I’ve had a lot of meals on Captiva but dinner at The Mad Hatter on Sanibel is by far my favorite on the islands!
We waited way too long to try this Sanibel gem. (To be fair, we wanted to enjoy a relaxing meal here without kids) The Mad Hatter has been on the top of our must-do dining list since our first trip to Captiva Island back in 2016. With the kids at grandma’s, we made this our first stop for dinner in April 2021.
Mad Hatter Sanibel Island: Quirky, quaint atmosphere
Quirky and quaint, amazing food and the most courteous staff we’ve encountered on the islands, this is a must-stop for vacation goers on either Sanibel or Captiva. You’ll feel like Alice in a true Wonderland at The Mad Hatter.Quirky and quaint, amazing food and the most courteous staff we’ve encountered on the islands, this is a must-stop for visitors on either Sanibel or Captiva. You’ll feel like Alice in a true Wonderland at The Mad Hatter.
Appetizers
Bread and Tapenade: The Mad Hatter provides each table with bread and tapenade. This tapenade was far less briney than any other tapenade either of us had ever tasted.
Blue Crab Claw: We were treated to a delicious, delicate blue crab claw to kick off our meal. Fresh as can be, the crab meat practically melted in my mouth. A pleasant surprise that left me wanting more.
Roasted Garlic Plate Appetizer: We chose the Roasted Garlic Plate for an appetizer. It comes with two roasted garlic bulbs, grapes and several pieces of crostini with cool brie cheeses placed on top. The sweet garlic and cheese make a delicious pair.
Dinner
Short Ribs and Horseradish Grits: Red wine-braised short ribs is a staple family meal back home during the cold Minnesota winters. If I’m at a restaurant and see it on the menu, odds are I’ll order it. This was braised to perfection. No knife needed; the meat falls away with the touch of a fork. The parmesan-horseradish grits brought this to the next level. Sweet and salty with a touch of heat. There was an amazing flavor I couldn’t place, and devoured the side dish trying to figure it out.
Dayboat Scallops: When the waitress tells you to get the scallops at a fine dining institution, you do as she says! Three big, beautiful scallops filled the plate and melted in my mouth. Not to be outdone, they were served with rich and creamy mashed potatoes, made-from-scratch. It’s the closest I’ve come to heaven on a plate. The flavors and textures were better than expected. Everything was flawless.
It’s no wonder the restaurant won the prestigious Tripadvisor 2021 Traveler’s Choice Award. This award tips its hat to The Mad Hatter Restaurant, putting it in the top 10% of restaurants, worldwide. We say well deserved!
Mad Hatter Sanibel Island: Come for the food, stay for sunset
It’s no wonder the restaurant won the prestigious Tripadvisor 2021 Traveler’s Choice Award. This award tips its hat to The Mad Hatter Restaurant, putting it in the top 10% of restaurants, worldwide. We say well deserved!
The view here is impeccable. An entire wall of windows faces the gulf. We made a reservation timed for sunset. As one of the few beachfront restaurants with an unobstructed view, this was the perfect pairing to a wonderful, memorable meal.
Insider Tip: Make your reservation early, at least a month in advance. Chances are even a month out, many tables will already be snatched up. Good things come in small packages and the cozy Mad Hatter has limited space.
What: The Mad Hatter Restaurant (website)
Where: 6467 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
Hours: 4:45 – 9 p.m., Tuesdays – Sunday
