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Start Your Day Right With These Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Bonita Springs and Estero

Aug 18, 2017 01:39PM ● By Kevin

"Nutella Ciabatta French Toast - Seasonal." Photo and caption courtesy of First Watch's business owner on Yelp.

There's nothing like starting your day with an amazing meal, cooked just for you! The breakfast and brunch scene has grown significantly over the course of the past decade. Here in Bonita Springs and Estero, there are many restaurants with great breakfast and brunch menus to check out and enjoy. Below is a list of some of the best the area has to offer.

1. The Garden Cafe - Bonita Springs

Garden Cafe. Photo courtesy of Susan B. on Yelp.
Description (courtesy of its Facebook page): A small outdoor breakfast and lunch cafe offering lighter options and comfort food. We're open 9 am - 1 pm Monday through Sunday weather permitting.

Rating on Yelp: 4.5 stars

Best Quote/Review (courtesy of Yelp): "We tried out this place simply b/c we bought a Groupon...Wowzers! Were we ever in for a treat! Ever wonder WHY your dog licks its bowl, to get every last morsel? I had to restrain myself from doing the same w/ my (empty) plate...I ordered the Duo Cage Free Eggs, Applewood bacon, hash browns & wheat toast. The eggs were a perfect over-easy, the bacon was cooked to a T, the hash brown were fried to a crisp--W/O a greasy overdone after taste ..the toast was ever so slightly burned, but I didn't mind; all the main items were SO.DAMN.GOOD.

"Hubby ordered the pancakes (3 HUGE!)--which were claimed by some, to not need even need syrup--I thought: "Yea, right..." Well, he still used syrup, but the portion he shared w/ me? It had such a mouth-watering vanilla flavor, I did not want to lose the fantastic taste by covering it...

"Their (non-discounted) prices are not necessarily inexpensive, but the quantity & more importantly, QUALITY of their menu is definitely worth it!" - J R., Lone Tree, CO

2. Restoratives Cafe - Estero

Welcoming decor at Restoratives.
Photo courtesy of Rachel L. on Yelp.
Description (courtesy of its Facebook page): Cafe featuring amazing sandwiches, salads and smoothies. Also featuring work by local artists.

Rating on Yelp: 4.5 stars

Best Quote/Review (courtesy of Yelp): "This was our first time here and boy were we pleased.  I love the fact that it is a local non-box type place.  The prices were too good to be true and the food was delicious.   Hats off to the hard working owners. A small family type restaurant that makes you feel at home.

"If you have not tried this place, put it on your list. IT is a must do!" - Matt P., Bonita Springs

3. Skillets - Bonita Springs

Waffle platter at Skillets. Photo courtesy of Frank A. on Yelp.
Description (courtesy of its Facebook page): "Breakfast and Lunch With Flair!"

Rating on Yelp: 4.5 stars

Best Quote/Review (courtesy of Yelp): "My boyfriend and I decided to go out for breakfast and try out Skillets for the first time. From the lovely hostess at the front to the general manager I was greeted warmly the moment I approached the hostess stand. They both struck up a conversation with me as my guy parked the car, welcoming me to their restaurant and asking me how I liked the area as I mentioned I had moved here just about a year ago. 

"We were seated immediately (it is off-season, after all) and our server, Robin, approached us almost as soon as we sat down. My boyfriend ordered the fresh Strawberry & Blueberry French Toast and I decided on the Eggs Benedict, traditional style. I also ordered a buttermilk pancake on the side. The one pancake, although around four bucks, was huge and very good with just a touch of butter and their maple syrup. DELICIOUS! The poached eggs were cooked to perfection and the potatoes on the side were, well, quite dreamy. There's just something about those potatoes...I highly recommend them. My only disappointment was the hollandaise sauce: it was very, very bland and pretty much had no flavor. I was actually surprised as everything else was truly fabulous. There was no balance of salt or savory goodness and not even a hint of lemon. Maybe it was just an "off" day for the person who made the hollandaise but who knows? I was a little bummed as Eggs Benedict is my absolute favorite BECAUSE of the hollandaise sauce. That said, the food is still very worthy of repeat visits.

"As for our server, Robin: she's honestly the BEST around. Absolutely on the ball when it comes to making sure we had refills, to-go boxes, etc. We never had to hunt her down for a single thing - she kept a close eye on every table and provided service with the utmost professionalism AND a genuine smile on her face. 

"Between Robin and the food (minus the hollandaise) we'll definitely be returning to Skillets." - Carol E., Naples

4. Survey Cafe - Bonita Springs

"Tie dye Ted singing at brunch at the Survey Cafe. Perfect!" Photo and caption courtesy of Amy G. on Yelp.
Description (courtesy of its website): Downtown Bonita Springs is more reminiscent of an old fishing village than any of its neighbors to the north or south. No place encompasses that feel better than a small cafe converted from an old Florida cottage with a wrap around deck, The Survey Cafe. Loaded with Old Florida History, The Survey Cafe is a quaint, mostly outdoor cafe set in the heart of scenic Downtown Bonita Springs. With a relaxed atmosphere, outstanding food, and good prices, this place is one of our absolute favorites on for breakfast or lunch. They have also started seating tables for dinner on a limited basis during season on the weekends.

Rating on Yelp: 4 stars

Best Quote/Review (courtesy of Yelp): "This place is awesome! I am so happy that we found it as it is within walking distance to our Florida home. It's a very unassuming, small(er) house turned restaurant. You don't have a server, so you order inside and then seat yourself. This particular Sunday morning wasn't too packed but I can see it filling up fast. They had a one-man band singing old classics with a guitar and it was great. A French-inspired menu, the food was fantastic. They do not have a full bar but they have mimosas, bloody Mary's and a unique drink called a 'loose screw' that is 1/3 ginger ale, 1/3 orange juice and 1/3 chardonnay. It's also important to note that their vodka is wine based so the pours look strong but are very smooth.

"Now the food...AMAZING! Often times, my fiancé and I will order 2 entrees and share both. We did this here since it was our first time. He went with quiche Lorraine and a side of potatoes and I ordered the breakfast sausage burrito/wrap. That wrap was honestly one of the best I have ever had. All fresh ingredients in a lightly toasted spinach tortilla. I can't wait to go back because I'm already craving it. The quiche Lorraine was also delicious, the potatoes were a little bland but I'm a big fan of seasoning so that could just be me.

"All in all, an exceptional visit. Although the tables don't have servers, the staff is very friendly and very attentive. I can't wait to go back!" - Desiree B., Baldwin, MO

5. First Watch – Estero

Description (courtesy of its Facebook page): First Watch is an award-winning Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch favorite that specializes in both traditional and innovative creations all freshly prepared to order.

Rating on Yelp: 4 stars

Best Quote/Review (courtesy of Yelp): "Very pleasant setting for breakfast/brunch.  We both ordered the Eggs Benedict---one BLT and the other with spinach--and then shared.  Both were excellent.  Service was professional, pleasant and efficient." - Dennis H., Stamford, CT

Old 41 Restaurant - 'A Breakfast Hit' According to Trip Advisor

We came across Old 41 after a Yelp reviewer said they found it via great reviews on Trip Advisor, so we decided to include it in this guide as a special bonus...

Description (courtesy of its website): Old 41 Restaurants owner, Tony Backos, brought his 40 years of experience in his family owned restaurants in Philadelphia to Southwest Florida seven years ago. Our menu items are a classic mix of good old American favorites.

Rating on TripAdvisor: 4 stars (46 percent of reviews were "Excellent")

Best Quote/Review (courtesy of TripAdvisor): "I love a good simple breakfast out and Old 41 did not disappoint. Pancakes, French Toast, bacon crispy (they actually asked me how I like it) and coffee. Oh and real butter!!! The portions are large so we ordered a short stack and it was perfect

"The place is hopping and unpredictable on how long the wait is. We were lucky ... we had no wait. Service was excellent and my coffee had a refill without me asking. I am visiting the area and it can be a hit or miss experience. This was a hit in my book!"

Do you own a bar or restaurant in town? If so, add your listing to our directory. It's free, and you could be featured in a rankings list like this!