Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant

What a lovely & elegant dinner we enjoyed at the scenic Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant at the Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island! From the reservation process through dessert, everything was perfect! We started with cedar grilled octopus served over garlic fingerling potatoes with a blueberry compote. This dish is tender and layered with flavors that enhance the seafood. The Mediterranean Pompano, grilled and served with spinach, olives, cherry tomatoes and plated with a creamy risotto was out of this world! The Seafood Provencal was full of fresh shellfish, in a delicious, light, creamy garlic wine sauce served over angel hair pasta. Oh, the Caprese Salad was so wonderful I forgot to photograph it! The sea salt caramel cheesecake was excellent and the birthday brownie, ice cream, strawberries and cream decadent! The online reservation process was super helpful as I indicated my seating preference with a waterfront view and desire for a birthday surprise. Everything was perfectly & discreetly arranged and ready when we arrived, thanks to the experienced Maitre’d’ and Tanya our excellent server! If you enjoy fine dining, this is the place for you on the Island. Reservations strongly suggested as restaurant filled quickly, in spite of September “off season.” Easy and plentiful parking.

The service was wonderful. The food was delicious. We had the red Snapper special, chicken fettuccine, the beach salad and the ceasar, and shared a key lime pie. And the views...

Most exquisite restaurant on Sansibel Island. Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant is fine dining, literally on the beach. Impressive, artfully conceived offerings like scallops, crab, lobster, filled minon, pastas that are presented in a way that pleases the eye and much as the pallet. I was very happy with the way the staff did what they did. They know they are the top place on the island and love up to it with impeccable service. A little dressed up on the beach. Then go here. Magnificent wine list, fun bar. And the view is nothing short of compelling. Right on the beach. Loved it!!!

We were on a delayed anniversary trip, and they helped us celebrate! There was a magnificent ocean view table and a card as well as great food and wonderful service! I enjoyed the lobster bisque as a starter. Hubby had the basque chicken, and I had the pistachio encrusted salmon. Everything was delish including the wine suggested by our server! We'll definitely be back!

Always an amazing meal with a fantastic poolside atmosphere. We are getting married here in December we are very happy that we chose the resort. We will be back for a complete detailed review from our wedding.

The location of this restaurant was quite amazing! For a nice dining experience we were very pleased. Marco took great care of us and recommended some good dishes! We will return for another special occasion dining!

A true resort dinning experience! The staff were extremely welcoming and helpful. The decor lends to the Island feel, and sitting outside you can hear the oceans waves and see the Gulf from certain areas. They had a long wine list, both by the glass or bottles, as well as a full liquor selection and a decent amount of beers on tap. Their seafood selection was top notch, but they also had a number of land options that were equally as delicious sounding. We took the servers advice on our seafood choice and went with the Sea Bass, which was perfectly prepared so it was firm but not chewy. For land we went with the grilled filet, medium rare, and it came out perfectly cooked, buttery, and ultra tender. Highly recommend for those with a taste for quality, both in food and service.

By far the best Yukon gold potatoes and the best ribeye steak I have ever had in my entire life my wife had the filet mignon and it was to die for. The executive chef at this restaurant is absolutely incredible at what he doesThe food the drinks the appetizers that are pumped out of this restaurant is so worth visiting. It's on the expensive side but that should be expected considering if you're coming here while on vacation. The food is very well portioned and the wait staff here is incredible they go above and beyond and make sure that you have the best experience while dining here.