Thistle Lodge
at Casa Ybel Resort
Sanibel, Florida
In the mid 1880's, when Reverend George Barnes' boat ran aground near Sanibel Island, he discovered a breath taking land of seashells, lush foliage, tropical fruits, majestic birds, brilliant sunsets, and seashells covering miles of white sandy beaches. Certain that God had led him to paradise, he immediately claimed 480 acres and built a cottage and church, Sanibel's first. Over time, the cottage evolved into a fashionable 30-room inn, one of the earliest resorts on the island. In the 1890s, Reverend Barnes' daughter, Georgia, married a resort guest from Kentucky, who built her a grand manor on the inn's property. Named Thistle Lodge, it quickly became the favored gathering spot for celebrities and statesmen seeking escape, including Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Today, Casa Ybel's Thistle Lodge still welcomes guests as a fine, old-island restaurant overlooking the same beach where Reverend Barnes found his paradise on earth.
At the Thistle Lodge, delicious cuisine is served in a historical setting overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Swaying palms and gently breaking waves further set the scene for romance.
Our award-winning menu at the Thistle Lodge includes a blend of Floridian, European, and Asian flavors to please the most discriminating palates. The seafood is fresh and hand-cut right in our kitchen to ensure the highest caliber product. Our Executive Chef orders only prime beef from the Midwest. The steaks are dry aged to enhance their flavor and tenderness. Herbs, fruits, and vegetables are custom-grown.
Thistle Lodge is open for lunch and dinner daily. Guests enjoy service indoors or al fresco.
