Delectable Delights

From local favorites to global cuisine, treat your taste buds to delicious flavors.

By Meryl D’Sa-Wilson

When it comes to dining, Naples has every option to tickle your taste buds. From fine dining to casual eateries, there is something for everyone and every occasion. This city has earned itself a place at the head of the table when it comes to quality dining and top-notch service. Drawing inspiration from the sea, you’ll find fresh seafood entrees on most menus, as well as international flavors, comfort foods, and imaginative fare for the most discerning palate.

What are you in the mood for? Let’s take your taste buds on an adventure!

Global Flavors

As a tourist hot spot, Naples brings you a blend of global and local cuisine to broaden your culinary horizons and indulge in delicious dishes inspired by traditions from cultures around the world.

Cibao Grille offers American cuisine with a Caribbean twist. Chef Yohonny Nolasco’s menu boasts dishes elevated with Caribbean spices, relishes, and fruits; so you can indulge in a flavorful evening accompanied by rhythmic Caribbean music. Speaking of coastal cuisine, Namba Ramen & Sushi serves up a collection of sashimi, ramen, creative sushi rolls, and more in a casual setting.

Also aboard the spice train is Le Indya, where Chef Suman Chaniyil (Sam) sources his flavors from Kerala, the spice capital of India, for vegan, vegetarian, meat, and seafood dishes to bring you an authentic taste of South India. For a modern Indian cuisine experience, visit 21 Spices by Chef Asif, where you’ll find biryanis, curries, and tandooriroasted delicacies, all created with innovative culinary techniques. Don’t leave without trying the saffron-ginger ice cream and other unique desserts!

In the mood for a savory adventure after spending the day in downtown Naples? Visit Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro, where Chef Michael Mir has curated a menu of authentic and innovative Persian dishes, including the Seafood Khoresh, Duck Fesenjune, and assorted kebabs.

For a more European palate, you can visit The French Brasserie Rustique, a quaint Parisian bistro with a menu curated by Chef Vincenzo Betulia. Whether you’re looking for brunch or a fancy dinner, the varied menu is sure to meet your desires with dishes prepared with French culinary techniques. Just across the street is Chef Vincenzo’s Osteria Tulia, which has consistently been named one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. Donning a rustic-chic farmhouse vibe, this is the place for those pizza and pasta cravings.

Another popular Italian spot is Campiello, located in the historic Naples Mercantile Building. This upscale restaurant’s menu is a modern take on traditional Tuscan country cooking, featuring meat roasted on an open fire, pizzas baked in a wood- burning oven, and other regional Italian offerings. Be sure to ask for the special “Tour di Italia” that switches things up every month.

Local Favorites

You can never go wrong with a good steak house and grill for dinner. Take your pick of steak, meats, shrimp, or lobster tails at Andre’s Steakhouse, which presents a rustic, smoky, wood-burned menu with a little something for everybody.

Choose from any Phelan Family Brands restaurants: The Bay House, Two Fillets, Deep Lagoon, and more for great service and extensive selections. The Phelan family has worked diligently to establish successful steak houses and seafood eateries in Southwest Florida.

After a long day exploring Naples, you might want a cold drink to cool off; and at Bone Hook Brewery and Riptide Brewing Company, you’ll find locally brewed beer paired with a wide variety of American finger foods, ribs, and more. Another hotspot known for craft beer, pizza, and Philly cheesesteaks is nearby South Street. And for good ol’ American comfort food, stop by Mel’s Diner for all your breakfast, lunch, and dinner cravings.

Waterfront Eateries

A trip to Naples wouldn’t be complete without a waterfront dining experience. Engage your taste buds while taking in the picturesque views.

Located in The Village on Venetian Bay, M Waterfront Grille is one of Naples’ longest-running waterfront restaurants. This upscale restaurant overlooks the Venetian Bay and serves continental cuisine featuring fresh seafood, steaks, vegetables, and pasta. With outdoor seating on the veranda, terrace, or bayside, you are bound to catch a wonderful view. The nearby Village Pub of Naples boasts panoramic views of the bay and live entertainment. This familyfriendly pub also has entertainment for adults and kids.

Baleen is known as one of the finest waterfront eateries in Naples. Tropical dining and one-of-a-kind seafood indulgences complement the beachfront location, where you can watch the sunset while cuddling up to a fire pit or sinking your toes into the sand.

Another local waterfront favorite is T-Michaels Steak & Lobster House, with a dinner and lounge menu known for its seafood tower — an assortment of oysters, shrimp cocktail, crab legs, and lobster. With your pick from an extensive wine list and a plate full of fresh ingredients, you’re bound to have an evening to remember.

Naples’ restaurateurs and chefs are committed to providing locals and visitors with experiences at the table that are both delicious and unique. Add some excitement to your trip by venturing out and trying something new.

NAPLES DINING AT ITS FINEST

With an all-new look and mouthwatering cuisine, T-Michaels Steak & Lobster House welcomes you to their beautiful waterfront setting.

By Vanessa Molina Santamaria

When amazing food and a beautiful setting come together, it creates something truly special. While it’s rare to find both attributes in any restaurant, T-Michaels Steak & Lobster House has achieved that feat with a fine-dining experience you won’t soon forget.

Nestled on the stunning Venetian Bay in Naples, the setting for any T-Michaels meal is already Instagram-worthy. And then when you add some of South Florida’s best steaks and seafood to the mix, the night gets even better. Owner Ty Ernst says that any meal on the menu is an excellent choice, but his personal favorite is the bone-in rib eye. “Most of our customers say it’s the best they’ve ever had,” he says.

Offerings New and Old

While T-Michaels offers all the standard dishes you’d expect from a world-class steak and lobster house, there’s always something new to enjoy. You can get a Wagyu tomahawk steak and Wagyu short ribs during the weekend, as well as sushi at the bar on select Friday nights. In terms of things that never change, veterans eat free at T-Michaels every Veterans Day and have been doing so for 20 years. “Nothing beats the happy faces, warm hugs, stories of our American history, and the camaraderie I witness every Veterans Day,” says Ernst. “That’s my favorite day of the year.”

Reserve your table at T-Michaels and enjoy the finest steak, lobster, and other delicacies that Naples has to offer in a setting that is more beautiful than ever.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 239-261-0622 or visit www.t-michaels.com.

A Slice of Naples

Any way you slice it, Naples delivers only the best pizza.

By Chelle Koster Walton

Of course, a town named Naples loves its pizza. Who doesn’t? The pizza places of Naples have multiplied like pie in the last few years, and we know why. The circumference is bready, crusty goodness equal to the flavor of its saucy, cheesy diameter.

Right here at Naples Grande, you can find tasty housemade pizza made before your eyes at the Wood-Fired Pizza Kitchen pop-up on the Sunset Veranda, which is available seasonally. Throughout town, diners are raving about creative new and old-favorite spots.

Pizzata Pizzeria, located in North Naples, opened in 2022 and quickly became a favorite for locals. The first spin-off of a Philadelphia operation, it has built a reputation on its sourdough crust and a name that translates to “pizza party.”

Also new in 2022 is the North Naples rave spot at Mercato called ZZA BABY Pizza Bar, and it touts its crust. Crispy and caramelized, it adds a new spin to Chicago style, along with its extra crunchy “neo-Neapolitan” rendition.

Bar Tulia, a well-loved downtown Italian pub, opened its second location in 2021 at Mercato. Their signature woodburning, hand-tiled pizza oven was custom-built in Italy. Expect up-style creations on chewy crusts, like the Modena with pancetta, ricotta, Brussels leaves, and garlic chips.

Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza is also known for its crust. Its star-shaped pies, along with traditional rounds, make the perfect foundation for unusual ingredients like coffee, lemon chicken, and spicy salami. The same goes for the artisanal pies at Twisted Sheep Pizza & Brew: Smashed Burger Pie and Little Havanna.

There’s now a taste of Detroit in town, thanks to the pie at LowBrow Pizza & Beer and Industry Pizza & Slice Shop, two sister restaurants. The toppings are clever and made from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients. In search of a classic and enduring landmark? Try the New York–style pizza at Rosedale Brick Oven in the heart of Naples or grab some Grandpa’s Pizza in downtown Bonita Springs.

Come for the Beach, Stay for the Bites

Naples Grande Beach Resort brings bold flavors from the Gulf Coast and beyond.

By Chelle Koster Walton

One could conceivably spend a delightful, delectable day at Naples Grande Beach Resort hopping, noshing, and quaffing — from restaurant to bar to café to lounge. You could essentially and gastronomically visit Italy, Mexico, Greece, the Caribbean, Japan, and the tastiest Florida has to offer.

It sounds feast-able, yet we know it’s hardly feasible to eat and drink all day long… one can dream, however. Follow us on this fantasy dinearound for a taste of all the gulf-side libations and culinary delights that this resort does so well.

Start your morning in a mellow setting of interpretive, sea-suggestive, blue, bubbly, and sailboat elements at Aura Restaurant in the lobby. The menu opens with classic favorites like eggs Benedict or blueberry pancakes, to a hearty and healthy oatmeal or avocado toast, and then ventures to huevos rancheros or dill salmon lox.

Grab an afternoon espresso from Spressi Marketplace and head out to meet the sunshine and beach. After an invigorating stroll down the scenic boardwalk, you’ll be ready for a light, Greek-inspired meal at Rhode’s End. Perhaps some herb hummus or a Greek salad with a side of sparkly Gulf of Mexico views?

Then it’s time to splash down in the Mangrove Pool and hit Gulfcoast Oasis Pool Bar for a culinary foray to Mexico, along with an icy beverage. Chicken Tinga Tacos and Carne Asada Fries will tickle the tongue, and a blood orange margarita or Sangria on My Mind infused with fresh Florida fruits will cool it down.

After a snooze in the sun, it’s happy hour. Enjoy a cocktail inside at the lobby’s lively Mantra bar, or carry it out onto the Sunset Veranda to take in the afternoon breezes. Go for a classic oldfashioned or something crafty. Share a basket of dry-rub crispy wings with honey-Sriracha hot sauce and ranch dressing, or take a taste bud magic carpet ride to the Far East with a sushi roll, such as the signature Naples Blue — crab, avocado, and cucumber. In season, watch for pop-up pizza events on the veranda, wood-fired right before your eyes.

The resort’s flagship restaurant, The Catch of the Pelican, offers happy hour specials seasonally on certain evenings. Get a great deal on cocktails, such as a Key Lime Martini or Blueberry Vo-Hito, and pair it with a light bite of raw oysters or Brussels sprouts.

In any case, The Catch will be your main event dining destination for a gourmet dinner of the finest Florida seafood and prime steaks. The raw seafood towers and Chilean sea bass are legendary.

The Catch is also famous for its brunch with its epic Bloody Mary Bar with nearly endless topper combinations. There is also a bottomless Mimosa Bar that features Prosecco and eight different fresh juices.

Late night, hit Spressi Marketplace for a bowl of creamy, dreamy gelato — available in 14 different flavors — to take up to your room. Already dreaming about tomorrow’s food affair? Order your breakfast-in-bed and sleep sweetly, fully satiated.