Courtyard Charm and Classic Cuisine at Alexander’s
Chef Alexander Bernard has been at the helm of Alexander’s Garden Restaurant since 1997, continually shaping its menu with an experienced hand for almost 30 years. This family restaurant is now one of Naples’ enduring institutions. In an unassuming spot of Tamiami Trail is a courtyard framed by palms, where the hum of diners has been as steady as the chef’s hands.
The food here is precise and unshowy, rooted in European gastronomy but adapted to Southwest Florida. Chef Alexander shows classical cooking with fresh ingredients, often changing with the season or the latest catch.
Seafood is where Alexander’s shines, but the other mains are equally impressive. The Berkshire Pork Chop with caramelized apples and the Crispy Duck with port wine reduction are well-loved, while their snapper and salmon are perfectly cooked with balanced herbs and sauces.
The garden gives the restaurant its name and charm. Tables sit under a canopy of greenery that softens sound, making Naples’ signature patio dining even more of a delight. Lunch is lovely when sunlight cuts through the palms (and the waiters will make sure to keep you out of the sun). These delightful patio seats fill fast once the season starts, so I recommend reservations or dining on the early side for quiet dinner conversations and quicker service. The interior dining room is also charming, while the high-top bar is a lively hotspot (and my second pick behind patio seating).
Alexander’s is truly a gem: a garden oasis with meticulously prepared food. Reopening for dinner on October 9 and lunch on October 13, Alexander’s will continue rotating specials and updating the menu based on seasonal ingredients.
In short, it’s a family restaurant built on a love of food and community that Naples is lucky to have, serving reliable, thoughtfully prepared dishes (and a lighted palm tree doesn’t hurt either).
Alexander’s Garden Restaurant
4077 Tamiami Trail N, Ste D101, Naples, FL
alexandersnaples.com
Hours
Lunch: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Dinner: Monday–Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Originally published in The Naples Florida Review. Read the full edition here.