Modest Prices and Great Food Make These Sanibel/Captiva Restaurants Stand Out

There are dozens of places to eat on Sanibel, making choices difficult to make.

But if you are a family vacationing or a couple on a budget, the choices narrow down.

And if you want a high taste value with a low price tag, the options are even more limited.

But we are here and happy to tell you that mouth watering food is within your reach.

Take, for example, the new Doc Ford's located on Captiva is a nice complement to the Doc Ford's on Sanibel.  The same casual atmosphere and affordability can be found at  both, but the Captiva eatery has an entirely different menu with some very interesting options.

We were impressed that so many gluten free alternatives exist.  And we had an appetizer of a scrumptious black bean "dip"  that was truly large enough for three and substantial enough to qualify as an entrée. 

The location for the Captiva Doc Ford's at South Seas Plantation was a good choice.  The off the beaten path location gives the big front deck, cooled by overhead fans, a nice island-y feel.  The interior is simple but comfortable.  And this is definitely a spot where one can walk away with both a full stomach and full wallet.  A great place for couples, friends, and families.

On the far east end of Sanibel, a very nice option for breakfast can be found at the Lighthouse Café.  It is a calm place with a cool price, translated most affordable.  Eggs in a wide variety of styles dominate the menu and the hot cakes are delicious as well.   A red sauce frittata and two sea food frittatas are among the unique offerings in this family friendly, budget friendly café.  Lunch is also available, but breakfast has a very wide window with the service beginning at 7 a.m. and lasting until 3 p.m.  A great stop for before or after the beach.

Mid Island The Island Cow also offers a mind boggling breakfast menu with a very reasonable price tag.  But both lunch and dinner can be found at the Island Cow, and it is a favorite of families traveling with hungry kids.  Housed in a cute and colorful cottage, Island Cow offers both indoor and outdoor dining.    

Please let us know if you have a favorite restaurant on Sanibel or Captiva that is both easy on the belly and the pocketbook!