Elena Griffin and Miles Griffin
Namba
8847 Tamiami Trail N
239.592.4992
We love the hamachi usuzukuri, a delish yellowtail sashimi topped with jalapeno, minced shallots, and garlic. The flavors are unreal and completely satisfying and fresh! And the grilled octopus is not only delicious but an absolutely beautifully presented dish. The Berkshire pork belly bun is also a favorite. It’s marinated for 24 hrs. Hands down, YOU CAN'T LEAVE Namba without their homemade Green Tea Crème Brule for dessert. The entire team at Namba is welcoming and very professional. We have been lucky enough to have Paul as our server a few times and he was always so pleasant! The kitchen and front-of-house staff all stop to say hello.
Michelle Mejia and Melissa Tryhubczak
The Cave Bistro & Wine Bar
2343 Vanderbilt Beach Rd #602
239.513.0095
We go to the Cave primarily for their amazing craft cocktails. Our favorites are the pitch black and catacomb. We generally order the cheese plate, curried mussels, and marinated olives as well. Bartenders Corey and Athens are really friendly, personable, and make great drinks. They are very professional and dedicated to the art of craft cocktails. And, it’s cozy and comfortable and we always meet really nice people at the bar. It's got a great laid-back, casual vibe and it's a little off the beaten path which we like sometimes. We are sisters and have a shared Instagram account (SWFLSisters) and love going to The Cave. See you there!
Brent and Jana Seaman
D’Amico’s The Continental
1205 3rd St S.
239.659.0007
We always order a yellow tail carpaccio or tomato carpaccio as an appetizer, both dressed in a delicious and refreshing vinaigrette. Their crab souffle is always a crowd pleaser, fluffier and lighter than a crab cake without missing any flavor. Their gold label filet is the only way to go…tender and marbled enough to just melt in your mouth. You cannot have dinner at The Continental without ordering the creamed corn, which is actually cream-free, and definitely Brent’s favorite!. We request to sit with Katie or Marco as our servers and if we sit at the bar we enjoy it when Chad is working. The consistency means no wild card dining experiences here.
Greg Dodge
BrickTop’s at Waterside Shops
5555 Tamiami Trail N
239.596.9112
This spot offers top-notch service and great classic dishes. I always meet someone new and wonderful at the bar and have great conversations. Highlights are the firecracker sushi roll, little gem salad, chicken Milanese, and the lightest fettucini alfredo I've ever had. The staff is always on point and professional and that makes the experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Nancy and John Weir
Del Mar
494 5th Ave S
239.350.0134
We enjoy going downtown for dinner because the after-dinner strolls are an added perk, and it’s a great spot to people-watch. Del Mar has a trendy vibe and unique décor. We’re fans of Mediterranean-style food, and the food here is very fresh. The entrées are prepared using distinctive savory spices which make the dishes shine. Sometimes we like to hang out at the bar and share the loaded hummus. Matteo could not have been more attentive when dined with our family, making us feel comfortable. Make sure you are hungry, and try and get outside seating upstairs as you may just catch one of Naples's beautiful sunsets.
Allie and John Baldassari
The Turtle Club
9225 Gulf Shore Dr
239.592.6557
The Turtle Club was founded in 1998 by Mike Moore and Peter Tierney on the grounds of the Vanderbilt Beach Resort, which was the very first hotel established on Vanderbilt Beach in 1951, and which has been operated by the Moore family since 1968. Mick Moore joined the Turtle Club in 2004, and over the past twenty years, The Turtle Club has come to represent perhaps the finest fusion of Olde Florida and New Florida in Naples - combining a relaxed casual Olde Florida beach environment with sophisticated modern cuisine and outstanding gracious hospitality.
Rocky Patel
The Oyster Society
599 S Collier Blvd #218, Marco Island
239.394.3474
I have seen Chris transform many restaurants in Naples and he helped us with the menu and recipes at Cavo. Oyster Society has a big city fine dining experience with local fresh ingredients. The flavors and dishes are dynamic and with prior notice, the head chef can prepare a tasting menu like no other. It’s a true gem in Southwest Florida. Find a Roaring 20’s-inspired vibe and Art Deco interiors and live music from the jazz age. A great dining destination.
Carmen and Kotoe Tanuma Tomesetti
Mino
1100 6th Ave S #1
239.302.5990
There are so many excellent menu choices at Mino. I go for the spaghetti alla chitarra or fettuccine with tomato sauce. Or, the gamberoni sale é pepe with local wild-caught shrimp. Try the pizza diavola or tortelloni in brodo. Mino is unapologetic for his 100 percent authenticity. He is a purist and was also born in the town that my family originates from in Italy. Eating there is like sitting in my family‘s kitchen. His tortellini soup reminds me of when my grandmother used to make this dish for me. Please don’t ask for your pizza to be cut because in Italy they don’t! Got to love his commitment to authenticity!
Samantha Bloom and the Ladies Who Lunch
Alberto's on Fifth
868 5th Ave S
239.430.1060
There is a group of us who have been meeting every Saturday for lunch for eight years now. Sometimes we introduce new friends. We are all like family. Alberto is usually always there and will make special dishes for us from time to time. Fresh lobster salad with shrimp, arugula, watermelon, fennel, orange and lemon is a favorite as are the fettuccine bolognese and the sea bass. Alberto of course, Aze and Anthony but everyone is fabulous! I hate to exclude anyone! It’s the best-kept secret on 5th Avenue, the best homemade pasta and the food is always incredibly fresh. The staff and Alberto are like a family.
Kara Down
Bar Tulia
Mercato
239.228.7606
I love he charred octopus. It is unlike any other with forbidden black rice and amazing flavors. Also, count me in for their truffle pizza. While not currently on the menu watch for it to be back and order it often. Their unique cocktails and the extensive wine list are another reason to visit, and the appetizers and wood-fired pizzas have a totally different take than the location downtown. Their dishes are all flavorful, full of life, and emotionally inspiring! The staff never let us down. Consistent. Inventive. Fun. And always a memorable experience - and almost always involves running into someone you know. It’s a gem in North Naples.
Erica Current
La Trattoria
878 5th Ave S
239.315.4571
My all-time favorite is the linguine al nero, but you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Make sure you save room for dessert! The table-side tiramisu is such a cool experience and it tastes delicious. Be sure to meet Massimiliano Tonni - he's a managing partner and he's one of the coolest people I've ever met. You leave feeling like part of the family. It's worth visiting 5th Ave on a Friday night during peak season. The food is fantastic, the service is quick, and the staff is friendly. It is an all-around great experience that you don't want to miss out on.
Teresa and Kev Smith
Bleu Provence
1234 8th St S
239.261.8239
Everything we’ve tried on the menu at Bleu Provence is very good. We lean into the foie gras, escargot and duck leg confit. If you are a wine drinker, the best option is to work with the wine specialist to select wines and pair your food to accentuate the wine! Introduce yourself to founder Jacques and his son, Clement, who is a very talented sommelier. This fantastic restaurant that captures the essence of old Naples, with a charming French twist. One of the best French wine lists to be found outside of France. Especially for Burgundy. And the owners, a family, are in the restaurant nightly.
