Ottimo on 5th: A Reimagined Naples Classic Finds Its Flow
Ottimo on 5th is the newest chapter in a long-loved Naples story. Formerly known as Roma Italian Bistro & Pizzeria, this family-run restaurant moved just three blocks west along Fifth Avenue South into a larger, more elegant space in January of 2025. While closed for a few weeks in the fall, they reopened, and it’s worth checking out if you haven’t been.
Owners Edmond and Ledia Metaj took over Roma several years ago, building a loyal following with classic Italian comfort dishes and warm hospitality. In 2025, they rebranded as Ottimo (“excellent” in Italian), transforming their cozy pizzeria into a polished cucina and bar. The new space on 5th Avenue South offers more seating, a full bar, and a spacious kitchen — welcome changes that elevate what Naples locals already loved about the original.
On the front patio, café tables line the avenue beneath soft lights, while the interior is warm with an upscale ambiance. The bar, now central to the dining room, is the perfect locale for a dignified lunch or a happy hour catch-up.
Ottimo’s menu honors its Roma roots but broadens its reach. Hand-rolled pastas, seafood, and grilled meats form the backbone of the kitchen. They knock a lot of dishes out of the park. Everything from basics—Whipped Ricotta starters and Caesar salads—to their Smoked Tuna app and Lobster Ravioli in a silky cream is executed beautifully. Other standout entrees include the Tagliatelle Bolognese and the Branzino with artichokes, as well as their signature Lasagna that is uniquely rolled and stands upright (and is deceptively filling). Pizzas remain a favorite from the Roma days: thin-crusted and wood-fired with a perfect leopard-spotted char on the bottom.
Service remains one of Ottimo’s strongest suits. The Metajs are often in the dining room greeting regulars, and the staff brings a sense of warmth that’s more genuine than rehearsed. If you liked Roma for the food, you’ll love it now in a more elevated atmosphere.
Ottimo on 5th feels like the natural evolution of a Naples favorite: a restaurant that grew with its guests and refined its style while staying true to what locals cherished about the original restaurant. With expanded space and a menu with a lot to love, it’s a worthy neighborhood spot to add to, dare I say, a weekly rotation.
Ottimo on 5th Cucina & Bar
409 5th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102
ottimonaples.com
Hours
Thursday–Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Monday–Wednesday: 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Happy Hour Daily: 3:00 p.m. –5:00 p.m.
Originally published in The Naples Florida Review. Read the full edition here.