Naples restaurant owners have transformed their dining spots this year. They kept control but changed what they serve. A sluggish economy pushes diners toward places offering better bang for their buck. Chef Vincenzo Betulia converted The French Rustique Brasserie into Tulia Italian Steak on Fifth Avenue South. Restaurateur Stefano Frittella switched The Bevy to La Salière Italian restaurant in downtown Naples.
Phelan Family Brands flipped Two Fillets in North Naples, turning it into Caiman Cantina, a Mexican restaurant, this fall. They also snagged Hogfish Harry’s.
New hotel restaurants popped up across town. Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, opened The Merchant Room restaurant off the hotel lobby and gave HB’s and Sunset Bar fresh looks at their beachfront spots. Blackbird Modern Asian brought something different to Naples Bay Resort.
The Perry Hotel Naples debuted Tigress restaurant and Easy Tiger lounge on its seventh-story rooftop. Cameron Mitchell Restaurants launched Prime Social Reserve as a private rooftop venue in downtown Naples.
Ownership switches sparked more makeovers. Longtime Zookie’s became Sonny’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar off Immokalee Road in North Naples. KC’s American Bistro turned into Amber Cove in The Pavilion shopping center.
Pizza joints sprouted up everywhere. Detroit Pizza Joint opened in the Preserve Lane market near Gulf Coast High School. Riko’s Pizza launched in Tree Farm Plaza. Burnt Pizza E Passione took over the old El Rincon de Mexico space on the East Trail.
Chain restaurants moved in. Denny’s came back to Naples Towne Centre South. DQ Grill & Chill finally opened a drive-thru after years of waiting.
Family-run breakfast spots spread across East Naples. GG Brunch Haus arrived in Pelican Larry’s Plaza, and Cafe Seabreeze opened in Kings Lake Square — both on Davis Boulevard, and Bayshore Bodega and Bean To Cup coffee lounge set up shop on Bayshore Drive.
Dining and Cooking