Cristof's on McGregor — Restaurant in Fort Myers

We didn't have to go to far to find our 5 star restaurant this evening.  Nestled amongst the neighborhoods  along the iconic royal palm framed McGregor Boulevard in the City of Palms, Fort Myers.  Just 3 miles from the historic Edison Ford Winter Estates.

The evening was a great chance to celebrate our friend and to catch up after their return from Paris.  We could not have picked a better night to do it, clear skies and perfect weather with low humidity, all the stars aligned for this evenings al fresco dining.

The evening began with drinks and a charcuterie board while we talked and looked over the menu.  My son quickly spotted the spaghetti and meatballs on the menu and became fixated. He could not be swayed from his decision regardless of us reading the menu trying to entice him into another choice, because he had the same for dinner the night before.  My husband had the risotto with seared scallops, I ordered my favorite the shrimp and grits, and our friend ordered the eggplant parmigiana.

I was not quick enough with my camera to catch my son's face when the waiter placed the plate 🍝 in front of my son. The eyes popped open wide and his ear to ear smile said it all, he made the right choice!  My husband said the risotto was delicious with a hint of lime, the best he'd ever tasted, and the scallops were perfect. My shrimp and grits, well I told you already they are my favorite, huge 🍤 and cheesy grits two of my favorites. Our friends eggplant parmigiana was very good also, the eggplant was not disguised in heavy breading and fried into oblivion,  instead it was grilled then assembled to perfection with bubbling sauce and dripping melted cheeses.

Finishing the evening off with a delicious slice of authentic key lime pie.

We couldn't have planned a more perfect evening. Great food, a clear night under the stars, catching up and celebrating a terrific friend.  Even the waiter was exceptionally nice and personable.

If you're looking for a relaxing evening and great food, meander down one of the most historic streets in Fort Myers to Cristof's on...

I am leaving a 3 star review based on recent experiences. The food continues to be delicious and the atmosphere is lovely. But my last couple of visits have left me unhappy.

We live in the area and are frequent diners at Cristof's. We visited 3 times in February in fact. Our last two visits have not been great and I'm frustrated as I recommend Cristof's often as a finer dining experience in Ft. Myers. During our last visit my 13 year old had oral surgery that morning. She wasn't up to eating much so we asked for just the children's buttered noodles plate. Our server, Bob, was fairly rude (I didn't feel that I needed to explain her medical situation to him) said that's only for 10 and under (he never asked how old she is) and he can bring her a side of noodles. We said ok. We got the bill and we were charged $16.95 for a plate of totally plain noodles. They didn't even have parmesan. This is absolutely ridiculous.

In addition, I had to ask for our check after waiting 10-15 minutes for him to stop by. When he finally returned he tried to clear our table and I asked again for our check because we had been there for almost two hours and had somewhere else to be. It was just all around not what I expect at Cristof's. I have never been told at any restaurant that my child couldn't order off the kids menu. We didn't ask for a kids menu. Again, I didn't feel I needed to explain her medical situation but to be charged $16.95 for a plate of plain noodles I could cook for $1 is absurd and leaves a bad taste in my mouth. This coupled with the slow and inattentive service has me less likely to rush back for 3 visits next month. We love the food. We love the atmosphere. We love bringing people there. But this visit and our previous visit have us thinking about a pause. I reached out to the restaurant privately to give them a chance to respond. They did not so I'm moving to a...

Cristof's on McGregor in Fort Myers, FL, is nothing short of a culinary oasis, and their scallops with key lime risotto dish is a testament to their exceptional expertise. As a seafood lover, I can wholeheartedly say that this meal stands out as one of the most exquisite I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying.

Nestled in a charming setting, Cristof's on McGregor exudes an air of sophistication and warmth that sets the tone for a memorable dining experience. The service was impeccable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who were more than happy to accommodate any requests or provide recommendations.

But the true accolades go to the scallops with key lime risotto. The perfectly seared, plump scallops were cooked to absolute perfection, with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that left me longing for more. The succulent morsels of scallop were expertly paired with a key lime risotto that was nothing short of fantastic.

The risotto, creamy and rich with just the right amount of key lime tang, provided a beautiful counterpoint to the natural sweetness of the scallops. Each mouthful was a delightful dance of flavors and textures, creating a harmony that was both exhilarating and comforting. The dish was garnished with microgreens and a drizzle of citrus-infused oil, adding a touch of elegance and an extra layer of flavor to an already stunning creation.

The scallops with key lime risotto at Cristof's on McGregor is a culinary experience that should not be missed. It is a flawless combination of fresh ingredients, expert technique, and inspired flavor pairings that will leave you savoring every last bite. This dish has set a new benchmark for seafood dishes in my book, and I eagerly anticipate returning to Cristof's to explore the rest of their menu. A well-deserved five stars for a truly remarkable...