New in town Coffee aficionados, this one’s for you. Europeanstyle café Second Cup opened in Mercato offering exclusive coffee beans from around the world. All beverages are customizable with a variety of flavors and milk options (including lactose-free, soy and almond). For a whimsical touch, baristas add a little creativity to each cup with what they call “latte art” … meanwhile, Greg Scarlatos, The former executive chef of Angelina’s Ristorante in Bonita Springs has launched a high-end restaurant in Naples with his fiancée. Fuse, a global-fusion gastropub, serves up a menu of international flavors, blending Mediterranean, Japanese, Thai and French.
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NI ’s curated compilation of fabulous restaurants THE LISTINGS
The Naples area is packed with a superabundance of great eateries, serving up food and drinks to satisfy every palate. Naples Illustrated has rounded up details on some can’t-miss places for dining delights.
AMERICAN Alexander’s Restaurant For 18 years, Chefowner Alexander Bernard has been in the kitchen creating healthy, delicious dishes with French, Asian, Caribbean, Latin and Middle Eastern accents. 4077 Ninth St. N., Naples (239-262-4999, alexandersnaples.com) Baleen at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort Dine amid the exotically elegant tropical surroundings indoors, or better still, on the patio to soak up the breathtaking beach and Gulf view. 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples (239-598-5707, laplayaresort.com) Bistro 821 This Fifth Avenue staple is a long-time favorite, thanks to the colorful, Miami-inspired atmosphere and Executive Chef Jess Housman’s Natural Fusion menu. 821 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (239261-5821, bistro821.com)
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Café & Bar Lurcat The space and the food are sophisticated and comfortable. And everyone loves the little warm cinnamon sugar donuts. 494 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (239-213-3357, cafelurcat.com) The Chapel Grill The restaurant serves fine cuisine in a stunning and unique space that formerly housed in the historic First Baptist Church in Old Naples. 811 Seventh Ave. S., Naples (239-206-4310, thechapelgrill.com) Gordon’s On The River The slick supper clubs of the ’40s inform the style at this fine dining establishment at Naples Harbour. Highlights include classic dishes and live piano music. 475 North Road, Naples (239-213-1441, gordonsontheriver.com) Handsome Harry’s Third Street Bistro The big patio provides a great spot for people-watching and dancing to live music. The food is also a big draw. 1205 Third St. S., Naples (239-434-6400, handsomeharrys.com) KC American Bistro As the name implies, American regional cuisine is the name of the game at this North Naples spot. 885 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (239-566-2371, kcamericanbistro.com) The Local Fresh, healthy meals in a little eatery in the Bed, Bath & Beyond Plaza. 5323 Airport Pulling Rd., Naples (239-596-3276, thelocalnaples.com)
M Waterfront Grille Contemporary decor, view of the bay and fine cuisine make M Waterfront a perennial favorite in the Village on Venetian Bay. 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples (239-263-4421, mwaterfrontgrille.com) Ridgway Bar & Grill Master chef and Naples institution Tony Ridgway continues wowing diners. Another plus: the outstanding wine list by co-owner Sukie Honeycutt. 1300 Third St. S., Naples (239-2625500, ridgwaybarandgrill.com) Seasons 52 Fresh Grill The changing seasons inspire fresh, seasonal cuisine in a warm atmosphere at this outpost of a widespread chain that has uniquely local appeal. The farmers-market food is perfectly paired with a sommelier-chosen wine list. What’s more, you can indulge without guilt; every dish is a max of 475 calories. (239-5948852, seasons52.com) Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar Born in Naples, the Tommy Bahama laid-back lifestyle is full throttle in the festive eatery and bar in the heart of Third Street South. 1220 Third St. S., Naples (239643-6889, tommybahama.com) The Wine Loft This addition to Mercato melds stylish sipping, modern American small-plate offerings and jazz on busier nights. 9118 Strada Place, Naples (239-598-5601, thewineloftofnaples.com) NAPLESillustrated.com | January 2014
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