The Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Marco Island
Read article
The Best Casual & Affordable Eats in Marco Island
Explore the best casual and affordable restaurants in Marco Island, from laid-back beach bars to family-friendly cafés and hidden local gems.
By
Scott Carr
and
Kelly Carr
Updated
Sami's
Marco Island isn’t only about upscale dining—it’s also home to plenty of relaxed spots where good food meets great value. From beachside grills serving fresh fish sandwiches and tacos to family-run cafés dishing out hearty breakfasts, pizzas, and pub favorites, there’s something to satisfy every craving without breaking the bank
View Map
See What's On This Page
Showing 6 results
4.6
1065 Google reviews
Seafood
$$-$$$
LeeBe Fish serves up an unapologetically simple yet exceptional seafood experience: local commercial-fishing boats catch most of the fish you’ll eat here, so everything arrives fresh from hook to plate. This no-frills spot is a favorite for fans of grilled or fried grouper, snapper, stone crab, shrimp baskets, homemade coleslaw and unbeatable value. Reviewers consistently praise the freshness of the catch and the portion size, making LeeBe Fish a strong choice for a laid-back, authentic island seafood lunch or dinner.
Seafood, American
$$-$$$
Dolphin Tiki Bar & Grill serves up waterfront island vibes with cool drinks, fresh seafood and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Located tucked away but worth the find, the tiki-hut style bar and patio overlook marinas and pelicans as you settle in for grouper sandwiches, sushi rolls, Ahi tuna nachos or creative apps like fried brie with raspberry melba sauce.
Casual and comfortable, this spot excels at mixing value with view—happy hour specials, daily lunch specials and the kind of approach-friendly menu that keeps locals returning. Whether you arrive by boat or bike, it’s a laid-back option for lunch, dinner or drinks by the water.
4.3
959 Google reviews
American, Gastropub
$, $$-$$$
2Shea’s Salty Dog brings island-casual, sports-bar energy to your Marco Island outing—think great games on TV, cold drinks, and a lively crowd. The menu delivers pub favorites done well: fresh fish tacos, blackened grouper baskets, burgers, wings, and a full bar to match.
The vibe is relaxed and social, with indoor and outdoor seating, plenty of screens for game-day viewing, and a dog-friendly patio for those bringing four-legged friends. It’s a solid pick for a fun meal when you’re looking for good food in a breezy, no-fuss setting.
4.4
2218 Google reviews
American
$$-$$$
Mango’s Dockside Bistro on Marco Island offers vibrant waterfront dining in a relaxed and welcoming setting. With panoramic views of the bay and marina at the Esplanade on Smokehouse Bay, it’s ideal for families, groups, or anyone wanting a taste of coastal Florida cuisine.
The menu highlights include fresh-catch seafood such as black grouper, jumbo scallops and lobster, alongside tropical-inspired dishes like their famous Key West Salad and island burrito bowls. The spacious outdoor patio, 750-gallon saltwater fish tank and full sushi bar enrich the ambiance, while the atmosphere stays friendly and family-oriented.
5
Sami's
4.5
1918 Google reviews
American, Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean, Global
$, $$-$$$
Sami’s brings a vibrant, family-friendly vibe to Marco Island with something for everyone—award-winning thin-crust pizza, gyro wraps, pasta classics, and coastal-leaning seafood options. Whether you’re grabbing a casual lunch, enjoying brunch with bottomless mimosas, or relaxing into laid-back dinner with live music, Sami’s offers a relaxed yet lively atmosphere that fits groups, families or solo visitors alike.
4.8
139 Google reviews
American
$, $$-$$$
Island Hideout is Marco Island’s newest hidden gem for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, offering a colorful island-style dining room and a breezy garden patio. Guests can enjoy breakfast favorites served daily until noon (all day on weekends), hearty lunch plates from noon to 3, or weekend brunch paired with specialty drinks, wines, seltzers, and craft beers. Island Hideout was designed to capture the fun, relaxed flavors of Marco Island. With its cozy vibe, indoor-outdoor setting, and welcoming menu, it’s quickly become a favorite spot to gather and start the day island-style.
