Looking for the best restaurants in Naples, FL? You’re going to want to eat where the locals eat in Naples. Whether you’re planning a trip to the Paradise Coast or you’re a local who has no clue where to eat, we’ve got you covered with this list of local Naples restaurants that are perfect for date night.
The crab cake from Ridgway Bar and Grill is perfect for date night in Naples.
Related Post: Where the locals eat brunch in Naples, FL
Best date night spots in Naples, FL, local approved
When we first moved to Naples we were overwhelmed by the many restaurants on 5th Avenue and 3rd Street South. There are so many restaurant options in town and we quickly found that it’s either hit or miss, not much in the middle, and most will be high priced. To be honest, there are a lot of tourist traps here. If you aren’t careful, you will find yourself with an overpriced yet subpar meal.
Here’s the deal, we don’t mind paying a lot for a meal, but it better be a damn good meal.
Instead of figuring out the best date night restaurants through trial and error, I decided to check out recommendations of where the locals eat in Naples, FL. I asked a group of locals on a foodie Facebook group, Where to Eat 239, and these were the favorites.
There are a ton of other great restaurants here in Naples. We have great brunch spots, hip bars, and even a few hole in the walls. This is the list of restaurants that are priced a little higher for date night, but definitely worth the money. No tourist traps on this list!
Best Restaurants in Naples, FL | Date Night Edition
Dorona
Dorona, in my opinion, serves the best quality steaks in Naples at the best prices. Not only are the steaks reasonably priced ($29 for a 5 oz filet meal), many of them are local to Florida too. This modern Italian steakhouse is my top pick for date night in Naples.
Ridgway Bar and Grill
The Bevy
Go for the delicious food, but stay for the hand crafted cocktails! The Bevy is trendy when it comes to foodie flavor combinations without being over the top. Chef Renninghoff’s dishes are classic combos with a foodie twist, such as the hot and crunchy trout with a kimchi pork belly fried rice. If you like trying new things, The Bevy is the date night spot for you.
Truluck’s
Head to Truluck’s if you are in the mood for steak or seafood. Make sure to try the stone crab claws when they are in season from October through May.
Campiello
In the mood for Italian? You’ll love the innovative and award winning cuisine at Campiello. The atmosphere on 3rd street south is impressive too.
USS Nemo
Nemo’s is known for a wide variety of seafood, including 4 different prime tuna entrees.
The Bay House
Located on the bay, The Bay House is not only a great date night spot, it’s an amazing place for Sunday brunch. Head there for seafood and cocktails with a delightfully southern spin.
Bleu Provence
Owned by a family from Provence, France, Bleu Provence is a quaint yet award winning French restaurant with a spectacular wine list.
The Hampton Social
The Hampton Social Naples opened in the popular Mercato Shopping Center in North Naples in December 2018. The brand’s first location to open outside of the Chicagoland area, the lifestyle concept (owned, operated and designed by restaurateur Brad Parker) is a dining hotspot that evokes East Coast living in every aspect – from the white-washed, nautical walls to the signature seafood fare. Make sure to get the frosé- frozen rosé! Check out my Instagram adventures there.
Continental Naples
When you walk by The Continental on 3rd Street, you almost feel drawn in. There are always people on the patio having a good time and enjoying the American steakhouse and craft bar. The restaurant also serves seafood and often has live music. It’s a must try if you like a night out on the town.
FUSE Global Cuisine
It’s probably no surprise to find that Naples isn’t heavy on global cuisine. We have a lot of steakhouses, Italian restaurants, and sushi places. Naples is just now started to get more international food influence. When it comes to finding a good marriage of ethnic flavors, FUSE is the place to go. You can find Cuban, Asian, and even some downright strange protein like wild kangaroo!
21 Spices
This is another great place to visit for ethnic cuisine. 21 Spices is the only Indian restaurant in town. Instead of serving a typical Indian buffet, the menu is elevated to a higher lever and served with a “distinctive progressive twist”.
LaMoraga
In the mood for traditional Spanish tapas and classic dishes with an international twist? You’ll love LaMorago. Lamoraga is a culinary concept that seeks the highest level of quality and taste, in order to offer its cuisine as a convenient luxury.
Sea Salt
Sea Salt is absolutely a must try for date night in Naples. When we first moved here, it was the number one recommended spot by all of our friends. Chef Fabrizio Aielli puts his Venetian touch on Florida’s freshest seafood and produce, using organic, sustainable ingredients from local famers and day boat fishermen. His menus change daily which make it a fun surprise.
Bar Tulia | Osteria Tulia
Located next to each other on 5th Avenue South, both Bar Tulia and Osteria Tulia are great options for date night. Osteria Tulia, Naples, Florida’s first osteria, serves exquisitely prepared rustic Italian cuisine in the ambiance of a convivial, lovingly restored Italian farmhouse. Head next door to Bar Tulia for a similar, yet more laid back menu. The new Mercato location for Bar Tulia is perfect if you are on the North side of town.
Del Mar
This new addition to Naples has quickly become the hottest spot to eat on 5th Avenue South. Del Mar is a Mediterranean coastal restaurant with a from-scratch kitchen. The vibe and street views of 5th rival the menu due to the second story seating that has every foodie in Naples trying to reserve an outdoor patio seat.
The Turtle Club | currently closed after Hurricane Ian
Ask anyone in Naples for a beach front fine dining recommendation and they will say The Turtle Club. While there are several laid back beach front dining options in Naples, The Turtle Club is the only fine dining on the beach. Go for the atmosphere, but return back for the delicious seafood that is reasonably priced.
Komoon Thai Sushi and Ceviche
There are a lot of sushi places to choose from in Naples, but Komoon is definitely the one to try first. Komoon Thai Sushi & Ceviche Restaurant serves a unique and savory selection of some of the finest cuisines from the magical lands of Thailand, Japan, and Peru.
What didn’t make the list
There are so many other amazing date night restaurants in Naples. While I’d love to include every restaurant, I think this list is the perfect place to start if you have money saved up for date night but feel overwhelmed by all the options.
What are your favorite date night spots in Naples?
Want to read about more fun places to visit in Naples? Check out these posts:
Hello! If couples are looking for upscale food, without the upscale price, I recommend Bamz. Located minutes from the downtown life, it hosts a charming casual environment as the perfect start to any date night; or, conclusion to a hard day’s work.
Thanks Amanda! I haven’t updated this in a while so I’ll look into it and add it.