My wife and I were excited to return to Sweet Melissas after hearing the great news of their reopening in a new off-island space. It’s always a joy to see a beloved local gem back in business, and we were eager to experience what the new location had to offer. However, while I’m thrilled that Sweet Melissa is back, the overall execution and flavor of many of the dishes fell short of our expectations, especially compared to the high standards set by pre-Ian Sweet Melissas.
We started with the Lamb Meatballs with Whipped Feta was delectable—rich in flavor, tender, and perfectly balanced. It was a standout and, honestly, the highlight of the meal. Unfortunately, the rest of the dishes did not quite live up to that same level of excellence. The Sweet and Spicy Shrimp and Grits, Fettuccine and Clams, and Mussels, while decent, lacked the punch and finesse I’d come to expect from this restaurant. The flavors seemed muted, and the overall execution didn’t quite hit the mark.
The Redfish was tasty, but again, nothing to rave about. A bit of a letdown, considering how often Sweet Melissas knocked it out of the park in the past. To make matters worse, all of our dishes were served lukewarm—not piping hot, not steaming, and certainly not something that needed to be blown down. I can’t help but feel that the kitchen may still be working out a few kinks in the new space.
The service was another area that left us scratching our heads. Our waiter’s etiquette was strange and he didn’t seem to read the table very well. While we weren’t looking for anything extravagant, a more attentive and polished approach would have gone a long way to elevate the experience.
Despite these hiccups, I’m genuinely excited that Sweet Melissas is back in business. It’s clear they’re still trying to find their footing in this new space, and I’m hopeful that with time, they’ll get back to delivering the consistent, flavorful dishes that made them a favorite before. I will absolutely spread the good news that they’re back and plan to return in the future, hoping that the next visit will be a return to the quality we’ve come to love.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Linda Matchette
This is an amazing place but is not open at the current time. Jan & Feb 2025 There is a sign in front of a vacant lot saying coming soon. Just a
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jennifer Butterfield
I've been going to Sweet Melissa's Cafe since it opened on Sanibel in 2009, but this is the first time I've left a review.
Melissa's food is incredible. Always fresh, season, and fabulous. And hee staff is always so friendly and attentive.
Tonight, my mom and I shared the watermelon and heirloom tomato salad (empty plate, oops :). And I had the pork belly boa buns for dinner. I don't remember seeing the buns on the menu before. They were magnificent and completely satisfying.
My mom and husband always, always get the famous fish stew. Everybody was a happy camper tonight.
We had our meal in the Island Pizza building while we wait for Melissa's new building to be built on her old site next door... She has a pop-up experience in Island Pizza most Thursdays and Fridays (just call ahead to Island Pizza make a reservation).
Overall, I'm always so satisfied by any meal at this restaurant, and I look forward to seeing what's next for Sweet Melissa's Cafe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Stew
Kin Fung
the house dish fish stew the fish was not cooked. scallops were raw. The octupus feels like a eating sausage nothing like octupus. white wine was not cold. service in hirry. wirst restaurant you can spend your money.
Sharon Fineman
We come here every trip to Sanibel. Delicious always. Everything we picked, yummy.Great service. Keep this up.We will return
T. Claessens
Very delicious and unique dishes, french inspired. The set menus for holidays like New Year's are an extra special treat. Hearing Melissa communicate with the chefs from the open kitchen gives a rare experience that directly connects you to the artists behind the decadent dishes.
SteveR
Absolutely phenomenal! We are foodies, and this is the best we've had on the island - and from most any other place, honestly. Loved it. We went early, hung out at the bar with Kevin who was pleasant and a joy to talk with, then to our table. We ordered the blackened redfish entrée, petite portion, and the roasted romain salads. Apparently it was the first or second night of a new menu. Food came out quickly, was warm, and quite superb. Can't say enough. We couldn't be more happy, and will go back every time we are here in Sanibel. Probably again on this trip!
MelissaB
Everything was absolutely phenomenal. It was the best meal my family and I have had in a very long time. We will definitely be making reservations at Sweet Melissa's every time we come to Sanibel Island!
Harry Nesteruk
I almost hate to rate this James Beard recognized cafe as a 1 star. We went with another couple who love their fish stew, a clientele favorite. We were dinning at 5:30 and feel that both my wife's stew and my oysters were under cooked and over spicy. My wife had the octopus small plate appetizer. Tasted a bit like lobster, but it had a sauce that was like a strong BBQ sauce that over powered the octopus. My oysters were a bit gelatinous inside, under cooked. The mole sauce was way over powering and to be avoided. The seared top was heavily dusted with a very salty seasoning, I had to scrape it off or just tast salt. My cubed vegetables were also undercooked and without taste. My wife's stew was also undercooked, with raw garlic and other vegetables. Sorry, Melissa, likely won't be back.
Dport
What a special place! We had dinner and cannot say enough good things about it. From the excellent wine list to the amazing octopus appetizer to our main meals, every bite was excellent. Our server Brent was exceptional with suggestions and conversation. I wouldn't hesitate to return.
House specialty fish stew (fish not cooked and scallops raw). octopus does not taste at all anything like octopus. Try it if you do not belive. Service rush. Not worth a penny for the experience.
ChicagoFoodie
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL- We cannot rave enough about this gem on Sanibel. The most incredible octopus we have ever had. Chef cares for and loves her ingredients and it comes thru in every bite. Tres magnifique!!
DIANEBUSH
WE HAD AN EARLY RESERVATION, SO IT WAS NICE A QUIET. THE FOOD IS ALWAYS EXCELLENT - ESPECIALLY THE FISH STEW! OUR GRANDDAUGHTER WAS CELEBRATING HER 17TH BIRTHDAY, AND THEY DID AN AMAZING JOB PRESENTING HER BIRTHDAY DESSERT PLATE! WE LOVE THIS RESTAURANT!
Eric W (Jesus is Lord)
We stopped @ Sweet Melissa's for dessert and coffee last night. The service was eh ... a bit snooty. My key lime bread pudding was good, but only a slight key lime flavor. A bit overpowered by the raspberry sauce. My wife's' apple turnover was underwhelming - the wrapping was a thick flour, more dense than a pie crust. It was supposed to be accompanied with cinnamon crunch, but no crunch. The atmosphere was pleasing, but with not great service and so so food, we have no reason to return.
karen rose
Fabulous! The most interesting food on the island. Exciting combinations of flavors. Atmosphere and guitar player excellent!. Make sure you go. Leave the kids at home.
My wife and I were excited to return to Sweet Melissas after hearing the great news of their reopening in a new off-island space. It’s always a joy to see a beloved local gem back in business, and we were eager to experience what the new location had to offer. However, while I’m thrilled that Sweet Melissa is back, the overall execution and flavor of many of the dishes fell short of our expectations, especially compared to the high standards set by pre-Ian Sweet Melissas.
We started with the Lamb Meatballs with Whipped Feta was delectable—rich in flavor, tender, and perfectly balanced. It was a standout and, honestly, the highlight of the meal. Unfortunately, the rest of the dishes did not quite live up to that same level of excellence. The Sweet and Spicy Shrimp and Grits, Fettuccine and Clams, and Mussels, while decent, lacked the punch and finesse I’d come to expect from this restaurant. The flavors seemed muted, and the overall execution didn’t quite hit the mark.
The Redfish was tasty, but again, nothing to rave about. A bit of a letdown, considering how often Sweet Melissas knocked it out of the park in the past. To make matters worse, all of our dishes were served lukewarm—not piping hot, not steaming, and certainly not something that needed to be blown down. I can’t help but feel that the kitchen may still be working out a few kinks in the new space.
The service was another area that left us scratching our heads. Our waiter’s etiquette was strange and he didn’t seem to read the table very well. While we weren’t looking for anything extravagant, a more attentive and polished approach would have gone a long way to elevate the experience.
Despite these hiccups, I’m genuinely excited that Sweet Melissas is back in business. It’s clear they’re still trying to find their footing in this new space, and I’m hopeful that with time, they’ll get back to delivering the consistent, flavorful dishes that made them a favorite before. I will absolutely spread the good news that they’re back and plan to return in the future, hoping that the next visit will be a return to the quality we’ve come to love.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
This is an amazing place but is not open at the current time. Jan & Feb 2025 There is a sign in front of a vacant lot saying coming soon. Just a
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I've been going to Sweet Melissa's Cafe since it opened on Sanibel in 2009, but this is the first time I've left a review.
Melissa's food is incredible. Always fresh, season, and fabulous. And hee staff is always so friendly and attentive.
Tonight, my mom and I shared the watermelon and heirloom tomato salad (empty plate, oops :). And I had the pork belly boa buns for dinner. I don't remember seeing the buns on the menu before. They were magnificent and completely satisfying.
My mom and husband always, always get the famous fish stew. Everybody was a happy camper tonight.
We had our meal in the Island Pizza building while we wait for Melissa's new building to be built on her old site next door... She has a pop-up experience in Island Pizza most Thursdays and Fridays (just call ahead to Island Pizza make a reservation).
Overall, I'm always so satisfied by any meal at this restaurant, and I look forward to seeing what's next for Sweet Melissa's Cafe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Stew
the house dish fish stew the fish was not cooked. scallops were raw. The octupus feels like a eating sausage nothing like octupus.
white wine was not cold.
service in hirry.
wirst restaurant you can spend your money.
We come here every trip to Sanibel. Delicious always. Everything we picked, yummy.Great service. Keep this up.We will return
Very delicious and unique dishes, french inspired. The set menus for holidays like New Year's are an extra special treat. Hearing Melissa communicate with the chefs from the open kitchen gives a rare experience that directly connects you to the artists behind the decadent dishes.
Absolutely phenomenal! We are foodies, and this is the best we've had on the island - and from most any other place, honestly. Loved it. We went early, hung out at the bar with Kevin who was pleasant and a joy to talk with, then to our table. We ordered the blackened redfish entrée, petite portion, and the roasted romain salads. Apparently it was the first or second night of a new menu. Food came out quickly, was warm, and quite superb. Can't say enough. We couldn't be more happy, and will go back every time we are here in Sanibel. Probably again on this trip!
Everything was absolutely phenomenal. It was the best meal my family and I have had in a very long time. We will definitely be making reservations at Sweet Melissa's every time we come to Sanibel Island!
I almost hate to rate this James Beard recognized cafe as a 1 star. We went with another couple who love their fish stew, a clientele favorite. We were dinning at 5:30 and feel that both my wife's stew and my oysters were under cooked and over spicy. My wife had the octopus small plate appetizer. Tasted a bit like lobster, but it had a sauce that was like a strong BBQ sauce that over powered the octopus. My oysters were a bit gelatinous inside, under cooked. The mole sauce was way over powering and to be avoided. The seared top was heavily dusted with a very salty seasoning, I had to scrape it off or just tast salt. My cubed vegetables were also undercooked and without taste. My wife's stew was also undercooked, with raw garlic and other vegetables. Sorry, Melissa, likely won't be back.
What a special place! We had dinner and cannot say enough good things about it. From the excellent wine list to the amazing octopus appetizer to our main meals, every bite was excellent. Our server Brent was exceptional with suggestions and conversation. I wouldn't hesitate to return.
Restaurantji Recommends
House specialty fish stew (fish not cooked and scallops raw). octopus does not taste at all anything like octopus. Try it if you do not belive. Service rush. Not worth a penny for the experience.
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL- We cannot rave enough about this gem on Sanibel. The most incredible octopus we have ever had. Chef cares for and loves her ingredients and it comes thru in every bite. Tres magnifique!!
WE HAD AN EARLY RESERVATION, SO IT WAS NICE A QUIET. THE FOOD IS ALWAYS EXCELLENT - ESPECIALLY THE FISH STEW! OUR GRANDDAUGHTER WAS CELEBRATING HER 17TH BIRTHDAY, AND THEY DID AN AMAZING JOB PRESENTING HER BIRTHDAY DESSERT PLATE! WE LOVE THIS RESTAURANT!
We stopped @ Sweet Melissa's for dessert and coffee last night. The service was eh ... a bit snooty. My key lime bread pudding was good, but only a slight key lime flavor. A bit overpowered by the raspberry sauce. My wife's' apple turnover was underwhelming - the wrapping was a thick flour, more dense than a pie crust. It was supposed to be accompanied with cinnamon crunch, but no crunch.
The atmosphere was pleasing, but with not great service and so so food, we have no reason to return.
Fabulous! The most interesting food on the island. Exciting combinations of flavors. Atmosphere and guitar player excellent!. Make sure you go. Leave the kids at home.
Loading...