We went there for our engagement dinner just the two of us in 2015. It was perfect- the food, ambiance, and service. Thank you for making it so memorable for us. Looking forward to coming back when you open again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Creme Brulee, Surf & Turf
Steve McDaniel
An absolutely wonderful anniversary experience. A friend had recommended and were we pleasantly surprised. A smaller, intimate atmosphere, with a line of windows looking out over the gulf. Filters keep the sun in check until almost sunset when they open them up for the full effect of the sunset over the gulf. Our daughters had pre-order champagne to surprise us, and the presentation was executed very well by the staff. The restaurant is only beer and wine so keep that in mind if you're planning on that pre dinner martini - it will have to be elsewhere. A very nice wine list and by the glass was more than adequate. Bread along with an olive and olive oil compote are presented for spreading. Quite good. While portions may be a little on the smaller side, taste and presentation more than made up for that. All of our courses were exceptional, and we were both very satisfied. But - we fell for the white chocolate, blueberry bread pudding. To die for - topped it off with French press coffee. A very nice anniversary dinner indeed, and I would highly recommend for any occasion! #stevensleavin
Mike Neumann
Everything was wonderful and delicious. Truly a great time celebrating my parents 45th anniversary
James C.
The food and service was top notch. The atmosphere was fun, yet very nice. Everything I tried to eat was wonderful (goat cheese pillows, shrimp, bread), but the filet mignon was absolutely delicious. My wife and I enjoyed it immensely.
Alex P.
They are closed on a Saturday evening? What restaurant is closed on a Saturday evening and does not give any notice on their website. Thought the idea was very cool with the Alice in Wonderland theme. However, I am very disappointed.
Keith Wahl
An island gem. Every course was wonderful. The “Death by Chocolate” is an absolutely perfect dessert. Don’t miss the opportunity to dine here if you can!
Melissa Whitworth
We were in heaven during our dining experience at the Mad Hatter! We loved the Wonderland theming throughout and the commitment to fine dining. The Goat Cheese Pillows were out of this world, the Ménage a Trois was everything this sweet tooth could hope for, and the scallops, crab cakes, and house salad were of the highest quality. Special thank you to Bobby who put a smile on our face as we walked in the door and to our server Jayar who told us all about the exciting flavors on our plates and made our experience a night to remember!
Amy P.
Tiny hidden gem and worth the trip if you're not afraid to be squished close to other tables. Good seafood, a very nice wine list, and we cannot wait to return.
Kara M.
FINALLY! 6 Stars. A delicious meal well worth the price. We ate here our last night of vacation. A friend back home recommended it. Reservations necessary and we were able to get an 8:15 time. Inside is a quaint, quiet dining room. The staff is very attentive but not overbearing. Our waitress brought a complimentary shrimp hors d'oeuvre. We ordered salads, the Caesar and Mad House salad which were fresh, light, and delicious. For entrees I had the short ribs with horseradish grits, yum, and my husband had the rack of lamb with scalloped potatoes. He really wanted the short ribs but we didn't want to order the same thing. He ended up loving the lamb and glad he ordered it. Normally I wouldn't have ordered short ribs but our friend raved about them. They were boneless and falling apart tender. I love horseradish sauce with red meat so these grits were up my alley. For dessert there are many appealing options so we decided on the ménage a trois to share. Everything was decadent. We will definitely be back next trip!
Small and quaint, a little piece of top end in a chill island like Sanibel. If you're looking for a beautiful sunset over one of America's prettiest spots while enjoying good food and decent wine list, this is the spot.
Beverly S.
The Mad Hatter is a MUST go to! The staff is professional and friendly and their food never disappoints. It has a charming whimsical feel and a fabulous view of the water. Try their roasted garlic with brie cheese and crostini for an appetizer or their phyllo wrapped shrimp. Their Black Grouper main is amazing!Remember to call and make reservations! Enjoy!
Heather Gillingham
Outstanding service, fun atmosphere, great meal with excellent options to select from.I ate at Mad Hatters 30+ years ago and remembered it being a special place to dine.The restaurant is rather small but located right in the beach. While we throughly enjoyed the food, the service made the experience five stars. Definitely a good choice in Sanibel/Captiva.
Joyce Jones
The restaurant was decorated so cute! Parking was limited, location was wonderful to watch the sunset. I had the Caesar salad with the fish special which was sold as a firm, white fish entree. However, it was not at all what I expected, very strong fish smell & the texture of tilapia. For $70 + tip I was very disappointed in the choice I made for a special dinner. Will definitely get the NY Strip next time which my friend ordered. It was wonderful.
Alison Joslyn
Spent the weekend with a friend in Sanibel and although we enjoyed all of our dining experiences, this was far and away the best of the bunch. I had amazing fish (the black grouper) and we shared an excellent crème brûlée. The only drawback is no outdoor seating.
Gone but not
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went there for our engagement dinner just the two of us in 2015. It was perfect- the food, ambiance, and service. Thank you for making it so memorable for us. Looking forward to coming back when you open again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Creme Brulee, Surf & Turf
An absolutely wonderful anniversary experience. A friend had recommended and were we pleasantly surprised. A smaller, intimate atmosphere, with a line of windows looking out over the gulf. Filters keep the sun in check until almost sunset when they open them up for the full effect of the sunset over the gulf. Our daughters had pre-order champagne to surprise us, and the presentation was executed very well by the staff. The restaurant is only beer and wine so keep that in mind if you're planning on that pre dinner martini - it will have to be elsewhere. A very nice wine list and by the glass was more than adequate. Bread along with an olive and olive oil compote are presented for spreading. Quite good. While portions may be a little on the smaller side, taste and presentation more than made up for that. All of our courses were exceptional, and we were both very satisfied. But - we fell for the white chocolate, blueberry bread pudding. To die for - topped it off with French press coffee. A very nice anniversary dinner indeed, and I would highly recommend for any occasion! #stevensleavin
Everything was wonderful and delicious. Truly a great time celebrating my parents 45th anniversary
The food and service was top notch. The atmosphere was fun, yet very nice. Everything I tried to eat was wonderful (goat cheese pillows, shrimp, bread), but the filet mignon was absolutely delicious. My wife and I enjoyed it immensely.
They are closed on a Saturday evening? What restaurant is closed on a Saturday evening and does not give any notice on their website. Thought the idea was very cool with the Alice in Wonderland theme. However, I am very disappointed.
An island gem. Every course was wonderful. The “Death by Chocolate” is an absolutely perfect dessert. Don’t miss the opportunity to dine here if you can!
We were in heaven during our dining experience at the Mad Hatter! We loved the Wonderland theming throughout and the commitment to fine dining. The Goat Cheese Pillows were out of this world, the Ménage a Trois was everything this sweet tooth could hope for, and the scallops, crab cakes, and house salad were of the highest quality. Special thank you to Bobby who put a smile on our face as we walked in the door and to our server Jayar who told us all about the exciting flavors on our plates and made our experience a night to remember!
Tiny hidden gem and worth the trip if you're not afraid to be squished close to other tables. Good seafood, a very nice wine list, and we cannot wait to return.
FINALLY! 6 Stars. A delicious meal well worth the price. We ate here our last night of vacation. A friend back home recommended it. Reservations necessary and we were able to get an 8:15 time. Inside is a quaint, quiet dining room. The staff is very attentive but not overbearing. Our waitress brought a complimentary shrimp hors d'oeuvre. We ordered salads, the Caesar and Mad House salad which were fresh, light, and delicious. For entrees I had the short ribs with horseradish grits, yum, and my husband had the rack of lamb with scalloped potatoes. He really wanted the short ribs but we didn't want to order the same thing. He ended up loving the lamb and glad he ordered it. Normally I wouldn't have ordered short ribs but our friend raved about them. They were boneless and falling apart tender. I love horseradish sauce with red meat so these grits were up my alley. For dessert there are many appealing options so we decided on the ménage a trois to share. Everything was decadent. We will definitely be back next trip!
Restaurantji Recommends
Small and quaint, a little piece of top end in a chill island like Sanibel. If you're looking for a beautiful sunset over one of America's prettiest spots while enjoying good food and decent wine list, this is the spot.
The Mad Hatter is a MUST go to! The staff is professional and friendly and their food never disappoints. It has a charming whimsical feel and a fabulous view of the water. Try their roasted garlic with brie cheese and crostini for an appetizer or their phyllo wrapped shrimp. Their Black Grouper main is amazing!Remember to call and make reservations! Enjoy!
Outstanding service, fun atmosphere, great meal with excellent options to select from.I ate at Mad Hatters 30+ years ago and remembered it being a special place to dine.The restaurant is rather small but located right in the beach. While we throughly enjoyed the food, the service made the experience five stars. Definitely a good choice in Sanibel/Captiva.
The restaurant was decorated so cute! Parking was limited, location was wonderful to watch the sunset. I had the Caesar salad with the fish special which was sold as a firm, white fish entree. However, it was not at all what I expected, very strong fish smell & the texture of tilapia. For $70 + tip I was very disappointed in the choice I made for a special dinner. Will definitely get the NY Strip next time which my friend ordered. It was wonderful.
Spent the weekend with a friend in Sanibel and although we enjoyed all of our dining experiences, this was far and away the best of the bunch. I had amazing fish (the black grouper) and we shared an excellent crème brûlée. The only drawback is no outdoor seating.