FLORIDA FEATURE ARTICLES : GULF COAST

Taste of the Gulf

Enjoy the taste of the Florida Gulf this spring with a mouthwatering variety of top-rated restaurants featuring seafood straight from the gulf. From the beautiful beaches of Anna Maria Island to the posh Naples area, Florida’s Gulf Coast features amazing destinations with their own unique flavor. Whether showcasing internationally inspired tastes, one of a kind décor or famous chefs, each restaurant on Florida’s Gulf Coast has its own distinctive qualities that combine to make an extraordinary dining experience.

The award-winning Columbia Restaurant is Sarasota’s oldest restaurant, blending rich tradition with ever changing flavor. Having been inducted into Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Hall of Fame in 2005, this superb seafood restaurant has been named one of the magazine’s top Florida restaurants annually since 1967.

Enjoy fresh seafood with a Spanish/Cuban twist as Columbia Restaurant features unique entrees such as their famed Red Snapper “Alicante,” which showcases authentic Spanish flavor. 

If you’re looking for Southwest Florida’s seafood specialist, the Prawnbroker in Fort Myers is your destination. Voted one of Florida Trend’s top 100 restaurants, the Prawnbroker mixes a casual dining attitude with a serious seafood selection. The chef’s specials change daily, but include Big Kahuna Mahi, encrusted with coconut, cashews and macadamia nuts and topped with pineapple plum sauce. This restaurant completes a trip to the stunning Ft. Myers beaches.

For a romantic dinner, the Mad Hatter in Sanibel offers a cozy, private dining atmosphere, featuring a perfect sunset view at each table. Pure charm describes this restaurant from their attractive décor to their unforgettably friendly staff. The menu features an always changing selection of distinctive dishes such as the jumbo shrimp Wellington, which is a unique twist on the classic beef dish. This top-rated beachfront restaurant is a must when experiencing the Gulf’s beautiful Sanibel.

At Naples’ premier restaurant, Bayside Seafood Grill and Bar, the spectacular view of the Venetian Bay enhances the Gulf flavor of their diverse seafood dishes. Recognized as one of Florida’s finest restaurants, this seafood haven adds a fresh flavor to Naples’ ambiance. Whether you go to enjoy the fresh, fired-on-the-grill fish or the amazing musical talents featured at the Bar, Bayside Seafood Grill and Bar ensures a good time.

For a true taste of Naples, visit the reasonably-priced Dock at Crayton Cove, located on the beautiful waterfront overlooking Naples Bay. This open-air restaurant has been a Naples tradition since 1976 and features the freshest seafood in the most creative ways. Fresh Gulf seafood is prepared with a fusion of Caribbean and Latin styles, including their banana-macadamia nut crusted Grouper. One of Naples’ laid-back favorites, The Dock at Crayton Cove combines the taste of the Gulf, such as its raw bar, with its atmosphere, as diners enjoy the perfect view of the boats on Naples Bay.

Dine at Bonita Springs’ Roy’s Restaurant for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience, featuring nationally renowned Master Chef Roy’s famed Hawaiian fusion cuisine. Roy’s Restaurant specializes in seafood, using the fresh local ingredients that Florida’s Gulf has to offer and blending it with unique European sauces and Asian spices. A local favorite, this esteemed Bonita Springs restaurant showcases an exhibition kitchen and premier wine cellar.

With so many different ways to offer a unique seafood dining experience, Florida’s Gulf Coast brings a taste that will never grow stale. Experience the ambiance and flavor that can only be found in this unforgettable region featuring beautiful beaches, rich culture, and endless vacation opportunities.





Photo: Visit Florida
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© Travel Tidings Florida 2006 All Rights reserved - Travel Tidings Florida is a free Florida (FL) travel guide about Florida tourism and vacations with travel feature articles on Florida destinations such as the restraurants of the Gulf Coast, Florida.