« Moving Blog

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL: Top 4 Restaurants in Port Charlotte, FL

The lineup for these 4 restaurants that locals adore is quite strong! We’ve got a combination grill/bakery/coffee shop with Turkish delights and savory flavors, classic southern style BBQ, a steakhouse paired with a comedy theater, a local favorite steakhouse with live jazz musicians, and a community favorite eatery.

See what’s in store for your taste buds and read on below!

Ephesus Mediterranean Grill – Authentic Turkish Cuisine

8300 Wiltshire Drive, Port Charlotte FL 33981

Ephesus Mediterranean Grill offers more than meets the eye. They have breakfast combos, catering options, pita wraps, kebabs, lamb chops, seafood, pita spreads, and light appetizers, along with coffee and desserts! No matter what your tastes are, they’ve got you covered on all fronts with mouth-watering meals to satisfy your appetite. We’ll highlight a few standout dishes you can’t leave without trying!

The Sultan’s Feast is no laughing matter as it can serve up to 2-3 of your friends or family with an abundance of Gyro, Chicken Tenderloin Kebab, Turkish Meatballs & spicy grilled Adana. Rice, shepherd salad, and pita bread with tantalizing tzatziki sauce are lovingly paired with massive portions. Share with care and eat like kings and queens.
Take it easy with some delicious Dolma or Falafel, and make sure to leave room for the veggie-filled Babaganoush Wrap loaded with greens, tomatoes, onions, and plenty of other filling and vegan-friendly fare.
If you’re like me, then I know you’ve got to taste their Baklava with chocolate pistachios and walnuts. They also have various Bakery Cakes that they change daily, and the Macaroons are a must to finish out your Port Charlotte travels.

View this post on Instagram

Check out the menu and see what stands out to you at Ephesus Mediterranean Grill!

Get more info here »

The Grill at 1951 – Port Charlotte’s New Favorite!

1951 S Tamiami Trl, Port Charlotte, FL 33948

This newly opened high-class restaurant might be less than a decade old, but Port Charlotte locals can’t get enough of their offerings! Impeccable Italian delicacies, fresh seafood, top-of-the-line steaks, an extensive wine list, and much more!

They have a constant lineup of jazz musicians and other artists playing popular tunes, offer a private dining room for business events or parties up to 32 people, and they are open for dinner Monday through Saturday!

Begin your feast with the delicious Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese drizzled with raw organic honey & Raspberry Melba sauce, see what the Soup of the Day is, or browse their variety of Extra Colossal Wild-Caught White Shrimp appetizers!
Once you’ve finished those up, it’s time to dive into the entrees!
Go big with the Red Grouper Piccata, which is a pan-seared and lightly floured with buttery wine sauce and paired with capers, spaghetti, and lemon wedges.
Feeling bold? Enjoy the rich & fatty marbling of their Wagyu Eye of the Rib with seasoned garlic butter, grilled and over-finished to perfection!
Make sure to leave room for dessert for some specialty homemade NYC-style cheesecake with blueberry or strawberry sauce, premium crème brulee, or a lovely cappuccino to finish out your meal.
Each entree comes with a baguette, Vegetables Du Jour, and a choice of mashed/baked potato or Rice Du Jour!

View this post on Instagram

Jam out and dine in here for an experience like no other!

Find more info here »

Wally’s BBQ – Tender Southern Style Eats!

3591 S Tamiami Trl, Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Waal Dubbaneh has lovingly managed his beloved BBQ spot for over 16 years and works alongside his dedicated and skilled new pitmaster Anna Syrkh. Together, they craft fantastic slow-cooked ribs, smoked chicken, and a variety of classic sides, along with some of their own masterful culinary creations. 3 dishes in particular stood out to our team, and we want you to go and try them for yourself!

Popping in around lunch time? Get a nice helping of the Meat Over Mac put together with cheesy mac & cheese, and your choice of pulled pork, pulled chicken, or brisket!
Just need a quick but filling bite? The BBQ Nachos appetizer comes stacked with pulled pork, fresh chips, jalapenos, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and their signature BBQ sauce.
If you’re truly ready to pig out, then you must try their Baby Back Ribs that fall right off the bone and are tender and tasty! Pair it with some cornbread, mac n cheese, hushpuppies, and green beans for an unforgettable experience at Wally’s.

View this post on Instagram

Throw down and tear up some delicious ribs, smoked meats, and more at Wally’s!

Check out their menu here »

The Bean Depot – Community and Care with Live Music!

4370 Garden Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33953

A true remnant of Old Florida, this popular hangout for locals used to be a post office and general store, but was reimagined as a café/museum for locals and visitors alike to appreciate the delicious food and history of the area.

Blues and rock music, beer and wine, and yummy appetizers, along with taste-elevating entrees, are available if you’re willing to check it out.
See some local favorites listed below!

The Bean Depot Dogs are a popular favorite amongst the community, and you can pick between the Slaw Dog, Chili Dog, or the specialty Bean Depot Dog, which is deep-fried, grilled, and topped with onions, and if you choose a lil bit of cheddar cheese.
Amp it up with either the full Assortment Basket or just select from a few bites such as the Breaded Okra, Mozzarella Sticks, or Jalapeno Poppers! The basket’s the best bang for your buck, so we recommend you start there.
End the day off while listening to some laidback tunes as you chow down on some of Leo’s Special Nachos Supreme, or take it easy with their variety of delicious subs.

Experience some Old Florida vibes and check out their menu!

Check for more information here »

Port Charlotte, FL: Southwest FL’s Premier Dining Hub

Port Charlotte’s more than just a place to chow down & kick back; it’s home to tens of thousands of hardworking residents that pour their hearts into creating the best experiences one can find in Florida. When you dine in Port Charlotte, you get first-hand experience of the community and culture of this city.

These unique destinations within Charlotte County display just a snippet of what one can expect to eat in one of Florida’s overlooked tourist spots. Be blessed, and we hope you’ll expand your horizons and seek out more to do in our lovely state.

Manasota Movers: Making Moves Fun Since 2009!

No matter where you move, Manasota Movers is there to help you in all kinds of ways! We take the stress away & handle all the heavy lifting so you can start planning your Port Charlotte dining itinerary as quickly as possible. We can pack, move, and even provide helpful tips about where you should go next in Port Charlotte, as we showcased today!

Get started on your moving journey here »