We were very excited to go back to key lime bistro during our time on Captiva. Initially I went to pick up a key lime pie to go. That was amazing. The pie was delicious. We decided to go back for lunch and we were less than impressed. The staff seemed bare bones, they were all running around and it wasn't super busy. We ordered fried grouper sandwiches and the nachos. The grouper smelled fishy and was not super appetizing, it did not taste great and we were all a little unwell later in the day. The nachos sounded great from the menu description but we're fine. Nothing too special. This is a stop we make every trip now but will not go out of our way to stop in the future.
ppun551
Don't believe 'Tripadvisor Messages' that claim that 'this place is closed'! It is one of the better dining places on Sanibel/Captiva and it was OPEN when we dined there on 31OCT25. We had Large Salad with grilled Mahi, which was excellent quality, and Paella which was incredibly lush for a poor man's dish originating in Valencia (Spain). The Wine list is extensive and bottles can be found starting around 40 USD, which is reasonable pricing. The only shock came when we were presented with the bill and suggested tips were 20%, 25% and 30%. Is this the new normal? Are there no regular salaries for waiters? People complain about sales taxes around the world up to 22% and now we are expected to accept 30% service charges. Come on.
1952jerseygirl
Excellent food and service. We arrived for dinner shortly after they opened at 5:00 and got our choice of tables. Our server, Jennifer, was friendly and professional. My husband ordered one of their specials, I believe it was called Fungi Risotto, and it was a great mixture of shrimp, scallops and mushrooms in a creamy risotto. I had the 8 oz filet mignon. It was perfectly cooked medium rare topped with a portobello mushroom and asparagus, artfully displayed. We shared creme brulee for dessert, which was also delicious and enough for two. We had been to Keylime Bistro 2 months ago for breakfast and I can attest to the great quality of those meals as well. I highly recommend Keylime Bistro.
brandygirl9
We ate twice here June 21 and 22,2025 and both times were great. Service excellent and everyone was friendly but very busy and possibly need more servers which did Not affect the experience just a note. Food and drinks great, we can’t wait to go back. The grouper fresh and yummy, my first time having this fish and I loved the grouper piccata. Get the Bloody Mary with the 2 jumbo shrimp, what a treat! The key lime pie is more like a cheesecake I think, but good as was the key lime martini! Can’t wait to go back, there was live music on the patio outside but we chose indoor seating due to the heat.
Louiseoxf
The whole place is newly renovated, looks very bright, airy & welcoming (& looks nothing like the current photos). The staff were great, really friendly & helpful & there was plenty of choice on the menu. We all really enjoyed our lunch then a few of us finished off with the key lime pie - absolutely delicious! If you're in the area, I'd recommend giving it a try!
amazed43
We had lunch at Key Lime Bistro today and were thrilled to be back. Food and service were excellent as always. They also had a singer on the keyboard who was excellent! We enjoyed him and the food and everything about our lunch’
316bruceb
This has always been a "go to" place for breakfast and dinner. Unfortunately the three hurricanes , Ian, Helene and Milton have keep the place closed. They are working on it but it's going to be some time before it's ready. The cottages behind the Keylime have all been torn down due to the extensive damage.
matt johnson
WOW this place has what I believe is the best key lime pie in all of South West Florida. Over the years I've had pies from Kew West to Tampa, and this is in another class, a very good class. Thanks from Matt and Johnathan at West
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: KeyLime Pie
Paul Iannace
The food was decent, not bad at all, in fact the fresh salsa was amazing and the food had its own unique flair which I'd recommended to try. However; we were in for a "quick dinner" for over an hour and a half, other tables received service before us while we were in 10+ before them, and the food would sit on the counter for 15+ minutes before being served to our table (party of 4). It was not even half full inside and outside, but the wait time while being served was seriously dreadful. We almost left a couple of times while waiting. Drinks were never refilled, nor even bothered to ask to be. Overall, not half bad food, I would give the food a 3.5/5, but service a 1.5/5.
theresams324
Fabulous views, long-term staff, and fresh food! Grouper Café de Paris is fantastic! And the potatoes they serve with it are amazing. Dined there a couple of times during our trip and both were outstanding hoping to go back soon.
Yes it was busy with not many restaurants open but even then the service was nice and quick enough. Food good. Relaxing. I would go again.
Alex Buyak
Food took 45 minutes to come and when it did it was horrible. visually disgusting and overpriced. Other customers nearby were also complaining about the long wait. Don’t go here
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Patrick Trueman
THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED! It appears damaged by Hurricane Ian. Unfortunately, Google says it is still open. Hope it will come back because it was a great restaurant with the very best key lime pie! UPDATE: January 18, 2024, despite what Google says, this restaurant is still closed, and under renovation due to damage by hurricane Ian.
Julie Shepherd
Would have loved to go here. However it is still not open due to Hurricane Ian
Luke Stelling
I loved the Loose Caboose (The longstanding and well loved business here before) It was one of the best and favorite spots on the island. Coming back to visit and eating here was heartbreaking. Garbage food and service in exchange for stealing the once loved location, unacceptable.
We were very excited to go back to key lime bistro during our time on Captiva. Initially I went to pick up a key lime pie to go. That was amazing. The pie was delicious. We decided to go back for lunch and we were less than impressed. The staff seemed bare bones, they were all running around and it wasn't super busy. We ordered fried grouper sandwiches and the nachos. The grouper smelled fishy and was not super appetizing, it did not taste great and we were all a little unwell later in the day. The nachos sounded great from the menu description but we're fine. Nothing too special. This is a stop we make every trip now but will not go out of our way to stop in the future.
Don't believe 'Tripadvisor Messages' that claim that 'this place is closed'! It is one of the better dining places on Sanibel/Captiva and it was OPEN when we dined there on 31OCT25. We had Large Salad with grilled Mahi, which was excellent quality, and Paella which was incredibly lush for a poor man's dish originating in Valencia (Spain). The Wine list is extensive and bottles can be found starting around 40 USD, which is reasonable pricing. The only shock came when we were presented with the bill and suggested tips were 20%, 25% and 30%. Is this the new normal? Are there no regular salaries for waiters? People complain about sales taxes around the world up to 22% and now we are expected to accept 30% service charges. Come on.
Excellent food and service. We arrived for dinner shortly after they opened at 5:00 and got our choice of tables. Our server, Jennifer, was friendly and professional. My husband ordered one of their specials, I believe it was called Fungi Risotto, and it was a great mixture of shrimp, scallops and mushrooms in a creamy risotto. I had the 8 oz filet mignon. It was perfectly cooked medium rare topped with a portobello mushroom and asparagus, artfully displayed. We shared creme brulee for dessert, which was also delicious and enough for two. We had been to Keylime Bistro 2 months ago for breakfast and I can attest to the great quality of those meals as well. I highly recommend Keylime Bistro.
We ate twice here June 21 and 22,2025 and both times were great. Service excellent and everyone was friendly but very busy and possibly need more servers which did Not affect the experience just a note. Food and drinks great, we can’t wait to go back. The grouper fresh and yummy, my first time having this fish and I loved the grouper piccata. Get the Bloody Mary with the 2 jumbo shrimp, what a treat! The key lime pie is more like a cheesecake I think, but good as was the key lime martini! Can’t wait to go back, there was live music on the patio outside but we chose indoor seating due to the heat.
The whole place is newly renovated, looks very bright, airy & welcoming (& looks nothing like the current photos). The staff were great, really friendly & helpful & there was plenty of choice on the menu. We all really enjoyed our lunch then a few of us finished off with the key lime pie - absolutely delicious! If you're in the area, I'd recommend giving it a try!
We had lunch at Key Lime Bistro today and were thrilled to be back. Food and service were excellent as always. They also had a singer on the keyboard who was excellent! We enjoyed him and the food and everything about our lunch’
This has always been a "go to" place for breakfast and dinner. Unfortunately the three hurricanes , Ian, Helene and Milton have keep the place closed. They are working on it but it's going to be some time before it's ready. The cottages behind the Keylime have all been torn down due to the extensive damage.
WOW this place has what I believe is the best key lime pie in all of South West Florida. Over the years I've had pies from Kew West to Tampa, and this is in another class, a very good class.
Thanks from Matt and Johnathan at West
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: KeyLime Pie
The food was decent, not bad at all, in fact the fresh salsa was amazing and the food had its own unique flair which I'd recommended to try. However; we were in for a "quick dinner" for over an hour and a half, other tables received service before us while we were in 10+ before them, and the food would sit on the counter for 15+ minutes before being served to our table (party of 4). It was not even half full inside and outside, but the wait time while being served was seriously dreadful. We almost left a couple of times while waiting. Drinks were never refilled, nor even bothered to ask to be. Overall, not half bad food, I would give the food a 3.5/5, but service a 1.5/5.
Fabulous views, long-term staff, and fresh food! Grouper Café de Paris is fantastic! And the potatoes they serve with it are amazing. Dined there a couple of times during our trip and both were outstanding hoping to go back soon.
Restaurantji Recommends
Yes it was busy with not many restaurants open but even then the service was nice and quick enough. Food good. Relaxing. I would go again.
Food took 45 minutes to come and when it did it was horrible. visually disgusting and overpriced. Other customers nearby were also complaining about the long wait. Don’t go here
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED! It appears damaged by Hurricane Ian. Unfortunately, Google says it is still open. Hope it will come back because it was a great restaurant with the very best key lime pie! UPDATE: January 18, 2024, despite what Google says, this restaurant is still closed, and under renovation due to damage by hurricane Ian.
Would have loved to go here. However it is still not open due to Hurricane Ian
I loved the Loose Caboose (The longstanding and well loved business here before) It was one of the best and favorite spots on the island. Coming back to visit and eating here was heartbreaking. Garbage food and service in exchange for stealing the once loved location, unacceptable.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
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