NAPLES TRAVEL GUIDE

If you’re planning a trip to Naples, this list should have you covered as far as places to eat, drink, and shop. I’ve been going to Naples Florida since I was younger and have spent quite a bit of time there. I’m typically eating, shopping, drinking, and relaxing when I’m on vacation – so I wanted to share all of my favorite places to go in Naples. It’s such a popular getaway destination with sooo many amazing Italian restaurants, beautiful beaches, a historical downtown, lounges, bars, and live music. I come back to Naples often and I will be adding to this list as I go, so keep checking back! xo

Breakfast, Brunch, & Lunch

  1.   Hampton Social (Mercato) – Live music on the weekends, outside seating, and fun atmosphere for brunch or happy hour. (plus they have the same “Rose All Day” sign as the Chicago location)
  2. Jane’s Cafe on 3rd (Downtown) – If you’re looking for French toast, scrambled eggs, pancakes, and crepes- this is the place to go for breakfast in downtown Naples. It’s super casual but very busy, and they don’t take reservations so expect a wait. The outdoor seating around the fountain and french toast make it worthwhile.
  3. The Continental (Downtown) – Another favorite for brunch, lunch, or dinner. This place is technically an American steakhouse and a bit more upscale, but perfect for an afternoon and mimosas. They have live music every night and every Sunday during brunch on the patio.
  4. Bice (Downtown) – Not many restaurants offer brunch every day, but Bice on 5th Avenue is an exception. They offer a traditional Italian brunch menu with more savory options than sweet. It’s a casual eatery perfect for outside dining and people watching.
  5. Tommy Bahama (Downtown) – Not the store, but the restaurant. It might technically be a chain, but it’s one of my favorite spots for a casual lunch with a fun vibe. I’ve been coming here for years! It’s the perfect place to go when you just want a good ass burger and french fries. Plus, they have all kinds of tropical drinks.

Dinner Spots (make a reservation weeks in advance!)

  1. Rocco’s Tacos (Mercato) – Hands down the best chicken tacos and margarita’s I’ve had. Matt and I went to the Rocco’s Tacos in Orlando and were obsessed! So excited that they opened a new location in Naples at the Mercato shopping center.
  2. Ocean Prime (Downtown) – This is my go-to for any special occasion, or just for dinner because…why not? It’s an upscale modern steak & seafood restaurant downtown Naples and right on the 5th Avenue strip. I don’t eat fish (I’m sure it’s delicious), but the steak and chicken dishes that I’ve had here were amazing. Plus, they have some of the best martinis (my favorites are the berries & bubbles and lemon drop). I’m weirdly obsessed with calamari (it’s the only seafood I eat) and theirs is the bomb…along with the entire dessert list. To  be honest, I haven’t had anything at Ocean Prime that I didn’t like.
  3. Campiello (Downtown) – A popular traditional Italian restaurant on 3rd Street South voted best pasta in Naples. This is a fun spot for happy hour or just an afternoon for drinks and apps at their outdoor bar and patio. My favorites are their margherita pizza and arancini Sicilian style rice balls (must try). Amazing hand made pasta, too.
  4. Barbatella (Downtown) – A fun Italian bistro on 3rd Street South known for their fresh mozzarella, salumi, home-made Italian ice, and pizzettes. This is a fun and lively place to sit outside for dinner and people watch, or enjoy live music when they have it.
  5. Pazzo! (Downtown) – A well-known Italian kitchen on 5th Avenue South where everything is made from scratch. Casual indoor and outdoor seating, amazing pasta dishes, a large wine selection, and even a gluten-free menu. Can’t go wrong!

Shopping

  1. Waterside Shops (On 41) – A relaxing outdoor shopping center decorated with palm trees, water fountains, and plenty of good places to grab lunch or dinner (try Bricktop’s). It isn’t exactly downtown Naples, but only about 20 minutes north. Waterside has all of the luxury shops and designer boutiques you can think of including Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, Everything But Water, J. Crew, Free People, Tumi, Michael Kors, and more.
  2. Rouze (On 41) –  Just before Waterside shops, Rouze is a contemporary women’s boutique that carries chic, on-trend designers. The boutique offers clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and more. I would consider this similar to a Revolve or Shopbop; I always find something cool and unique when I stop in here!
  3. Marissa Collections (Downtown) – The largest and most beautiful luxury designer boutique I’ve ever seen. You can’t miss Marissa’s pastel pink brick & mortar store directly on 3rd Street South downtown Naples (a few doors down from Campiello). This boutique offers a unique collection of designer clothes, shoes, and accessories that you won’t see in every department store. They carry an enormous selection of designers including Fendi, Givenchy, Balmain, Zimmerman, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, and soo much more.

Just for Fun

  1. Blue Martini Lounge & Nightclub (North Naples) – Super interesting crowd (if you’ve ever been to a Blue Martini, I’m sure you know what I mean), but it can be lots of fun to go with a group of friends or for happy hour. This place gets pretty crowded on the weekends because they have great live music. Yes, they actually do have a drink called a Blue Martini!
  2. Cavo Lounge (North Naples) – Similar to Blue Martini but definitely a younger crowd, and a younger music selection. BUT these two nightclubs are directly across from each other at Mercato shopping center, so you might as well check out both. Blue Martini & Cavo will give you a different vibe about Naples.
  3. Doc’s Beach House (Bonita Springs) – If you’re staying near North Naples, Doc’s is probably closer than you think. It’s a super casual hangout where you can have lunch, dinner, and drinks on the beach, or get a table at their upstairs bar and order pizza. If you’re looking for a beach spot to watch the sunset or a sports game, this is it. By the way, they support Chicago teams!

Naples, Travel Guides
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