Must-Try Restaurants, Food Festivals, and Culinary Tours in Punta Gorda, FL

Explore This Underrated Food Hub in Southwest Florida

The Sunshine State is one of the most popular vacation and retirement places in the country. Everyone is familiar with its year-round warm climate that makes it a great getaway for snowbirds. It offers a plethora of things to see, do, and experience to keep people of all ages active and engaged.

However, bigger cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa can often be overwhelming for folks who enjoy a slower pace and a more tranquil location that still offers great entertainment and leisure options. In that respect, Punta Gorda fits the bill. While less hectic, it still has exciting things going for it – like being regarded as one of the top sport fishing destinations in the world.

As important, Punta Gorda, FL came in at #2 in USA Today’s 10 Best list of the Best Small Town Food Scenes in 2020.

About Punta Gorda, FL

Sunny Punta Gorda is one of Florida’s smaller destinations that shouldn’t be missed. Nestled in Charlotte County and right along Peace River, the city’s views alone are worth the trip.

Founded in 1887, Punta Gorda occupies nearly 22 square miles. Large portions of the city have carefully preserved the remnants of the past. At least four multi-block areas have been designated historic districts, including three blocks dedicated to Mid-Century Modern architecture.

It’s further proof that Punta Gorda, a city of 20,600 residents, is keenly aware of how significant it is historically, culturally, and gastronomically, even as it retains all the desirable elements of a low-key residential community.

As such, the food itself has become an attraction as featured in regular food festivals, culinary tours, and of course, the best restaurants in Punta Gorda, FL.

If you’re planning on a Punta Gorda culinary adventure, use this article to map out your food itinerary. Mentioned below are not just restaurant recommendations, but also some culinary events and tours to check out if you get the chance.

The first thing most people would be interested in when visiting Punta Gorda is the restaurants. Given its unique position on the coast – along the shores of Charlotte Harbor and inland from the Gulf of Mexico but with access to the Gulf via the Peace River – it’s not surprising that the city has a lot of seafood restaurants and waterfront dining along the Harborwalk.

After a full day of exploring the city and perhaps going on a boat tour, people can end the day by dining in one of the best restaurants in Punta Gorda, FL for a unique dining experience.

The Perfect Caper

The Perfect Caper on Marion Avenue is a fine-dining haunt that offers creative American cuisine with influences from around the world. Reviews regularly praise the restaurant’s seafood and steaks. This is no surprise since one of the owners, Chef Jeanie Roland, has over 30 years of expertise in the kitchen. In addition, she has bested celebrity chef Bobby Flay on his TV show, “Beat Bobby Flay.” Many of the dishes here use locally sourced ingredients which means you’ll be getting a good idea of what the area has to offer.

What to eat: The duck dishes and frites. Fusion dishes that are innovative and unique. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.

TT’s Tiki Bar

One of the highest rated and must-try restaurants in Punta Gorda is TT’s Tiki Bar. Found near the Four Points by the Sheraton Harborside, this place is more forgiving on your wallet without sacrificing quality. Maybe the best part of this place is that it has options. You can dine more casually with sand under your feet or go for a more traditional indoor experience. That means it’s great for a quick pop in for lunch while exploring Punta Gorda or a group dinner where you’ll be entertained by live music. TT’s Tiki Bar also lives up to its name with great cocktails plus excellent service. On top of that, they also offer beach volleyball and event hosting, so there’s definitely something for everyone here.

What to eat: Hawaiian-inspired dishes like the ahi tuna rice bowl with a delectable avocado dressing.

Perch 360

Perch 360 offers good food and a breathtaking view at the Wyvern Hotel at the Retta Esplanade. This rooftop restaurant serves their food tapas style, or in small plates that allow others to taste the dish. It also flaunts the freshness and integrity of the ingredients they source, which they describe as “non-GMO, soy, corn & gluten free, grass fed and organic.”

What to eat: Omelets, Benedicts, and sandwiches for breakfast. Shrimp and chips, the Iconic Wyvern Mussels, tuna nachos, wagyu beef sliders, black bean chipotle veggie burger, tacos, and house-made flat breads at other hours of the day. Explore their cocktails.

Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante

Excellent service with a laid back ambiance complement the tasty dishes of this popular Italian restaurant. Tables are hard to come so plan ahead. Carmelo’s makes everything from catch, incorporating the fresh Punta Gorda catch with their Tuscan fare. Elevate the experience by dining in their picturesque outdoor areas.

What to eat: Shrimp and Scallop Limoncello; Calamari Agro Dolce; crowd pleasers like Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Parmigiana, Lobster Ravioli, Veal Scallopini, and the Bada Bing, a signature dish flambéed in imported Grana Padano cheese with tomatoes, basil and prosciutto

Dockside Grill at the Four Points by Sheraton

Hailed by Trip Advisor as a Traveler’s Choice in 2023, Dockside Grill gives diners a view of the harbor. This premier restaurant of the Four Points at Tamiami Trail has great options for breakfast and dinner. Service is outstanding but be aware that the place can get busy during peak season. In any case, the food is always impeccable.

What to eat. For breakfast, try the homemade baked eggs or freshly made quiche. For dinner, the Bourbon Salmon comes highly recommended and so does their special Caesar Salad. They also have vegan and vegetarian options.

These are just four of what is generally deemed the best restaurants in Punta Gorda, FL. There’s so much more to discover in this smallish town with no shortage of good food in and around the area.

If you’re looking for a bigger food event that offers a more communal way of trying out the different offerings in Punta Gorda, there are a few food festivals you can check out.

A food festival is one of the easiest ways to try out new eats or nosh on beloved favorites. In addition to kiosks and food stalls, It comes with the requisite attractions like live music, cooking demos, kid-friendly zones, and so much more.

With diverse vendors, these food expos always offer a great mix of culinary surprises and fun.

Punta Gorda Seafood and Music Festival

Held in January

Held every year at Laishley Park, the festival showcases some of the best restaurants in Punta Gorda, FL, particularly those that are seafood-centric. Past festivals have also featured meat and vegetarian entrees cooked on site, desserts, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Grab as many bites as you want before tucking in and listening to great local acts. The festival goes on for three days over the weekend, so it’s easy to catch if you’re looking for something different to explore in this coastal city. Kids will love the bouncy castles or art displays. The food fest is even pet friendly so the entire family is definitely welcome. Admission is free.

Taste of Punta Gorda

Held in March

Taste of Punta Gorda is hailed as the culinary event of the season, having been around for 16 years. It showcases 20 to 30 participating vendors from the best restaurants in Punta Gorda, FL and food trucks offering their signature dishes. The event this year featured some 60 arts, crafts, nonprofits, a kid zone, and all-day live music. With an array of the best on offer, the food fest is the next best thing to hitting all the great dining spots in Punta Gorda especially for tourists pressed for time. They’ll be able to enjoy not just entrees but also desserts, drinks, and have the kids join in the fun as well. Prepare for the modest entrance fee, with an option for VIP access for an enhanced experience.

The time in which the festivals are held is another plus factor. Punta Gorda experiences gorgeous temperate weather from January to March, with temperatures averaging a cool 65 degrees.

One of the best ways to experience a place is to go on a tour. These packages often offer a unique way to get acquainted with the more intimate details of a place, all rolled up nicely and done within a few hours. There’s usually something to learn when going on a tour, especially with a good guide and a well thought out itinerary. Luckily, aside from the best restaurants in Punta Gorda, FL, the city also hosts a variety of culinary tours to combine the tasty with the educational.

Alligator Bay Distillers

The finer details of creating spirits can be fascinating. Alligator Bay Distillers makes it easy for you to learn about the process first hand. The family-owned, small-batch rum distillery conducts a tour of its operations four times a day, six days a week. Guests will get a better idea of how this family-owned enterprise went on to win multiple awards over the years. One of the latest was bagging silver at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Alligator Bay White Rum made from Floridian blackstrap molasses. Guests can also enjoy one of their rum-based cocktails or take home a bottle of their award-winning variants including dark rum, spiced rum, and fennel-flavored rum.

Southwest Florida Walking Tours

Probably the most options for tours in Punta Gorda can be found through Southwest Florida Walking Tours. They offer the following different experiences:

• The Long Lunch Tour takes about three hours, bringing participants to historical sites such as the County Courthouse, the Chamber or Commerce, and the Vietnam’s Veteran Memorial. The tour also includes a visit to five different restaurants, where tasting a bit of everything is an added perk. This tour is held every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m..
• The Afternoon Appetizers Tour happens every Thursday. It resembles a pub crawl with great storytelling. Join this one if you’re interested in catching the sunset along with viewing historical buildings. Food options here are about sampling drinks and pub fare from local restaurants. Access their website to make a reservation for either of these food tours. Bonus: They also have a spooky Haunts of History tour every Saturday night for those interested in the paranormal aspects of Punta Gorda.

Discover Punta Gorda, FL Through Its Flavors

There’s little doubt that one of the best ways to get to know a place is through its food. In Punta Gorda, the best restaurants, food fairs, and culinary tours reflect the city’s coastal location, vibrant community, and diverse culinary influences.

• Fresh seafood speaks to Punta Gorda’s location on the shores of Charlotte Harbor and the nearby Gulf of Mexico
• Florida’s culinary heritage is mirrored in the use of local ingredients like blackstrap molasses
• Pride of place is seen in the farm-to-table fare sourced from local farms
• Diversity and openness are represented by the ready availability of global flavors
• The casual and relaxed atmosphere of Punta Gorda can be seen in outdoor seating areas where diners can enjoy waterfront views and warm breezes while savoring their meals

Explore Punta Gorda’s Housing Options

If you’re big on food culture or simply want to explore your housing options in a place that’s tranquil but bursting with lifestyle options, consider Gulf Coast Integrity Group to help you on that journey.

Gulf Coast Integrity Group offers realty options for a wide range of budgets. They’ll make their expertise work for you so you can make informed buying decisions. Clients have nothing but kind words for this team, praising them for making their real estate journey easier and more fulfilling.

Call Gulf Coast Integrity Group at 941.626.4518 / 941.539.3746 or send them an email to get started.