Unless you’re from Cape Cod, you might assume that the Roadhouse Café is a place that serves wings and beer to patrons clad in t-shirts. Well, don’t let the name fool you.

Located in the Gulf Point Plaza in south Fort Myers, the Roadhouse Café is one of the best fine dining restaurants to open in Southwest Florida in years. Formerly known as La Brasserie, Roadhouse offers outstanding food, entertainment and service in an elegant yet homey atmosphere.

It is modeled after the legendary Massachusetts establishment of the same name, which has been in business on Cape Cod for 26 years. Under the direction of founder and owner David Colombo, it has grown from an eight-table, roadside eatery to a 200-seat restaurant and jazz club.

The Fort Myers Roadhouse is family owned and operated by David’s sister, Sherri Colombo Neeley, and her husband, Marc Neeley. Another Colombo sibling, Lynda Colombo, is the manager. Although David remains at the helm of the original Roadhouse, he was happy to oblige when the Neeleys asked if they could introduce the Roadhouse concept and award-winning menu to Fort Myers.

“I didn’t see the point in making 26 years of my own mistakes,” said Marc Neeley. Instead, he got the Roadhouse menu and recipes from his brother-in-law, who also sent his chef to train the Fort Myers staff and kitchen crew.

Since opening in December, Roadhouse has caught on with discriminating diners from around Southwest Florida, including many long-time patrons of its predecessor. They’ll be pleased to find that the dining room looks much the same, with subdued lighting, crisp table linens and padded banquettes. While there have been a few improvements, such as new artwork, flooring and kitchen equipment, the place is as warm and inviting as ever.

On most nights, the supper-club ambience is enhanced by live music, typically provided either by a solo musician, or a jazz duo or trio. Jazz Night is held every Tuesday from 6:30 - 10 p.m. During tourist season, famed trumpeter Lou Colombo (Sherri and Lynda’s father) is a frequent guest artist and star attraction. Known for playing with jazz greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Rosemary Clooney and Tony Bennett among others, Colombo also performs to capacity crowds at the Cape Cod Roadhouse during the summer.

Wednesdays and Fridays feature a piano player from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. There is also live music on Saturdays from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., after which patrons can dance to a full jazz band that plays until midnight.

“We wanted to create an atmosphere where patrons felt as if it was their home, not just a restaurant,” said Neeley, noting Roadhouse’s concept focuses on providing “a nice place to be. We want to invite people in to relax and enjoy the experience, rather than just come in, eat and leave.”

Patrons will have no problem feeling at home, as all are greeted upon arrival and welcomed with a smile by one of the owners. Guests may choose from several seating areas, including the main dining room, spacious bar and lounge or sidewalk cafe. In addition, there are two private seating areas for special occasions and meetings. Regardless of where they’re sitting, customers can expect professional service from an experienced staff that knows its food and wine.

The menu has an extensive selection of appetizers, salads and entrees, each perfectly prepared and flawlessly presented. The appetizers and salads are amply sized and sufficient to substitute as a dinner for the smaller appetite.

Among Roadhouse’s starting standouts: Beef Carpaccio (sliced paper thin and served with shaved Grana, capers and diced red onion) and Scallops Wrapped in Bacon (with a zesty siracha dipping sauce). Prices average $10.95-$12.95.

Main plates include seafood, pasta, beef and poultry dishes, along with some pork, veal and lamb selections. In a nod to its New England roots, Roadhouse offers Broiled Scrod and a Baked Seafood Casserole (filled with scrod, scallops and shrimp, and topped with lobster Newburg sauce). In addition, there are several delicious beef and seafood combinations that pair a filet or sirloin steak with a choice of grilled shrimp, pan-seared scallops or grilled Maine lobster tail. Prices range from around $16 to $36.

Roadhouse recently introduced some lighter fare designed to appeal to bar patrons and others who prefer a hearty snack vs. a more substantial meal. The new items include specialty flatbreads (exotic toppings on an ultra-thin crust) and a gourmet cheese plate.

The cheese plate features an eclectic but unintimidating selection of cheeses, served with jams, fig bread and other accompaniments. Paired with a fine wine (some of which are available by the glass), it’s the perfect way to start - or end - a memorable evening.