A Few New Steaks Around Town: Aufieri & Martinez
At the new Argentinian steakhouse on the north side of Naples’ bustling Vanderbilt Beach corridor, Aufieri & Martinez brings a grounded, fire-forward approach to grilled meats that feels authentic without the pretension. It sits in a modest storefront at the Shoppes at Vanderbilt, a retail center just off Vanderbilt Beach Road, where one can mix casual errands with dinner plans. Inside the restaurant, the vibe is relaxed and warm with wood tables, a visible grill area that anchors the room, and an atmosphere that encourages lingering and conversation.
What draws people here is the cooking: certified Angus beef and other Argentinian classics handled with respect for simple seasoning and real wood-charcoal flavor. The grill imparts that signature smoky edge to the meat, and you’ll notice right away on dishes like the skirt steak or strip cuts when they’re cooked medium-rare with char on the outside and juicy, beefy richness inside. Beyond the steaks, appetizers are familiar with traditional South American touches, like thinly sliced carpaccio dressed with arugula and Parmigiano, grilled Spanish octopus with olive oil and lemon, and empanadas filled with seasoned beef that are already considered standouts. Provoleta, a grilled Argentinian cheese seasoned with chili flakes and paprika, gives you a taste of the parrillada spirit even before the big cuts arrive.
Sides and salads provide balance without overcomplicating the menu: a classic Caesar or burrata salad with charred asparagus and toasted almonds keeps things fresh, while kids’ options like milanesita (breaded beef or chicken) make it easier for families to dine together. The beverage list leans into what pairs nicely with grilled beef like Malbecs, other bold reds, and a handful of wines by the glass.
Service here feels sincere and attentive without theatricality; the team is focused on helping you enjoy your meal at a natural pace rather than impressing with fanfare. That fits the restaurant’s broader ethos: it’s not fine dining with white gloves, but rather a place where good ingredients and honest technique take center stage. The early impressions: an unpretentious and welcoming quality that enhances a strong menu.
Practical things to know before you go: the kitchen generally opens in the late afternoon and is a dinner-focused spot rather than a lunch destination. Reservations aren’t always easy to come by on busy weekend nights, but early evenings are quieter and give you a better chance to soak in the smoky aromas before it fills up.
If you want steak dinners but with a distinctly Argentinian character, with wood-smoke aroma, simple but thoughtful accompaniments, and an unhurried setting, Aufieri & Martinez is shaping up to be one of Naples’ more interesting new dining draws. This new steak spot feels a bit more understated and grill-centric, and joins two other new steakhouses in Naples, Tulia Italian Steak and the recently opened Tennessee regional chain, Connor’s.
Originally published in
The Naples Florida Review.
Read the full edition here.