourced. You can sit either indoors or outdoors to try their signature 35-day, dry-aged steak. Or sample the freshly-caught seafood paired with an artisanal cocktail or a glass of fine wine.

Find Ario inside the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort at 400 S Collier Blvd, open every day from 6 PM – 10 PM. Dress code is resort casual.

Fin Bistro

At Fin Bistro, you’ll be dining at the area’s premiere seafood destination. One of the best restaurants on Marco Island, you’ll be dining in a clean, vibrant and relaxed island oasis! Your experience will be enhanced by the finest service in any restaurant in town.

Fin Bistro specializes in the preparation of fresh and local regional finfish and shellfish. Produce, meats, cheeses, and even dairy are procured from local farmers. The freshest catches are butchered and cooked in-house every day. They’re even closed on Sundays because they cannot import fresh fish that day!

Try the Umami Kobe Sliders made with Vermont sharp cheddar, bistro bread, butter pickles, and a garlic aioli. You can’t go wrong with the Cedar Key Clams steamed in Pino Grigio with tomato, fennel, roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and grilled garlic croutons.

Find Fin Bistro on 657 S Collier Blvd, open on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5 PM – 9 PM.

Ciao Bella

Mangia Bene! Discover one of the best Italian restaurants in Marco Island at Ciao Bella! This restaurant has mastered the art of combining Old World Italian recipes with the tastes of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

With the freshest local seafood and produce, you will embark on a culinary adventure full of unique and amazing flavors! Compliment your meal with a glass from Ciao Bella’s hand-selected wine collection, and make sure to leave room for homemade Italian desserts.

Try the Snapper Francaise dipped in egg and sautéed with lemon, butter, and white wine. Or feast on the Chicken Milano sautéed with Portabello and button mushrooms with sun-dried tomatoes in a garlic light cream sauce.

Find Ciao Bella in Heritage Square at 1000 N Collier Blvd, open every day from 5 PM – 10 PM.

Red Rooster

In a bright, open space in the Shops of Marco, you can find some of the best food in Marco Island. Serving up breakfast and lunch every day, you’ll always be surprised by the ever-changing, delicious daily specials.

For breakfast, you can get your classics like eggs, pancakes, omelettes, and Belgian waffles. But don’t overlook specialties like the jumbo scrambles and skillets. Try the Big Daddy Scramble that has sausage, bacon, tomatoes, and cheddar.

Lunch starts at 11:30 AM and you can find American staples like sandwiches, salads, wraps, and burgers. Local favorites include the Rooster Burger and the Chicken Milanese platter with arugula, cucumber, tomato, and lemon vinaigrette!

You can find Red Rooster in the Shops of Marco on 1821 San Marco Road, open every day from 7 AM – 2 PM.

Sale E Pepe

You can experience picturesque ocean views of the Gulf of Mexico and experience gourmet cuisine without stepping foot outside of your resort. You can find one of the best restaurants in Marco Island just inside the Marco Beach Ocean Resort.

Sale e Pepe presents authentic Italian food in a beautiful beachfront setting. Whether you’re looking for an everyday dining experience or somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, this restaurant fits the bill. Inside an intimate dining room with marble floors and hand-painted frescoes, you’ll find a relaxed, yet sophisticated atmosphere.

Start with a classic Caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes, burrata, and pesto. Then move on to the Tagliatelle con Funghi Porcini with braised Italian sausage and wild mushrooms. Or if you want a taste of the Gulf, try the Guazzetto di Pesce, a hearty Italian fish stew served with roasted garlic bruschetta.

Find Sale E Pepe in the Marco Beach Ocean Resort on 480 S Collier Blvd, open every day from 5 PM – 9 PM. Happy Hour lasts from 4:30 PM – 6 PM.

CJ’s on the Bay

If you’ve visited the area, you’ve probably already heard of CJ’s on the Bay. One of the best restaurants in Marco Island, it’s the talk of the town and a hidden gem.

CJ’s features spectacular waterfront dining overlooking the beautiful Smokehouse Bay. Whether you’re a local or on vacation, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty and ambiance of picturesque Southwest Florida!

At the bar, you can find daily drink specials! For example, on Mondays you can enjoy CJ’s Margarita for only $6.50! On Fridays, choose between $6.50 Pina Coladas and Daiquiris, $1 Floaters, or $8.50 Moscow Mules.

Don’t forget about the food, though! You can always start with Oysters on the Half Shell, always freshly shucked. If you’re a fisherman and you’ve got a great catch but don’t want to cook it? Don’t worry, CJ’s is more than happy to proudly prepare your catch, although advance notice is required.

Find CJ’s on the Bay in the Esplanade Shoppes at Marco Island on 740 N Collier Blvd, open every day from 11 AM – 10 PM. Happy Hour lasts from 4 PM – 7 PM daily.

Nacho Mama’s

Nacho Mama’s is “nacho” average Tex-Mex restaurant! It is one of the best restaurants in Marco Island coming from the creative team that opened another area favorite, the Crazy Flamingo.

What started as 50 seats in a small establishment quickly grew to 190 seats with a cozy outdoor patio. The now full liquor bar features 20 different tequilas, 6 beers on draft and 30 bottled varieties, and 8 different wines by the glass. Don’t forget one of the best margaritas in Southwest Florida.

You can’t go wrong ordering the Stuffed Rellenos made with poblano peppers stuffed with chicken or beef, cheese, and rice with a red pepper cream sauce and served with rice & beans. You can also get tacos stuffed with beef, chicken, pork, shrimp & scallops, white fish, or carne asada!

Find Nacho Mamas in the Marco Walk Plaza on 599 S Collier Blvd, open on Sunday through Thursday from 11 AM – 10 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM – 11 PM. Happy Hour lasts from 3 PM – 5 PM daily.

Cocomo’s

Everybody wants a taste of that sweet Florida island life. One of the best restaurants in Marco Island can give you exactly that! At Cocomo’s you can taste everything Florida’s Gulf Coast has to offer and more.

Cocomo’s is a laid-back island-themed eatery offering a varied menu from steaks to tuna tacos to falafel. No matter what kind of food you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here! But don’t forget that Cocomo’s is “Home of the Hogfish!”

Here, you’ll be able to sample the best of Marco Island’s cuisine. You can try everything including steaks, seafood, pasta, salads, sandwiches, falafel and hummus, chicken lettuce wraps, grouper and don’t forget about their house specialty, Seared Ahi Tuna Nachos! You can’t go wrong with the yellowtail and tempura fried whole Hog Fish.

Find Cocomo’s on 945 N Collier Blvd, open on Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM, and Saturday from 5 PM – 9:30 PM.

Joey’s Pizza & Pasta House

When you’re looking for the best pizza in Marco Island, you don’t need to look any further than Joey’s Pizza and Pasta House! Often imitated, but never duplicated, Joey’s Pizza and Pasta House will be your one stop shop for fast and always tasty Italian food.

Joey’s has been owned and operated by the same family since 1997. Their focus has always been to bring quality Italian Cuisine and great service to every single guest they welcome. All of their dishes are made from the finest and freshest ingredients and homemade family recipes!

In addition to pizza, stromboli, and calzone, you can try a variety of other Italian favorites! You can get appetizers like Bruschetta Bread, Mussels Marina, and Garlic Knots. If you’re not in the mood for pizza, you can get a Meatball Sub, Eggplant or Chicken Parmesan, or even a Philly Cheesesteak!

Find Joey’s Pizza and Pasta House at 257 N Collier Blvd, open every day from 11 AM – 10 PM!

Thai Sushi by KJ

When you’re tired of American fare, it might be time for a change of pace. Why not go to one of the best restaurants in Marco Island specializing in Thai and Japanese food? Thai Sushi by KJ will whet your palate in the tastiest way possible!

Thai Sushi by KJ serves both traditional and contemporary eastern cuisines. Their sushi bar is legendary for featuring the freshest and most varied selections to be found anywhere. Make sure to watch the sushi chef for his delightful showmanship!

Try the Chicken Satay with coconut milk, yellow curry, and peanut sauce. Or head to Japan and and some Edamame to start! Then fill up on sushi, Teriyaki with any meat you’d like, or try a Thai platter with your protein of choice, jasmine rice and whatever sauce you like whether it be Sweet and Sour, Peanut, or Ginger!

Find Thai Sushi by KJ on 317 N Collier Blvd, open every day from 12 PM – 10 PM.

Maia

When you’re looking for the best breakfast in Marco Island, you don’t even need to leave your hotel! You can get the best breakfast and brunch from the comfort of the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort!

Maia was born out of the belief that breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day. Embracing the cottagecore vibe, Maia is warm, welcoming, and devoted to providing a sunny start to your day on Marco Island. Once you step inside, you’ll feel like you’re inside an island cottage!

If you’re looking for a light breakfast, you have your choice of yogurts, parfaits, and chia seed breakfast bowls! To indulge, get the Nutella French Toast, Buttermilk Pancakes, or Belgian Waffle. For a Florida-spin on a classic, try the Florida Lobster Benedict!

Find Maia in the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort on 400 S Collier Blvd, open from 7 AM – 11:30 AM.