Sweet Melissa's & Sweet Sanibel: Perfect together

There are several good restaurants on our beautiful little Island, and we have no problem suggesting places to dine.

Some are very casual. Some are a little dressy.  Some have unique food. Some have traditional servings.  

But what we love about Sweet Melissa's is that it can fit into all these categories, with a few more added.

Sweet Melissa's Cafe exudes warmth, compliments of its sedate atmosphere with wonderful Tuscan like colors, plenty of space around the tables  and impeccable service. Indoors, the open floor plan allows a peek into the exhibition kitchen as the chefs create their magic and are directed to fulfill Chef Melissa's visions. Fine linens and a cozy bar add to the experience, while soothing live acoustic jazz sets the mood on select evenings. Guests who prefer to dine al fresco will find the screened-in patio a delightful option.  In or out, the atmosphere is casual chic and very inviting.

 

Executive Chef Melissa Talmage challenges your taste buds to explore a creative menu with a wide array of different tastes, textures and eclectic ingredients. Named "Best Dining in Lee County" by Gulf Shore Life, the dinner menu offers entrees in full portions or "small plates" giving diners the ability to enjoy multiple dishes in one visit. This special approach to portion size alone sets off Sweet Melissa's from most of its competition.  And there is clearly ample competition on Sanibel with dozens of choices.

 

Sweet Melissa's menu consists of trend-setting fare including fettuccine and clams with fennel and Pernod (pear'-no, a flavorful liqueur similar to ouzo), crispy soft-shelled crab, bourbon-glazed pork belly and pan-seared duck breast. Don't miss the Fish Stew! Described as "exploding with goodness" by one reviewer, the dish features mahi-mahi or redfish combined with scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, chorizo and fennel, accented with a lemony saffron cream. This former specialty dish is now a regular item on the menu, in response to diner demand.

 

But don't take our word for it.

 

Look up the reviews of Sweet Melissa's on all the popular review websites and you will see for yourself the level of satisfaction diners who try this increasingly popular Sanibel restaurant are with their meals, the service and the atmosphere.