Sweet Melissa’s started on Sanibel and moved to the mainland after the hurricane, and it remains one of the best serious restaurants in the area. It is chef-owned and chef-driven, with a small dining room, a small and frequently changing menu, and the kind of cooking that rewards ordering something you would not make at home. This is the place for a date night or a celebration rather than a quick bite.
The seafood stew is the signature, a deep, aromatic bowl of local fish and shellfish, and the seasonal small plates are designed for sharing so you can try several. Expect things like local snapper, duck, a proper steak, house-made pasta and vegetables treated with respect. The wine list is thoughtfully chosen and the staff are good at pairing.
Reservations are essential, particularly in season. It is on Summerlin Rd on the mainland, roughly fifteen minutes from the house, so it makes sense to plan an evening around it. Dress is smart casual. A splurge, but a worthwhile one.
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