There are new changes underway on Fifth Ave South. Tulia Italian Steak, the latest creation from Chef Vincenzo Betulia, has opened in the former home of The French, bringing a modern Italian steakhouse to the heart of downtown Naples.
This fall, Betulia reimagined the space of The French into a classy steakhouse, repurposing the red banquette seating to fit a moody steakhouse. The idea for Tulia Italian Steak didn’t come out of thin air. Betulia piloted his idea in a small dining room tucked behind The French, where he had quietly created a 16-seat, speakeasy-style steakhouse. The little room became a hit with locals and confirmed to the chef something telling: downtown was ready for more steak. Over time, beef dishes began to dominate The French’s menu, and by the end of the season, Betulia was ready to face the music: his best-seller was steak frites.
That realization led to Tulia Italian Steak, a concept that marries ever-popular Italian comfort food with a steakhouse. The menu features USDA Prime and Japanese A5 Wagyu cuts, alongside their handmade pastas like bucatini cacio e pepe, pennoni alla vodka, and tortellini with Prosciutto di Parma and black truffle. And yes, the steak frites are still on the menu. The beverage list expands on The French’s legacy with rare pours, caviar service, and Italian-inspired cocktails that make for a lively aperitivo hour.
Plus, Betulia has still kept his speakeasy-style lounge in the back, a cozy hideaway for pre-dinner spritzes or late-night drinks. With Osteria Tulia and Bar Tulia already beloved local favorites, Tulia Italian Steak feels like a natural evolution for Betulia’s growing culinary family in a larger, more upscale space.
Tulia Italian Steak
365 5th Avenue South, Naples
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 4:00 – 10:00 PM, Sunday 11:30 AM - – 10:00 PM
tuliaitaliansteak.com
Originally published in The Naples Florida Review. Read the full edition here.