Welcome to Sweet Melissa’s Cafe!

Experience the award-winning Sweet Melissa’s Cafe, Sanibel Island. Serving lunch and dinner, this is a culinary journey of epic proportions! Executive Chef Melissa Talmage challenges your taste buds to explore a creative menu with a wide array of different tastes, textures and eclectic ingredients.

Named “Best Dining in Lee County” by Gulf Shore Life and placed on USA TODAY’S “10 Best Restaurants in South Florida,” the dinner menu offers entrees in full portions or “small plates” giving diners the ability to enjoy multiple dishes in one visit. Sweet Melissa’s menu consists of trend-setting fare including fettuccine and clams with fennel and Pernod (pear’-no, a flavorful liqueur similar to ouzo), crispy soft-shelled crab, bourbon-glazed pork belly and pan-seared duck breast. Don’t miss the Fish Stew! Described as “exploding with goodness” by one reviewer, the dish features mahi-mahi or redfish combined with scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, chorizo and fennel, accented with a lemony saffron cream. This former specialty dish is now a regular item on the menu, in response to diner demand.

“Executive Chef Melissa Talmage conjures culinary magic in the kitchen – her imagination appears to have no bounds.” 

4 Stars – Jean LeBoeuf, News-Press

Sweet Melissa’s Cafe exudes warmth, compliments of its sedate atmosphere and impeccable service. Indoors, the open floor plan allows a peek into the exhibition kitchen as the chefs create their magic and are directed to fulfill Chef Melissa’s visions. Fine linens and a cozy bar add to the experience, while soothing live acoustic jazz sets the mood on select evenings. Guests who prefer to dine al fresco will find the screen-in patio a delightful option.

Come join us for another side – the best side – of island dining.