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RSW Living Magazine

2017 Dining Guide for the Naples Area

Jul 17, 2017 10:05PM ● By Melanie Heisinger

Courtesy of Bistro 821.

When it comes to dining in the Naples area, it's never difficult to find a place to eat. However, it can be difficult to decide where! 

We put together a few different types of places to consider dining at the next time you find yourself out. Whether you're looking to dine at a unique bistro or dive into some seafood, we made sure that all of our choices were for your tastebuds' pleasure.

We aimed for local small businesses and hope that you just might find your next favorite spot. 

Unique Eats

We know that sometimes you want to try something new or different. Luckily there are plenty of places to choose from in the area that are sure to inspire and delight. From bistros to Mexican food, we've got a few ideas. 

Bistro 821

(821 5th Avenue South, Naples, Florida 34102)

At Bistro 821, 
Executive Chef Jess S Housman creates a wide array of innovative entrees fusing Asian, European and Domestic flavors. Located on Fifth Avenue South in the heart of historic Olde Naples, they take fine-dining and casual and blend them together in an interesting way. This family-owned business has a delectable dinner menu that is sure to make any mouth water. Oh, their wine list isn't too shabby, either!

Bring a date, get dressed up, and try out their popular Pot Roast

Goldie's Restaurant

(5400 Taylor Road, Naples, Florida)

If breakfast and lunch are your favorite meals, Goldie's is the place to eat. A small family business that has been in the Naples area for 13 years, Goldie's has taken on the breakfast scene by storm with their famous Ultimate Breakfast platters. To add even more reason to visit, their prices are pretty great! Every breakfast is served with jam and peanut butter that is made in-house, and is all American-style, except for Wednesdays where they serve Italian dishes. 

Before work, head to Goldie's and be sure to try The Ultimate Breakfast


Salsa Brava Mexican Grill

(10265 Tamiami Trail N #10, Naples, FL 34108)

Salsa Brava is directly inspired by a small town called San Felipe, Mexico, where the owner spent a lot of time as a child. While growing up, the owner experienced a bustling and full house where plates were never left empty. This has translated to Salsa Brava's successful dishes, and was even voted 
"Best Mexican Restaurant" 2012 by Reader's Choice in 2012. This hidden gem (almost literally - be sure to keep an eye out for their front door!) has attracted the local community for years.

Try their 
Tampiquena plate the next time you're in town. 


Fine Dining

If you are hoping to step it up a notch and really splurge while getting dressed up, we found a few perfect places for you. Or, if you are looking to bring someone somewhere special, we picked out a few places for you to consider.

Campiello Naples

(1177 3rd St S, Naples, FL 34102)

Located in Historic Naples Mercantile Building, Campiello offers inventive Italian cuisine inspired by a traditional Tuscan country cooking. Voted Best Italian and Best Pasta by Naples Illustrated 2015, you can expect some tasty cuisine and Italian-inspired everything the minute you walk through the door. They also create craft cocktails that pair perfectly with your meal during either lunch or dinner.

Try their Branzino con Ratatuia and impress your date with the proper pronunciation. 


HobNob Kitchen and Bar

(720 5th Ave S #101, Naples, FL 34102)

HobNob considers their menu to be American, “clean and fresh.” Chefs Tony and Louis are known for being innovative with their foods and aim to stay as on-trend as possible. Their pastas are made in-house and fresh daily, and their meats are delivered fresh every day. Fresh, simple, and creative is what they go for at HobNob!

For interesting takes on traditional favorites, order the Snapper in Crazy Water with tomato, fennel, and soft polenta.

Bha! Bha! Bistro

(865 5th Ave South, Naples, Florida 34102)

At Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro head chef and owner Michael Mir creates flavorful Persian dishes inspired by his experience while managing five star restaurants in Washington D.C. in the 1980s. With fresh and vibrant flavors you can enjoy dishes like a Classic Hummus plate or Seafood Khoresh. 

Try out their unique Spicy Tabrizi Apricot Chicken dish the next time you find yourself on 5th Avenue. 



Seafood

Who doesn't love a good seafood dish? And with Naples being so near the ocean, it makes sense that there are a plethora of choices. We picked out a few places for you to consider. 

USS Nemo Restaurant

(3745 Tamiami Trail North, Naples,  FL 34103)

Seafood is the name of the game at the USS Nemo, especially when it comes to their signature miso-broiled sea bass. This lunch and dinner restaurant touts not only tasty seafood dishes but also have land-based appetizers and main dishes to satisfy anyone. 

Their Prime Tuna, with blackened tandoori spices, yogurt raita and dill sauce rice, mango chutney, sauteed green beans and cherry tomatoes, is worth exploring.


Citrus Restaurant

(455 5th Ave S., Naples, FL 34102)

Another seafood option on 5th Avenue in Naples to enjoy. All of the wishes at Citrus are served with creative flare, and your tastebuds won't be disappointed. With dishes like Shrimp & Grits and Lobster Wonton, Citrus has made a name for itself in the area. 

The Colossal Crab Cakes are worth trying the next time you find yourself in the area. 

Captain & Krewe

(629 8th St South Naples)

Originally started in 2003 at 
Captain Kirk's Stone Crabs, Captain & Krewe is known for its locally sourced foods. In 2014, they went through a remodel that added onto their fish market, as well as added an oyster raw bar. Their menu features both seafood and non seafood to enjoy. 

The Garrity Crab Cake comes highly recommended. 


Where is your favorite place to dine? Let us know in the comments and we just might add it!