20 of the Best Fort Myers Restaurants for Families With Kids

When planning out your family vacation, it might be challenging to decide where to eat after spending the day at Fort Myers’ beaches, shopping areas, or other popular attractions. Thankfully, Fort Myers, FL, USA has plenty of restaurants suitable for families of any size, offering the best flavours and atmospheres for an engaging dining experience.

Don’t know where to start looking? Check out our list of the best Fort Myers restaurants for families with kids to narrow down the top choices that interest you.

1. Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que

12148 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907

If you’re having trouble finding the best Fort Myers restaurants offering mouth-watering BBQ dishes for your family, Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que is your best option. This popular chain restaurant incorporates a Western-themed atmosphere, embracing its casual and rustic vibes. 

Their pitmasters cook their wood-smoked meats to perfection and hand-rub them with the boldest seasonings. They also make scratch-made side dishes to complete every meal.

Their award-winning St. Louis-style short ribs are tender and peel right off the bone. They also offer other classic BBQ dishes, like stuffed BBQ baked potatoes, boneless wings, and BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches. They’re also available for catering services for special events or takeout if you prefer dining at home

2. Downtown House of Pizza

1520 Hendry St, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Downtown House of Pizza serves authentic New York-style pizza for families passing through the downtown area or heading to Centennial Park. It has a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for enjoying pizza made with fresh dough and ingredients. You can watch their culinary team prepare each dish in their open kitchen.

They also have a spacious back patio for anyone who loves having lunch or dinner outdoors.

They offer several speciality pizza options, like Taco Pizza or Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza. You can also customize a pizza with the toppings of your liking. If you’re looking for something different, you can try their subs, calzones, or strombolis. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options.

If you and your family are interested in dessert, try their carrot cake or chocolate-dipped cannoli.

3. Fowler Street Grill

3570 Fowler Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901

One of the best Fort Myers restaurants offering tasty breakfast and lunch options for families is Fowler Street Grill. You can’t miss this casual restaurant’s colourful exterior. They have outdoor tables if you’re staying to eat and a drive-through window if you prefer taking your food to go after a long day out with the kids.

They offer plenty of Southern breakfast options if you’re looking for something other than pancakes and eggs. For breakfast, kids can have French toast or eggs, bacon, and toast. As for lunch, they can have either chicken fingers or a cheeseburger.

4. El Patio Restaurant

4444 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Introducing new types of international cuisine is always an exciting experience, and the Peruvian dishes at El Patio Restaurant are no different. This casual and quiet dining destination is the perfect place to enjoy lunch or dinner while sightseeing. Most of their menu options are small plates, so you’re encouraged to share with your kids if they want to try something you order.

You can choose from a wide selection of ceviches, tacu tacu, fish, and grilled meats. Don’t forget to enhance your dish with a side of black beans or sliced plantains. Your kids might enjoy their spaghetti with meatballs, chicken fingers, or fish bites. Try their tres leches cake or coconut flan if you have room for dessert.

5. Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

14801 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL 33912

Decorated with diner-like digs, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is another one of the best Fort Myers restaurants for families interested in dining at any time of the day. Best known for its breakfast menu, this casual and lively kid-friendly destination has provided the tastiest dishes for Fort Myers residents and visitors for over 60 years.

They have plenty of steak-centric breakfast items, seafood dishes, and speciality sandwiches for the hungriest patrons. We recommend letting your kids try Perkins’ Rainbow Pancakes, Chicken Strips, or Mini Cheeseburger with a flavoured shake. Don’t forget to stop by their bakery and try their freshly-made pie slices, cookies, and chocolate pastries.

6. The Tubby Pig Brewpub

3732 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901

The Tubby Pig Brewpub is a casual and rustic destination for families interested in trying in-house smoked BBQ dishes or Wok Fried Thai cuisine. They offer outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi. This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day, except for Mondays.

The best way to start any night here is by ordering crab rangoon or fried okra. Their pulled pork sandwiches, spare ribs, and Tubby Burger taste best with a side of fries or creamy coleslaw.

Kids ages 12 and under can have a pulled pork sandwich, beef hot dog, or chicken tenders. Be sure to enjoy your meal with an iced tea and finish with their cheesecake or Thai doughnuts.

7. J&C Crab – Juicy Seafood

9321 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33966

You can find J&C Crab – Juicy Seafood by Lowes Home Improvement. This eatery has a relaxed ambience and serves quality Southern seafood. Although this destination doesn’t have an outdoor patio, it has a nice bar where parents can enjoy a drink or two after a long week of exploring Fort Myers.

You don’t want to miss out on their snow crab legs, lobster tail, king crab legs, or seasonal blue crab. They also offer fried seafood baskets and boiled seafood lunches. If your kid isn’t in the mood for chicken, they can have a fried shrimp basket. Don’t forget to ask your server for a refreshing pink lemonade or raspberry tea.

8. GinZa Japanese Restaurant

4429 Cleveland Ave #170, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Located minutes away from Fort Myers’ Lagg Avenue neighbourhood, GinZa Japanese Restaurant is your family’s best option for enjoying a tasty hibachi or sushi dinner. It has a casual yet stylish and spacious atmosphere for enjoying the best Japanese flavours in the neighbourhood. They also offer an all-you-can-eat lunch every day from 11 AM to 3:30 PM.

Don’t forget to stop by their sushi bar for their chef’s choice sushi, cooked speciality rolls, or classic handrolls. If you prefer more to eat, try any of their fried rice, tempura, yaki soba, yaki udon, teriyaki, or hibachi dishes. Parents are also welcome to try GinZa’s signature cocktails or sake.

9. Fine Folk Pizza

11300 Lindbergh Blvd #114, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Another one of the best Fort Myers restaurants families should consider visiting with their kids for gourmet pizzas is Fine Folk Pizza, found east of Flag Pond Reserve. It’s a great place to stop by for a casual bite to eat because of its hip, vibrant ambience. If you prefer eating pizza at home, this restaurant offers convenient delivery services.

You can find plenty of white and red artisan speciality pies on their menu. They also offer vegan and customizable pizzas, as well as speciality breadstick appetizers for anyone who’s extra hungry. Your kids will love their s’mores or cannoli dessert pizzas.

10. Wings and Rings

11751 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907

We consider Wings and Rings one of the best Fort Myers restaurants for families with kids because of its modern, sporty atmosphere and signature wing flavours. In addition, their dining rooms have over 50 TV monitors for live sports broadcasting. They also have a dog-friendly patio. Kids can have fun at their arcade games or play on the restaurant’s free tablets.

Parents and kids can enjoy their classic or boneless wings with the sauce of their liking. If you choose their classic sauces, you can make them mild or extra hot. You can also try their quesadillas, burgers, seafood, or large salads. 

11. Iguana Mia of Fort Myers

Got time for a family dinner in the Lagg Avenue neighbourhood? Then, consider visiting Iguana Mia of Fort Myers for authentic Mexican cuisine in a lively, colourful setting. If you sign up for their Loyalty Program, you can get extra birthday benefits if you plan on celebrating there.

Iguana Mia’s menu offers a wide selection of Southwestern, Mexican, and Tex-Mex dishes for you and your family to sample if you’re looking for something with extra zest. We recommend their grilled shrimp fajitas, burritos, or Asada tacos with a house cocktail or margarita. Finally, treat your family to their fried ice cream for dessert.

12. Miller’s Ale House

4400 Kernel Cir, Fort Myers, FL 33916

Another casual dining destination that we recommend for a nice dinner night with your family is Miller’s Ale House. Its casual, sporty vibe is a perfect setting for anyone seeking a family-friendly experience. They have open-air patios and several spacious tables and booths for small or large families.

You can choose from a wide selection of burgers, steaks, flatbreads, fajitas, sandwiches, or their signature wings and zingers. Don’t forget to stop by their bar for their signature cocktails and over 35 taps of beer. Kids will love their chicken fingers, fried shrimp, or spaghetti with meatballs. Finally, end with a chocolate brownie sundae.

13. El Gaucho Inca Restaurant

4383 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966

Located within Colonial Center, El Gaucho Inca Restaurant is your best option for enjoying several international flavours in a rustic yet refined setting. Their culinary team prepares several Argentinean, Peruvian, and Italian dishes that any family interested in new cuisine can enjoy.

They offer a wide selection of ceviches for dinner. We also recommend their Filet A Lo Macho, Picanha Steak, or pasta dishes with a hearty side of grilled vegetables, fried plantains, or white rice. If you’re looking for something for specific dietary preferences, they have several vegetarian dishes. Kids can choose between chicken nuggets, hot dogs, or spaghetti.

14. KJ’s Steakhouse

10950 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907

KJ’s Steakhouse is another excellent option for lunch and dinner at Fort Myers, from its casual and lively atmosphere to its friendly staff. You can also host celebrations in their private dining rooms and choose from a wide selection of multi-course menus and beverage packages.

If you want to enhance one of their signature aged steaks, top it with truffle butter, shrimp scampi, or gorgonzola. Their menu also features seafood, burgers, sandwiches, and classic BBQ favourites, like BBQ baby back ribs. Don’t forget to ask your server about their best signature cocktail and wine pairings for each mouth-watering menu option.\

15. Tropical Smoothie Cafe

1791 Boy Scout Dr #1, Fort Myers, FL 33907

Don’t know where to find the best Fort Myers restaurants offering healthier menu options? Then, consider visiting Tropical Smoothie Cafe for a refreshing meal at any time of the day. It has a casual and fun atmosphere, ideal for kids.

Their smoothies are made to order, crafted with the freshest fruits, vegetables, and juices. However, you can also indulge in sweeter flavours, such as their Mocha Madness, Peanut Butter Cup, or Kid’s Awesome Chocolate, or enhance your smoothie’s flavour with fresh add-ins or supplements. 

You can enjoy these smoothies with a wrap, quesadilla, salad, or flatbread, paired with a side of fresh fruit. 

17. Farmer’s Market Restaurant

2736 Edison Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916

You can find Farmer’s Market Restaurant west of Dunbar Park. Its modest and historic aesthetic gives it an authentic homey feel, ideal for enjoying quality Southern fare in the longest-operated restaurant in Lee County. Their culinary team creates dishes made with fresh ingredients from the local market.

They offer breakfast until 10:30 AM. If you’re interested in their Southern-style dinners, try their Southern Fried Fish, Smoked Pulled Pork, or Country Fried Ribs. They also have a wide selection of daily specials, daily sides, and a kid’s menu for children ages 12 or under. Be sure to enjoy your meal with their bottomless iced tea.

18. Mel’s Diner – Fort Myers

4820 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907

Mel’s Diner – Fort Myers is another casual eatery you can count on for family-friendly dining. You can find plenty of American classics, like shakes and burgers, in this restaurant. It also incorporates a retro 1950s design to make it pop out for guests and serves dishes with hearty portions.

You can choose from their extensive menu of burgers, chicken breast sandwiches, omelettes, steak, pasta, or seafood. Their Three B’s Burger and baby back ribs are among their most popular dishes. They also have a wide selection of kids’ entrees and sides. After dinner, try one of their shakes or malts for a sweet sendoff.

19. Lumber Axe Whiskey Bar & Grill

2158 Colonial Blvd Unit 1 & 2, Fort Myers, FL 33907

One of the best Fort Myers restaurants for families with kids offering a lively and fun time is Lumber Axe Whiskey Bar & Grill. They offer outdoor seating and hundreds of whiskey options at their bar. They also have indoor axe-throwing sessions to keep things extra fun.

Start your night with their pulled pork nachos or onion rings, and try any of their whiskey-infused tacos, wings, burgers, and sandwiches. They also offer scramblers for lunch every weekend. Their dishes taste great with any of their craft cocktails. Be sure to treat your kids to their cake if they have room for dessert.

20. Island Spicez

3437 Fowler St, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Island Spicez is an innovative, small, casual eatery offering authentic Jamaican and Caribbean fare. So, if you’re stopping by for dinner or a late breakfast, there are plenty of options to choose from if you’re interested in trying something new. They also offer takeout for anyone short on time.

They offer small and large servings of their entrees. Don’t miss out on their BBQ Ribs, Jerk Pork, Curry Shrimp, or Fried Chicken Salad. If you prefer dishes in your comfort zone, you can try their chicken & waffles, hamburger, chicken wings, or mac & cheese. The best drink to pair with these dishes is coconut water.

Conclusion

Fort Myers offers plenty of family-friendly restaurants for anyone interested in treating their kids to a delicious dinner night out. So, whether you prefer a more relaxed setting or somewhere casual with specific themes to enhance the atmosphere, you’re bound to find a great new place your kids can enjoy.

Hopefully, this list of the best Fort Myers restaurants can help you narrow down your top options if you decide to go out to dinner or order it for takeout or delivery. After all, taking a trip to someplace new gives kids an opportunity to try something new, perhaps even outside of their comfort zone.

Check out these other articles about vacationing in Fort Myers, Florida:

• 16 Of The Best Things To Do In Fort Myers With Kids
• International Airports in Florida: Knowing Your Options
• 25 Florida Animals You Might See on Your Vacation