After wrapping up our girls’ trip to Disney World, I headed west across Florida to visit my dad and stepmom. Visiting them in Florida always feels like a reset. Mornings start slow with coffee on the lanai, afternoons are often spent out on the boat, and meals revolve around finding good gluten‑free food we can all enjoy. We love going out to Fort Myers and enjoying the restaurants and the beach. Below are some of the gluten free Fort Myers restaurants we enjoyed on this trip.
The Boat House Tiki Bar & Grill
Taking the boat down the river to The Boat House is one of those experiences that instantly puts you in vacation mode. Before Hurricane Ian, we had a tradition of walking to the Boat House location in Cape Coral on Sunday mornings. We never ate from the brunch menu, but would have a fun beverage before walking back. What can I say, it’s vacation. Unfortunately, that location hasn’t been rebuilt yet. I didn’t realize they had a second location until we walked up. It was fun to visit the Fort Myers location this time around. It did make me miss the Cape Coral location. Hopefully they’ll be able to rebuild soon.
The Fort Myers Boat House has boat slips, making it an easy stop if you’re exploring the area by water. There’s also a pool on site, adding to the laid‑back, waterfront atmosphere that makes this spot so popular with locals and visitors alike.
I ordered the daily special, the Raspberry Riptide. While I always enjoy trying something new, this one wasn’t quite a hit for me. It leaned heavily on pineapple and was a bit too sour for my taste. Still, sampling different drinks is part of the fun, especially in a setting like this.
The Boat House does not offer a dedicated gluten‑free menu, so ordering here requires asking questions and being mindful. After talking through options with the staff, I chose the Cobb salad, which felt like a safe and satisfying choice. It truly hit the spot that day, fresh, filling, and exactly what I wanted after a boat ride.
Nervous Nellie’s
Another waterfront stop from this trip was Nervous Nellie’s. Nervous Nellie’s is a well-known Fort Myers restaurant that also has boat slips available. While many people arrive by boat, this visit we arrived by car, and it’s just as enjoyable either way.
One thing I really appreciated about Nervous Nellie’s is that they offer a dedicated gluten-free menu. This always makes dining out feel less stressful. The staff were also knowledgeable and helpful, especially when it came to navigating the daily specials and confirming safe options.
One of the specials that day was ceviche, which my dad ordered. I had never tried ceviche before, but it felt like the perfect place to be adventurous, after all, what better setting than dining oceanside in Florida? I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. This experience was a good reminder that staying open-minded with food can lead to unexpected favorites. I’m definitely not as picky as I was as a kid.
For my entree, I chose the chicken burrito bowl from the gluten-free menu. The portion size was generous, and the flavors were spot-on. It was hearty, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. I was more than happy to bring leftovers back with me and enjoy them again later.
Lah De Dah Beach Bar
After our visit to Nervous Nellie’s, we took some time to walk along the beach. There’s something grounding about slowing down to enjoy the sound of the waves and the feeling of sand between your toes. It’s one of those simple Florida moments that never gets old.
After our walk, we stopped by Lah De Dah Beach Bar, an oceanfront bar located within the larger Margaritaville Resort complex. With its beachfront setting and lively atmosphere, it’s an easy place to wander into when you’re already nearby.
I ordered a traditional margarita with salt, and it definitely hit the spot. It was strong, refreshing, and exactly what I wanted after time in the sun and fresh air.
The bar also has a pool area that clearly seemed to be the place to be. There was upbeat music playing and plenty of activity, giving it a fun, energetic vibe. While it felt a little too chilly to actually get in the water that day, the atmosphere alone made it a great stop for a drink with a view.
Deep Lagoon Seafood
For my birthday celebration, we went to Deep Lagoon, a restaurant that has quickly become a tradition. We actually celebrated my birthday here last year as well, which says a lot about how much we enjoy this spot.
We sat outside, taking in views of the canal and the boat yard next door, where impressive yachts lined the water. Unfortunately, I still haven’t convinced my dad to buy me one… The outdoor seating made the experience feel relaxed yet special, perfect for a birthday meal.
I started with the Lemon Basil Martini, which was shaken tableside by our waitress, a fun and memorable touch. The drink was so good that I ended up ordering a second one to enjoy with my meal.
Deep Lagoon offers a gluten-free menu, which makes ordering straightforward and stress-free. One of my favorite dishes of all time is crab legs. I typically only indulge once or twice a year, so this was an easy choice for a birthday dinner.
I ordered the crab legs with asparagus and potatoes, though if I’m being honest, I didn’t really need the sides. As my nieces would say, my stomach was only hungry for crab.
To top off the evening, the staff kindly sang to me for my birthday, and I was treated to the orange crème brûlée for dessert. The bright citrus flavor felt unique compared to more traditional crème brûlées I’ve had. It was the perfect way to end a celebratory meal.
Al Capones
Another restaurant to highlight is Al Capone’s, located in downtown Fort Myers. We chose to sit outside, but I did get a quick peek inside and the interior definitely caught my attention. With exposed brick and a cozy, urban feel, the space has a cool vibe that fits well with its downtown setting.
One thing that sets Al Capone’s apart is their coal-fired oven, which they use to cook most of their menu items. This cooking method adds great flavor and also opens up options that aren’t always available for those eating gluten-free.
Al Capone’s offers a gluten-free pizza crust, making it an appealing option for gluten-free diners looking for something a little different from the usual grilled protein and vegetables.
We started with the coal-fired chicken wings, which were both tender and flavorful. It was especially nice to enjoy chicken wings without worrying about a shared fryer, a common issue at many restaurants.
For my main dish, I ordered the gluten-free Mobster White pizza. It featured a blend of cheeses and garlic on a perfectly cooked crust. I really enjoyed it overall, though as a self-proclaimed garlic lover, I wouldn’t have minded a bit more garlic. Still, it was a satisfying and well-executed gluten-free pizza option.
Final Thoughts on Gluten Free Fort Myers
Visiting the restaurants of Fort Myers was a great reminder that eating gluten-free doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor, atmosphere, or memorable experiences. From waterfront restaurants with boat slips to downtown coal-fired pizza, Fort Myers offers a variety of dining options that can work well with a gluten-free lifestyle.
What stood out most was how approachable many of these restaurants felt. Some offered dedicated gluten-free menus, while others required thoughtful conversations with staff, but in each case, asking questions and ordering intentionally made it possible to enjoy meals safely and confidently.
Pairing good food with time spent on the water, slow mornings with family, and celebrating special occasions made this trip especially meaningful. If you’re visiting the Fort Myers area and navigating gluten-free dining, there are plenty of places worth exploring, with a little planning and curiosity.
Find more gluten-free resources, restaurant reviews, and tips here.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this blog are based on my personal experiences with restaurants offering gluten-free options. While I aim to provide accurate and helpful information, I cannot guarantee that the gluten-free options at these establishments will meet everyone’s needs or expectations. Cross-contact and ingredient changes are always a possibility.
Please exercise your own judgment and diligence when dining out, particularly if you have Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity. I am not liable for any adverse effects that may occur from consuming food at any of the restaurants mentioned in this blog. Always confirm with the restaurant staff to ensure your meal meets your specific dietary requirements.
Your safety is your responsibility—eat smart and stay gluten-free!
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