The 10 Best Tables With a View

Either in town or by the shore, Southwest Florida doesn’t want for special spaces. Warm weather only adds to the allure. How better to celebrate all this than enjoying tasty dining in a place where looking out the window—or eating al fresco—is a view to a thrill?

1. Recently renovated Gumbo Limbo is one Naples restaurant with a dual identity of the best sort. From its open-air boardwalk decks, guests can observe two totally different—but equally wonderful—worlds. Fans of the formal will enjoy the Ritz-Carlton, Naples,’ stately European façade, impressive as ever; nature lovers should turn to the hotel’s extensive shoreline conservation areas—especially, of course, at sunset. Gumbo Limbo, Ritz-Carlton, Naples, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road. (239) 598-3300.

2. Living in Southwest Florida has few drawbacks, but here’s one: becoming blasé about sunsets. If that’s your condition, head to Tarpon Lodge. Built in 1926 on the western side of Pine Island, Tarpon Lodge makes Pine Island Sound its serene back yard. Here, diners will discover the sun doesn’t just set—it smolders in silhouette, sinking behind mangroves and the neighboring islands of Captiva, Useppa and Boca Grande. Tarpon Lodge, 13771 Waterfront Drive, Pineland. (239) 283-3999.

3. Non-boaters may suffer from a little yacht envy after a meal at the Snook Inn. It’s understandable: The Snook’s on the Marco River, where all sorts of boats breeze by, singing their siren songs to even the most affirmed landlubbers. That envy could reach fever pitch when one of those boaters casually ties up to the Snook’s docks for an impromptu visit to the chickee bar. Snook Inn, 1215 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island. (239) 394-3313.

4. For scenery that includes sand in your shoes, head to Doc’s Beach House. This laid-back Bonita Beach eatery offers many vistas (upstairs or down, air-conditioned or not), but for a total beachside blow-out, snag one of the picnic tables located smack on the sand. Doc’s full menu is available at these tables, although you’ll have to serve yourself. For sandy toes, it’s worth it. Doc’s Beach House, 27908 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs. (239) 992-6444.

5. Guests to Sanibel Island’s Thistle Lodge may not know which spot of scenery to admire first. There’s the romantic dining room and its gracious, old island-style décor—but there is also the hotel property, its historic grounds and landscaping extending to the beach beyond. Tranquil yet stirring, Thistle Lodge grants more than just a glimpse of the Gulf; it gives visitors a view to the past. Thistle Lodge, Casa Ybel Resort, 2255 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel Island. (239) 472-9200.

6. Why should the Spring Break crowd have all the fun? Take the elevator to the sixth floor of Fort Myers Beach’s Lani Kai and watch the Lee-Collier coastline unfold. Two restaurants serve at the top of this Polynesian-inspired hotel; one is air-conditioned, while the sundeck offers awning-covered glider tables, 13 of which are located directly on the edge of the roof. Whoa, but also wow. Lani Kai, 1400 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. (239) 463-3111.

7. Patios, porches, lanais—in Southwest Florida, having the ideal space for outdoor entertaining is important stuff. But alas, we’re all just kids playing tea party next to the granddaddy of Old Florida hospitality, the Rod and Gun Club. This landmark Everglades City lodge courts guests with its sprawling screened dining porch, which overlooks the languid waters of the Barron River. Key lime pie, anyone? Rod and Gun Club, 200 Riverside Drive, Everglades City. (239) 695-2101.

8. Imagine the cute, classic little beach joint grew up and went off to finishing school. The result is Baleen—poised and stylish, but still a beach babe at heart. And as beach babe haunts go, Vanderbilt Beach is one of Naples’ finest: It’s white, wide and draws plenty of visitors for spirited fun, such as skimboarding. Baleen offers indoor and outdoor dining; outdoors is just steps from the sand. Baleen, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, 9891 Gulfshore Drive, Naples. (239) 598-5707.

9. A table at Bayside’s upstairs grill room means a seat with some serious sweep—views of Venetian Bay that seem to go in every direction. Where those views ultimately end are the homes of Park Shore—a lovely punctuation point, for sure. The outside bar, which includes covered seating for 75, keeps the bay-gazing going into the evening. Bayside Seafood Grill and Bar, Venetian Village, 4270 Gulfshore Blvd. N., Naples. (239) 649-5552.

10. With so many waterfront restaurants in Southwest Florida, it’s easy to believe "no Gulf, no glory." But the 15 tables on Fifth Avenue South’s Café Lurcat’s upstairs terrace could convince anyone otherwise. At dinnertime, the sight is pure city, Naples-style: breezy treetops, the bright rays of sunset and chic nightlife in casual transit. In season, be sure to make a reservation, because the secret’s definitely out. Café Lurcat, 494 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. (239) 213-3357.