Cristof's on McGregor: A Culinary Haven for Seafood Lovers in Fort Myers

We loved the food and ambiance here. The soft jazz music goes along perfectly with the delicious food. The portions are large so keep that in mind! My husband and I could have easily shared the Cajun Chick sandwich. The catch of the day was grouper and we got it blackened. The burger was great as well. There is something for everyone here.

This restaurant is TERRIFIC. We ate here our first night in Fort Myers. It was near our rental. They had a lot of fires going in the outdoor dining area, giving a festive vibe. And the parking lot was packed. On a Tuesday. So we thought "what the heck." The less than happy hostess let us know their indoor dining room was booked, but we could be seated at an outside table on the deck. So first advice- make a reservation. Even on a Tuesday in February. We were hesitant, but the shades were drawn, creating a wind barrier, and the fires were plentiful. We actually lucked out. Because working the deck was James, the most funny, engaging, witty yet sarcastic waiter. Ask to be seated in his section. Wait for a table of his to open if you have time. You'll thank me later. Now for the food. This place offers a little bit of everything, so if you're dining with friends and family, everyone should find something to their liking. For appetizers we started with their Bruschetta and Calamari. The bruschetta is like not normal, it's COVERED in cheese, and I'm not complaining one bit. It basically made them like little slices of pizza. 6 pieces. Delicious. The calamari was fine. A good portion with a decent marinade dip. For entrees we had their special of the night, lobster mac, plus steak salad, Bouillabaisse and pasta primavera. Dinner is also served with bread and an olive oil dip. The steak salad is a terrific value, for $20 you can't make this at home any cheaper. And the steak is seasoned well and served with a honey mustard dressing, which is good, but this would be better with a horseradish based dressing. The lobster Mac comes in a very generous portion, with lots of chunky lobster, three different cheeses and breadcrumbs. I hate to see lobsters terrific flavor concealed with anything but a dash of mayo or butter, but this dish slaps. It was a special for the night so I don't know if this appears on their standard menu. The pasta primavera is fine, it's pasta with a ton of veggies (we added chicken). But the star of the show was the Bouillabaisse. Apparently Cristof has some creole cooking background, or inspiration, or something. Our waiter James said this was his second favorite dish here (the scallops dish was #1) but I'm here to tell you, I don't care if you are only so so like shrimp, or are unsure about mussels, get this dish and you will be licking the bowl dry. It's that good. For dessert we got tiramisu, key lime pie, pecan pie and a this ice cream thing covered in chocolate (like a truffle) with a cherry middle. Sorry, can't remember its name, didn't take any pics because we got them to go, and forgot to ask if any were made in house. They were priced like they were made in their kitchen, and we would order any of these again, so go for it if you like your sweets! We are in this area once a year and will definitely be back, and maybe you'll consider going off the beaten path and trying out this spot too!

We enjoyed our 23rd anniversary at Cristof's. It's a nice date night restaurant without being stuffy or pretentious. The beautiful charming old Florida building creates a comfortable atmosphere. There were several options for vegetarians and we were not disappointed. Everything was cooked perfectly. Excellent attentive service rounded out a great experience. Oh and the classic jazz was also a highlight.

Finally a dinner experience without impatient teenagers however the service fell short. The food at Cristof's was really enjoyable - flavorful and nicely presented. Green tomatoes as a starter, followed by grilled chicken with gnocchi and pork tenderloin with goat cheese and potato croquette. We shared the keylime pie as there was hardly any room for dessert. The keylime pie was delicious. The atmosphere was pleasant, making it a nice spot for a meal. Where things fell short were the drinks and service. The cocktails were on the weak side and felt small for the price charged, which was disappointing. On top of that, our server started off rushed and dropped the butter for the bread on the table. Halfway through the meal, our waitress became much more attentive and pleasant. Overall, good food but inconsistent service and overpriced drinks such as old fashioned and Cristof's cosmo martini.

My first time dining here and I was not disappointed. The setting is lovely; home made over into a cozy restaurant. The service was great, food excellent and atmosphere very relaxing. Highly recommended.

Visiting on business from the east coast of Florida. This was an unexpected delight. Service was wonderful, thank you Josh. He helped me choose the steak salad and it was perfect (I subbed blue cheese for the dressing). The olive oil and bread are to die for, so yummy. Loved the vintage music over the sound system, very old school chill. My Togo for lunch looks/ smells amazing and I can hardly wait. I'll be telling the also visiting upper management about this location.

Cristof’s on McGregor offers a distinctive dining experience that blends cozy, classic charm with quality cuisine in a warm, inviting setting. Housed in what feels like a beautifully restored older home with both indoor dining rooms and a spacious outdoor patio, the ambiance is relaxed yet refined — ideal for date nights, special occasions, or a pleasant lunch al fresco. The menu showcases a variety of American and Italian-inspired dishes, from seafood and pasta to hearty entrées and creative sandwiches. Standouts include scallops over risotto, Cajun beer-battered fish and chips, chicken and gnocchi, and the homemade key lime pie, which is a must-try dessert. Portions are generous and the flavors thoughtful and well-executed, reflecting the Mediterranean influence of owner Cristof Danzi’s culinary background. The service demonstrated friendliness and attentiveness, though some guests note occasional delays during peak hours, and service quality can vary depending on how busy the restaurant is. Prices trend toward the moderate-to-upper range, but many feel the food quality and atmosphere justify the cost. While not without occasional mixed reviews — some diners mention inconsistency in dishes or slower service — the overall reputation leans positive, particularly for its charming setting, flavorful food, and strong drink offerings. If you’re exploring Fort Myers restaurant scene, Cristof’s on McGregor is a memorable stop with character and heart.

Cristof’s is a true Fort Myers gem we’ve been coming here for years and have had a few family parties in their small room off the main dining area. The exterior and interior is cozy yet still elegantly decorated. The staff are always incredibly friendly, knowledgeable about the menu and never leave you wanting for anything. Today was the first time I’ve tried them for lunch and as always the food was fresh, well prepared and delicious. I tried the Cajun chicken sandwich it was huge, perfectly seasoned and of the best in town. Thank you to the staff for always making it a great experience! We will see you again soon