A long standing favorite. Exceptional food and a most welcoming dining experience. Keith and Stacey rock!

Tonight's meal was a huge disappointment! We ordered Filet Mignonette, and what we received was either a very poor cut of meat, or just a piece of random beef roast. The texture and taste was like a pot roast...certainly NOT A FILET! The mashed potatoes were good, and the green beans/with 3 stalks of asparagus were ok. But it was the poor beef entree that was not what it was portrayed. So sorry, but it will be awhile before we make a trip back to FM Dons again. read more

Food is great, and it's a wonderful restaurant, but the clientele tends to skew towards older , so if you're a family , a little note.

Stopped by tonight during the Coronavirus madness so I had to order takeout, which was perfect. I ordered shrimp, but had to have shrimp tacos and they said no problem! Also picked up a Cesar salad, which was also fantastic, the dressing was super light yet had the full Caesar dressing taste, the calypso seafood soup was like a super light lobster bisque with shrimp, which was so good that I will probably be ordering it again tomorrow night as well. The overall quality of the food is stellar and is super fresh. The staff was super friendly and helpful as well. I will be back here for sure. read more

Where to start... let's take it from the top. Our hostess was very polite, engaging and happy. A+ for her. We were escorted to our booth seats and as we were sitting, from a distance we heard "oh come on! Can't they sit at the bar?" This came from our waitress. She continued to complain to co-workers how busy it was and how she couldn't handle it. Finally she slapped on a smile and greeted us and took our order. My wife and I ordered the Ahi Tuna tower as an app and their Greek salad with Salmon to share. My wife ordered a dirty Martini and I ordered a Budweiser draft. The drinks were great. The martini was proper and the draft beer tasted crisp and fresh. The glasses were nice and clean as well. A+ for drinks. Soon after our drinks arrived our Tuna Tower arrived although it was more like a small tuna mound. The tuna was as fresh as a box of chum one would find at a bait shop. The scent of fish was very apparent and strings of fish slime would extend from the pieces as they were pulled apart. The wontons served with the tuna tasted stale and smelled of old grease. It is obvious this appetizer is plated in bulk and left in a refrigerator waiting for guests to order. Horrible quality of fish. The salad was a solid 6 out of 10. Nothing special. The salmon was cooked medium to medium well even though our waitress stressed to us how the Chef always cooks it medium rare. This is a place you could go for some good drinks and maybe some fries but do not expect to be impressed with their cuisine. I would call it a sad effort by the kitchen staff but in order to do so they would have had to at least put some effort into their product which they obviously didn't. Hostess A+ Waitress F Food F Drinks B read more

I loved this place. The fish and chips I had was outstanding, and everyone else in our party of six raved about what they had. The atmosphere is nice, and the service was great. read more

Have eaten here several times for lunch and dinner. Always accommodating! Lunch menu has just enough to choose from. Dinner menu has wonderful selections which makes it hard to decide, so we have to keep coming back! read more

The food and service were excellent. Our server was very efficient and friendly. We arrived to meet friends someone late and they were very accommodating. read more

Ordering takeout tonight for our Sunday family dinner for Five. So happy FM Dons is open during the Corona Confusion! I'm craving the Ahi Tartare and the Grilled Salmon. I'm sure Mom will have Scallops read more

See all

Excellent late lunch. Atmosphere is pleasant though it could use some sound absorbing tiles on the ceiling. Food is excellent. We had the mussels in wine sauce and a tasty margarita. Service was friendly, if a little slow given how quiet it was. We were there about 1:30. Parking was easy, especially for a weekday downtown. read more

F M DON'S - Mussels with garlic and herbs in a white wine sauce - Bars Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

FANTASTIC NIGHT AT FM DON'S!!!! I just want to give KUDOS to FM Don's, our server Tiffany and the entertainment they had last night. I dont remember who the duo entertainment's name was, but the woman had a phenominal voice!!!! My husband and I are local to the area and we love to bring our out of town guest to FM Don's. Last night we took a couple friends there and was not disappointed! When we arrived we realized how crowded it was but decided to stay anyway. We were greeted by the lovely hostess and requested the bar area. We were very pleased to see our favorite server, Tiffany working. We were seated in her area. As always Tiffany is a pleasure and very attentive and we were happy that our guest was able to meet her. She always makes sure our drinks are full and goes through the menu explaining the dishes, while recommending many items and the special of the night. Tiffany recommended the escargot for an appetizer. Some of us had never tried it before so we decied to go out on a limb and try it. Wow!! It was very delicious. We will order this again! Our dinners and the evening was absolutely wonderful. We will definitely continue to patronize. read more

I would give it 5 but its a healthy serving size not a fat person serving size. The bread is pretty typical for the area but the butter is real butter so it is DELICIOUS. The scallops were prepared perfectly. The carrots and Brussels were flavored very well. Realistically the price is accurate for seafood and serving size. read more

Great food and service. The live music is so nice on the weekends. Chef Keith is so personable and comes out and talks to the customers. It's a gem of a local place read more

Service is good. Restaurant is clean and bright. Food is good. I especially like the mussel and the goat cheese appetizers, they are enough for a meal. read more

Chef Keith is knocking it out of the ballpark. We consider this restaurant one of the best in the area. Always consistent, always great. It's the best bar in the area, with outside sand inside service- and 2 of the best bartenders as well. They never fail to get our cocktails right and are generous. Best vodka gimlets anywhere. We eat there often because of the quality of the menu and the consistency- creativity of ingredients and generous sized plates. They have a bar menu which is available- excellent choices. Everyone raves about the short rib sliders! They have a Mediterranean salad that is over the top! If you have never had burrata cheese, this is the place to try it. Very few restaurants serve arugula because it's expensive, doesn't keep well, and I really think Chefs are afraid to use it but not at The Dons! It's an amazing salad and presentation. As far as I know there is no one around that serves heritage pork- they do here, thick and generous, a real show stopper creatively served atop Tuscan beans and kale. Sound too creative for you? Well the combination is outstanding and perfectly suited for the heritage chop. This is no average pork- Google Heritage pork. All testimony to the quality of ingredients the chef uses. Do you have a vegan or plant based friend? Bring them here as there is always a plant based item on the menu- no oil too. It's a very filling , yummy grain and ratatouille plate. In season, you better make a reservation! Otherwise, if you want to get in anytime, come during our hot Florida summers. They also have some of the best, on street outdoor dining in the area with a live band outside their bar. FM Dons has it all! read more

We went at 3pm, one person at the bar and the place was dirty - that was my first impression. The tables hadn't been cleaned off, dirty glasses behind the bar, the top of the bar was sticky, what I assumed were the previous night's empties in an old cardboard box were still behind the outside bar. I was planning to have a cocktail, but when I saw the lipstick on the rim of the glasses that were hanging over the bar, I changed my mind and hoped for a clean glass when I ordered a beer from the tap. There were multiple glasses hanging from the rack with water spots and finger-prints all over them. Very disappointing, so we went across the street for our cocktails, apps and dinner.... read more

After a day on the water, we drove through Punta Gorda looking for a light dinner. We found appetizers and salad, and a lovely outdoor on-street setting at FM Dons. The calamari was fresh, HOT, tasty and special ordered without peppers. A Cesar Salad w Grilled shrimp was large and delightful. $4 Happy Hour wine was an added plus. Recommend! read more

I was so excited to come here and establish a relationship with a new place. Big mistake. Waited at bar with my sister, after others were served before us! When I politely said "we were here before the other two parties" I was told, "I just saw you". REALLY! Two dirty martinis were filthy with blue cheese droppings from the "house made stuffed olives". Shame on me for no picture. I should of known from the beginning we should of left. The ahi tuna tower had to be returned for missing wonton chips. For $18, can you spare more than 5 chips? The house fish spread was amazing but felt it was not chilled enough as it was sitting outside refrigeration. Hope I'm not sick during the night! After asking about dinner suggestions and told to hold on for a minute, 23 minutes to be exact, I was done. Check please. 15% tip left and that was for the kitchen and their serving staff. Not the bar. When we left, they could say goodbye loud enough. Things are better off less said. Be aware my friends. read more

Great place great food!! atmosphere is great indoors and out! And Live music as well!

I love love LOVE their crusted goat cheese appetizer-- it's unreal. But I do wish they'd update/vary their "plant based entree". It says updated daily but has been the same butter bean ratatouille-like dish for 2 years. read more

We used to frequent this place before the pandemic. I never had anything I didn't like. The hostess was always somewhat cool, and when I went to buy a gift certificate, was once downright rude, waiting first on a couple that entered after me. But the food and servers were excellent, especially the salads and the Faroe Island salmon. My husband had sandwiches and meat dishes and liked them. I returned with a friend recently. The hostess was impatient and unsmiling and seemed to want to dispatch us quickly when another couple arrived; we wanted a seat outside and she seemed put out that we didn't have reservations ( the place was half empty) and my friend wanted to look at a menu. OK, that's par for the course here. But the waitress was also indifferent. I asked for avocado on my sandwich and when I told her there wasn't any, she said there was, pointing to a vague smear of green on the bread. She said it was a " spread." I just looked shocked, and my friend said she made a face behind my back as she left. My friend liked her BLT; mine was dry and the bacon over cooked. French fries were skinny and just ok. I was informed they do not have whole wheat bread and it just comes on Texas toast. Pretty much the worst BLT I've ever had.The waitress wasn't really rude, but she was not prompt and seemed slightly annoyed by requests ( my friend asked the price and type of the beer and for extra mayonnaise and she complied but just seemed uninterested and surprised anyone would ask). I like the atmosphere outside but I doubt if I'll go back. Prices are high but I don't mind paying for quality and I appreciate smiles ( we got none). read more

F M DON'S - This is the " avocado " on my sandwich. - Bars Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

Outstanding dinner at F.M. Don's in Punta Gorda tonight. Well worth the drive. The beef bourguignon could not have been better, the service was excellent (and fast!) and Stacey greeted us - wonderful time! read more

new server tonight. we were a party of 10. drinks took a long time. dinner took 40 minutes. my $29 Sword fish was cold. my wife's chicken plate and another ones food plate wasn't hot. took forever for our bill to come and get paid 2 1/2 hours long. Our server Kennedy was very very good at handling our table. After all said and done finally the manager came out. She should have been at our table the first sign of the problems. Our 8 friends and neighbors will not be back. We will be going to Carmella's for enjoyable dinners. What a shame ! read more

Went there for dinner. I had the filet mignon. It was ok. Just average. We thought a little high priced for average though. May or may not go back again. read more

We were there last night and the food was delicious. They were kind enough to change my sides since I don't like beans. Lovely service and great food. It's a little loud if the restaurant is full. read more

We had a wonderful dining experience here, after a sunset cruise with our out-of-town company. Restaurant atmosphere was a little different than I expected from looking at the pictures online. A bit more casual, not as stylish as I expected. But that feeling faded away when the food came! We are calamari fans and try them everywhere we go. This was the best tender calamari, perfectly cooked with a delicious sweet chili sauce. I had the best salmon I've ever put in my mouth, with a crispy seared top and moist tender interior on top of fresh creamed corn, with yummy shiitakes. My husband said the mussels were some of the best he's ever had, and my brother loved the swordfish. We will definitely be back; we want to try other dishes, but it will be hard not to have that salmon again. read more

Tried this place for the first time yesterday and can't say enough about it. Excellent food , we had the shrimp and grits and the Faroe Island salmon. For starters we ordered the spicy shrimp and the ahi tuna and both were winners. It was a Friday and very busy so make sure you have a reservation. We'll be back for sure. read more

So disappointed... So very disappointed.. the place has great ambiance and great location, along with great staff. So 2 stars for our great server and host. But the food... Omg ZERO FLAVOR! On par with the rest of Florida restaurants in the area too afraid to add any salt or spice to their dishes. Sad. read more

Visiting from NYC and Phoenix/Scottsdale. I love fine dining so I have eaten at some world renown chef's establishments. I was wowed by F.M. Don's and envious that the little town of Punta Gorda gets to have such fabulous food to quell the hungry palate. From the Crab Cake to Caesar Salad , Pan Seared Beef Filet AMAZINGLY tender and tasty. With mashed potatoes, portobello mushrooms and baby asparagus. Delightful service! Desserts were perfect too. Great ambiance. Wonderful for a date night or family celebration. Treat yourself !!! To F.M. Don's ! read more

F M DON'S - Crab Cake - Bars Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

See all

We dined here a couple of times. The food and drinks were solid and the outdoor band was fun. The service was hit or miss. We don't like a lot of attention when we're dining so we're fine if the waitstaff only stops by a few times. The first time we had to flag down the waiter to both order and get the final check because he disappeared after dropping off drinks. But the second time the waiter was perfect. read more

Great vegan option, and very thoughtful staff. Nice atmosphere. Was raining the day I went, but looking forward to returning and sitting outside. read more

If you are in the area, you absolutely have to make it a point to stop here for a meal.....maybe two or three meals. I don't know if I should start with the amazing hospitality or the amazing food first! We came with two kids on vacation they simply did NOT disappoint. I ordered the bouillabaisse and holy smokes, if you like seafood, don't hesitate. Just get it! So good! My wife ordered the seared salmon and couldn't stop talking about it. My kids got the chicken strips and a cheeseburger meal- seriously for a $5 kids meal forget McDonalds!!!! I tried the kid's food and it was just as good as everything my wife and I ordered. The staff was incredible, everyone of them. Our waitress was very sweet and accommodating and one of the other staff even took our kids back to meet chef Keith! After the kids came back, the chef came out to meet us. Folks, you just don't see this kind of treatment every day. Overall, it was a very impressive visit and stands out above the rest. We paid $54 plus a tip for two adult meals and two kids meals and it was worth every single penny. F.M. Dons and Chef Keith are well deserving of a 5 star review. We are going to try to come back before vacation is over. Thanks for the memories, Chef Keith and staff! read more

First time trying this place. We were visiting my parents in Port Charlotte from sarasota and decided to try based on reviews. Atmosphere was great. Food was delicious. Wait staff is overworked and short staffed (but that's expected these days). Alex was great but super rushed and busy (not his fault but more of a staffing issue). We will go again. Hubby had mussels, I ate salmon and my son had the filet. Everything tasted amazing and cooked to perfection. read more

Just moved here from California! Had some friends in from Tampa! At 4:30PM on Saturday ! We were trying to go to Leroy's down street because my husband called Leroy's 20 minutes before and bartender said we didn't need reservations! When we got there the place was packed! We were told 2 hour wait! I was worried we wouldn't find a place we could get into? We walked down street to FMDon's and a very nice hostess seated us immediately! I ordered Salmon! It was excellent! Husband got Bison meatloaf and he loved it just wished it was as big as the pork chop his friend got! Our other friend got Airline chicken and she loved it ! The atmosphere is casual and upbeat! Our server was excellent he was very knowledgeable about menu and made it easy to order! This place is a gem ! We will be returning soon! Thanks Dons for a great time! read more

Best Chicken Salad sandwich on a Croissant! I've also tried the Cuban sandwich which is great. Caesar salad is good.

Love the food, the service (Doug is my favorite) and the atmosphere. It's a great place to eat in the bar, outside or in the dining room. We also like it when they have live music. read more

Wonderful Sunday lunch. We asked for a few items off the brunch menu and not only did they accommodate but were amazingly friendly . Had beet salad, wedge salad and the best boulibaisse I've ever had. Service top notch. Will definitely return. read more

We have been there a few times and it's consistent. The food is delicious and the drinks are well made. We love to sit at the bar for a late evening. read more

Very few vegan options in punta gorda-- at least here they had an edible, pretty decent plant based entree.

Nice variety on the menu. A reliable choice that always delivers an excellent meal and great service.