Restaurant Reviews | Tarpon Lodge

A Taste of Old Florida at Tarpon Lodge Restaurant

Posted on January 23, 2020
By Gina Birch, GrandeurMagazine.com
Restaurant Reviews, Tarpon Lodge, Tarpon Lodge Restaurant

To experience the definition of old Florida, all you have to do is take a drive to dine at the Tarpon Lodge at the northwest tip of Pine Island. You’ll meander through a pocket of restaurants and galleries in Matlacha as the landscape transitions to more rural tropical foliage and native scrubs; an occasional glimpse of water in Pine Island Sound.

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A Taste of The Islands

Posted on September 17, 2019
By Heather Turk, Sunseeker Magazine
Restaurant Reviews, Tarpon Lodge

Island Dining on the beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Tarpon Lodge’s Fettuccine with Key West Pink Shrimp & Prince Edward Mussels

Tucked away inside of a historic lodge on Pine Island, this four-star restaurant serves a range of continental cuisine for lunch and dinner with a side of Old Florida charm. Accessible by car and boat, it offers guests an upscale dining experience — compatible with live music on most Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights — while still maintaining a casual island vibe. Guests can take in the beautiful waterfront views of Pine Island Sound from both inside of the restaurant as well as out on its patio while savoring an array of fresh seafood, succulent steaks and even a daily vegan special. Menu highlights include the Blue Crab & Roasted Corn Chowder and the Fettuccine with Key West Pink Shrimp & Prince Edward Mussels.


This article excerpt originally appeared in the August-September edition of Sunseeker Magazine.


Head to Pine Island’s Tarpon Lodge for a wine dinner with a view

Posted on December 12, 2018
By Karen Feldman, Fort Myers Florida Weekly
Restaurant Reviews, Tarpon Lodge Restaurant, Wine Tasting

Tarpon Lodge is known for its old Florida charm, the lodge dating back to 1926, and its choice waterfront location.

But it now offers a monthly wine dinner as well that features a multicourse meal prepared by the able kitchen team of Albert Keijl, Cindy Arcurio and Christopher Fox. Wines are paired with each course and a winemaker or winery owner is on hand to speak about the wine.

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Made in Florida: Flavors of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island

Posted on May 16, 2017
By Wendy Pramik, Special for USA TODAY
Fort Myers, Pineland FL, Restaurant Reviews, Sanibel, Tarpon Lodge Restaurant

Sample southwest Florida’s trademark tastes

Dining at Tarpon Lodge, on Pine Island Sound, often centers on the great view – and the well-loved crab chowder. Other popular plates include, clockwise from bottom: the shrimp appetizer with a balsamic glaze, served over fresh strawberries and feta cheese; mahi mahi with roasted tomato artichoke hearts with lemon sauce and broccolini; a chicken sandwich with heirloom tomato, roasted onion and roasted pepper; a Cuban sandwich; and a salad with burrata cheese, shrimp, avocado and tomato.

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Fine food, history found at island restaurant

Posted on September 14, 2016
By Carol Orr Hartman (Special to The Eagle) , Pine Island Eagle
History, Restaurant Reviews, Tarpon Lodge Reviews

Looking down on beautifully plated seared white fish with diced red tomatoes and golden flower

The Florida of today doesn’t reflect the tenacity of those who first settled the area, and it is difficult to find vestiges of early Southwest Florida. Before the Matlacha Bridge was built, the only access to Pine Island was by boat, and to build without power or easy access showed the commitment to this area by early residents. As time evolved, less and less properties have maintained a true history as that of Tarpon Lodge, 13771 Waterfront Drive, offering a view into the past.

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Florida coast offers great food, fun on, off water

Posted on May 29, 2016
By Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Sportsman
Fishing & Boating, Restaurant Reviews, Tarpon Lodge Reviews

Southwest Florida has an entirely different vibe because tourism is not the center of its culture. Tourism is woven into its fabric, and its environment is authentically native.

My base during my kayak fishing extravaganza was Tarpon Lodge, an early 20th century fishing camp that evokes images of old Florida. Its whitewashed exterior houses and understatedly lavish rooms are scrupulously clean. It is the cleanest place I have ever stayed. It’s comfortable and it is warmly welcoming. Miss Laura and I stayed there last year as well, and its high quality was consistent.

The lightning show from late-night storms was spectacular from my balcony.

The Tarpon Lodge restaurant offers a diverse selection of surf and turf options, including a filet mignon so tender that it practically falls apart at the touch of a fork. You’ll be wobbling at the end of the entree, and the desserts will deliver the knockout blow. The head waiter, Frankie, is a master at his craft.

This article originally appeared on arkansasonline.com and has since been archived.


Tarpon Lodge featured in Destination Spotlight by Living Local Florida

Posted on April 14, 2016
By Living Local (The Buzz by Gina)
Restaurant Reviews, Tarpon Lodge Reviews

There are places in Southwest Florida that no matter how long you’ve lived here; you may have never experienced. Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island is one of those gems.

Off the beaten path, it has a rich history and a great reputation as a launching point for all kinds of water adventures. Dating back to the 1920’s, the property has been a private residence, a rehab facility and now a casually elegant fishing lodge.

For decades the location has been popular for sports fishing, Tarpon in particular. That was the inspiration for the name when the Well’s family, residents of SW Florida since the 1970’s, bought the property in 1999.

The bright white lodge is a beacon in the middle of lush green grass, swaying palms, blue skies and lapping water of the Pine Island Sound. With the feel of a bed and breakfast the lodge has wooden floors and a fireplace in the cozy bar for those rare evenings when there’s a chill in the air. Eight rooms spiral off the lounge.

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Bite-sized Jean Le Boeuf Review: Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island

Posted on October 15, 2013
By Jean Le Boeuf, Restaurant Critic - News-Press
Restaurant Reviews

The News-Press restaurant critic Jean Le Bouef is out and about during The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel Restaurant Week, sampling something from every participating restaurant through Oct. 20. For Old Florida charm, Tarpon Lodge is hard to beat.

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2nd Annual Restaurant Week Provides Fresh Perspective

Posted on October 9, 2013
By News-Press
Restaurant Reviews

…. expect wine tastings paired with live music, more exclusive cooking demonstrations, more tours and classes. Last year’s list of 24 participating restaurants rose to 31 this year, many offering a limited-time, prix-fixe menu.

To participate, chefs are required to look to area farms and waters to fill their plates.

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10 Best List Reviews Tarpon Lodge

Posted on July 9, 2013
By 10 Best List: A Division of USA TODAY Travel
Restaurant Reviews

10 Best Insider Tips Says…

Yes, the Tarpon Lodge is “a nice piece” away from Fort Myers, but passing up a chance to enjoy a meal at this acclaimed dining room should be nothing short of illegal. Bronzed Gulf shrimp, bruschetta and blackened “fish bites” help start the meal in the right direction, preparing the palate for the fine things yet to come. How fine? Try these on for size: pork chop with mango chutney, veal picatta, filet mignon with béarnaise or even Pine Island Sound crab cakes. In addition to the outstanding fare, the Tarpon also delivers spectacular views of the water, especially at sunset.

by local expert Rachael Taft ©10Best.com


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