Finding Buon Appetito Cafe in south Fort Myers still takes a little work. Set away from the streets amid nondescript rows of office buildings on Corporate Court off College Parkway, the restaurant is easy to miss. But scratch-made Italian dishes and familial service have drawn people to it for more than 13 years. 

Most customers hear about Buon Appetito through word of mouth or its good reviews on TripAdvisor; this isn't the kind of place most people walk by or drive past. Since opening in 2004, Buon Appetito has developed a loyal following of regulars who come back over and over again. The restaurant still has only 12 tables, and during season its reservation book is filled every night. Even out of season, it stays busy at lunch and on weekends thanks to those regulars.