Cape Coral has been killing it lately in the restaurant scene which makes me a very happy girl. Up until lately, we’ve only had a select few really good restaurants and I can’t eat at Jungle Bird every single night (although there aren’t any rules against eating jerk fries every night…those bad boys are my kryptonite).
A little backstory: my SO owns Jungle Bird. That’s his baby and he did a dang good job with it if you ask me. But, on his nights off, the last thing he’s doing is eating at his own restaurant. We’ve worked at some of the best restaurants throughout our lifetime, both here in Cape Coral and Missouri, (we went to college together in Springfield, MO, which has the most restaurants per capita and home to TONS of incredible food) which is a blessing and a curse. We know what good food is and he’s a great cook so it’s even harder to settle when you could have made a better dinner at home. Because we’ve been super tired of what Cape Coral has to offer in terms of food, we usually hop across the bridge to Ember. If you haven’t been, that place is incredible. BUT FINALLY, Cape Coral has some new restaurants worth going back to time and time again!
And when I say "worth it", I’m basing it off of this criteria:
- My palate…obvi
- Uniqueness in menu items
- Consistently good food, emphasis on "consistently"
- Cute atmosphere because I’m that person
- Good cocktails or wine list (ya girl likes to indulge every now and again.)
We love checking out new places– seeing what items they put on the menu, what garnishes they decided to dress the cocktails with, and what cute quote they decided to use for their trendy neon signs. It’s so much fun and Cape Coral has really been stepping up its game. We’ve got some really great new restaurants that just opened! No one likes a super long blog filled with boring thoughts so let’s get down to it.
Here’s where we’ve been hanging out lately:
Okay so I’m a little biased. This is our newest adventure. But it’s delish and you should check it out. It’s located at the roundabout on 47th Ter and we revamped the entire thing from the inside out. We did it all ourselves, too, which is kinda cool. We spent lots of late nights there, lost a couple of really cool shoes (epoxy. I don’t wanna talk about it), and definitely bled a little. But it was so worth it because it’s exactly what we wanted it to be.
We had gone to West Palm Beach for a quick getaway and we came back inspired, wanting to create something beautiful. Cuz, why not? Cape Coral could use some upscale beauty. The sheer curtains are my favorite part of the outside patio. It completely transforms the place. But what really keeps you wanting more is the food and cocktail menu. Executive Chef, Nicholas Hartmann, nailed it with the elevated American-style menu. We have mainly shareable small plates because the idea is that you come with friends, and share (insert the Social part of Front Porch Social). But honestly, it’s also a perfect date night spot, too. Really whatever you want it to be. You can dress up, you can dress casual, it’s all in your mood that day. Oh! And if you love live music, we’ve got a killer lineup.
My Order: Togarashi Fries (If you haven’t realized yet, I’m a fry gal), Edamame, Tuna Tiradito, BBQ Burnt End Cannelloni, Mixed Berry Beignet for dessert. And to drink: Californication, Spicy Margarita, or a glass of the Pinot Blanc.
@frontporchsocial.cc
This is our go-to, at the moment, when we want to go out. It’s consistently good and the menu is unique! We’ve really got to know the owners (the old owners of Rumrunners) and they make us (and everyone) feel like family. If you haven’t had the chance to chat with Ralph or Lori, you should. They’re great people and there’s nothing I love more than a small business run by amazing people (let’s be honest, they’re rare). They’re located down the street from Front Porch Social on 47th Ter right next to Dixie Roadhouse. A little fun fact: they named the restaurant after their daughter–you guessed it, Sage. The buildout is adorable– with beautiful lighting, a little lounge area, checkered details everywhere, and the cutest neon sign that says “May all your pain be Champagne.” Sage on 47th checks all the boxes for me.
My order: Lamb Chops with Pistachio Pesto and Yukon Gold Fries (you’re starting to get the fry thing). And to drink: Lost on 47th or a dirty martini with blue cheese olives (idk why but it pairs sooo well with the lamb chops).
@sageon47th
Jeremy and I got invited to the menu tasting, the week before they officially opened (today, Aug 30th), and they tasked us with writing feedback on each menu item. If you wanna know what my sheet looked like it mainly just said “WOW..the FLAVOR.” With each dish that came out, I just kept getting even more blown away. I’m so excited for Tito Ortiz, because owning his own restaurant is something he’s wanted for 25 years. He’s known now for being a UFC legend, but he’s about to be known for the best Mexican food in Cape Coral. And idk about you, but that’s way cooler than being one of the best known Light Heavyweight Champions. Only teasing, but if you think he was good at fighting, he’s even better at making great food. This is the place to go if you’re wanting to watch the game (or fights), drink great tequila and enjoy some incredible authentic Mexican dishes.
My Order: Street Corn, Guacamole, Poco Loco Taco (this taco made me dance in my seat), Tres Leche for dessert (I couldn't stop eating it). And to drink: a spicy margarita.
@titos.cantina
If you’re looking for a good place to take your clients, this is it (or at least it is for me). It has an incredible view and the food…the FOOD. It’s giving Italian but a little French flair (don’t quote me on that). We’re talking homemade pastas from literally the best: Chef Benjamin Voisin, Chef Fabrice Deletrain and Chef John Hill. Fun fact: when Jeremy and I first moved to Cape Coral, we worked for the owners of Next Door at their sister restaurant, Fathoms. They also own Gather (which Jeremy helped open) and basically what it all comes down to is: they just know how to make good food. Trust me on this. The space is stylish, the food is to die for, and it's a home-run every time.
My order: Peach Burrata Salad, Agnolotti. And to drink: a glass of their Red.
@nextdoorcape
So there you have it folks. That’s my line up. Don’t take my word for it though, go check it out for yourself and let me know what you think! I’m so excited for Cape Coral to continue to grow and can’t wait for more incredible restaurants to come our way!
Until next time, xoxo – Kirstin
