Bonita Bistro & Bar at 9800 Bonita Beach Road in the Comfort Inn a half-mile east of US 41 near Fort Myers, Florida may have what's considered to be an unattractive décor to some, but is rapidly establishing a reputation for itself as a provider of great food. The lack of décor can work to a guest's advantage. Guests get to enjoy quality food at a reasonable price because they don't need to pay for a ritzy atmosphere. The owner and chef, Danny Mellman, was trained in France and England and has cooked in many different fine restaurants. He has also owned several different restaurants including The Greenhouse of Captiva, The Greenhouse, and Greenhouse Grill of Sanibel
The menu has been described as dynamic with exciting daily specials and quality wine. Wine is affordable and tends to cost $25 to $35 for a bottle. Main entrees usually don't cost more than $18 while daily specials are rarely more than $26. Desserts are made from scratch right in the restaurant. Lunch and dinner is served Tuesday through Friday. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the restaurant is open for private events with the chef, Danny Mellman, available for private chef services. Bonita Bistro & Bar was selected as one of nine locations by the April 2005 issue of Naples Illustrated where they would dine if they could "only go to one restaurant for a year."
While the menu items are likely to change without notice, the Chilean Sea Bass was honored by the Naples Branch of the International Wine and Food Society as a "must-have" menu item. The restaurant is child-friendly with a small television and coloring area just for kids. Reservations are preferred for groups of eight or more.
