Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Southwest Florida

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Southwest Florida? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Harold's - Fort Myers

4.9

4.9 (1180)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Villas

About the restaurant

Harold's is synonymous with Ft. Myers. Chef Harold Balink has been feeding folks in the area for 30 years. This latest venture is farm to table with eclectic American cuisine. Complete made from scratch kitchen with influences from around the globe and a full display pastry station. Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday it is the place too dine, celebrate, explore, imbibe or just have fun. Full service, full liquor, extensive global wine list with exceptional service staff. You are treated like family. Best New Restaurant, Golden Spoon, James Beard recognition, Top Tripadvisor are some of many accolades.

Top review

VickiGold

Dined on Oct 27, 2026

We love Harolds for its consistent, tasty and creative food selections and their staff is always knowledgeable and accommodating. We always feel at home there and Harold makes everyone feel like family.

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Seventh South Waterfront

4.8

4.8 (1913)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Naples

About the restaurant

At Seventh South Waterfront, we focus on the importance of a successful collaboration between the kitchen and the bar. We strive to provide a personal experience through the highest quality ingredients, delivered with grace and passion. Located on Haldeman Creek in the beautiful Bayshore Arts district, our aim is to deliver heartfelt and genuine service and hospitality to our friends and guests. Join us!

Top review

Stephen

Dined 4 days ago

We were celebrating a birthday. The food was outstanding! We ordered the Mango Ceviche, Ahi Tuna and Ahi + Coconut curry. Yum!! Our waitress was outstanding, always making sure we were comfortable. We sat on the covered patio. The restaurant treated my husband to a dessert of his choice. Chocolate torte was worth the calories😀

Tarpon Lodge Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (614)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Pineland

About the restaurant

Lunch reservations only taken for 5 or more people. We are more than happy to welcome you as walk-in.
We’re unable to guarantee any particular seating area

Enjoy fine dining with a beautiful water view sunset. We are very proud of our exquisite restaurant and full liquor lounge, tucked within our 1926 lodge building. Please note that we are constantly adding specials to reflect the catch of the day and other market-dependent delicacies.

Top review

Trevor

Dined 2 days ago

Tarpon Lodge Restaurant has been an outstanding and reliable dining experience for us for many years. The atmosphere is ‘Old Florida’ and constantly reminds us of why we live here. It’s a fishing village! Tarpon are the greatest gamefish on earth and we are in the capital of Tarpon fishing. The attention to detail is noticeable. The servers always take a little time to chat. Just enough. And finally the cuisine can’t be surpassed. From presentation to taste and nutrition it is definitely five star.

Bonito Bistro

4.8

4.8 (201)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bonita Springs

About the restaurant

Chef proprietor Patrick Hicks brings a polished coastal style to Bonito Bistro, shaped by his early work at the Hyatt Coconut Point and by time spent in Michelin starred kitchens across the country. His experience includes Thomas Keller’s Bouchon in Yountville, California, along with New York City’s Oceana and stages at the three Michelin star Le Bernardin and The Modern at the Museum of Modern Art. A Naples born Florida native with a deep love for fresh seafood; he creates dishes that highlight intention, creativity, and coastal sensibility. Bonito Bistro offers exceptional seafood, hand cut steaks, and a welcoming dining experience inspired by the coast and the flavors of the Florida shoreline.

Each plate reflects a passion for quality ingredients and creative balance. Whether you’re joining us for a lively evening, a special celebration, or a memorable meal, Bonito Bistro invites you to experience coastal dining reimagined.

Top review

Steven

Dined 7 days ago

Excellent service and the place is known for their Smashburger which is the best in town.

Fathoms Restaurant & Bar

4.7

4.7 (197)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Cape Coral

About the restaurant

Fathom's Restaurant offers American cuisine in a casual restaurant setting with Indoor and Outdoor seating, and also our great tiki bar outside. Come on in with group friends and enjoy a hand-crafted pizza, variety of small plates, and delicious entrees. Move out to the tiki bar that overlooks the Cape Harbour Marine to enjoy a drink and live entertainment after the meal, or enjoy your meal out there! Specials and events at Fathom's occur throughout the week so be sure to check the website regularly or ask about specials upon arrival. There is a cocktail happy hour everyday along with a special bar menu at our bars.

Top review

Stacy

Dined on Oct 27, 2026

Ate outside, table was where requested. Fun night.

Gather - Cape Coral

4.8

4.8 (342)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Cape Coral

About the restaurant

Located in Tarpon Point Marina, Gather Waterfront dining combines a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere, designed for you to forget where you are and travel with your senses. We blend traditional and Mediterranean flavors with classic dishes to create an international twist. Alongside a carefully selected menu, each meal can be combined with a craft cocktail or an amazing wine from our unique list.

Top review

Terri

Dined 7 days ago

The food was wonderful. The best fish and chips I ever had. The risotto was delicious

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Sweet Melissa's Restaurant - Fort Myers

4.7

4.7 (227)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Cypress Lake

About the restaurant

Sweet Melissa's Cafe is a culinary gem in Fort Myers, offering a vibrant dining experience that delights the senses. Led by Chef Melissa Donahue, the menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients, showcasing innovative seafood dishes and perfectly cooked steaks that highlight her culinary talent. The inviting ambiance, with elegant decor and a cozy patio, creates the perfect backdrop for any occasion, whether it's a celebration or a casual night out with friends. The attentive staff is dedicated to ensuring your dining experience is exceptional, while the extensive wine list pairs beautifully with your meal. Don't miss out on dessert! Chef Melissa's signature treats, like the rich chocolate lava cake, are the perfect way to end your meal. Visit Sweet Melissa's Cafe for an unforgettable culinary journey that will leave you craving more.

Top review

KimGold

Dined 7 days ago

I’m not sure why it wasn’t more crowded. Everything was fantastic! This was my second visit. We had to repeat the blue crab pasta, unique and delicious! I had the scallops and my husband had the redfish. Both were excellent. Cheesecake for dessert. Really great! And live music added a nice touch.

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Sweet and Spicy Shrimp and Grits

Rebecca’s - Naples

4.6

4.6 (925)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

East Naples

About the restaurant

*Rebecca's: A Culinary Oasis in the Heart of Naples*

Discover the art of dining in an atmosphere of chic sophistication. Our restaurant boasts an extensive and thoughtfully curated wine collection, perfect for every palate and occasion. Paired with expertly crafted cocktails, exquisite cuisine, and a stunning ambiance, we create an unforgettable experience where every detail celebrates flavor and style. Visit our website to learn about our monthly wine club membership!

Indulge in Chef Darren Veilleux's globally inspired menu, a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. From the "best pizza in Naples" to the "unbelievable flavors" of shrimp curry, each dish is a masterpiece.

Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner, a lively gathering with friends, or a solo escape, Rebecca's offers a haven for all. We invite you to relax and savor the moment.

Join us for breakfast, lunch, Sunday brunch or dinner and discover the art of dining at its finest. Welcome to Rebecca's!

Top review

robin

Dined 4 days ago

so fun -so good and Rebecca has great welcoming energy- my guests LOVED it!!!

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Ridgway Bar & Grill

4.7

4.7 (4943)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Naples

About the restaurant

Ridgway Bar & Grill offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where exceptional food and great company come together. Locally owned for over 50 years, our menu features classic and inventive dishes inspired by Tony Ridgway’s culinary roots and passion for quality. From fresh local seafood to cozy comfort meals or small plates for variety, there’s always something to delight every palate.

Enhance your meal with a selection from our award-winning wine list, curated by Sukie Honeycutt. With over 600 boutique and limited-production wines, our collection offers rare finds to elevate any dining experience. Ridgway Bar & Grill does not allow guests to bring outside wine into the restaurant.

Don’t forget dessert—all made from scratch, including our Original Carrot Cake and house-made ice creams.

We pride ourselves on creating memorable moments, from casual lunches to celebratory dinners.
For special requests, please call us directly; online requests may not be accommodated.

Top review

JeffGold

Dined 2 days ago

Chix pot pie is Fabulous!! So are the Parker rolls! Waitress was very good! Love it there!

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4.6

4.6 (7254)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Naples

About the restaurant

M Waterfront Grille dining at its very best, M Waterfront Grille offers contemporary cutting edge American cuisine with the accent on Florida Fusion, seafood, steaks, organics and pasta. The Village on Venetian Bay provides the scenic backdrop for both indoor & outdoor dining for lunch, dinner and our award winning Sunday Brunch. Minutes from the Artis of Naples, M Waterfront Grille midtown location is conveniently accessible to all the major hotels and resorts. Award winning menu items served with a friendly, accommodating attitude reflect the independently owned and managed restaurant's philosophy – "Our guests deserve the best – it's our business to make that happen.

Voted one of the BEST Naples Restaurants. Member of Naples Originals.

Top review

Lisa

Dined 2 days ago

This was the best meal I have had in a long time. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. I humored my husband who loves prime rib. We went to their prime rib night and honestly it was so amazing, served with delicious Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes and au jus/horesradish. Service was attentive and chefs gave extra special touches like a minor tomato soup “shot” with grilled cheesy bread, and after dinner chocolates. Bread was delicious and loved the red pepper tapenade that came with it. Really exceeded expectations and also enjoyed sitting right by the water. Would recommend it highly.

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