The Oar House on Bienville Boulevard, across from the public beach and pier, serves made-to-order sandwiches, thick burgers, and homemade soups in a bright nautical setting. The seafood chowder and tomato basil soup are excellent. Full bar with Sam Adams and Stella on draft, and a spacious back deck under live oaks for catching the sunset.
Lighthouse Bakery on Chaumont Avenue is where the island goes for breakfast. The cinnamon rolls and pastries are outstanding, and the omelets come loaded with lump crab. Good specialty coffee too.
Barnacle Bill's at the marina is the longtime local hangout. Fried seafood platters piled high with shrimp, Gulf fish, scallops, and hushpuppies. The decor is old-fashioned comfort -- big waterfront windows and a retro feel.
Island BBQ on Bienville Boulevard does tender ribs with homemade sauce. The meat falls off the bone. Pulled pork, burgers, Brunswick stew, and sweet iced tea round out the menu. Eat on the flagged deck out front.
Flamingo Fae's Beachside Grill at the Isle Dauphine golf course is small but serves a full menu from breakfast through dinner, with dune-top views of the Gulf.