Sanibel Island’s culinary landscape has officially welcomed a vibrant new addition. On June 4, the local community gathered to celebrate the grand opening and official ribbon-cutting of Island Panda, a dynamic new takeout and patio restaurant located within the bustling Tahitian Gardens shopping center.
At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we are incredibly proud to see local entrepreneurs returning to the island to launch new commercial ventures. A diverse and thriving restaurant scene is a foundational pillar of our local economy, driving high foot traffic to our shopping districts and adding immense lifestyle value to nearby residential real estate.
The Big Return: Island Panda is owned and operated by seasoned island restaurateur Eve Alves, who previously ran the beloved Tipsy Turtle prior to its destruction during Hurricane Ian. Her return brings highly requested Asian specialties back to the heart of Sanibel.
On the Menu: High-Quality Sushi, Poke & Hibachi
Island Panda fills a highly anticipated niche on the island, specializing in fresh, customizable Asian cuisine designed for food on the go or a quick, casual meal on the outdoor patio.
ISLAND PANDA CULINARY TRIO
[ SUSHI ] ──► Hand-crafted rolls utilizing premium seafood delivered daily.
[ POKE ] ──► Custom "build-your-own" bowls infused with fresh tropical fruits.
[ HIBACHI ] ──► Searing grilled vegetables paired with premium proteins.
The restaurant’s kitchen is helmed by sought-after chefs who hand-make each roll daily using premium seafood. The clear house favorite is the signature Island Panda Roll, which features an indulgent combination of tempura shrimp, cucumber, and krab, topped with tuna, avocado, tempura flakes, eel sauce, and spicy mayo.
Alves, who originally moved to Sanibel with her husband Alex in 2003 to open The Jac Sanibel Island Bar and Grille (which later transitioned into the Tipsy Turtle), noted that she is already working on expanding the menu to include new desserts and special additions.
Location, Hours, and Community Support
The launch was heavily championed by the SanCap Chamber, an organization that Alves credits as a foundational asset to her business ventures.
“We welcome Eve back to the dining scene on Sanibel… She returns to fill a gap for Asian specialties and build-your-own bowls that islanders and visitors have been clamoring for.” — John Lai, SanCap Chamber President and CEO
If you are ready to pick up a fresh poke bowl or grab a roll of sushi this week, here are the operational details you need to know:
-
Operating Hours: Open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
-
The Address: 2003 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Tahitian Gardens).
Stop by the new storefront to enjoy a meal on the patio, welcome a resilient local business owner back to Periwinkle Way, and sample the finest new flavors on the island!
