First New Restaurant Set To Open on Fort Myers Beach South End Since Hurricane Ian

Lenyo's Italian Kitchen will open in early December on Fort Myers Beach. This is the first new sit-down eatery on the south end since Hurricane Ian struck three years ago. 

Owner Massimo Maffei said crews work nonstop to complete the finishing details. "Very excited. I can't wait. I'm here on a Sunday, late, trying to push the guys. We're working around the clock, trying to make things happen, hopefully December 1, the first week of December," Maffei said, per WINK News.

The eatery sits straight across from the beach. It will serve more than just meals. "The food, the ambience, the bar, especially this by how big it is. We're going to have exciting things here. We're going to have bands here, lot of entertainment," said Maffei.

Maffei picked Fort Myers Beach because of where it sits and the people who live there. "You can't beat, you got the beach right across the street. Got beautiful local people all over the place," he said.

Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt said residents have waited a long time for new places to eat. "We are so hungry for their Italian food. The people on the south end are so excited, and we welcome them with open arms," said Atterholt.

Seasonal crowds keep growing on the island. Atterholt said having spots to dine close by matters for both residents and those visiting.

"They are the first one, so kudos to them. But they have another sister restaurant just to store away, called Over Easy Cafe, that will be open soon, and that looks wonderful, more of a breakfast, lunch cafe type place. And then the old South Beach is coming back on in Santini Plaza as well, which is a long-time favorite. But all these places are going to be packed once they get open," said Atterholt.

The venue targets an opening during the first week of December.