Bean There, Loved That: 3 New Spots for Coffee ☕, Babysitting Redefined, Best New Restaurant of 2024?

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Friends and Neighbors,

Need a little pick-me-up as the holiday season approaches? Three great new coffee places opened in Naples in 2024 and it’s a perfect time to check them out if you haven’t already. All three featured also have thoughtful menus with something delicious to try. We’ve been to all three, so check out our suggestions below. 

Looking to plan a date night while your kids are with someone you can trust? Family in town visiting and they need an extra hand? I know first-hand how hard it can be to find trustworthy childcare. Especially if you are traveling. Check out our piece on The Naples Babysitting Company in the issue below. 

Finally, the year is winding down to a close and I’m going to cover The Best New Restaurant of 2024 in a December issue. The problem is that I can’t decide. Vote for your favorite (and help me out) in our poll below. 

Thanks for reading!

P.S. - Ideas? Suggestions? I read them all. Some of the best tips I’ve gotten for this newsletter have been from readers. Keep them coming by replying to this email or emailing [email protected]

Table of Contents

• Bean There, Loved That: 3 New Spots for Coffee

• Babysitting Redefined

• The Best New Restaurant of 2024

Bean There, Loved That: 3 New Spots for Coffee

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there isn’t always time to stop midday for a full-fledged lunch. Whether for work, or just to catch up with friends, I found myself saying “let’s meet up for coffee” a lot in the past year. Just when I thought I had fallen into a rut by revisiting the chic second Narrative Coffee location on Central and the lovely Crème de la Crème further north in the Fresh Market plaza, a trio of great coffee places opened in 2024. If you haven’t had a chance to check out these three new places, head on over for some brew and a bite. 

1. Bontà Bakery: Coffee, Sandwich and Pastry Paradise

Website: Bontà Bakery
📅 Opened: February 26, 2024

Bontà Bakery opened early this year in the building that held the legendary Regina’s Ice Cream for so many years. There is plenty to try at Bonta in the way of coffee, and their baked goods are a major draw, but the Prosciutto di Parma Sandwich with balsamic drizzle (when available) is the real MVP.  Piled high with sliced meat, arugula and mozzarella, It's the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory. Pair that with a cappuccino, and you’ve got a lunch worth savoring.

Insider tip: There is very little seating available inside Bonta - just a small coffee bar up against a wall with a few seats and a few tables outside. The tables outside are located in an alley-like space and tend to be pretty hot most of the year. If you are planning to eat there, arrive early and get a table outside while it’s cool. 

2. Bakery at Grappino: Full Menu, Great Coffee

Website: Bakery at Grappino
📅 Opened: September 11, 2024

The Bakery at Grappino, brought to you by the Aielli Group, is a recent, popular addition to Naples' coffee scene. Located next to Grappino Restaurant, their menu is stacked with both classic and innovative dishes. My favorite item is their Croque Madame. Imagine ham and Swiss layered on buttery brioche, topped with a truffle béchamel gratin and a sunny-side egg. It’s decadent, satisfying, and worth every bite. Then you might need a nap.

For a deeper dive into what makes this bakery a standout, check out our feature in The Naples Florida Review. 

Insider tip: The seating inside Grappino is tight and the volume gets loud. If it’s cool enough to sit outside, you’ll have more space and an easier time having a conversation. Hot outside? Pick a table that abuts a wall to avoid tight traffic on either side of your table. 

3. Acopio Coffee: A Hidden Colombian Gem

Website: Acopio Coffee
📅 Opened: February of 2024

If you’re looking for an authentic, Colombian-inspired café experience, Acopio Coffee is it and it is easily my favorite spot on this list. Tucked away in the plaza across from the large Fidelity Building on 41, it’s easy to miss. (Look for the small signage above the door and frequent sandwich board outside.)  

While their Iced Red Fruits Tea is refreshing, the real showstopper is the Veggie Arepa. This white corn arepa is stuffed with mushrooms, zucchini, cream cheese, and their signature BGA sauce. I have no idea what BGA sauce is, but I’m glad they use it. The ooey-gooey cheese pull alone is worth the trip.

Babysitting Redefined

Whether you’re a Naples parent, grandparent or local who has friends with kids visiting, you’ve probably wrestled with the issue of child care. And, whether you’re attending a wedding in the area, or going to an adults-only brunch or date night, it’s hard to find someone reliable. Where do you even start? How can you trust someone who is a virtual stranger?  

The Naples Babysitting Company has turned the traditional babysitting model on its head, offering convenience, reliability, and an unmatched level of care on an easy-to-use platform. Gone are the days of scrambling for last-minute childcare or playing phone tag with potential sitters. Worried about who you are getting? The Naples Babysitting Company has already run a background check on all their sitters. Worried about whether the sitter will be old enough? Too old? Most sitters are local college students and their profiles are all available on the website. Are they all CPR certified? Yes.

Fair warning: The Naples Babysitting Company is NOT cheap. In this case, however, you’re getting what you pay for in terms of peace of mind. Sitters won’t just scroll through their phone while keeping an eye on your little ones, past sitters I’ve used have engaged my two kids in many fun and creative activities over the years. Every experience has been smooth so far, with sitters who go above and beyond to make your kids (and you) feel comfortable. Keep their website bookmarked – season is upon us! 

The Best New Restaurant of 2024

As the year winds to a close I’ve been reflecting on the sheer number of restaurants that have opened over the last year. It’s been hard to keep up. In an issue next month I plan to cover the Best New Restaurant of 2024 and I need your help deciding. I’ve included a couple that opened in December of 2023 because that feels fair.

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Why It Matters

Our community thrives on experiences that make life extraordinary. From finding that perfect cup of coffee to connecting with trusted child care, and celebrating culinary innovation, it’s about embracing the flavors, services, and moments that set Naples apart.

This is your city, and these are the experiences that make it unforgettable.

Together, let’s savor every bit!

Carolyn Cervoni
Editor-in-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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