If you’re vacationing on Sanibel Island, you will likely have the urge to enjoy Sunday brunch during your stay. With the laid-back island atmosphere that you’ll find here, it’s normal to sleep in and skip breakfast. Luckily, if you do this, you’ll have some fantastic options for where to get brunch on Sanibel Island.
There are several great choices when it comes to where to get Sunday brunch on Sanibel Island. Five favorites are:
- Over Easy Cafe
- Lighthouse Cafe
- The Island Cow
- Sanibel Cafe
- Island Fresh
- Thistle Lodge
From restaurants that offer brunch favorites to unique, fresh, and organic offerings Sanibel Island has it all.
What Makes Sunday Brunch on Sanibel Island Special?
Many folks agree on this simple statement: brunch is the best. The term “brunch” comes from combining “breakfast” and “lunch.” This makes brunch a perfect late morning or early afternoon meal that was made to enjoy over the weekend. You might enjoy Sunday brunch on Sanibel Island after a morning walk on the beach, after a church service, or even after sleeping leisurely.
When you opt for Sunday brunch on Sanibel Island, you might enjoy beachfront dining right on the Gulf of Mexico or even bike down Periwinkle Way to your restaurant of choice. There are many ways to enjoy
Brunch can be sweet or savory. You might choose pancakes stuffed with sweet cream cheese and topped with berries at the recognized Over Easy Cafe. Members of the healthy set will be pleased to find acai bowls and homemade granola on the menu at Sanibel Fresh. The Island Cow specializes in coastal comfort food like savory shrimp and grits. No matter what you’re craving for brunch, you’ll likely find it on the menu in Sanibel.
Let’s explore a few venues for Sunday brunch on Sanibel Island!
1. Over Easy Cafe
What is a true Sunday brunch without mimosas? At Over Easy Cafe, you won’t have to find out since you’ll be able to sip on the bubbly brunch favorite while you dine. You can even try the Sunrise Mimosa which adds cranberry juice to the traditional formula.
While you’re enjoying a mimosa (or two or three), you’ll also be able to eat some traditional breakfast and lunch offerings. You’ll find the standard fare including, pancakes, waffles, omelettes, and more. However, if you’re looking for something more unique and out of the ordinary, the Over Easy Cafe doesn’t disappoint.
Some of the unique brunch menu items you’ll find include:
- Egg Reuben Sandwich- A Reuben sandwich with the bonus of a perfectly fried egg.
- Crab and Asparagus Omelette- A traditional omelet with fresh crab, asparagus, swiss cheese, and hollandaise sauce on the side.
- Nova Smoked Salmon Benedict- Eggs benedict with smoked salmon, red onions, capers, and tomato.
- Mexican Breakfast Burrito- A warm tortilla wrapped around sausage, scrambled eggs, cheddar jack cheese, sauteed onions, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapenos. A great breakfast/lunch hybrid dish for the perfect brunch.
Of course, you can’t go wrong by finishing off brunch with one of their delicious desserts.
2. Lighthouse Cafe
A local and visitor favorite, the Lighthouse Cafe, proudly states it has “the world’s best breakfast.” Many who have dined here wholeheartedly agree. In addition to enjoying a Mimosa here, you can also have a Bloody Mary which is sure to drive home the island atmosphere even more. If you’re in the mood for breakfast, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something as tasty as their whole wheat hotcakes featuring granola or blueberries.
Seafood lovers will be spoiled for options if they choose to have brunch here. Most of the seafood dishes served at the Island Cafe come with fresh shrimp, crabmeat, and scallops. If you want to enjoy the tasty seafood but are looking to eat healthy, try the seafood salad. Otherwise, try their unique takes on eggs benedict, omelets, and griddle sandwiches that incorporate seafood.
If you’re visiting between December 15th and April 30th, you can check out their seasonal dinner menu.
3. The Island Cow
This is a great American and seafood restaurant, with a few extras to boot. It serves up a wide range of brunch dishes, and everything on the menu is excellent. The restaurant is set back from the main road, and feels a little like a hidden surf bar, with that sun, sea, and surf relaxing atmosphere. The interior is clean and bright, and the wall is covered in photos of fishing adventures and a more artistic variety of images too. You will be able to get yourself French toast, waffles, eggs benedict, and for the more extravagant you could have corned beef and eggs. This place has many options including some for you vegetarians too.
4. Sanibel Cafe
The Sanibel Cafe is an American breakfast and lunch cafe, which is lovely, clean, and bright. It offers up that truly authentic diner experience, with little booths for you to enjoy your brunch. It’s just off the main Periwinkle Way and is located in a little shopping plaza. So, if it is busy, you can have a mosey around the shops while you wait in the sun-kissed ambiance. T
The menu offers much in terms of choice, whether you’re in the mood for breakfast or lunch. Good luck choosing between the 14 different options of pancakes, waffles, and French toast. The especially island-centric Pina Colada french toast that features sweet coconut french toast covered in a pineapple orange sauce is a ca n’t-miss.
We can’t talk about the menu without mentioning one of their most notable dishes, The Original Islander. Along with your choice of side, this plate comes with two eggs, toast, and the highlight of the dish, sauteed gator. If you’re an adventurous eater, The Original Islander should be on your must-eat list while visiting Sanibel Island.
5. Sanibel Fresh
Run by Chef Amy Visco Schmicker, Sanibel Fresh is a one-of-a-kind restaurant on Sanibel Island. The menu boasts many gluten-free and vegetarian options along with all menu items featuring the freshest ingredients available.
For breakfast, you’ll find:
- Acai bowls
- Home-made granola
- Key Lime Pie Pancakes
- Quiche of the day
If your stomach is craving lunch, you’ll be more than satisfied with what’s available. Featuring freshly made avocado toast, crab cake sandwich, ahi tuna wrap, and more, the lunch menu is vast and delicious. We highly recommend closing your meal with Chef Amy’s key lime pie, flourless chocolate torte, or creme brulee.
6. Thistle Lodge
Looking for a true gastronomical experience? Consider opting for Sunday brunch at Thistle Lodge. This distinguished restaurant is located at the Casa Ybel Resort and serves one of the most elegant brunches on the island.
You might come to Thistle Lodge for the beachfront views, but the menu will make you stay. Entrees on the menu include a list of both breakfast-inspired and hearty lunch offerings. Favorites include classic eggs benedict with fruit and berries, as well as inventive dishes like chicken and cous-couse with cilantro beurre blanc. Salads and sandwiches round out the menu at Thistle Lodge, so there is truly something for everyone at this fine-dining establishment.
If you enjoy an adult libation (or two) with Sunday brunch, you’ll be impressed by The Bar at Thistle Lodge. Cocktail mixologists here pour some of the best drinks on the island. Additionally, the wine list here is extensive, which means you’ll find everything you need to please your palate. Thistle Lodge is among the most romantic restaurants on Sanibel Island, so you might enjoy brunch here with someone special.
Other Options for Sunday Brunch on Sanibel Island
Locals and visitors alike enjoy Sunday brunch on Sanibel Island at the 6 venues above. But these aren’t the only brunch spots you’ll have to choose from. Other Sanibel Islands to visit for a delightful Sunday brunch include:
- Sanibel Seafood Grille
- Blue Giraffe Restaurant
- Sea Breeze Cafe
- Cips Place Restaurant
- Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
- Gramma Dot’s Restaurant
- Sanibel Fish House
Rent a Boat with Post Sanibel Marina
With so many great choices for Sunday brunch on Sanibel Island, the only challenge will be choosing which restaurant to visit. Hopefully, you’re staying for a while and can get out on the water too!
Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy before or after a great meal!
Contact us today at (239) 437-1660 and make your Florida boat rental reservation today!
