Palate Parade

Engage your taste buds with a diverse breadth of global cuisines and fine dining.

By Meryl D’Sa-Wilson

One of the highlights of any trip is discovering new restaurants and cuisines. But with a selection of more than 800 restaurants and bars in Naples, deciding where you want to eat can be a challenge.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating your family to a nice dinner out, the options are endless. So, where do you start?

Global Escapes

Drawing inspiration from global cuisines, Naples’ restaurants take your taste buds on a world tour. In the mood for classic French or authentic Indian? Craving Asian food? These restaurants have you covered!

Get a sense of traditional French cuisine in the classic Parisian style at The French Brasserie Rustique. Whether you want to try out standards from the French cannon or indulge in a rustic brunch, the bistro is a solid spot.

For authentic Indian cuisine rich in flavor, Le Indya is a must. The restaurant sources many of their spices from the best markets in India for their dishes. Palate pleasers include traditional meat and seafood entrees along with vegetarian and vegan fare.

If you’re looking for traditional Italian food with a hint of innovation, then Amore Ristorante is the one to check out. Since 1997, Amore Ristorante has been serving classic Italian favorites like Fettuccine con Scampi e Broccoli and Pollo alla Francese. Rosedale Brick Oven is another Italian restaurant that offers traditional Italian cuisine with a touch of New York. If rustic is what you’re after, Rosedale’s wood-burning brick oven can surely meet your needs.

Just off the Tamiami Trail, Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro is where Old World flavor greets the contemporary palate. Here, you can enjoy traditional Persian dishes with a modern twist, including options like the Ginger Apricot Shrimp or the Roasted Quail with Albaloo Polo. You can also enjoy a variety of kebabs grilled over an open fire. Make sure to try their signature Dolmeh, which is made with ground lamb, rice and garbanzo stuffed in grape leaves.

Aji Limon is a Peruvian spot that offers something for everyone with its menu of seafood, meat, vegetarian and vegan options. Whether you’re craving ceviche or Peruvian sauteed noodles with vegetables, you can take your pick!

If you feel like having Asian food, then Vegan Kitchen and 21 Spices are worth considering. The aptly named Vegan Kitchen on Neapolitan Way prepares vegan dishes with Asian influences. Think: fried rolls, pho, pad thai, Thai curry bowls and more. At 21 Spices you can enjoy modern Indian cuisine and classic dishes with meat and vegan options.

Elevated Fine Dining

In the mood to get dressed up and treat your taste buds to some fine dining? Andre’s Steakhouse and T-Michaels Steak & Lobster House are two top contenders. Andre’s is a wood-accented steakhouse known for its chops and lobster tail. They also carry nearly 4,000 bottles of wine in the cellar, so you’ll have lots of choices. T-Michaels is renowned for its Seafood Tower decked with oysters, shrimp cocktail, crab legs and lobster, as well as the mouthwatering Bone-In Rib Eye, a T-Michaels specialty. Other favorites include the Lobster Bisque and Local Grouper.

During your stay, make your way to Cibao Grille on Neapolitan Way. Here, Chef Yohonny Nolasco blends American dishes and Caribbean spices into seafood and prime steak cuts to bring you a memorable fine dining experience.

By the Beach

Want to grab something to eat while at the beach? Naples has a variety of restaurants that serve everything from drinks and seafood to all-time favorites just off the sand. On the more buttoned-up end, The Turtle Club is another place to unwind with fine outdoor dining and an array of seafood specialties after a day of shopping and sightseeing. When you are done with your meal, take a stroll down the beach, sinking your toes in Naples’ soft, white sand. The Dock at Crayton Cove is a popular waterfront seafood joint overlooking Naples City Dock. Visit by boat or simply walk in. And don’t worry if seafood is not your jam — these restaurants have vegetarian and meat options as well.

Local Favorites

Offering a fun, modern atmosphere and new-age American cuisine, The Bevy has consistently been voted one of the best restaurants in Naples. It has everything your relaxed and laid-back tummy might desire, from an extensive happy-hour menu to late-night offerings.

Bone Hook Brewing Company is a Phelan Family Brands restaurant and brewery that is locally owned and operated. From the Jumbo Bavarian Pretzel with craft beer cheese to the Bone Hook Philly, this brewery has much to offer. Sample from the craft beer selection or take a tour of the brewery.

Another local favorite is South Street, which pleases just about every palate with an extensive menu of American comfort food, brick oven pizza, signature craft cocktails and an extensive beer and wine list.

For classic finger food, ribs, burgers and breakfast, visit Mel’s Diner, just off Tamiami Trail.

Whether it’s casual fare or fine dining, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your taste. The Naples dining scene offers both locals and visitors alike an opportunity to expand their palates and discover new favorites along the way.

FROM THE SPICE CAPITAL

Le Indya’s Chef Sam serves up traditional Indian cuisine in a contemporary setting.

By Meryl D’Sa-Wilson

From tandoori-cooked dishes to local Indian spices, Chef Suman Chaniyil (Sam) has found a delectable way to introduce South Indian cuisine in Naples. Chef Sam was born in India’s southern state, Kerala — the spice capital of the world. Kerala is known as “God’s Own Country” for its serene backwaters, blankets of greenery, quaint towns and beautiful coastline. From here come some of India’s most flavorful preparations. And now, thanks to Chef Sam, you can find these sweet and savory treasures in Naples.

After graduating from culinary school, Chef Sam worked with the Taj group of hotels in India, where he built quite a reputation for himself. He then moved to the United States in 2000 with his wife and kids, bringing with him his love for Indian food. Childhood memories of his mom’s seafood preparations inspired him to open Indian restaurants across Florida, including India’s Grill (Fort Myers), Spice Club Indian Grill (San Carlos Park) and Le Indya. Both India’s Grill and Spice Club Indian Grill focus on North Indian cuisine, while Le Indya dives into South Indian cuisine.

Chef Sam’s recipes mainly use traditional spices imported from Kerala, and the flavors in the seafood dishes are elevated with fresh coconut and coconut oil — another significant South Indian influence. “The best items on our menu are the tandoori ovengrilled Kashmiri lamb chops and coastal seafood delicacies from my own state, Kerala,” he says.

At Le Indya, you will find entrees with traditional Vindaloo curry (Portuguese-inspired Goan specialty), Kerala fish curry (a local favorite), Sula wines from India’s own vineyard, a collection of Indian beers, an assortment of naans (from garlic to wheat to paneer) and the infamous South Indian coffee. The menu also boasts a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options in all three restaurants across Southwest Florida.

Located near the intersection of Pine Ridge Road and U.S. 41, Le Indya is a must-visit if you crave some authentic Indian food prepared by India’s very own.