Sweet Melissa’s Cafe
1625 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-1956
Ratings & Reviews
94% Positive Reviews
Read Reviews >
Welcome
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,” Sweet Melissa’s Cafe exudes warmth and impeccable service. 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.
Location
1625 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Get DirectionsDining Amenities
Cuisine Type
American
Contemporary AmericanMeals Served
Lunch
DinnerHours
Open
Tuesday - Friday
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Closed Sunday
Price
$$Attire
CasualParking Details
LotDining Information
Full Bar
Outdoor Dining
Wine ListLive Music
Friday & Saturday EveningsAdditional Services
Private DiningPayment Details
American Express
Visa
Mastercard
DiscoverChef Info
Executive Chef Melissa Donahue
Executive Chef Melissa Donahue’s resume is impressive, with training at Manhattan’s French Culinary Institute followed by the kitchens of some of the most respected restaurants in the United States including Union Cafe in New York City, Commander’s Palace in New Orleans and John Besh’s August, also in New Orleans.
Originally planning to pursue a law degree, Donahue – Talmage changed career paths after her first child was born and she realized she would rather spend her time in the kitchen instead of a courtroom. Hurricane Katrina blew Chef Melissa out of New Orleans, landing her on Sanibel Island and correlating nicely with a job offer from the former Redfish Blufish restaurant. In 2009 the restaurant was renamed and opened as Sweet Melissa’s Cafe.
With her culinary and management talents consistently praised, Chef Donahue – Talmage has received high praises from every major publication in Southwest Florida, with recipes featured in multiple local travel and restaurant guides. At the 2010 Sanibel Island Taste of the Island, she was awarded first place for Best Appetizer. 2011 saw her selected as the “Best Chef for a Chef” Vintner Dinner in the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. The popular on-line dining reservation website, Open Table, recognizes the restaurant with Diners’ Choice Awards, including Best Food, Best Overall and Best Service. In 2017 Sweet Melissa’s Café was recognized by USA Today as a top 10 restaurant in South Florida. With a menu and true talent that keeps diners begging for more, Sweet Melissa’s Cafe and Chef Melissa Donahue – Talmage are “Creatively Out Of The Ordinary”.
Social Media
Facebook
Instagram