The Veranda

The Veranda Restaurant Review:

Set in the center of historic downtown Fort Myers, The Veranda consists of two turn-of-the-century homes combined to offer regional Southern cuisine supported by an impressive wine list and fine service. While many dishes may seem standard---shrimp cocktail or oysters Rockefeller---there are some nice Southern touches like the grit cakes with pepperjack cheese and grilled andouille sausage. Specialties include a Southern sampler---a mixed grill of fresh fish, Gulf of Mexico shrimp, and large sea scallops presented with saffron fettuccine. Other local foods reflected in the menu include pan-seared grouper crowned with wilted spinach; blue crab and julienne pepper salad; and for vegetarians, the Southern sideboard featuring a succotash stew, baked tomato, pesto pasta and Camembert fritters. Desserts are a hit here and include the traditional Florida Key lime pie and Baileys Irish Cream cheesecake.