The Pink Elephant – Iconic Waterfront Dining in Boca Grande

Set along the scenic Boca Grande Bayou on Gasparilla Island, The Pink Elephant is one of Southwest Florida’s most iconic waterfront dining destinations. Affectionately known by locals as “The Pink,” this longtime restaurant blends Old Florida charm, coastal cuisine, and relaxed island elegance in a setting that has welcomed guests for more than six decades. Operated by the historic Gasparilla Inn & Club, the restaurant reflects the refined yet approachable lifestyle that defines Boca Grande living.

Just a short stroll from the Inn and the village center, The Pink Elephant has become a gathering place where island residents, seasonal homeowners, and visitors come together for lunch, dinner, and sunset cocktails overlooking the water.

A Boca Grande Tradition

The Pink Elephant’s history is deeply tied to Boca Grande’s identity as a classic Gulf Coast retreat. Originally established more than 60 years ago and later rebuilt in its current form, the restaurant has remained a cornerstone of island social life while preserving its welcoming coastal personality.

The restaurant offers multiple dining experiences:

  • A lively downstairs pub for casual meals and cocktails

  • An upstairs dining room with a more refined atmosphere

  • Outdoor patio seating overlooking the bayou

This flexibility allows guests to enjoy everything from relaxed lunches to celebratory dinners in a distinctly island setting.

Coastal Cuisine with Island Sophistication

The menu focuses on fresh local seafood and regional comfort dishes prepared with an upscale coastal approach. Guests can expect Gulf fish selections, steak and seafood entrées, creative seasonal dishes, and signature cocktails that reflect Florida flavors with international influence.

Chef-driven specialties and locally inspired ingredients reinforce the restaurant’s reputation for combining traditional Florida cuisine with elevated presentation — a hallmark of Boca Grande dining culture.

Waterfront Dining on the Bayou

Positioned along Boca Grande Bayou, The Pink Elephant offers a quieter waterfront experience compared to high-energy marina districts. Boats pass slowly along the water while palms and historic cottages frame the view, creating a calm and timeless atmosphere.

Outdoor seating under pink umbrellas and coastal décor enhance the sense of place, making the restaurant feel inseparable from the island itself.

The Real Estate Connection: Boca Grande Lifestyle

Dining at The Pink Elephant offers a clear glimpse into why Boca Grande remains one of Southwest Florida’s most exclusive coastal markets. Gasparilla Island is known for historic homes, luxury waterfront estates, golf cart mobility, and a preserved Old Florida atmosphere rarely found elsewhere along the Gulf Coast.

Many buyers first experience Boca Grande through its dining and social traditions — places like The Pink Elephant where community life unfolds naturally. The walkable village setting, refined yet relaxed culture, and strong sense of privacy attract buyers seeking understated luxury rather than high-density resort living.

A Symbol of Old Florida Elegance

Unlike trend-driven waterfront venues, The Pink Elephant thrives on continuity and tradition. Its cheerful interiors, attentive service, and long-standing reputation reflect Boca Grande’s broader identity: timeless, welcoming, and quietly sophisticated.

For generations of visitors, dining here has become part of the island ritual — a place where vacations turn into annual traditions and, for some, eventually into homeownership.

Planning Your Visit

The Pink Elephant
491 Bayou Avenue
Boca Grande, Florida 33921
Phone: (941) 964-4540
Lunch and dinner service
Indoor dining, upstairs dining room, and waterfront patio
Reservations recommended during season

Tip: Request outdoor seating near sunset for views across the bayou and a classic Boca Grande evening atmosphere.

Why It Matters to Buyers

Today’s luxury buyers increasingly seek places with authentic character and enduring lifestyle appeal. The Pink Elephant represents what living in Boca Grande feels like — refined but relaxed, social yet private, and deeply connected to coastal tradition. For many visitors, a meal here becomes the moment Gasparilla Island shifts from vacation destination to dream address.