Taste of Paradise: North Captiva's Dining Scene
North Captiva Island, nestled along Florida's Gulf Coast, stands as a secluded paradise, blending natural beauty with unique dining experiences. Accessible only by boat or small plane, this island offers a tranquil escape from the daily grind. In this blog post, we'll delve into the culinary offerings on North Captiva Island and highlight dining destinations within boating distance, showcasing a variety of options to satisfy every palate.
The Restaurants of North Captiva Island
Explore some of the island's most beloved eateries:
Mango's Cafe and Grill
Mango's Cafe, situated poolside at the Island Club of North Captiva, provides a laid-back atmosphere and a casual dining experience. Open to both club members and non-members, Mango's serves as the perfect spot for enjoying a meal or a drink while the kids splash in the pool. The cafe also features a small market for essentials and a counter offering ice cream and coffee.
2. Over The Waterfront (OTW)
Located in the Safety Harbor Club but open to both members and non-members (with reservations), OTW presents an upscale dining experience. With a menu that changes seasonally to include the freshest ingredients, meals are crafted by a highly skilled chef. OTW is BYOB, happily uncorking your selections without a corkage fee. It's a culinary highlight for those visiting North Captiva.
Over The Waterfront, North Captiva Island
3. Mainstays
Mainstays is an island favorite currently gearing up to welcome guests once again. Known for its casual dining under large Tiki Huts, the menu features a variety of seafood options, with the fish tacos, beans and rice, and a Mai Thai cocktail being particularly recommended.
Dining Beyond the Island: Boat Accessible Restaurants
Exploring the neighboring islands by boat is easy and fun, and here ere are some must-visit spots:
1. The Green Flash, Captiva
Perfectly positioned on the waters of Captiva with convenient docking, The Green Flash captivates with waterfront dining and stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Renowned for a menu rich in seafood, spotlighting local catches and flavors, this restaurant blends casual elegance with culinary finesse.
2. The Pink Elephant, Boca Grande
The Pink Elephant on Boca Grande is an experience! Accessible by boat with parking at the nearby public docks (available on a first-come, first-serve basis), this restaurant is known for its sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. After lunch, we highly recommend exploring the shops throughout Boca Grande or anchoring at the nearby sandbar before returning back to North Captiva.
The Pink Elephant, Captiva, FL
Conclusion
North Captiva Island offers a unique dining landscape, ranging from quaint island cafes to sophisticated, boat-accessible restaurants. Whether savoring the local flavors on the island or venturing to nearby destinations, you're assured of delicious meals, breathtaking views, and memorable experiences. Set sail for a culinary journey to North Captiva Island, where every meal is an adventure against the stunning backdrop of Florida's pristine Gulf Coast.
