8 Great Places To Eat in Naples Florida

Try these fantastic places to eat in Naples Florida, varying from top of the line fine dining to waterside shacks to fresh seafood to amazing curry.

Naples Florida is well into a culinary renaissance and the southwest Florida food scene has really evolved. Midwestern US fare and Italian once was standard but Naples FL restaurants are now more upscale and eclectic.

Innovative chefs from around the world move to Naples and incorporate fresh seafood and local ingredients. If you have not been to Naples Florida in a few years, make a return visit and try these and other magnificent restaurants.

8 Great Places to Eat in Naples, Florida

Sea Salt

For an optimal #COOLinary dining experience at Sea Salt start with the Caesar Salad sushi (try it!), end with the giant cotton candy and crafted chocolates from Norman Love Confections. In between, the seafood is the star of the show.

Caesar Salad sushi at Sea Salt in Naples FL
Caesar Salad sushi at Sea Salt, one of the best restaurants in Naples Florida

Chef/owner Fabrizio Aielli brings old world simplicity and elegance, letting the natural flavors of the fresh seafood dominate.

fresh fish and open kitchen at Sea Salt in Naples Florida
open kitchen at Sea Salt in Naples Florida. Photo by Julie of FuninFairfaxVA.com

All seafood is either local caught that day or flown in fresh from the Mediterranean. No fancy sauces, just salt and olive oil.

giant cotton candy dessert
cotton candy at Sea Salt in Naples Florida. Photo by Julie of FuninFairfaxVA.com

Ocean Prime

Ocean Prime is located on the ground level of the Inn on Fifth. They house a magnificent wine collection and serve elegant craft cocktails (watch this fun YouTube video). Ocean Prime’s lobster bisque is creamy smooth.

wine wall at Ocean Prime in Naples Florida
best Naples Florida restaurants: wine wall at Ocean Prime in Naples Florida

My super fresh Florida grouper with lobster meat was scrumptious.

Their filets are really popular and were ordered by the other two people at my table.

filet mignon and asparagus at Ocean Prime Naples FL
filet mignon at Ocean Prime in Naples Florida. Photo by Julie of FuninFairfaxVA.com

Pinchers

Naples Florida claims the title of Stone Crab Capital of the World and Pinchers in the historic Tin City district is the place to get them. Feast on fresh seafood while watching the boats come in and go away again. Hey, that is a song!

stone crab claws at Pinchers in Naples Florida
stone crab claws at Pinchers

Tin City District and Pinchers is also the place to be during Stone Crab festival in October.

8 Great Places to Eat in Naples Florida. Article by Charles McCool for McCool Travel
Pinchers, Naples Florida restaurant

To find more al fresco dining spots read Florida waterfront restaurants.

Triad Seafood

Triad Seafood Market & Cafe in Everglades City is a perfect stop before heading out for an adventure with Everglades Area Tours. Grab a stool on the water and order a fresh grouper sandwich and/or shrimp platter.

Florida grouper sandwich and fries
where to eat in Naples Florida: grouper sandwich at Triad in Everglades City Florida

Looking for the best places to stay in Naples FL? Our favorites are The Inn on Fifth and Lemon Tree Inn.

Also see our Best Gulf Coast Restaurants.

I also reached out to some local experts for some recommendations.

The Turtle Club

Lori Sorrentino recommends The Turtle Club.

If there’s one restaurant in Naples that exudes the luxury beach vibe Naples does so well, it just might be The Turtle Club — Naples waterfront dining at its best. Located in North Naples’ Vanderbilt Beach Resort, it’s easy to miss if you’re unfamiliar with the neighborhood.

But let the valet park your car and stroll down the lane to the charming and intimate beachfront setting where dress flip flops are welcome and the coastal cuisine is always fresh and outstanding. Dine inside in the cozy bistro or al fresco with your toes in the sand. Their chilled seafood dishes are especially good, and perfect for the outdoor beach setting.

21 Spices

21 Spices is one of the Best US Gulf Coast Restaurants  and was suggested by Cathy Christopher, Director of Sales and Marketing for Inn on Fifth.

Cathy told me, “having grown up in the Caribbean and lived in England for years, I have developed a strong yearning for and appreciation of good curry. It just has never been available in Naples and anything nearby has always disappointed. Now that has changed. Chef Asif [Syed] has opened 21 Spices 5 minutes from my house and life just got much tastier. This is the real deal. Authentic setting and flavors including my favorite Madras Curry which I can wash down with and icy cold Kingfisher”.

beautiful Indian food entree at 21 Spices in naples FL
Kashmiri stuffed potatoes with raisins, paneer, and nuts. Photo by 21 Spices.

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

Scott Eddy recommends JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.

He said, “How about some alligator tacos? I mean…this is Florida!!!!

gator tacos at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
gator tacos at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. Photo by Scott Eddy.

and “My breakfast this morning was flawless. Eggs Benedict with lobster and Honey Almond Granola Parfait with fresh berries. The food I’ve had at @JWMarcoIsland has been nothing short of amazing!

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort breakfast items
Naples Florida restaurants: breakfast at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. Photo by Scott Eddy.

Fin Bistro

Kay Dougherty of Blonde Brunette Travel nominates Fin Bistro. She says, “On Marco [Island] the place that’s worth going out of your way for is Fin Bistro. They mostly serve fish and seafood but prepare in much tastier, dining preparations than the average seafood places in SWFL.

McCool Travel BONUS

Some other Naples restaurants I have enjoyed include Dorona (magnificent meatballs), The Continental (scrumptious filet mignon), Brooks Burgers, The Claw Bar (fantastic St. Augustine Stew and fresh seafood), The French (sublime trout amandine),

My cousin managed a restaurant in North Naples a few years ago and he suggested: Fernandez the Bull (Cuban), Fish House in Bonita Beach, Royal Scoop (ice cream), and Dolly’s in Bonita Springs.

Try to visit Naples between Thanksgiving and New Years to see all the wonderful Southwest Florida holiday decorations. Also check out the Stone Crab Festival in October and other Florida Gulf Coast food festivals.

Two Naples FL craft breweries are included on our favorite Florida Gulf Coast Craft Breweries.

What are your favorite places to eat in Naples Florida?

Also see the article I wrote for Naples tourism: Seven Sensational Naples Restaurants You Can’t Miss

Day Trips From Naples FL

There are countless Southwest Florida day trips close by when you are ready to explore more quaint US Gulf Coast towns and beautiful Florida Gulf Coast beaches. Sarasota, Punta Gorda, Captiva Island, and Anna Maria Island are easy day trips from Naples.

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