Which Restaurants have re-opened ?

Question

I know some great ones have reopened (Doc Fords, Mud Bugs), some may never (Lazy Flamingo near Blind Pass) is there a comprehensive list of who is currently open ?

We will be there in about 2 weeks, can't wait

Answer

Great question. Yes — quite a few Sanibel Island restaurants have reopened, and there are good places to eat while you’re there in two weeks. Below is a helpful list of some open spots plus notes on ones that have *not* come back.

Sanibel Restaurants Currently Open:

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille (Sanibel) — open daily.
MudBugs Cajun Kitchen — back open on Periwinkle Way.
Gramma Dot’s (Food Truck) — serving from their location on Sanibel.
Huxter’s Market & Deli — deli / market open for meals.
Cielo (Italian / farm-to-table) — open for lunch and dinner on select days.
Island Pizza & Sweet Melissa’s — pizza, wings, and café fare.
Jerry’s Café & Coffee Shop — inside Jerry’s Grocery, serving breakfast and lunch.
The Sanibel Café — serving breakfast/lunch.
Sanibel Grill — seafood and grill menu daily.
The Great White Grill — burgers, wings, and more.
The Shack of Sanibel — frozen custard and fun treats.
Traders — Sanibel mainstay, open for lunch/dinner.
Tutti Pazzi — Italian dining; check current hours.

Highlighted Notes & Updates:

The Lazy Flamingo by Blind Pass is *not* back — the property was destroyed by Hurricane Ian, according to the SanibelHoliday update.
George & Wendy’s (another long-time favorite) has been permanently closed.
For a full, current list of open businesses (not just restaurants), you can check the Sanibel & Captiva Chamber’s open-businesses PDF.

Recommendation: For your trip, be sure to hit Doc Ford’s (classic island vibes), MudBugs (for Cajun flavor), and Cielo (for a more relaxed, elevated meal). Also, don’t skip dessert at The Shack for their frozen custard — a perfect island treat.

Have a fantastic trip — the island food scene is really coming back strong!