Carpaccio Di Manzo. -CECILIA KRAUSE / NAPLES FOODIE
The place: Sale e Pepe
Address: 480 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145
Website: sale-e-pepe.com
Phone number: (239) 393-1600
Hours: Dinner Served Nightly 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Appetizers: Carpaccio, Tuna Crudo, Bufala. -CECILIA KRAUSE / NAPLES FOODIE
Sale e Pepe has long held a cherished place in my heart as one of the most romantic dining destinations in Southwest Florida. Although I had visited before, this experience felt especially meaningful as I brought my daughter with me during the month of February, a season already filled with love, making her my Italian valentine for the evening.
We had the pleasure of meeting Chef Andrea Cirino, a native of Napoli, Italy, who leads this extraordinary culinary jewel on Marco Island. Having lived in Italy for several years, I recognize true authenticity when I encounter it, and Sale e Pepe delivers it with both grace and soul. Chef Andrea prepares each dish with reverence and pride, honoring his Nonno’s treasured recipes while using only imported, top tier Italian ingredients that preserve the integrity of classic Italian cuisine.
The experience is elevated even further by a predominantly Italian staff whose warmth and attention to detail create an atmosphere that feels effortlessly romantic, refined, and genuinely welcoming. Overlooking the breathtaking Gulf of Mexico, Sale e Pepe offers authentic gourmet Italian cuisine in a stunning beachfront setting. From sunset dining on the Terrace to the intimate dining room adorned with marble floors and hand painted frescoes, the ambiance is both relaxed and sophisticated, making it ideal for everything from quiet dinners to unforgettable celebrations.
Their culinary team crafts a fresh menu daily, inspired by regions across Italy, and pairs it beautifully with wines from an extensive collection regularly recognized by Wine Spectator magazine. We ended our evening at the bar, where Alessandro, an Italian bartender created the most exquisite chocolate gelato martinis, finished with delicate white and dark chocolate shavings, a perfect finale to an already enchanting night.
An award winning fine Italian restaurant, Sale e Pepe has recently been featured in Open Table’s 2026 Top 100 Romantic Restaurants. Nestled along the white sand crescent beach of Marco Island and located at the Marco Beach Ocean Resort, it is truly a destination where romance, elegance, and authenticity meet. Under the direction of their experienced staff, they also work closely with private parties, large and small, to create enchanting weddings and unforgettable evenings of sophisticated private dining.
Signature Cocktails:
Forever Young, a smooth and refreshing martini with youthful citrus notes. Sardinian Cosmopolitan, vibrant and elegant with Mediterranean flair. Coconut Lime Martini, creamy, tropical, and indulgent. Pisco Sour, bright and silky with a refined citrus finish.
Sardinian Cosmopolitan and Forever Young Cocktails. -CECILIA KRAUSE / NAPLES FOODIE
Starters:
Carpaccio di Manzo, paper thin prime beef with olive oil and aged Parmesan. Bufala, fresh mozzarella with ripe tomatoes and basil. Crudi, pristine seafood prepared simply and luxuriously.
Pasta and Mains:
Tartufo, rich truffle pasta with deep earthy aromas. Bolognese, slow simmered and comforting. Bistecca, a 14 ounce prime porterhouse grilled to perfection.
Desserts:
Crema Bruciata, silky and caramelized to a golden finish. Gelati e Sorbeti, vibrant house selections of Italian frozen desserts.
After Dinner Drink:
Cioccolato Martini, velvety chocolate elegance in a glass.
Naples Foodie Cecilia Krause is a citizen of the world, speaking three languages, having lived in Spain, Australia, Italy, Mexico and Bolivia. She is professional social media influencer who is passionate about food and beverages created with love, as well as places that make her soul happy. Instafamous, Cecilia knows her way around the restaurant scene in Naples, sharing her insights on Instagram as naples_foodie – and here in Florida Weekly.
Cecilia Krause enjoying a Forever Young cocktail. -CECILIA KRAUSE / NAPLES FOODIE
Dining and Cooking