Are you considering a big move to sunny Punta Gorda, Florida? This quiet riverside town is perfect for those relocating to Florida who want a beautiful, historic city with plenty to do and eat!
As the only Florida destination to make the Best Small Town Food Scene by USA Today, Punta Gorda goes above and beyond in charm, variety, and quality of eating establishments. It’s certainly a big draw in attracting new home buyers to the area!
This Southwest Florida harborfront gem offers numerous award-winning and unforgettable restaurants ranging from upscale seafood to hole-in-the-wall diners. If you’ve been wondering if Punta Gorda is right for you, let this compilation of the twenty best restaurants convince you!
About Punta Gorda
PHOTO CREDIT: COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG
Punta Gorda is a small city in Southwest Florida that is known to be heaven for boaters, fishing enthusiasts, sun lovers, and foodies. This vibrant town boasts a beautiful historic district, numerous marinas, and wide, palm-tree-lined pedestrian walkways that allow locals to enjoy all the beauty of Punta Gorda.
Since there isn’t a natural beach in town, Punta Gorda benefits from a quieter vibe, perfect for families and retirees.
If you are considering a move to Punta Gorda, you will be thrilled to learn that it has one of the best food scenes in all of Florida. Read on to learn about some of the restaurants that will soon be your local hangout!
Punta Gorda Dining
The food scene in Punta Gorda is, unsurprisingly, centered mainly around fresh, local seafood. Newcomers to the area will be thrilled to learn that you are spoiled for options from incredible seafood restaurants, casual, hole-in-the-wall grills, and upscale fine dining establishments.
In addition to seafood, Punta Gorda has fantastic options for international fare from all over the world, as well as close to home with hearty, comforting Southern soul food.
For those who have recently moved to Punta Gorda, you might wonder which of the many restaurants need to be added to your must-try list.
We have compiled twenty of the town’s best establishments that will make you glad you chose Punta Gorda as your new home!
Captain’s Table
PHOTO CREDIT: THECAPTAINSTABLE
- Address: 1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: The Captain’s Table is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm and until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday.
The Captain’s Table is a Punta Gorda staple on the waterfront overlooking Charlotte Harbor. Specializing in fresh, delicious seafood dishes, this upscale casual restaurant is a must-try for recent transplants.
Grab a table on the outdoor deck for some of the best sunset views in town.
River City Grill
PHOTO CREDIT: STOCKCREATIONS
- Address: 131 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: River City Grill is open Tuesday to Saturday from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Have a casual, tasty meal at the River City Grill. Offering a wide array of classic American dishes, such as steak and seafood, this is classic Americana comfort food. Local sourcing from Worden Farms brings a fresh spin to classics with plenty of gluten-free options as well.
Wine lovers will appreciate their extensive wine menu and knowledgeable staff who can help pair the perfect wine with your meal of choice.
Village Fish Market & Restaurant
PHOTO CREDIT: JARVNA
- Address: 1200 W Retta Esplanade Ste J36, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: Village Fish Market & Restaurant is open from 11 am through dinner.
Enjoy dinner with a view at the Village Fish Market & Restaurant. This riverfront restaurant specializes in New England-style seafood dishes and is popular with Punta Gorda locals. Of course, you can’t beat a tropical blonde ale and lobster salad club combo!
Pro Tip: Ask to be seated on the patio for incredible views over the Peace River.
Celtic Ray Public House
PHOTO CREDIT: GKRPHOTO
- Address: 145 E Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: Celtic Ray Public house is open daily from 11 am to 1 am.
Relax with a cold Guinness at the lively Celtic Ray Public House. This traditional Irish pub is a fantastic place to enjoy a meal with friends and is known for its delicious fish and chips, friendly service, and a large selection of imported beer on draught.
Leroy’s Southern Kitchen and Bar
PHOTO CREDIT: LEROYSPG
- Address: 201 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: Leroy’s Southern Kitchen and Bar is open daily, with weekday hours from 11 am to 10 pm, weekend hours from 11 am to midnight, and Sunday hours from 10 am to 9 pm.
Leroy’s Southern Kitchen and Bar is a popular casual sports bar and restaurant that is perfect for the whole family. Watch the game or catch up with friends while you enjoy a delicious Southern soul food-inspired entree and pair it with a cold beer or a yummy cocktail from the full bar.
Laishley Crab House
PHOTO CREDIT: ANDREI IAKHNIUK
- Address: 150 Laishley Ct, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: Laishley Crab House is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm and 10 pm on weekends.
Easily one of the most visited restaurants in Punta Gorda, Laishley Crab House is popular for a reason. This waterfront eatery offers delicious seafood classics as well as fresh sushi. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Laishley’s has to be on the list for anyone living in Punta Gorda.
Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante
PHOTO CREDIT: CARMELOSRISTORANTE
- Address: 321 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: Carmelo’s is open daily for dinner from 4 pm to 9 pm and is sure to become a fast favorite.
Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante is a must-try if you’re in the mood for something other than seafood. This award-winning restaurant serves up unforgettable Italian classics and provides an upscale, romantic ambiance and outdoor seating in the lush garden.
Sandra’s Restaurant
PHOTO CREDIT: BRENT HOFACKER
- Address: 111 W Olympia Ave, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: Sandra’s Restaurant is open for dinner from 4 pm to 9 pm on Tuesday and Saturday and for lunch and dinner from 11:30 am to 9 pm on Wednesday through Friday.
Enjoy a taste of European fare at Sandra’s Restaurant, where traditional German fare is served up in a cozy, casual atmosphere by German owners. Offering classics like schnitzel, goulash, bratwurst, and of course, plenty of Bavarian beers, Sandra’s is a hit for those looking for a hearty meal.
Hemingway’s Grille
PHOTO CREDIT: VSL
- Address: 139 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: Hemingway’s Grille is open daily for dinner from 4 pm to 10 pm.
Hemingway’s Grille is a wonderful option for a casual but elegant seafood meal in Punta Gorda. Sit inside in the comfortable brick-walled tavern or opt for patio seating in the lovely garden area. Hemingway’s is perfect for those seeking a tasty dish in a restaurant frequented by locals.
Dean’s South of the Border
PHOTO CREDIT: WALLY GOBETZ
- Address: 130 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: Dean’s South of the Border is open daily from 8 am until midnight or later.
Head over to Dean’s South of the Border for some delicious Tex-Mex fare in a lively cantina setting. Dean’s is a beloved Punta Gorda institution that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and will likely become your fast favorite. Enjoy live music six nights a week, and be sure to try one of their delicious cocktails!
Smoke House Restaurant
PHOTO CREDIT: CHARLES BRUTLAG
- Address: 415 Cooper St, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $
- Open: Smoke House is open from 6 am to noon, Tuesday through Sunday.
The Smoke House Restaurant is a true Punta Gorda institution specializing in all things breakfast. For many years, locals and tourists alike have flocked to Smoke House for their famous sausage gravy, cottage fries, and other delectable breakfast and lunch dishes. This relaxed eatery will become a fast favorite.
Isabel and Annabel’s Mexican Restaurant
PHOTO CREDIT: LOUNO MOROSE
- Address: 201 W Marion Ave Unit 113, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: Isabel and Annabel’s Mexican Restaurant is open Monday-Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm.
Get your fill of delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine at Isabel and Annabel’s Mexican Restaurant. Offering favorites like tacos, burritos, tostadas, and of course, flavorful margaritas, you simply can’t go wrong when eating here. With friendly staff and a convenient downtown location, this is sure to become a fast favorite.
The Perfect Caper
PHOTO CREDIT: JOSHUA RESNICK
- Address: 121 E Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$$
- Open: The Perfect Caper is open Wednesday-Friday from 11:30 am to 9 pm and on weekends from 4 pm to 9 pm.
Looking for a fine dining experience in Punta Gorda? The Perfect Caper is a fantastic choice and serves up unforgettable dishes, both surf, and turf. Pair your meal with one of their fine wines or try a delicious hand-mixed cocktail.
The Perfect Caper also offers a private dining experience with your dedicated staff for special occasions. There is no better establishment in Punta Gorda for fine dining and an upscale, private experience.
Ice House Pub
PHOTO CREDIT: BRENT HOFACKER
- Address: 408 Tamiami Trail #111, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: Ice House Pub is open daily from 11 am to 11 pm.
Take it easy and enjoy a cold beer at the Ice House Pub, a relaxed traditional English pub in downtown Punta Gorda. Serving up hearty English appetizers and meals like cottage pie, bangers and mash, and chips doused in Guinness gravy, you’re sure to find something you love.
In addition to great food, Ice House has dozens of local and imported beers on tap, as well as darts and pool for entertainment.
Italia
PHOTO CREDIT: KRISTYK.PHOTO
- Address: 127 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: Italia is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Head over to Italia on Marion Avenue for delicious, traditional Italian fare. This casual Italian restaurant offers dine-in or takeout and is a local favorite for mouthwatering pasta and pizza. Italia is unique because most of its produce is sourced from local farms, meaning your meal is as fresh as possible!
Elena’s Restaurant
- Address: 1101 Cross St, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $
- Open: Elena’s is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 7 am to 3 pm on weekends.
Elena’s Restaurant offers a casual, vintage diner experience in downtown Punta Gorda. Providing friendly service, relaxed vibes, and tasty American classic dishes, Elena’s is the perfect spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a satisfying, no-fuss meal. Make sure to swing by Wednesdays for the bespoke Elena Burg – a local favorite.
Hurricane Charley’s Sushi, Raw Bar and Grille
PHOTO CREDIT: HURRICANECHARLEYS
- Address: 300 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: Hurricane Charley’s is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm and until 11 pm on weekends.
Chow down on some fresh seafood and sushi at Hurricane Charley’s, a popular casual restaurant overlooking Charlotte Harbor. Not only are you sure to have a wonderful meal here, but you can also enjoy live music and a fantastic view over the water.
FM Don’s
PHOTO CREDIT: FMDONS
- Address: 201 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: FM Don’s hours differ throughout the week. Check their website for details.
Pair a delicious meal with fun live music when you visit FM Don’s! This beloved upscale institution serves fresh, seasonal dishes, specializing in seafood and new takes on Southern classics. Open daily for lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on Sunday, FM Don’s offers dine-in or curbside pickup.
Pho Saigon Punta Gorda
PHOTO CREDIT: CHZU
- Address: 318 Tamiami Trail #115-117, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: Pho Saigon is open Monday-Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm.
Try some of the best pho in the area when you stop by Pho Saigon in downtown Punta Gorda. This family-owned Vietnamese establishment is beloved by the community for its delicious, traditional dishes.
Their scaled-down menu means they can focus on perfecting each dish, and you will certainly agree once you try one of these famous, flavorful soups!
Harpoon Harry’s
PHOTO CREDIT: SHARON HAHN DARLIN VIA FLICKR CC2.0
- Address: 1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL
- Price Point: $$
- Open: Harpoon Harry’s is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm and until 10 pm on weekends.
This lively, family-friendly restaurant on the Charlotte Harbor waterfront combines great food and lively entertainment. Their menu consists of seafood and sandwiches, and offers a raw bar. Arcade games and live entertainment make a meal at Harpoon Harry’s a fun time for all.
Find Your Perfect Plate in Punta Gorda
In addition to incredible sunny weather, a beautiful historic district, and endless opportunities for fishing and boating, Punta Gorda, Florida, is a haven for foodies. From fresh seafood to hearty Southern classics, there is something for everyone in Punta Gorda.
Contact NV Realty Group today to find your perfect home and begin sampling all the culinary delights of Punta Gorda!
