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Sanibel, Florida, is a tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches, quaint shops, and laid-back atmosphere. But many visitors and locals alike also appreciate the island’s fantastic breakfast scene. From cozy cafes to bustling bakeries, Sanibel offers a range of delightful breakfast options that will start your day right. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best breakfast restaurants on the island and highlight their must-try menu items.
Whether you’re looking to try a new spot or revisit an old favorite, you’ll find everything from traditional breakfast, to seafood Benedicts, to brunch favorites on this list. Enjoy!
Best Breakfast Spots in Sanibel
1. Over Easy Café
Location: 630 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957
Over Easy Cafe is a beloved local favorite, known for its friendly service and homey atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of Sanibel, this café offers a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. And it serves all-day breakfast!
Must-Try Items:
- Sanibel Shrimp Benedict: This dish combines grilled shrimp with two poached eggs, served on an English muffin and topped with homemade sausage gravy.
- Stuffed French Toast: Thick slices of French toast layered with a sweet cream cheese filling and topped with your choice from a selection of fruits.
- Sanibel Scramble: This hearty scramble features eggs, sauteed peppers, onions, tomatoes, and ham topped with cheddar jack cheese and served on a toasted English muffin.
2. Lighthouse Café of Sanibel
Location: 1020 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Lighthouse Cafe proudly claims to serve the “world’s best breakfast,” and many would agree. This charming café offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with classic breakfast dishes.
Must-Try Items:
- Lighthouse Special: A filling breakfast platter with two eggs of any style, bacon or sausage, home fries, and toast.
- Blueberry Whole Wheat Hot Cakes: Filled with blueberries, these hot cakes are topped with warm blueberry sauce and earned 12th place on the “100 Top Comfort Foods in America” by Country Living Magazine.
- Ocean Frittata: This delicious frittata features seasoned shrimp, scallops, and krabmeat sauteed with broccoli and fresh mushrooms and topped with alfredo sauce and an artichoke heart.
3. Jerry’s Foods and Café
Location: 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Located inside Jerry’s Foods, this café offers a convenient and delicious breakfast option. It’s a great spot to enjoy a morning meal with a wide array of choices and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Must-Try Items:
- Breakfast Burrito: A large flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, sausage, green pepper and onions, and avocado, served with salsa and sour cream.
- Avocado Toast: Fresh avocado spread on toasted whole-grain bread, topped with a poached egg, olive oil, sea salt, and crumbled bacon.
4. Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant
Location: 362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
While this is a newcomer restaurant, having opened after the tragic events of 2022, it has become one of the best places for breakfast. It was created by those who ran two beloved institutions (Island Cow and Mad Hatter). While you’ll never have a bad meal here, they offer the best breakfast on the island.
Must-Try Items:
- Chunky Monkey: A waffle topped with Nutella, bananas, and chocolate chips, topped with whipped cream.
- Avocado Toasty: A whole-wheat toast topped with an avocado spread, tomatoes, eggs your way, and goat cheese.
- Figgy Omellette: An omelet made with bacon, fig and bourbon compote, scallions, and goat cheese. Served with your choice of toast, homestyle potatoes, and fresh fruit.
5. The Sanibel Cafe
Location: 2007 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
It’s a hidden gem on the island, even though it’s been around for 40 years. Visitors love the fossilized sea shell table tops. With breakfast served from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., no matter if you’re an early riser or a late sleeper, you can enjoy breakfast!
Must-Try Items:
- The Original Islander: Return to the island’s roots with sauteed gator, two eggs, hashbrowns, and toast.
- Sanibel Omelet: The perfect combination of sauteed shrimp, herbs, onions, and Havarti cheese, served with hashbrowns and toast.
- Piña Colada French Toast: Try this sweet coconut French toast with a pineapple orange sauce.
Temporarily Closed Best Breakfast Spots in Sanibel
Many island favorites were devastated by Hurricane Ian, which hit the southwest Florida coast in September 2022. We look forward to welcoming them back:
6. The Island Cow
Location: 2163 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
The Island Cow is more than just a breakfast spot; it’s an experience. Its vibrant décor, live music, and spacious outdoor seating make it a great place to relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
Must-Try Items:
- Crabby Patty Benedict: This is a unique twist on Eggs Benedict, featuring crab cakes, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.
- Pancake Flight: A trio of pancakes in different flavors, such as blueberry, chocolate chip, and traditional buttermilk.
- Breakfast Tacos are soft tortillas filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, avocado, and salsa, served with a side of black beans.
7. Blue Giraffe Island Dining
Location: 2075 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Blue Giraffe Restaurant offers a relaxed, tropical ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating. Their breakfast menu is extensive, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Must-Try Items:
- Blue Giraffe Omelette: This customizable omelet can be filled with various ingredients, including fresh vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
- Coconut French Toast: French toast encrusted with shredded coconut and served with tropical fruit.
- Island Skillet: A hearty skillet with potatoes, eggs, peppers, onions, and your choice of sausage, bacon, or ham.
Final Thoughts on Best Breakfast in Sanibel
Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you’ll want to scope out the best spots to enjoy it on Sanibel Island. There are so many fantastic options!
Sanibel, Florida, is a haven for beach lovers and a paradise for breakfast enthusiasts. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic American breakfast, a tropical twist, or a Southern comfort meal, the island’s diverse breakfast spots have something to satisfy every palate. From Over Easy Café’s cozy ambiance to The Island Cow’s vibrant atmosphere, each location offers a unique dining experience that’s sure to make your morning special.
So, next time you find yourself in Sanibel, explore these breakfast spots and indulge in their delicious offerings. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these eateries promise a memorable start to your day. Bon appétit!
Check out these related posts:
- Best Things to Do in Sanibel (other than beaches)
- Best, Closest, and Cheapest Airports to Bonita Springs
- Best Things to Do in Bonita Springs
Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.