Set in the center of historic downtown Fort Myers, The Veranda consists of two turn-of-the-century homes combined to offer regional Southern cuisine supported by an impressive wine list and fine service. While many dishes may seem standard–shrimp cocktail or Oysters Rockefeller–there are some nice Southern touches like the grit cakes with pepperjack cheese and grilled andouille sausage. Specialties include a Southern sampler–a mixed grill of fresh fish, Gulf of Mexico shrimp, and large sea scallops presented with saffron fettuccine. Other local foods reflected in the menu include pan-seared grouper crowned with wilted spinach; blue crab and julienne pepper salad; and for vegetarians, the Southern sideboard featuring a succotash stew, baked tomato, pesto pasta and Camembert fritters. Desserts are a hit here and include the traditional Florida Key lime pie and Baileys Irish Cream cheesecake.