50 Best Italian Restaurants near Estero

“We received great service from Johan our server. The manager visited our table often and was very friendly and made sure we were enjoying our time and had everything we needed. The food was superb and everybody enjoyed their meal. I can’t wait to go back again!“

“I was with a party of 6. We had 4 different entrees. Everyone raved about their food. It's a small restaurant, but there is also outdoor seating. Family owned business preparing authentic Italian dishes. I don't live in the area, just visiting. If I get back to visit again, this restaurant is a must.“

“My husband and I came here because it was close to our hotel. What a nice place! The ambiance, service and food was excellent. I felt like I was in Italy. I highly recommend. Everything was fresh and delicious. Prices reasonable. Reminds me of my favorite Italian restaurant in Detroit that is 100% authentic. Everything made from scratch. We are so glad we found this place! And no, I am not family or related to the owner like someone else posted.“

“*Review for normal people: Good slice to grab and go at the mall. Nice flavor, quick service, definitely better than expected! *Review for NY pizza snobs: This ain't bad, especially for Fort Myers (and a mall). Sauce is very flavorful, on the sweet side. Heavy on the cheese. Very thin crust. This would hold its own against a solid NY dollar slice. I liked it!“

“Great food, lots of options and friendly staff! We are originally from the Chicago suburbs and was so glad to see Rosati's open down here in Estero, FL! We usually order thin crust pizza but have had deep dish as well....both are excellent! Pasta dishes, salads everything is good.......lot's of options!Staff is wonderful, we visit often with 6-8 of us and everybody gets their food at the same time.....hot!We'll be back real soon!“

“Friday night was $15 parm night. Big servings of chicken or sausage parmesan, plus two other parm choices. It could have used a bit more flavor, fresh herbs perhaps, but was still tasty. Music was a pleasant surprise with a wonderful selection of 60s and 70s live singing with guitar and piano. We are planning to return Wednesday for music trivia!!“

“As a New Yorker, I do tend to have high standards for pizza. There aren't many good pizza places in Florida but Marsala is great. The sauce isn't too sweet and the portions are sizable. Everything tastes super fresh. The garlic knots were insanely oily though, just as a heads up. The service was quick and friendly and the restaurant operates smoothly. It's decorated really nice and very clean. Perfect for a family outing or date night.“

“We usually avoid any Olive Garden, anywhere, but it was getting late on a Saturday and we were told a 1 hour wait at 3 places, so we ended up here.What a nice surprise, from the time we entered. Our server RUBY was a joy, smiling, enthusiastic, informative and attentive. Cocktails were made perfectly, and the bread and salad was almost immediate. We shared a 3 item dish and while not exactly on par with Montepulciano, all 3 were better than anticipated, including a perfectly cooked Fettuccine.Ruby’s service and cheerful demeanour made the experience quite enjoyable. Olive Garden has now redeemed themselves.“

“This was our first time at Farfalla. Six of us were warmly greeted and made comfortable at a lovely round table with full view of the restaurant and the kitchen. We were able to converse and enjoy each other even though the restaurant became quite crowded later in the evening. Our server was knowledgeable and attentive. The wine selection was good and served nicely. Requests were taken care of politely and quickly. Everyone enjoyed soups, salads and entrees. Our host made the rounds to ensure everyone was enjoying the evening. I had the snapper which was delicious. We all agreed this restaurant was a winner and we would definitely return. Great easy location with plenty of parking.“

“If I could give this place more than 5 stars I would! Every time I come to the Ft.Myers/Naples/Bonita Springs area I always have dinner at Angelina’s! From the moment I pull up, the experience is top notch, starting with the valet guy who opens my door and never stops running from the moment he parks my car to the moment he brings it back at the end of the night. Most impressive is that he remembers my name without me having to tell him. Next, as I enter the restaurant, I am greeted by a friendly, smiling hostess and then immediately see the 3 story wine tower and hear the piano playing in the bar area. The atmosphere is beautiful…dark, quiet and romantic…perfect for any type of gathering! The food is always delicious and the service is impeccable! I have never felt rushed and my servers have always been amazing. This time my server was Nicole….she was friendly, polite and professional. She truly took care of my every need! I can’t say enough about this place…definitely two thumbs up!!“

“I called in an order for the 3lb catering pack today for the fam and picked it up after work. I got instructions on how to prepare the beef. It came with all the trimmings. The bread was amazing and we got sweet peppers and giardinera too! Let me just say, we are from Chicago and haven’t had a beef this good in a decade. Thank you Jimmy the beef guy for a perfect family meal! Thankfully my aunt and uncle let us take all of the leftovers home! They loved it but can’t eat a lot so we scored the rest to enjoy! Yay!! We live on Marco island and will gladly make the drive to Jimmy’s for some more delicious beef sandwiches. Can’t wait to try the Italian stallion as well.“

“Came as a giant party (annoying, I know), but Britany was great. We’re an annoying group of people and she was nothing but great to us. I don’t think I’ve ever been to Carrabba’s, but their food was great and I have no complaints. Come here and ask for Britany.“

“This was our second visit and will be back again. Make sure you make a reservation or you will need to wait. We like to sit outside. Our waiter Jim was excellent and the food was so delicious. We first ordered the special appetizer, stuffed zucchini flowers, Jim mentioned there are only three to the order and there was four of us so he asked if we wanted a fourth one. All four of our meals were so good and so accommodating to any of our requests.“

“Our waiter Hunter knew the menu well and could help with menu descriptions and recommendations. The food was delicious (and so were the leftovers!). We were celebrating birthdays and it was great! Loved the homemade pasta and sauces. The only surprise was that they only serve beer and wine only, no cocktails. We had a great bottle of wine! We'll be back!“

“An evening out with friends at one of the best Ft Myers restaurants. I had Ossa Buco, the others had grouper and bolognese. All were good. Nice wine list with good values . Patron noice was moderate and our server, Caroline, was delightful. Good at wine pairings too!“

“The wait staff was excellent, efficient and very friendly. The food was pure Italian perfection. The portions were plentiful and displayed beautifully. This was our first time here and it’s added on my list to bring my Jersey family members here on their next visit.“

“Visited Mastello for the first time during a spring break trip to Fort Myers. We were blown away by the quality, the service, the atmosphere, and the food! Can easily say my steak was the best I've ever had without question. Our server, Lexi, was so pleasant, she made our special night even more enjoyable. Would totally recommend Mastello for a great dinner.“

“A great find. The super positive reviews I read were spot on: really excellent pizza! We got cheese with mushroom and sausage. I pride myself on being a good judge of italian sausage, and theirs is top quality and flavor, sliced thin, so the pizza was COVERED. Very fresh tasting sauce too. Very nice staff, including chefs who came out to say hi and ask how we liked our dinner: we simply said "great pizza!"“

“Very nice atmosphere. There is outdoor seating. Service is very professional. The food is fantastic. It's one of those places you would like to go back to until you've tried everything on the menu. I had the ground lamb kebab served with grilled vegetables and a cucumber salad and a very delicious garlic tahini, the dish was fabulous. I'd recommend ordering a side pita bread to go with it. They have dinner features not on the menu every night, in which my wife had the lobster ravioli with a brandy blush sauce and she raved about it. They are only open for dinner. Don't miss out on this place.“

“We were very pleased with our meals. Our Server, Emily was awesome!We were there on Sunday & they were busy. Found out that it's best to have reservations.Parking: SeveralKid-friendliness: There were several kids there.Wheelchair accessibility: Easy wheelchair accessibility“

“A f Emily owned and operated osteria that is delicious as it is humble. The chef is fabulous and the wine always tasteful with whatever specials he is making!!! My favorite is the seafood ciapnno so authentic and fresh!!! A little off the beaten path and well worth the journey!!“

“Grandpa's Pizza is a beloved local pizzeria that captures the essence of old-school Italian-American cuisine. With its mouthwatering pies and cozy atmosphere, it's a go-to spot for pizza aficionados seeking a taste of nostalgia. From classic cheese pizzas to specialty pies loaded with toppings, each slice is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and tradition. The welcoming ambiance and friendly service make it the perfect spot for a casual meal with family or friends. Whether you're dining in or ordering takeout, Grandpa's Pizza promises a delicious and satisfying experience that's reminiscent of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones.“

“This is one of the best (hidden secrets) pizza places in Southwest Florida! The staff at Vincenzo's are always friendly and provide amazing service! Every dish I've tried at Vincenzo's has been great, from pasta to strombolis to pizza. We usually order the garlic bread with cheese for our appetizer and then if we have the little one the large pizza. We usually end up taking several slices home. My favorite is the stromboli and the pasta with vodka sauce, a must try. This place can get busy and is very quaint, but worth the wait!“

“Very good food at affordable prices. Limited but varied menu. Portions were plentiful and very tasty.I had a Lasagna and it was huge and tasty. Did taste some pasta and it was a bit overdone, not at al dente.Parking: Parking lot is rather small and parking is limited“

“Viloria is an exceptional server who is dedicated to providing outstanding customer service. She is knowledgeable, efficient, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that her clients are satisfied. If you have the opportunity to work with Viloria, you will be in good hands.“

“This was a pick-up order Calzones were delicious. One plain and the other meatball and pepperoni. Hot wings tasted mild. We also ordered mild wings and you can see the color difference. The cinnamon sticks were horrible. Hard as a rock. Overcooked.“

“We’re snowbirds & we always look forward to visiting Citrola’s while we’re here. I usually get the shrimp primavera but tonight I opted for the pork chop, it was simply amazing! One of our very favorite places in Fort Myers, thanks Robin for providing such a wonderful experience every time!“

“Ive been around the park for a while. and how nice this place is now is crazy. Pretty good Titos and Captain prices. BBQ bacon burger was big and delicious. Then to finish it off with Creme Brulee which coming from a French Chef myself. C'est Magnifique“

“We were in the area, reviews and ratings looked good, so we tried it for lunch. The restaurant is hidden away in a strip mall that is mostly businesses. It is small, but quaint. It was not busy at all at 2:30ish on a Wednesday. We were greeted and seated right away. There was no wait to order drinks or food. The wait for food arrival was acceptable. The wait staff were all very friendly, accommodating and professional. The bolognese sauce was good, but not great. A spice was used that made the sauce taste bitter. The meatballs were good. The pizza was also good. The crust was on the crisp side, but not too crispy. I got extra cheese, pepperoni and 1/2 green olives. I didn't taste much sauce, so probably didn't need extra cheese. If in the area again, we would go back.“

“This is the best jets pizza location I have been to. The food quality is the same as the others but it simply looks great. It actually has dine in options with places to sit and relax unlike cape's jets pizzeria. The staff was nice and accomodating. If there was a small criticism was that the pizza took quite a while longer than normal.“

“This place is awesome. The servers remember your nane and what you drink. The host of karaoke is great although I miss him singing a song to open the night of karaoke. Pkease bring that back. We have a group of at least 10 people every Friday night that come abd have a great time.“

“Our first time here to this surprise gem of a restaurant. We arrived ahead of our party and sat at the bar for a drink and were greeted so warmly by the staff, served quickly while she chatted amiably with us. Once our friends arrived we were seated outside to enjoy the warmth of the evening. Our waiter Bill, shared the specials with us with a smile and humor. Our friends who have been here before requested Bill because he is fun and chatty. The food was fabulous fresh and so tasty. Mare Terra is a bit hidden off of Rt 41 but it's so worth going. Ask for Bill and you'll have great service and a wonderful evening out. A singer was inside and sounded really lovely when we passed through the restaurant but we couldn't hear her outdoors. Plenty of parking.“

“BEST PIZZA I have had in Florida and the service was the best! Vinnie from NY makes the pizza and my mouth is absolutely watering wanting to go back. This place is a gem. We had zuchinni sticks and a Supreme pizza with no sausage, and just wow. I love giving 5 star reviews when recent experiences left me wondering...“

“The pizza is amazing ! The Bianca White Pizza had generous amounts of tasty cheeses, the ricotta was so delicious & then there was that ‘perfect ‘ amount of fresh garlic which was so good too ! We love, love, loved it ! ♥️ We’re not local unfortunately, we were passing through. Also, the owner is very personable & enjoyed talking with us about their homemade sauces. Visit them soon & Bon appe’tit !!“

“I’m new in town and first time at Carini’s. Our server, Mari was exceptional. Their homemade salad dressing was light and tasty. Their pasta fradiavlo was amazing. Great family friendly atmosphere. Can’t wait to go back and try their pizzas. They looked delicious too.“

“Excellent meal, great service, portion sizes were generous, atmosphere was comfortable. Highly recommend. We will definitely be coming back again. Jules, our waitress was personable and attentive. All our meals were excellent. We will be enjoying the leftovers tomorrow!“

“It's loud. Puttanesca sauce over rigatoni - yum. Partner had the marinara sauce - also good. Service friendly and very attentive. Was very busy when we arrived at about 7pm, but started clearing quickly. Looks like this is a favorite for an older crowd. Does that mean there are early bird specials? Maybe, can't confirm.Parking: Plenty of parking in this strip mall.“

“The Pizza was Delicious,,my husband & I both enjoyed it very much. We will be going here every Friday ! Haven't found any Pizza in For Myers as good as this ! And the Service was just as Great ! I like my Pizza a little over cooked, the man on the phone when I ordered asked ,burnt, I said yes, a little. Well it was perfect. We got half sausage & half plain. The sausage was delicious also. Looking forward to next Friday!“

“Went here with my family. Food was delicious probably the best I've had in a long time. The only thing is that every one of my family members food orders something was wrong. Which was the cooks fault as they did not pay attention to our orders.“

“The place was packed, we had a reservation but chose to sit early in the bar area where we could partake of HH specials. Our waiter was friendly & informative. Our meals we yummy, it was lent so fish choices were a must, plenty of options on the menu.“

“I recently had a delightful experience at Olive Garden. The vegetarian options were outstanding, offering a variety that surpassed my expectations. The standout, however, was the exceptional service provided by Narayan, the busboy. His politeness and efficiency truly elevated our dining experience, making it memorable. I will definitely go back.Vegetarian options: They can make most any dish vegetarian“

“We each got the rigatoni martino. It's a nice dish that we've gotten before, and this Carrabba's location performed well. Our server had a lot of tables but still did good enough. He needed a few reminders but things still worked out fine for us. Food was out pretty fast.“

“Meatball appetizer and salmon, spinach, and asparagus w/ some Alfredo fettuccine. It was great, but even more perfect with glass of Chardonnay . Met some nice regulars and even had some live music for ladies night. Will definitely be back and try their table side desserts.“

“Dietary restrictions: I have cauliflower pizza, no sauce ( like cheesy bread and Greek salad). The best un area. My husband does regular pizza with bacon or pepperoni. We are from Boston area and this is best we had here in Fort Myers. We go at least once a week. Patrice is numerous 1“

“Excellent Italian food homemade with love. Greeted by one of the owners. Waitress was very professional and provided excellent service. My daughter ordered the Gnocchi and I ordered the lasagna. Having worked as a concierge in a high end resort in Aspen for several years, she/we have had some really good food. This is the best Gnocchi ever! The cream sauce is to die for. Lasagna was excellent too and literally melts in your mouth. You don't find truly homemade food often. These guys deliver it with love. Hope to return when they reopen next season. Truly a treat.“

“Nice gluten free gf pizza option — we got several pizzas. Everyone liked them. At the same time we’d picked up some wal-mart pizzas for bake-your own, including a freschetta gf pie. The gluten free crusts were about the same.Dietary restrictions: They have a gluten free crust, it is all baked in the same oven.“

“This is my new favorite pizza place! It is a very cute, clean restaurant and the owner is very nice. Great food and great service. A double win here. I finally found pizza in Florida! They actually use real cheese, not that mushy stuff. They have a butter garlic dipping sauce for the pizza that is amazing! I look forward to going back and trying some of the other things on their menu!“

“Yesterday we had a second large dinner party at Enricos, and it was wonderful. Even on a Saturday evening, when the place was mobbed, Enrico got our table for 12 seated almost on time.Service is attentive and there were no particular delays even though we were a large party. The room is very nice and the noise level wasn't bad for a place that was full.The food is excellent. My wife and her pals rave about the mushroom ravioli with marsala sauce. I loved the lasagna and the Alfredo. The salads are simple but fresh,“

“I traveled over 3000 to find the best Italian food in the country! Playing tourist in Cape Coral, a friend and I had an urge for a good, authentic, Italian dinner. We Googled "Italian restaurants near me" and came up with quite a few selections. Looking over the menus on some of them we found them to be quite expensive just for pasta. I found Maria's on my tablet, (as opposed to my partner's phone). It was less than a half mile from where we were staying, and the prices were very reasonable. So off we went. The restaurant is tucked away in a residential area. It is quaint, small and very clean. The staff was wonderful. We ordered our food. I knew mine would take a while to cook as I ordered Linguine with meatballs, so I was not off put when the food did not arrive immediately. But no problem, we were given warm, fresh baked bread cover in melted butter and garlic pieces, and topped with fresh grated parmesan cheese. It was wonderful! We ordered some wine, munched on the bread and talked. Our food arrived and we dug in (but not before I took some pictures of our meals). My partner raved about his ricotta stuffed ravioli. Me, I was blown away by the marinara sauce covering my linguine! Chunk full of garlic and herbs, it was the best marina I have EVER had in a restaurant. The meatballs were scrumptious, and the pasta cooked perfectly. I am glad I live in Washington state, because if I lived in Cape Coral I would eat here every night and get fat as a house! I should also mention that both my partner and I are Italian, so we are quite picky about our pasta and sauces. Maria's did not disappoint. I was only sorry it was our last day in Cape Coral and we could not go back and try other dishes. I can't recommend this restaurant enough. If you love Italian food, you must try Maria's!“

“I visit Il Pomodoro frequently and have never been disappointed. The food is fresh and delicious and the service is great. We had a celebration of life lunch there for my father in January and I couldn't have been more pleased. Everyone (40 people) raved about the food, and the service for that many people arriving at the same time was unbelievably efficient. I recommend their fish (salmon and grouper are my favorite) and their fresh vegetables. Their sauces are superb. I always feel satisfied and pleased with the value of the food and usually have leftovers to take home.“