Newest of the new: 7 restaurants that opened in December, from Cape Coral to Bonita Springs

I can't keep count.

At last tally, there were (at least) 78 restaurants that opened or reopened in Lee County in 2023.

But that was a month ago and several more have opened since.

Just last week, a popular Cuban cafe expanded into Bonita Springs and a new pizza place debuted in Cape Coral a few miles from my house (!!!).

I’ve added them to my places-to-drop-by, owners-and-chefs-to-talk-to, ooh-I-have-to-try-it list.

On it are familiar names like Tito’s Cantina (still haven’t gotten there), Front Porch Social (they just released a new menu!), Sunshine Seafood Café (it recently reopened with a fabulous new chef!) and SUNQU Delights (because it looks sooo good!).

Looking at the numbers now, I’d guess no less than 90 restaurants opened or reopened this year.

Here’s a brief look at some of the newest.

They’re all on my list.

Thai Café 99

Patti Medlock is serving up authentic Thai family recipes in this corner spot in Cape Coral’s Fountain Shoppes since opening on Dec. 1. The takeout and dine-in restaurant was previously home to Thai Nawa. Medlock brought in all new recipes she learned helping out with her aunt’s catering company before moving to the U.S. 15 years ago. Reviews have been positive with customers lining up for her hot soups during the recent cold(ish) snap. 814 SW Pine Island Road, Unit 312, Cape Coral, (239) 574-2610.

San Matteo

This Italian restaurant and bar opened Dec. 4 in the University Village Shops off Ben Hill Griffin Parkway near FGCU. It’s owned by chef Giuseppe Manco, his wife Eleonora Calvacchi and chef and business partner Fabio Casella. Their list of honors and credentials — which could be longer than my restaurant one — includes Manco’s three titles as World Champion Pizza Maker at the Las Vegas Pizza World Championship and stints as an executive chef for Iron Chef judge and chef Donatella Arpaia. Casella is a two-time champion of Burger Bash in New York City. Manco and Calvacchi co-owned the award-winning Mani in Pasta in the East Village and Casella founded the popular San Matteo on the Upper East Side with his brother Ciro. This is their first Southwest Florida venture and I can’t wait to try it. 19810 Village Center Drive, Suite 145/A, Fort Myers, (239) 234-2536, follow on Instagram.

Bayside Burger & Beer

This family-friendly restaurant has a whole new vibe since opening on Dec. 6 in the former Crossroads Grill & Lounge spot on Hancock Bridge Parkway in Cape Coral. Owner Edison Mernaci has completely redone the inside — from four coats of paint to new flooring, tables and chairs. Even the bar looks spiffy and new. While the Lucas burger with bacon, American and Swiss cheeses, fried egg and jalapeno has been a bestseller, the menu goes beyond burgers. There are starters (from wings to bang bang shrimp), salads (including taco and Greek), a dozen sandwiches and entrees (from stir-fry to seafood and steak).  Frozen drinks and specialty cocktails are offered too. 211 Hancock Bridge Parkway, Unit 9, Cape Coral, (239) 471-7611, follow on Facebook and Instagram

The Causeway

I swung by this impressive three-restaurants-under-one roof (plus a dessert station) concept in Bonita Springs shortly after it opened on Dec. 7. The space is unique with its industrial vibe and shipping container-turned-beer wall (!!!). The distinctive restaurants include Orzo for pizza and pasta, Smithy’s (owned by Carl Smith of Brit Pit food truck fame) for British-themed fare, and Roast for deli favorites. Dessert Lab was pumping out some glorious milkshakes too. Check back for a story coming soon (it’s at the top of my list). 28280 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, (239) 431-4912, find it on Facebook

Oak & Stone

This tavern-style restaurant opened its seventh Florida location (including the one in Naples) on Dec. 12 in Estero Town Commons Place. Highlights include a humongous self-serve, 50-tap beer wall, scratch-made artisanal pizza, gourmet tavern fare and weekend brunch. The 5,300 square-foot space has seating for 180, including an indoor/outdoor double-sided bar and an outdoor dining area.

“When you think Oak & Stone, you think hospitality,” CEO Mark Kirke said in a news release. “Guests of the new Estero location will soon have the unique experience of feeling recognized and appreciated as soon as they walk through our doors. The heartfelt hospitality at the core of the Oak & Stone ethos is what allows every Oak & Stone location to spread joy to its guests, and the Estero location is no exception.” 10191 Estero Town Commons Place, Estero, (239) 217-1820, oakandstone.com

Year in review: Best new restaurants in 2023: Who made our critic's top 5 from Captiva to Cape Coral?

Fernandez the Bull

The popular Cuban café expanded into Lee County with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and official opening in Bonita Springs on Dec. 18. It’s the fourth location for the longtime Southwest Florida favorite with two in Naples and another on Key Largo. Expect all the usual FTB menu items — traditional Cuban cuisine with a twist — plus fun and creative cocktails coming from the eye-catching, glowing bar with hanging greenery and a beautiful 3-D topography wall map gracing a wall nearby. We can’t wait to try it. 3250 Bonita Beach Road, Unit 207, Bonita Springs, (239) 254-9855, follow on Instagram

Long Island Brothers New York Pizzeria

After seven years of running his LI Brothers Pizzeria in North Port, Daniel Stasolla decided it was time to be closer to home. On Dec. 19, he opened a location off Skyline Boulevard in Cape Coral. The native Long Islander’s New York-style pizza is “crisp, it does not flop,” he said. The early customer favorite is the Fuggedboutit with pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, onion, green peppers and black olives. There are salads, calzones, stromboli, heroes and quick eats on the menu too. After being closed Dec. 31-Jan. 6, a grand “reopening” is set for Jan. 7. 3812 Skyline Blvd., Unit E, Cape Coral, (239) 837-8221, follow on Facebook and Instagram

January is right around the corner and more new restaurants are on the way. I better update my list.

Robyn George is a food and dining writer for The Fort Myers News-Press. Send news to [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: New Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs restaurants: Pizza to Thai