Best of 2025: Food & Drink
Best Places to Get Fresh Stone Crab
Stone crab season officially runs October 15 through May 1, and this guide broke down where to find the freshest claws in town — whether you’re buying straight from the docks or sitting down to crack them tableside.
Standout:
Kelly’s Fish House — Naples’ oldest seafood restaurant, serving dock-to-plate stone crab for over 70 years. Watching the boats unload while you wait for your claws doesn’t get more Naples than this.
1302 5th Ave S
Daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
The Best Sandwiches in Naples: Lunchtime Favorites
Naples may not be a sandwich city on paper, but readers proved otherwise. This guide answered the eternal question: Where do you go for a truly great lunch sandwich? Where do I find the best Cuban or Chicken Parm?
Best Grouper Sandwich
Winner: Grouper & Chips — Old-school, perfectly fried, no gimmicks.
Runner-up: Captain & Krewe — A polished blackened version done right.
Five Perfect Salads in Naples
Written during peak patio season, this list became a go-to for light lunches, takeout orders, and “I don’t want to cook” afternoons.
Reader favorite:
Rebecca’s Cocktail & Wine Bar – Chopped Salad
An oversized, flavor-packed lunch that easily turns into two meals — and a quiet afternoon escape.
2955 Bayshore Drive
Lunch Tuesday–Sunday
Cool Off with The Best 5 Refreshing Cocktails
This one proved that Naples knows how to do cocktails well without sacrificing atmosphere. While we may be cooled off sufficiently now, it’s still a great guide for who is crafting stellar cocktails around town, and where to treat yourself to a fun drink!
Standout:
Queen’s Road Cocktail at Tigress Rooftop Bar
A classic-leaning rum cocktail enjoyed at golden hour, perched above The Perry Hotel. A new favorite for special nights out.
Breakfast for Every Craving
From pancakes to shrimp & grits, this breakfast guide sparked serious debate — and plenty of early-morning outings.
Local classic:
The Rooster — Southern comfort, scratch cooking, and one of the best fried chicken breakfasts in town.
600 Goodlette Rd N
Top 5 Sports Bars in Naples
Football season brought out the crowds and this guide helped you choose the right bar for game-day energy, cheap beer, and wall-to-wall TVs.
Game-day MVP:
Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill — Long happy hours, wing specials, pitchers, and a lively crowd that never misses a snap.
The Best Coffee Shops for Every Occasion
From people-watching to group meetups, this guide matched the right café to the right moment.
One favorite:
Tony’s Off Third — Cinnamon rolls, cappuccinos, courtyard seating, and classic old-Naples charm.
Dock & Dine Favorites
Boat-accessible dining is practically a lifestyle here, and this guide highlighted the stops worth tying up for—beyond the popular spots you already know.
One favorite:
Island Gypsy Café & Marina Bar — Tropical, relaxed, and consistently solid seafood, docked at Isles of Capri Marina.
Originally published in
The Naples Florida Review.
Read the full edition here.