Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant - Sanibel, Florida

Matthew M.

A true resort dinning experience! The staff were extremely welcoming and helpful. The decor lends to the Island feel, and sitting outside you can hear the oceans waves and see the Gulf from certain areas. They had a long wine list, both by the glass or bottles, as well as a full liquor selection and a decent amount of beers on tap. Their seafood selection was top notch, but they also had a number of land options that were equally as delicious sounding. We took the servers advice on our seafood choice and went with the Sea Bass, which was perfectly prepared so it was firm but not chewy. For land we went with the grilled filet, medium rare, and it came out perfectly cooked, buttery, and ultra tender. Highly recommend for those with a taste for quality, both in food and service.

barb C.

We were on a delayed anniversary trip, and they helped us celebrate! There was a magnificent ocean view table and a card as well as great food and wonderful service! I enjoyed the lobster bisque as a starter. Hubby had the basque chicken, and I had the pistachio encrusted salmon. Everything was delish including the wine suggested by our server! We'll definitely be back!

Rene D. R.

Most exquisite restaurant on Sansibel Island.

Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant is fine dining, literally on the beach.

Impressive, artfully conceived offerings like scallops, crab, lobster, filled minon, pastas that are presented in a way that pleases the eye and much as the pallet.

I was very happy with the way the staff did what they did. They know they are the top place on the island and love up to it with impeccable service.

A little dressed up on the beach. Then go here.

Magnificent wine list, fun bar. And the view is nothing short of compelling. Right on the beach.

Loved it!!!

L M.

Oh so disappointing! We thought this would be a nice way to spend the 4th of July for our friend saying it was her birthday. On arrival for lunch we where seated by the window right next to another table that has a party of four. The restaurant was empty there was no need to have us close to this other table. Then the waitress Jazmyn comes with the menu we give our drink order it took exactly 9min to receive the drinks (weak drinks) very little alcohol in them. We proceeded to order our starters 10min later they came out and I must say very tasty however on one of the starters we ordered chicken Quesadilla and on the plate was three small quarters, where did the four one go? So cheap of them. The male server came to the table and starter to take our plates while we where still eating the starters. I was like excuse me as you can see we are still eating and please do not remove anything unless we are finished. He made a huff and walked away. Very rude and unprofessional of him. We continued to order our main lunch meal and 15 min later out it came. Pictures will show on the grouper sandwich is was dry over cooked and tasteless. The lobster roll tasted like canned lobster and the bread over done. The tuna plate was fine. Now back to the birthday girl! You would think knowing it was her birthday the waitress would of made some fuss over her or offered a bday surprise dessert but no all she got was after we paid the bill of $207.62 while walking away. Oh have a good birthday. We where like what!!! Never ever again will I ever return to this place and I think an explanation and apology from any manager should be a follow up reply to this.

One more thing as we walked in the ceiling due to obviously water was falling in and the smell of mold was high.

christine K.

The service was wonderful. The food was delicious. We had the red Snapper special, chicken fettuccine, the beach salad and the ceasar, and shared a key lime pie. And the views...

Jeffrey S.

Always an amazing meal with a fantastic poolside atmosphere.
We are getting married here in December we are very happy that we chose the resort.
We will be back for a complete detailed review from our wedding.

Diana N.

What a lovely & elegant dinner we enjoyed at the scenic Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant at the Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island! From the reservation process through dessert, everything was perfect! We started with cedar grilled octopus served over garlic fingerling potatoes with a blueberry compote. This dish is tender and layered with flavors that enhance the seafood. The Mediterranean Pompano, grilled and served with spinach, olives, cherry tomatoes and plated with a creamy risotto was out of this world! The Seafood Provençal was full of fresh shellfish, in a delicious, light, creamy garlic wine sauce served over angel hair pasta. Oh, the Caprese Salad was so wonderful I forgot to photograph it! The sea salt caramel cheesecake was excellent and the birthday brownie, ice cream, strawberries and cream decadent! The online reservation process was super helpful as I indicated my seating preference with a waterfront view and desire for a birthday surprise. Everything was perfectly & discreetly arranged and ready when we arrived, thanks to the experienced Maitre’d’ and Tanya our excellent server! If you enjoy fine dining, this is the place for you on the Island. Reservations strongly suggested as restaurant filled quickly, in spite of September “off season.” Easy and plentiful parking.

Shelley G.

The location of this restaurant was quite amazing! For a nice dining experience we were very pleased. Marco took great care of us and recommended some good dishes! We will return for another special occasion dining!