I provided a glowing 5 star review several years ago when they first opened. I'm happy to report that despite having a different chef in the kitchen, the cuisine is still impeccable! This is in addition to the fantastic service, ambiance, decor and cleanliness that makes this such an enjoyable place to dine. My only ask... bring back the original steamed mussels appetizer. That was a signature dish! I had the beet salad, the scallops, the filet and the tiramisu. Everything was absolutely amazing!!!! Tiffany was our server. She was friendly, honest and attentive. She provided excellent service! read more

By far the best restaurant on the island. If you are looking for an expensive but unpretentious meal that is worth every penny, you have found the place. The service is impeccable and the food is up there with it. The mussels cooked in the usual white wine and garlic were some of the best I've tasted. The filet mignon was cooked to perfection and the wine selection is excellent. We tried almost every dessert option on the menu and while all great, what stood out most was the toffee bread pudding (and I don't even like toffee!). The flavor combinations were so delicious that we couldn't stop eating even after our bellies were beyond full. Everyone at the table was very happy with their meal. We liked it so much that we went back again in the same week! If you find yourself looking for a well executed meal and great service, I highly recommend this place. We will be returning. read more

Almost wish there was something to complain about. Server knowledgable , fast and beautiful. Food was great in appropriate portions nice atmosphere and large clean bathrooms. A must try place. I'll be back for more read more

What beautiful food! Everything was executed precisely, seasoned perfectly, presented with style. Vegetarian plate was not just thrown together without thought. It was balanced in nutrition while exciting the palate. Kudos to the pastry chef for the better than s'mores dessert. Delicious! Staff was terrific, wine was tasty and reasonably priced. You can't ask for anything more. read more

The best Restaurant on Island if your looking for an up scale dining experience. Management and staff all five stars. All menu items were wonderfully prepared with artistic presentation. A must stop for a memorable evening. read more

What a wonderful evening with piano music, excellent service and two outstanding meals. I had pan roasted grouper with a lobster sauce. My had a beautiful cioppino. For us just the best. read more

We really enjoyed our first visit to Il Cielo. The service was very patient and friendly, I loved the unique "open air" vibe of the restaurant. The food was good. Not mind blowingly memorable but nothing wrong with it. We were all very full by the end. Definitely will be back next year. read more

One of the best meals I have ever had and hands down the best food I've eaten on Sanibel Island! I had the scallops that just melted in your mouth. The "bomb" mousse dessert was to die for. Excellent service too! read more

Just had one of the best meals of our vacation ! The restaurant was beautiful. As a vegetarian, it can be hard to find restaurants that have options for me. Il Cielo had many options and each course was excellent. Our server, Uma, was the highlight of the experience. She was kind, attentive, and went above and beyond to make our dinner perfect. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Sanibel. Thank you, Uma! read more

Very classy. I dine here every time I visit Sanibel. It is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere.

Not so much tonight have been here quite a few times, we thought it was our favorite place, brought friends tonight and the food was luke warm for the 4 dinners at best. Very disappointed. Wont recommend this place to anyone read more

We went here after being disappointed at Thistle. Thank God! The food was very goo, the service was excellent and the drinks superb. The decor is a bit heavy, but atmosphere was wonderful. read more

This was the best meal we've had on Sanibel. By any standard the food, service and ambiance were excellent. There were four of us and we all left happy. The meals are expensive, expect to pay $25-$45 for entrees and $11 for a salad. Add in appetizers, wine, tax and tip you can expect a hefty bill. Although it was expensive, the meal was worth every penny and I will go again next time I'm here. If you want to treat yourself, make a reservation. read more

Very good good. We had the fish tacos and the crab cake. They were both excellent! Prices seemed a bit high but we did enjoy our meal.

dined here on Sunday evening June 2nd - Wonderful waiter great atmosphere had excellent ahi tuna dish - crab cakes very good - grouper fresh and great wine selection would return great meal. read more

Arrived early for our reservation and was seated immediately. It was on the early side and we were the only ones in the restaurant for awhile. Jackie was a wonderful server. I had the Ahi Tuna and it was very good. My wife is a "light eater" and had trouble finding something to her liking. She finally settled on the crab cake with the watermelon/feta salad she said they were "OK". Way too much greens for sure with that combo. I would have thought there would have been some suggestions on a protein that could be added to a salad or something. Apparently they aren't too flexible and you "stick to the menu". The almond dessert was good and the little "Happy Birthday" wish written in chocolate around the plate was a nice touch. The piano player was extremely good playing easy listening music that was just the right volume. The decor is very nice providing a very nice ambiance. It's a very "classy" looking place and service was good but I felt it was a little pricey for what we received. Probably won't return. (Most of the photos of the dishes viewed here on this site were not available on our visit.) read more

My first visit here, traveling on business with a large group. Ambiance is good, live piano on an off season Wednesday night was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. Service was prompt and professional, the food was good, and the cocktails were generous. It would have earned five stars had my entree been just a wee bit larger, but most would not be disappointed. Bring a date, and try the Key Lime Trio for dessert. read more

This is fine dining at its best. Beautiful decor, outstanding service and food. I was lucky enough to dine here on my 50th birthday. Everything about the experience was unique and special. Our drink order consisted of a Cosmo and a Cucumber Mint Mojito that was very refreshing. Appetizers consisted of cream of mushroom soup and Il Cielo's award winning meatballs (served with Ricotta cheese). Both appetizers were outstanding. We could easily have eaten plates full of just meatballs. (An appetizer consisted of four Swedish sized meatballs for $12) Main course was lobster ravioli and a fish dish called three tail scallops (two sea scallops served with a pan seared grouper like white fish). The fish dish had one stem of broccolini and 3 halves of what appeared to be a fingerling potato. The dish was tasty but not substantial - a bit skimpy on the side orders. The Lobster ravioli dish was substantial enough to satisfy my date and he has a good appetite. What made this experience so special was the chef came to our table to wish me a happy birthday, inquire on our dinner and chat a bit (his wife is the pasty chef). He came out a second time even. We have eaten out a lot and never had a chef personally come out of the kitchen on his own accord to ask how our meals were. Dessert consisted of a chocolate bomb cake - very rich and delicious for my date and I had the Affogato - out of this world - served with a birthday candle. So pretty, I took pictures. If you are looking for a restaurant to go to for a special occasion this does not disappoint. It is, however, a bit pricey/overpriced but you'll not soon forget the experience. read more

Nice spot on Sanibel. Excellent and friendly service. Wine list seemed fairly priced with a selection fitting the venue. We liked the lobster ravioli app. Scallops and a flounder special for entrees were pretty good. Sticky toffee pudding was a highlight. Tasty coffee too. This is a tough location for fine dining and they are doing a nice job we thought. read more

Excellent meal , friendly staff , nice setting food best on the island!

The food, ambience and service was top notched! Had the fish tacos appetizer. It was delish. For main course, the lobster ravioli was excellent. For dessert, the creme bruelle was light and simply perfect. The ambience was a mix of elegant, clean decor and background live piano music. Service was professional with just the right attention. A place to keep in mind with a smart elegant feel to it. Recommend it highly read more

If you want a special dining experience, done here. The staff is exceptional. The drinks are wonderful. The food is phenomenal. I know-- lots of superlatives, but this is a great dining experience. read more

Wow,Above and Beyond is all I can say.It was our 25th Anniversary,hadn't every been,but heard good things.Met and Exceeded everything we had heard.Awesome Food,Superb Staff,Inviting and Comfortable Ambience. Look forward to our next visit read more

Very nice upscale place with great food. Nice to have a decor that is not island oriented. Very clean place without the usual island stickiness on the tables. read more

Went back again!!! One had filet of beef you could cut with a fork, one had fish of day (black grouper) that was so fresh, one had salmon with jasmine rice, and I had Waygu sliders that were so tasty...then came the desserts...oh my to die for!!! read more

I'd go 4.5 stars. This place is a legitimately good restaurant, not just good for down here. Well run, friendly professional wait staff. Beautiful interior but not stuffy. Comfortable vibe. Plenty of space between tables so you don't feel crammed in. My wife and I liked it before our first dish was served. Food was legit. Carefully prepared, good portion size, cooked to perfection. Lobster Ravioli outstanding. Pork Chop was perfect. Really no misfires on anything we ordered. Will be going back. read more

All around wonderful experience. Food was delicious - I had the tuna and my fiancé had the mahi mahi. Calamari appetizer was out of this world and chocolate mousse cake dessert was heavenly. Our waitress, Christina, was friendly and knowledgeable. Nothing negative to say! read more

Excellent quality food! Environment pleasant and enjoyable. We were seating by the poano and enjoyed listing to beautiful music while we ate. This is a must on Sanibel. read more

Wow! The reviews were right, this place is wonderful and we have eaten at some very nice restaurants. The food, the staff and the ambiance could not have been better! read more

Firstly, I realize that there is a markup for food in tourist areas, and I take that into account when writing the review. This review is not about price, but about quality. But, no matter where a restaurant is located, the food should be properly prepared and taste like quality. Dinner cost $500 for six adults. Starting with the escargot appetizer (served with mashed potatoes?), I was left disappointed. The escargot tasted rubbery; it was either overcooked or not fresh. I ordered shrimp and grits for dinner. The grits, which was actually 'soft' polenta, was anything but soft. It was very dry and lacked any seasoning. It had neither the flavor nor quality of polenta (which is one of the least expensive dishes to make anywhere) that I get at other places. The spinach was floating in a pool of oil. The mashed potatoes were lukewarm to cold. And, most meals on its menu come with side accompaniments despite the menu's presentation that it is a-la carte dining. So, my wife ordered the fillet and mashed potatoes. To her chagrin, the fillet actually came with potatoes. And now she had two. The server conveniently forgot or neglected to mention that it already came with potatoes when she ordered them to accompany her dish. In our minds, that was sleazy because it appears that the server was trying to increase the bill to increase his tip. In summary, however, the food isn't worth any mention. The experience was overall a disappointment. read more

My wife and I had dinner while vacationing on Sanibel. The decor and interior are decidedly more upscale than most of Sanibel's other restaurants. My wife and I had the shrimp fettuccine and green artisan salad to start with. Both were very good with the shrimp being the better dish. My wife had the short rib while I had a Wreck fish special - the short rod was excellent and the Wreck fish was also very tasty prepared in a caper lemon sauce. The fish was also served with a hash that had lobster and other shell fish in it - unfortunately it also had a hair in it - which sort of ruined everything read more

Holy cow!!!! Best prepared fish I have ever had. . Very flaky, very flavorful. Great service

This place was so much better than we expected. A great bar for a drink and then fantastic service, high quality food and a calm atmosphere. I was expecting resort island schlock and I left wishing this place was in my hometown. read more

Dress up the family and make this your final meal of your vacation! Amazing food and top-notch service. It felt like an upscale mid-town Manhattan restaurant but slightly less expensive. Only thing I would have liked is the snapper to be filleted by the table. read more

We've been twice, both times the meals have been excellent. Our sampled about every seafood option and all were expertly prepared and delicious. The service was incredible, our waiter was great with service as well as navigating the menu and making entree decisions. We had 4 kids in our group 3 and under, and they were extremely accommodating. read more

Best meal I ever ate anywhere. My vegan son also had the best meal of his life too. The restaurant is truly fine dining. The food is made to order and the flavors are amazing. There were four of us and everyone loved their meal. Can't wait to go back. The specialty cocktails were also great. Don't miss this if you want a great meal. Not a young family type place. read more

Everything was great until the server brought the wrong fish dish to my wife. When she explained the error, the waitress was very accommodating. However, when the next fish dish arrived, it was undercooked. The manager did not charge us for either of those dishes, which was good and right. In general, the restaurant is very pricey, and given the experience, hard to recommend or imagining us going back. We were there on vacation, and with so many other options in Sanibel we'll keep searching. read more

This place is wonderful. They have the best calamari I've ever had in my life. They take the time to prepare all the food properly and with full flavor. The staff is amazing and the service is superb. You won't be disappointed here with whatever you order but the grouper is out of this world read more

The ambiance is a 10. The decor and atmosphere are wonderful. Just wish the food was. Waiter came to table so many times I wanted to say sit, join us. The crab cake was delish. My husband had meatballs. Being Italian these were not. Had the lobster ravioli that many reviewed were delish. NOT. Heavy and no ricotta that we could taste. Had smores dessert. Unedible. This place has the cosmetics just not the right chef. I give it a 3 out of 10. I'm sorry cause I really wanted to be wowed. read more

In certain respects, our visit was less than the extraordinary experience it should have been. Our waiter, Walter, was perhaps the best part of the evening. The carrot soup or bisque I had was wonderful. Three of the six of us had crab cakes, and although Walter assured those ordering them that they weren't just filler and little crab, the reality is that they were lots of filler, the consistency of them all wrong. One of our party had lamb riblets, which weren't special. I think for what il Cielo wants to present itself as, more attention needs to be paid to what's coming out of the kitchen. read more