The dining scene in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is an eclectic mix of seafood shacks, sidewalk cafés, waterfront eateries, fine dining establishments, burger joints and sports bars, sweet spots, and almost anything else you can think of. In fact, in 2020 Punta Gorda was ranked #2 in the USA Today Best Small Town Food Scenes 10Best list.
There’s nothing like being out in the fresh air and sunshine to work up an appetite for our robust, exciting, and multifarious food scene. There are so many wonderful restaurants in our area it can be a bit overwhelming, in a very good way.
So Many Flavors
Dining options run the full gamut, from high-end gourmet to neighborhood diner fare, tiki bar bites, seafood of all kinds, and bona fide pub food. Find grill-and-bars with live music, savor many flavors of authentic international cuisine, and ride the wave of new (and some refurbished) restaurants offering fresh, healthy twists on old favorites.
So Many Vibes
Eating is, of course, a multi-faceted experience, and our local establishments offer many different atmospheres and experiences to go along with the food. You can find a place to snuggle into a cozy corner, revel in luxurious surroundings, hang out by the water in your shorts and flip flops, perch on a stool and enjoy a view, relax in a family place, or lean back and dig your toes into the sand. To begin the day on the right foot, we recommend starting with breakfast or bunch.
Our food truck game is also good, with local and regional mobile chefs offer authentic and creative tastes made with lots of love. Visit our Restaurant page for inspiration for your next great nosh, and visit our Food Truck page to get an idea of what tasty treats are out and about.
Don’t forget to save room for dessert! Punta Gorda//Englewood Beach boasts many shops offering hand-crafted frozen goodies and other gourmet baked goods and sweets. Check out our listicle of 5 "cool" treat shops.
Hydration
Has the thought of all that delectable food made you thirsty yet? No worries! Our area features wine bars, laid-back neighborhood beer gardens, a winery where you can concoct your own vintage, and micro-brew spot that serves authentic Thai food!
Find what you're looking for on our Breweries and Wine & Distilleries pages or check out a blog post dedicated to the local Beer, Wine & Spirits Scene to find your next great drink, special gourmet gift, or treat.
Live Entertainment
We love the outdoors and are always looking for our next adventure, but the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down! Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is full of spots that offer live entertainment on the regular. Listen and chill or dance your feet off, your choice. You’ll find every imaginable musical genre, from jazz and rock to country, trop-rock, and reggae, and everything in between.
Live entertainment definitely abounds, and we even have a comedy club that regularly showcases national acts. Plan your jam on our Nightlife & Entertainment page.
No matter where you go in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, you're sure to find scrumptious food, refreshing drinks, beautiful views, and that Old Florida, laid-back waterfront vibe we all love. Below is just a small sampling of the gorgeous and delicious culinary offerings in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. Explore for some inspiration, then come on down and spoil yourself!