New Restaurant Revival: Marina Cantina Tiki Opens on Fort Myers Beach!

New Restaurant Revival: Marina Cantina Tiki Opens on Fort Myers Beach!

Finally, after a long wait woven into the fabric of Fort Myers Beach’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, Marina Cantina Tin Tiki opened its doors on October 15, 2025. Located on San Carlos Island in the former spot of The Shrimp Dock, this restaurant revives a community space that has been quiet since the devastating storm that hit in September 2022. With a seafood-heavy menu infused with Mexican flavors, the restaurant emphasizes fresh, scratch-made ingredients, promising an exciting dining experience for locals and tourists alike. According to News-Press, the venue, which had been completely renovated, features both indoor and outdoor waterfront dining options, beautifully decorated with tropical themes.

The presence of a striking 12-foot waterline from Hurricane Ian serves as a stark reminder of the havoc wreaked by the storm, which left the area’s marina in ruins. Yet, as the community gathers, there’s much to celebrate. General Manager Dru Hanni remarked that just three weeks prior to the opening, the space was empty, devoid of furniture and kitchen equipment. On opening day, a whopping 138 eager patrons formed a line, highlighting the strong interest from the community as residents and visitors show that they have a good hand in supporting local businesses.

Breathtaking Views and a Culinary Journey

At Marina Cantina, diners can treat themselves to various delicious offerings such as tacos, bowls, and seafood-heavy main dishes, all made with local ingredients. The charm of the place is not only tied to its menu but also to its atmosphere. Guests can enjoy stunning views of Matanzas Bay from the elevated dockside patio or watch boats glide by from Salty Sam’s Marina. This venue on the shoreline doubles down on creating an authentic Florida vibe, enhanced by bamboo and nautical accents that tell the story of its historic past, serving as a former warehouse for the shrimping fleet in the area, where the famed Pink Gulf Shrimp was once distributed (Marina Cantina Tiki).

Cocktail lovers can look forward to happy hour from 3-5 p.m. on weekdays, where beer and margarita flights are available for just $15. Current operating hours will have visitors enjoying this delectable offering from 3-10 p.m. Monday to Friday and noon to 10 p.m. on weekends. Plans are in the works to extend these hours to cater to the anticipated influx of seasonal visitors.

Resilience Amid Recovery

The aftermath of Hurricane Ian continues to shape the landscape of Fort Myers Beach and surrounding areas. The storm wreaked unprecedented havoc, with extensive damage noted across the region. As recovery efforts unfold, local authorities warn tourists to reconsider travel plans to affected regions. Aero International reports ongoing search and rescue operations, alongside structural debates for rebuilding major infrastructures.

What’s clear is that the community is rallying together, with new openings like Bonita Fish Company on November 3 and The Whale on November 8 also addressing recovery from Ian’s wrath. As the resilient spirit thrives in Fort Myers Beach, Marina Cantina Tin Tiki symbolizes new beginnings, delightful dining, and an opportunity to reconnect with the beauty of Florida’s coastal life.