Naples Restaurant Tips by deecat Top 5 Page for this destination

Roman Oven Pasta Market Cafe: Brick Oven Pizza

Each day, we would use Pine Ridge Road as we journeyed from our Condo to Old Naples. I was impressed each day as we drove by a restaurant called Roman Oven Pasta Market Cafe As you see in Photograph #1, the building is quite attractive.

So, we finally decided to try the restaurant because we both love Brick Oven Pizzas.

The menu covers much more than Pizza. This Italian restaurant offers all kinds of pastas and typical Italian entrees. It also has a small deli where one is able to order imported Italian products.

It's a beautiful dining room that is spacious and light and airy. Photo #3 shows the beautiful Brick Oven.

Our waitress was a beautiful young girl who was friendly, well informed, and efficient. The owner was sitting in the room, and he greeted those customers who probably frequented the restaurant often.

Favorite Dish: Allan and I both ordered salads, which were cold, crisp, and filled with delicious tomatoes. The salad dressing was mellow and added to the enjoyment of the house salads as we awaited our pizzas.

Allan's pizza was a mushroom one; and mine was called a CAPRESE and consisted of tomatoes, Mozzarella Cheese, and Basil. [see photo #2]

Sometimes, you can pick a restaurant by its looks!

Address: 3545 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34109

Comparison: about average

Directions: Located 1/4 mile West of I-75

Phone: 239-597-1774

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Italian

Cracklin' Jacks: Great Local Restaurant

Just down Collier Blvd. from our Glen Forest Country Club location while staying in Naples, Florida, we came across a "local" spot called Cracklin' Jacks. It is not an easy place to get to because it sits back from the highway, and we did not even notice it until we were right there, and since there was traffic "right on our tail" we had to drive on by it. The next time, we made sure that we were going slower and pulled into a narrow lane that goes over a small waterway. The parking lot was filled with cars and so we got out of the car and check out the menu that was posted on the side of the building. We noted that most all of the food was fried; thus, we decided not to go inside.

Later on in the month, we remembered Cracklin' Jacks, knowing that the parking lot was filled each evening. "What the Heck"; we decided to give it a try. Boy, are we glad that we did.
No wonder it is always crowded. The food is EXCELLENT.

As is evident from Photographs # 2 & 3, the restaurant has a local flavor in a relaxed, "down home" kind of way. The customers seem to be a combination of locals and "snow birds" [winter visitors from the north] such as ourselves. The waiters and waitresses seem quite efficient and very busy. There is no time for "chit-chat". Don't take this wrong...they are friendly but very professional.

We were correct that there are many "fried food items"...they serve somewhat FAMILY STYLE bringing white beans, green beans, cole slaw, cornbread, Mashed potatoes with either white or brown gravy, and muffins to each table. You are able to ask for more of each.

Favorite Dish: Allan ordered a combination plate of BBQ ribs and cat fish. The catfish was quite delicious, not at all greasy, and oh so flavorful. The ribs were tender, a bit spicy, and seemed to "fall off the bone" [see photo #1].

I ordered the Pork, which was piled high and filled my plate and was accompanied by delicious applesauce. [See photo #4] It was so much that I took 1/2 of it home, and Allan and I had pulled pork sandwiches the next day.

They are known for good desserts; however, we were too "stuffed" and bypassed them.

We're glad that we went back to try this local hangout...Cracklin'Jacks!

Address: Hwy 951-Collier Blvd, Naples, Florida

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: About 1/2 north of Super Walmart

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Shane's Rib Shack: Great Pulled Pork B.Q. Sandwiches!

Allan and I went to the movie theater frequently, and in the Shopping Mall where the movie theater was located, we saw a BBQ restaurant called Shane's Rib Shack. We needed to eat before seeing the movie, "Doubt", and we did not have much time, so this place was in the perfect location.

As we waited for our meal, I walked around inside and read all the information, which was quite interesting. It told the story of how the restaurant came into being, and it answered the question, "Is There Really a Shane?" [photograph #3] Yes, there is, indeed, a Shane. Shane took his BBQ recipes from his grandfather, who had a huge influence on his life.

Learning about Shane's life made me feel as though I knew him; thus, I was more interested in tasting his product.

Favorite Dish: If you look at [Photograph # 1], you will see what I ordered the first time we were there: a house salad and a pulled pork BBQ sandwich. Allan had the larger Pulled Pork BBQ sandwich and Cole Slaw.

We were very pleased with our choices so much so that we returned one more time to enjoy the BBQ one more time before we left Naples, Florida, at the end of January.

We highly recommend Shane's Rib Shack

Comparison: less expensive than average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Barbecue

Dolly's Produce Patch & Eatery: Homemade Food & Incredible Desserts...

One day as we were driving down Bonita Springs Road, we saw a long line outside a small restaurant. We stopped to investigate. Immediately we stepped into the line so that we, too, could enjoy the food at the local's favorite breakfast/lunch place, Dolly's Produce Patch and Eatery

Everything is homemade here; it is most well-known for the desserts.

It is open Monday-Saturday
a. Breakfast [6:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
b. Lunch [11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday [Breakfast Only: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.]

Interestingly: THEY DELIVER [FOR LUNCH ONLY]

Favorite Dish: This is a family owned and operated restaurant. It is modest in looks but powerful in taste!

The menu for Lunch includes:

Soup of the Day and Chili.
Six choices for a Hamburger.
15 choices for Sandwiches
5 choices for Salads
7 choices for "Sides"

There is a huge menu for breakfasts with all kinds of egg, omeletes, Griddle items, specials, and sides. We did not eat breakfast there, but they sounded good.

Because I planned to enjoy the dessert, I had just a Caesar Salad [one of the sides].
Allan chose a Reuben Sandwich [corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss chees & Thousand Island dressing on Rye Bread].

Then we ate what we came to eat...Dessert. It was no easy feat because they have a separate booklet for the desserts! Of course, they don't have all of these available each day, but you are able to call in and order and take home an entire cake or pie.

I had a Chocolate Pecan piece of pie, and Allan had Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

The choices include 30 different pies, 20 different cakes, 8 different kinds of breads, 9 different muffins, and 13 different kinds of cookies...can you imagine!

Address: 9930 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Corner of Bonita Beach Rd. & Michigan St.)

Phone: 239-992-8939

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Artichoke & Co.: "Fine Food, Vintage Wines, Exquisite Catering"

I finally talked Allan into going to the gorgeous The Village on Venetian Bay in Naples. It is an upscale shopping center with lots of restaurants located right on Venetian Bay.
While perusing this elegant place, I saw a shop called Artichoke & Company. It was crowded inside, and there were people seated outside. At first, I thought that it was just a wine shop; it is a wine shop and so much more.

They serve a daily breakfast with mad-to-order omelets, Breakfast Egg Sandwiches, New Jersey Egg Sandwich [Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Served on a Kaiser Roll], Smoked Salmon, Pastries and Breads, and Bagels.

They also have a Sunday Brunch Buffet for $11.95 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

For lunch they serve sandwiches, homemade soups, Wraps, and Salads.

It also serves as a deli for purchasing to take home.

Finally, they carry an impressive amount of wines, and at times they have wine tasting.

Favorite Dish: I want to share with you some of the unique sandwiches they offer:

Tailgater: oven roasted turkey with Hickory thick cut bacon, tomato, and Baby Swiss on your choice of bread.

Tuscany: Prosciutto Di Parma with Imported Mozzarella, Roasted Red Peppers, Fresh Basil Puree, and Sun Dried Tomato with Balsamic Dressing on a Crusty Italian Bread.

Cordon Blue: Warm Grilled Chicken and Honey Ham with Swiss Cheese and Honey Cup Mustard on a Kaiser Roll.

The Chesapeake Bay: Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cake with Green Leaf Lettuce, Ripe Tomato, and Roasted Red Pepper Aioli on a Sour Dough Roll.

Allan and I shared a "Tailgater" and a Greek Salad [Mixed Greens, Fresh Beef Steak Tomato, Greek Olives, Cucumber, and Feta Cheese with a DELICIOUS Lemon Vinaigrette.

Address: 4370 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples, FL

Comparison: about average

Directions: At The Village on Venetian Bay

Phone: 239-263-6979

Rating: 4

Theme: Wine Bar/Wine Tasting

Website: http://www.ArtichokeAndCompanyInc.com

Royal Scoop: After 5 years, Just Had to Return to...

I've dreamed about returned to Bonita Springs so that we could return to The Royal Scoop. When we stayed for a month in Bonita Springs about five years ago, we would go there once a week. From day one of our Naples, Floriday, one-month stay, I started talking about returning to The Royal Scoop. I about drove Allan crazy.

One week before we left Naples, we finally drove to Vanderbilt Beach and then to 8th Street and Vanderbilt Drive to eat lunch and to have their delicious ice cream. We were quite surprised that they had added on to the restaurant with a huge new space, which was needed.

This is the oldest homemade ice cream store in Bonita Springs and the area. It opened its first location in 1979. The present owners purchased it in 1994 and they carried on the tradition of making and serving outstanding homemade ice cream, low fat yogurt, sugar free treats, sorbets, and deli sandwiches. I noticed this time that they now make homemade fudge in many different flavors.

They are open Monday-Saturday [11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday [12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The Deli portion is open Monday-Saturday [11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.]

Favorite Dish: Allan and I shared a Ham and Cheese Bub Sandwich [Tavern ham piled high with Swiss Cheese, lettuce, Tomato, Spicy Mustard & Mayo

Allan had a THICK Vanilla Malt with a "side car" of Chocolate Nut Ice Cream. Boy, was it thick and creamy and loaded with calories. He just relished it.

I enjoyed a waffle cone with a dip of Maple Walnut and a dip of Chocolate that had three kinds of nuts. As you can see in the 1st photograph, I loved it!

Whenever we return to the area, you can bet that we will return to The Royal Scoop.

Address: 15 8th Street, Bonita Springs, Fl 34134

Comparison: about average

Directions: On the corner of Vanderbilt Drive & 8th Street. 8 Blocks South of Bonita Beach Road.

Phone: ( ) 992-2000

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Ice Cream

"Ten Palms": Gulfstream Race Course's Buffet

We drove across the State of Florida to visit friends in Ft. Lauderdale and to go with them to Gulfstream Race Track. While we were there, we sat inside in an area/restaurant called Ten Palms. We had made a reservation via phone and were immediately seated beside the windows overlooking the race track.

One of the reasons we chose this area of the race track was because it had a buffet.

The buffet cost about $28.00 per person. Personally, I do not think that it was worth that.
One of the items that I had seen as I walked by was a delicious looking chicken breast that one of the chefs was carving. Within the hour, it was gone, and they had no more! What a disappointment.

They offered ham, beef, and pork, vegetables, salads, including fruit salad, breads, and desserts, including an soft ice cream machine where you made your own sundae or ice cream cones.

Favorite Dish: From all the choices, I enjoyed the salad bar [which I went back to a second time], the fresh fruit salad, the breads, and the ice cream. The rest of the desserts were mediocre.

Allan enjoyed the beef, the ham, shrimp, vegetables, and ice cream sundae.

At the table, we had big mix ups about the drinks, and the waitress had to have them redone three times. We did not blame her; it was the bar tender.

We did have fun, but I would not return to that particular spot at the race track.

Address: GHallendale Beach Blvd, 901 S. Fed Highway, Hollen

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 954-455-6760

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 3

Theme: American

Cedar Hammock Country Club: Best Meal of our Month's Stay

The last night that we spent in Naples, Florida, we decided to "splurge" and so we went to Cedar Hammock Country Club to partake of their famous Seafood Buffett. No wonder it is so popular...their are not enough positive words to describe the experience.

First off, the atmosphere is excellent...the dining room is just beautiful; the people who work here are well trained and focus their efforts on service.

The displays of food are breathtakingly lovely. The is set up in four main areas:

1. The cold foods and salads
2. The seafoods such as shrimp, crab legs, and lobster tail [yes, lobster tail!]
3. The hot foods with beef, pork, chicken, vegetables and freshly made pasta
4. The dessert table

I'm usually not very interested in buffets because I am not a big enough eater to obtain my money's worth. Nevertheless, I was awed by this buffet.

Favorite Dish: Photographs:

1. What most impressed me was having cold Lobster Tail for the taking. You could eat as much as you liked. That is unheard of in this day and age.

2. My second choice would be the freshly made pastas. Their were two chefs who were stationed in front of fresh items such as mushroom, onions, peppers,olives, cheeses, etc.; they had a small skillet over a gas fire; you selected what items you wished to be in your pasta sauce; then you selected the type of pasta you wanted [I chose the bow-tie pasta]; the chef would place olive oil in the skillet, then the onions, mushrooms, and olives; next, they took a handfull of my chosen pasta with a marinara sauce [which I chose]; finally, they cooked this all together, put it onto a heated plate and topped it off with the cheese of my choice [mozzarella]. It was just perfect.

3. The third photograph shows one of Allan's plates with the PRIME RIB on it. I do not like prime rib, but it is a favorite of Allan's. He said this particular Prime Rib was just fantastic.

4. Those of you who read my tips on restaurants already know that I love desserts. Cedar Hammock outdid themselves with the homemade desserts. The fourth photo shows only one of the choices. They had about 6 different cakes; three pies; three cobblers and various other choices. Another of my favorites was their PECAN PIE.

The final photograph is of my husband Allan smiling with delight toward the end of our meal...a smile speaks volumes!

Comparison: most expensive

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 5

Theme: Seafood

Buzz's Lighthouse Restaurant: Naples Affordable Waterfront Restaurant

Even though water is everywhere in Naples in the form of canals, inlets, and the coastline, I did not see many restaurants located on water; the ones that were happened to be quite expensive. Then, I came across, Buzz's Lighthouse Restaurant, which is located in North Naples' priciest real estate; however it seemed quite old-fashioned..its a wooden structure located at the end of Vanderbuilt Beach Road, about a block north on Gulfshore Drive.

It's a casual seafood restaurant that overlooks the waters of Vanderbilt Lagoon. When I first saw it, I thought that it was kind of "kitschy". There's a long ramp to the door, which is striped with pastel colored slats that are cut into a lighthouse silhouette. One corner of the restaurant is a wooden lighthouse that's kind of weather beaten.

The best thing besides the water location is the prices charged. For instance, a five ounce lobster tail with a baked potato [butter and sour cream] and coleslaw only costs about $14.00 [one of the highest prices in the whole place.

Favorite Dish: The menu has a list of sandwiches, broiled or fried seafood plates, and the usual appetizers. The soft drinks and iced teas come in plastic cups. The sandwiches are oversized and tantalizing. Don't be on any kind of diet when you eat here.

One drawback is the parking situation. It has a very small parking lot, and all around is no where else to park.

Address: 9180 Gulfshore Drive N Vanderbuilt Beach, Naples

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: ( 239 ) 597-2551

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Bad Ass Coffee: Strange Name, Delicious Coffee!

Although it might not be new to some of you, when I was in Naples, Florida, it was the first time I had seen a Bad Ass Coffee place. At first, I was taken aback. Then, I wanted to try it and to discover why it was named this.

I discovered that Bad Ass Coffee Company began in Hawaii and received its name from the "hard-working donkeys that carried heavy loads of coffee down Hawaii's mountains". According to the legend, the donkeys were called the "Kona nightingales" because of their echoing bellows. Well, that solved one reason I wanted to go into the shop. Next, I had to try the coffee.

Their drinks include simple brewed coffee, flavored lattes, and other hot and cold [iced] types of coffees.

Favorite Dish: Since I am a great lover of the mixed cold coffee flavored treats, I decided to try one such drink. So, I ordered a drink that was to taste like a Mounds Almond Bar. Lo and behold, it did! I noticed that it was larger than such drinks found at Starbucks at about the same price.

I was a happy camper, so to speak, and the young man who worked there said , "It is because of the "Aloha Spirit" that accompanies the Bad Ass Coffee.

Address: 6345 Naples Blvd. Ste #1, Naples, FL 34109

Comparison: about average

Phone: 239-514-0800

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Coffeehouse