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Cape Coral Living Magazine

5 New Cape Coral Restaurants You Should Check Out

Aug 24, 2017 12:55AM ● By Kevin

Mexico Lindo Restaurant. Photo courtesy of its website.

Looking for a new restaurant to try? Cape Coral has plenty of great dining options. We thought it would be a great idea to compile a list of newer eateries you may not have tried (tip: one isn't new, but is under new ownership). Check these out and let us know what you think in the comments!

Taverna Wood Fire Kitchen

Taverna Wood Fire Kitchen.

Description (according to its Facebook page): Welcome to Taverna Wood Fire Kitchen! We are excited to present Southwest Florida’s newest hot spot! Family owned and operated, this Italian kitchen offers a variety of true Neapolitan wood fired dishes made fresh daily and a variety of pasta, made in house! Our extensive wine list will satisfy even the most discerning palettes. Our constantly rotating craft beer selection from local businesses and the most sought after crafts will have your taste buds hopping back for another round with your closest friends and family! Come on in to Taverna for your next dining experience and you’ll surely become a regular. See you soon!

Rating (according to Yelp): 4.5

Opened: July 2017

Best review (according to Yelp): "Been here 2 times now. First time we had the octopus (AMAZING). I have had octopus a decent amount of times, and this was just about the best I have ever had. The fruit compote was an amazing addition. Had the lobster risotto, and wife had the lobster ravioli. Both were excellent. I was not super fond of the sauce on the lobster ravioli, it had a bit of a strong onion flavor, and I HATE raw onions. This is a taste thing, not a dish problem. I loved my risotto, and gladly sucked the heads of my perfectly cooked shrimp. Had the cannoli for desert. Perfect.

"2nd visit was pizza. I had sausage, mushrooms, and ricotta. Wife had cheese. They were excellent and the crust was perfect. Crisp and chewy in the best way. Already thinking about my next meal. Go check this place out, you will not regret it. This is EXACTLY the type of restaurant we need to support here the the Cape. We have enough chain restaurants. Support local!" - Michael D, Cape Coral

El Toro Mexican Restaurant

El Toro Mexican Restaurant.

Rating (according to Yelp): 3.5 stars

Opened: June 2017

Best review (according to Yelp): "Complementary chips and salsa! Great service! Love the pollo jalisco, haven't had anything like it before. We needed a place like El toro around here." - Janette U, Bokeelia






10 Twenty Five

10 Twenty Five.

Description (according to its website): From Fireball mac & cheese to Mom's Meatloaf we have you covered. Great deals on beer and wine daily. Chad and Amber Zollinger are the owners/operators of the new spot.

Rating (according to Yelp): 4.5 stars

Opened: October 2016

Best review (according to Yelp): "I was nervous bringing my little one to 10 Twenty Five because I thought it wasn't going to be a kid-friendly restaurant. I was wrong. 10 Twenty Five is an inviting atmosphere for families of all sizes. They have coloring sheets and giant Jenga. There is also a swanky bar for the kidless folks. 

"Great beer selection! I always appreciate when a restaurant makes strides to support local or Florida breweries!

"Food is good too. I had the fish tacos and my husband had the bangers and mash. Both entrees were delicious and very filling.

"Definitely check out 10 Twenty Five!" - Nicole M, Fort Myers

La Corte Bistro

La Corte Bistro.

Description (according to its website): Mr. Michael Bodetti, is a successful former business man who has worked his entire adult life creating start-up companies specializing in global telecommunications, as well as venturing into Real Estate. Bodetti has been friends with Mr. Vincent Palmese for nearly 45 years now. Both men grew up calling NYC home. Palmese has been working in the food service industry for some 40 years and counting. He has both created and ran many successful food service businesses back in his home town of NYC, as well as up and down the east coast of Florida, finally settling down in Naples, FL. Bodetti and Palmese became friends with Alex Vitali over the last two years and they all hit is off as a great balance of personalities. When asked what the key strength to this newly-formed partnership as co-owners of La Corte Garden Bistro is, Bodetti conferred that it is indeed the great respect the three have for each other personally, and in their respective positions within the restaurant. Bodetti will be the acting CFO of La Corte Garden Bistro, while Palmese takes on the daunting position of GM and Alex with be the facility manager. This is an amazing property but it is high maintenance and in order for it to keep looking amazing it needs constant attention.

Rating (according to Yelp): 4 stars

New Owners: As of summer 2017 (not a brand new restaurant)

Best review (according to Yelp): "We dined at La Corte Bistro tonight for the second time, and it remains awesome!  Our server Paul was attentive to our every wish, and the food was beyond my ability to describe.

"Escargot starters were served on a puff pastry, tender, and dressed with a marvelous reduction sauce.  This was followed by perfectly cooked Tournedos of Beef, tender, flavorful, and with a reduction tying this dish to the escargot.  I was stuffed but Paul suggested several sorbets for dessert, told him to surprise me with the flavor.  Raspberry in a frozen grapefruit rind serving bowl was perfect.

"I can't recommend La Corte Bistro too highly, get in before the snow birds return and reservations become dear!" - William T, Fort Myers

Mexico Lindo Restaurant

Description (according to its website): The Most Beautiful Restaurant with great food, the best margaritas and professional staff waiting to serve you! Full bar available. This is the Place that you, your friends and families will fill like in Mexico.  The flavor, the atmosphere, the friendly of the party that make you feel you are “en su casa.”

Rating (according to Yelp): 4 stars

Opened: October 2016

Best review (according to Yelp): "Great find! Had the pleasure of eating the Mole Chicken Enchiladas!  Mole sauce does not show up often on the menu so I was very happy!  Delicious, flavorful sauce, nice rice and beans. We had thin, crispy & delicious chips and salsa when we arrived which we could not stop eating.

"Both of us had super cold beers on tap...refreshing on a hot day! Empanadas for appetizer were tasty. Husband had  Alambre Chilango which was a skirt steak...with lots of delicious flavors and ingredients...he truly enjoyed this! Waiter was attentive but not hovering ... Great time and will be back to try some other items on the menu!" - Susan M, Fort Myers Beach

Know of a hot, new restaurant in town that you'd love to share? Add it to our directory and let us know. We'll include it here, or add it to a future guide!