good seafood restaurants? North Port, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Englewood, etc. (Sarasota: hotel, houses)

[Marcia_M]

We'll be down for a week next week to look at houses in the North Port area. We also plan to visit the beach (not sure which ones).

While we're there, we would like to have some good seafood lunches and/or dinners. We don't want to travel to Sarasota, would rather stay more local this trip. Can anyone suggest some restaurants to try? (North Port, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Englewood, Venice, etc.)
Thanks!
Marcia

[SoFLGal]

Well, let's see. In Englewood/Placida there's The Fishery, 1300 Fishery Rd, Placida. They bring the fish right in off the boat there. Then there's Johnny Leverock's, 7092 Placida Rd in Placida as well. Rum Bay, 7092 Placida Rd a is super cool place to eat. It's out on an island and you take a ferry over to the restaurant. Myakka River Oyster Bar, 121 Playmore Dr. in south Venice is pretty good. In Punta Gorda there's Harpoon Harry's which has a cool atmosphere but I'm not the crazy about the food. Just over the Punta Gorda bridge into Port Charlotte is Portifino's, they have pretty good food.

OK, that's my review. BigHouse, Sunshine's, Cool's, Velte's anyone else care to throw some out there?

[mrcoolmrcool28]

Joe Crackers in Port Charlotte!!!

[mrcoolmrcool28]

Oh, and the best part is 2 for 1 margaritas for lunch! :=)

[beachbum wannabe]

The Lock and Key across the street from Englewood Beach is pretty good,or Barnacle Bill's on Placida in Englewood.

[Marcia_M]

Wow, thanks! That gives us lots of choices and a list for future visits.
Marcia

[imagardener]

I heard The Fishery in Placida was closing, don't know when.

Our favorite restaurant in Englewood is Farlow's on the Water on 776/McCall Rd. It's WAY above average in menu and cooking, island-influenced, very fresh. Lock and Key is good too, just a little more average menu but a great location across from the beach.

For sushi/Japanese there's Bushido in downtown Venice. Excellent.

[mylittletyguy]

Originally Posted by mrcoolmrcool28

Oh, and the best part is 2 for 1 margaritas for lunch! :=)

Haha! I like how you said FOR lunch instead of WITH lunch! My kinda lunch date! Just kidding

[Big House]

In Punta Gorda there are plenty of good places, and all serve good seafood.
I would definitely try"
River City Grill,
Harpoon Harry's downstairs at Fisherman's Village and Smugglers upstairs
The Tavern,
Jacks,
Dean (good mexican food)
LuLu's (good cuban food) in the Wyvern Hotel
for lunches try Pies and Plates


On the Port Charlotte side of the Bridge I'd try:
Gators (lunches)
Portofinos (nice outside bar, and great italian food - seafood is good too)

None of these are your chain type restuaruants.
Enjoy your culinary adventure.

[Marcia_M]

Thank you for the lists and info. We're looking forward to our visit and know we'll have good meals--also hoping for good weather!
Marcia