5 Essential Foodie Experiences in Naples

Naples’ postcard-pretty shoreline is dotted with establishments serving outstanding seafood. Head to Pincher’s Crab Shack for specialties such as wahoo, triple tail, pompano, grouper and snapper. The restaurant is a sponsor of Naples’ annual Stone Crab Festival, an October celebration that showcases the delicacy. Want to cook your catch? The historic Crayton Cove area around Naples City Dock has a Cook Your Catch agreement among fishing charters and three restaurants within walking distance of the dock. Many restaurants offer waterfront dining as well, including The Dock at Crayton Cove, M Waterfront Grille and Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar.

Certified-organic Oakes Farms and Colusa Farms supply produce for one of Naples’ lauded chefs, Vincenzo Betulia. The farms grow heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, micro greens and other produce for Betulia’s restaurants. Enjoy his distinct takes on these fresh ingredients at Osteria Tulia, late-night gastropub Bar Tulia and The French Brasserie Rustique.

Vegetarians and vegans, rejoice! Naples offers delectable choices for you. Check out The Local, which serves meat but also offers a range of fresh and local vegetarian and vegan dishes. Try the flatbread piled with locally grown vegetables.

From Naples’ historic downtown to its waterfront, unique settings are an essential element of dining here. But you can also dine surrounded by the lush beauty of Naples Botanical Garden — the new Fogg Café features creative menu items made with local, sustainable and seasonal products (some from the Garden itself!).

Beer connoisseurs attend the annual Naples Craft Beer Fest to sample dozens of varieties from nationwide brewers, as well as bites from a wide range of restaurants. The food samplings are paired to match the beers, and chefs compete to win the People’s Choice Award for best pairing.