Naples is home to some exquisite dining options. When you’re looking to take in sublime views of the Gulf of Mexico or Venetian Bay while savoring phenomenal cuisine, Naples delivers. Here are some of the best beachfront restaurants available in northern Naples.
The Turtle Club
The Turtle Club is a fine dining destination specializing in locally sourced seafood and luscious steaks. Seating is just steps from the sand, and the Gulf and ocean waves make a soothing backdrop to a fantastic dining experience. Founded in 1998 by Mike Moore and Peter Tierney on the grounds of the Vanderbilt Beach Resort, The Turtle Club is a magical combination of Olde and New Florida, providing the relaxed beach environment of the old with the modern sophistication of the new.
Stop by for lunch for an exceptional serving of jumbo lump crab cocktail and creamy lobster bisque. For dinner, start with the fresh and zesty hamachi crudo followed by the sea harvest, a medley of pan-seared Gulf fish, Gulf shrimp, jumbo sea scallops, and lobster with a citrus beurre blanc, grilled asparagus, and jasmine rice. With such complex flavors expressed so harmoniously, The Turtle Club is an excellent choice for your next date night, birthday, or anniversary dinner. Be sure to book early during the season as seating is limited, and you don’t want to miss this!
BALEEN Naples
BALEEN Naples offers guests breathtaking views of the Gulf with a culinary experience to match. Open from breakfast through dinner, BALEEN offers delicious meals for any occasion, at any time of day. The breakfast menu offers an eclectic selection of traditional favorites with a chic coastal twist. Be sure to try the savory crab benedict or the braised short rib benedict for an indulgent treat.
Grab a light lobster Cobb salad or the popular Gulf grouper tacos for lunch, or reserve a private beachside dinner for your next date night. An unrivaled romantic evening awaits you and your sweetheart. The Silver pre-fixe menu includes a seafood platter to share and your choice of salmon, blackened Gulf grouper, and filet mignon for the main course. Whether you’re lunching with the ladies or planning an intimate dinner date, BALEEN Naples is sure to please — and if you’re there at sunset, you might get lucky enough to ring the bell!
Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar
Locals have adored Bayside Grill & Bar since it opened in 1990. Offering fresh seafood and American classics in a beautiful waterfront setting, this restaurant offers something for everyone, with two full bars, casual dining in their first-floor cafe, a refined second-floor grill, elegant private dining the Vintner’s Room inside Sukie’s Wine Shop, and the open-air terrace at Sukie’s.
Bayside locals and visitors alike head here for Sunday brunch, daily lunch, and dinner. Meet some friends to catch up on current events over some Grand Marnier French toast at Sunday brunch or relish a chilled Florida Gulf shrimp cocktail for lunch. Meet some colleagues for dinner at the grill and discuss goals and budgets over Bayside’s crispy calamari and bone-in grilled pork chops. Serving fine American cuisine with a coastal flair, Bayside is the perfect destination for your next meal.
M Waterfront Grille
Foodies flock to M Waterford Grille for exceptional, chef-driven fare and a contemporary waterfront environment. The menu is refined and engaging, featuring innovative cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood, superb steaks, house-made pasta, and light lounge plates. With five unique settings, each offering natural light, and Venetian Bay views, this restaurant beckons locals and travelers to enjoy the award-winning wine list and fabulous food.
Sweet and savory, the baked camembert features Marcona almonds, challah toast, lavender, pear, and apricot marmalade. Keep things light with a crisp lobster salad or opt for the fan-favorite local dayboat fish, served with roasted veggies and tangerine honey. Start dinner on a spicy note with a habanero margarita before cooling off with fig and blue cheese salad. Savor a tender filet mignon or Scottish salmon. Order some vanilla creme brulee and a double espresso martini as a nightcap, and you’ve got a dinner for the books!
T-Michaels Steak & Lobster
Offering Venetian Bay views and a fine dining experience, T-Michaels Steak & Lobster is a must-visit. In addition to serving USDA prime steaks and whole Maine lobsters, the menu features signature dishes prepared with produce and creatures from both land and sea. The daily specials spotlight locally caught fish and seasonal ingredients, while the wine list is constantly changing with weekly featured bottles from around the globe.
Be sure to stop by the open-air atrium next time you visit to view the majestic resident dolphins that pay a visit at sunset. As far as food goes, you can’t go wrong with ordering a bone-in ribeye or some fisherman’s stew. From a juicy Colorado rack of lamb to a seafood tower teeming with the ocean’s greatest gifts, T-Michaels offers classic favorites prepared with care.
Buzz’s Lighthouse Restaurant
For a casual meal the whole family will love, head to Buzz’s Lighthouse Restaurant . This beloved eatery has served the Naples community for 30 years, providing a fantastic menu to enjoy bayside. Nothing beats a hearty bowl of New England clam chowder followed by some luxurious King crab legs or Grouper sandwich.
Though seafood is the restaurant’s focus, you can also enjoy one of Buzz’s specialty sandwiches. One thing is for sure — the menu at Buzz’s offers plenty of options that both kids and adults can enjoy while relishing beautiful bay views as this restaurant is located just across Gulf Shore Boulevard from the salty sea air of the Gulf of Mexico.
Gumbo Limboe
Located in the Ritz-Carlton, Gumbo Limbo features an ever-changing menu of expertly prepared delicacies amid stunning waterfront views. This restaurant is located directly on the water, giving you the perfect setting to enjoy excellent cuisine and specialty cocktails while taking in the sunset. Some chilled prosecco, tuna poke, and jumbo wings are ideal for sharing with friends during a lunch date, while dinner is best saved for a relaxing evening. Cheers to life with your love over a refreshing gumbo punch and share some coconut shrimp and grilled skirt steak for the entree. Reserve a table at Gumbo Limbo for your next work lunch or casual date night. Please note, during the summer season, you’ll want to call ahead to confirm the option to dine here if you aren’t a hotel guest.
Rhode’s End
Rhode’s End is a hidden gem off the Gulf Coast that makes visitors feel like they’ve traveled to a remote Greek island. This beachfront restaurant offers a beautiful Gulf of Mexico backdrop for guests to enjoy their casual lunch or tropical cocktails at sunset. Gather with friends and share some mezes, such as the tropical fruit plate, artichoke and spinach dip, calamari, crispy lemon oregano chicken wings, herb hummus, and grilled pita. Build a salad with the base of your choice and top it with everything from rotisserie lamb to tasty falafel.
This restaurant is family-friendly and offers a “Little Lambs” menu featuring grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and burgers to keep picky eaters happy. This spot is ideal for delighting in a casual family lunch with some serious Greek flavor and libations to boot!
Have you fallen madly in love with Pelican Bay, Gulf Shore Boulevard, and Venetian Village in Park Shore and can envision yourself living a life filled with waterfront dinners? Contact The Smith Team Naples for all of your real estate needs. The Smith Team Naples loves living the Naples lifestyle and will gladly be your guide to this seaside paradise.
*Header credit: The Turtle Club