Sanibel Island just got a steakhouse.
Edgar’s Steakhouse opened its doors on March 10, 2026 inside The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club, and it fills a gap that islanders and visitors have been talking about for a while. Sanibel has plenty of places to grab fresh seafood and casual island fare, but until now there has not been a dedicated steakhouse on the island — a place built around premium cuts, a serious wine and cocktail program, and the kind of evening that feels like an event.
Edgar’s is that place. And it is open to the public.
The Setting
If you have been to The Dunes before, you already know the view. The dining room and patio overlook the 18th fairway, a chain of lakes, and one of the best sunset angles on Sanibel. What was already one of the island’s favorite spots for lunch and happy hour now transforms into something different after 5pm. The lights go down, the music comes up, and the energy shifts.
The room seats comfortably without feeling crowded. Tables are spaced well enough for conversation, and the patio seats are first-come, first-served for anyone who wants to eat with the sunset in full view. On most evenings, you will hear live music — the kind that adds to the atmosphere without competing with it. Opening night featured Melissa Sanchez on piano, and the live music lineup will rotate regularly.
It is the rare restaurant on Sanibel where the setting alone is worth the trip. The food makes it worth coming back.
The Menu
Edgar’s menu is built around what a steakhouse should be — premium proteins cooked well, a handful of standout seafood dishes, and sides that earn their place on the table.
The star of the menu is the char-grilled filet mignon with bourbon demi-glace. It is exactly what you want it to be: a thick, well-seared cut with a rich, slightly sweet sauce that does not overpower the meat. The New York strip with mushroom ragu t is another strong option for steak purists, and the rosemary rack of lamb with mint jelly and demi is a standout for anyone looking beyond beef.
On the seafood side, the Scottish key lime salmon — pan-seared with a key lime sauce — is already generating repeat orders. The Frutti di Mare brings together shrimp, scallops, snow crab, artichoke, sun-dried tomato, and spinach in a garlic cream sauce over penne. It is indulgent in the best way.
For starters, the bacon-wrapped scallops with tamarind glaze are the table favorite, and the coconut shrimp — a Dunes classic — carries over from the lunch menu with the same quality that has made it one of the most ordered items at the club.
Friday nights bring a tradition that members already know well: certified Black Angus prime rib, slow-roasted and served with creamy horseradish. If you are on the island on a Friday, this is where you want to be.
The cocktail program is worth mentioning on its own. The espresso martini has quietly become one of the most popular drinks at The Dunes, and the full bar can handle whatever you are in the mood for. Expect the cocktail list to expand as Edgar’s finds its rhythm.
The Chef Behind It
The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Roro, who has been the driving force behind The Dunes’ dining reputation for years. If you have ever had the signature steak sandwich at lunch — the one with caramelized onions and gorgonzola fondue on ciabatta that TripAdvisor reviewers have called the best burger in Southwest Florida — you already know what Chef Toro is capable of.
Edgar’s gives him a bigger canvas. The dinner menu showcases a range that the lunch service only hints at, from the precision of the filet to the complexity of the Frutti di Mare. Everything is made in-house, and the attention to each plate is evident.
Why It Matters for Sanibel
Sanibel’s dining scene is still rebuilding after Hurricane Ian. As of early 2026, roughly 28% of the island’s businesses remain closed, and many of the restaurants that have reopened are operating with limited hours or reduced menus. The demand for quality dining on the island — especially for visitors during peak season — far exceeds what is currently available.
Edgar’s arrives at exactly the right moment. It gives the island a dining option that did not exist before: a full steakhouse experience with live music, craft cocktails, and a setting that rivals anything in Southwest Florida. For tourists staying on Sanibel who previously had to drive off-island for a special dinner, Edgar’s solves that problem.
For The Dunes, Edgar’s also serves a different purpose. It is a front door. Many people who would never book a tee time will come for dinner, discover the patio and the view and the vibe, and start to see The Dunes as more than a golf course. That is by design.
The Details
Location: Inside The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club, 949 Sand Castle Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 Hours: Nightly at 5:00 PM-9PMPhone: (239) 472-3355 Reservations: Recommended, especially on weekends and Friday prime rib night Dress Code:Smart casual Open to the public: Yes — you do not need to be a member or a hotel guest Live Music: Select evenings (check social media for the weekly schedule) Parking: Free, on-site
One note for Dunes members: your 15% dining discount applies at Edgar’s. Between that and the member-only events that will be hosted at the restaurant throughout the year, membership just got more valuable.
Try It This Week
Edgar’s is the kind of place that Sanibel has been waiting for. Whether you are a returning visitor who knows every restaurant on Periwinkle Way, a local who wants a new spot for date night, or someone visiting the island for the first time and looking for something beyond the usual, Edgar’s delivers.
Call (239) 472-3355 to make a reservation, or just stop by after 5pm. The patio is waiting.
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Edgar’s Steakhouse is located inside The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club on Sanibel Island. Follow us on Instagram for menu specials, live music updates, and reservations.