Naples, Florida is poised to become a hub for the culinary industry, with an estimated 80+ new restaurants opening this year in its neighboring cities, and a large proportion slated to debut in the city itself. The abundance of new dining spots has been attributed to the arrival of the Four Seasons luxury resort, and the restaurant scene is already being infused by some highly anticipated venues such as The Syren and Le Colonial.
In 2023, Naples is the regional hub for emerging restaurants, with nearly 20 new dining venues set to open within the city limits. This accounts for almost one-quarter of the 80+ restaurants expected to open in nearby areas such as North Naples, East Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, and other Southwest Florida locations. Even more, openings are likely to be announced in the upcoming months.
This surge in new restaurants is believed to be due to the arrival of a Four Seasons luxury resort which will be located at the Naples Beach Club property. Restaurateur Peter Tierney noted that this is an example of the “Four Seasons effect,” which he believes will have a positive and long-term impact on the city. The influx of high-end newcomers is sure to give Naples’ upscale dining scene a major boost.
The Syren, a waterfront seafood restaurant, is set to launch in Old Naples next month. Le Colonial is another highly-anticipated opening, with the French-Vietnamese restaurant expected to open this fall on Fifth Avenue South.
Both restaurants will join Le Colonial’s prestigious lineup in Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, San Francisco, and Lake Forest, Illinois. With beautifully presented, authentic dishes and a unique ambiance, Le Colonial is renowned as one of the most beautiful restaurant interiors in the world. Designing the Naples restaurant is Chicago-based Knauer Inc., which has also recently designed Ocean Prime, Del Mar, and The Vine Room on Fifth Avenue South. In addition, Lola 41, an upscale neo-global bistro and sushi bar, is being built to impress in a large downtown space. Excitingly, it promises to be an incredible addition to Old Naples’ dining scene.
PJK Neighborhood Chinese restaurant is set to open in early February in the former space of Ristorante Ciao, boasting a full bar and outdoor seating. With the help of consulting Chef Paul Muller and PJK Chef Kayla Pfeiffer, PJK will offer familiar mom-and-pop Chinese dishes with some modern twists and even a coastal influence. This chic new spot promises to be an upgrade from the old Bus Station Restaurant, providing an eclectic décor, cuisine, and cocktails influenced by the regions of Asia, Europe, and the United States traversed by the 41st parallel. PJK Neighborhood Chinese Restaurant is sure to be a hit, offering an inviting atmosphere and delicious menu to satisfy local beachgoers or business lunches.
The restaurant is the brainchild of local restaurateurs Veljko Pavicevic and Corrine Ryan, who are opening a sister property to Sails Restaurant near the end of this year. Taking its name and inspiration from Veljko’s Montenegrin grandmother, Sava will feature natural ingredients served in a family-style setting, with an indoor-outdoor bar and full-service restaurant. The team also plans to launch Butcher, a private members-only business social club in the former Agave restaurant space in North Naples. With their eye for detail and passion for quality, Veljko and Corrine are sure to provide a memorable experience with Sava and Butcher.
We are excited to announce the arrival of Unidos, a Latin American kitchen and bar, to the combined former longtime spaces of Starbucks coffee shop and Valento’s Pizza & Hoagies on the corner of U.S. 41 and Central Avenue. The expansive 5,625-square-foot space at 1 Ninth St. S. will feature a full bar and both indoor and outdoor seating. Behind Unidos, which is Spanish for United, are restaurateurs Salvador and Jaime Muñoz who also operate the well-known Unidad Latin restaurant in a Chicago suburb.
Warren American Whiskey Kitchen is proud to be the anchor of The Collective, 111 10th St. S., in Suites 104 and 106 on either side of the design hub’s ground-floor courtyard. With a focus on contemporary American cuisine, Warren’s restaurant will present a scratch kitchen and lounge with a world-class whiskey collection, while the south side will house the exclusive Warren’s Cocktail Club, a private members-only space. Operated by Damn Good Hospitality Group, Warren is an exciting addition to the Naples Design District with its sister location in Delray Beach.
Alongside Warren American Whiskey Kitchen, Coastland Center Mall is gearing up for a successful year with the addition of some popular chain restaurants. Twin Peaks and Bahama Breeze are both expected to break ground soon on two vacant out parcels on either side of CMX CinéBistro along Golden Gate Parkway. Meanwhile, Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen will be opening this quarter in the mall’s food court. Watch out for even more exciting news about regional dining opportunities coming soon!
The city of Naples is quickly becoming a hub for vibrant and innovative restaurant experiences. The opening of the Four Seasons resort has added fuel to an already-exciting culinary paradise. As more restaurants open nearby, diners will have plenty of reasons to explore the local dining scene and seek out noteworthy dishes. From waterfront seafood spots to cozy French-Vietnamese retreats, Naples will be blooming with delicious options for every palate. With specialty edibles available around every corner, this city’s appetite is sure to continue thriving in the years ahead.
