Friends and neighbors,

Even though I’m long out of school, September always feels like a fresh start. Summer’s laziness is behind us, and it’s back to routines, goals, and, yes -- thinking about lunch.

I usually keep a loaf of fresh sourdough in the freezer for the ultimate sandwiches (Boar’s Head pastrami is my go-to), but this week I’ve been craving lunch out. I’ve rounded up the best lunch deals this month and revealed my top picks for sandwiches around town. I wouldn’t have guessed, but you overwhelmingly chose sandwiches as your preferred lunch! 

As always, thank you for being here and for your feedback. And thanks to our sponsor, Naples Florida Rentals, who lets tourists experience Naples the local way. 

To all the meals yet to come,

Have a tip? Email me at [email protected]

Naples may not be a sandwich city on paper, but when you know where to look, there are truly satisfying options around town. Next time someone asks where to get the best Cuban or a proper Reuben, you’ll know exactly where to send them.

🐟 Grouper Sandwich

Winner: Grouper & Chips – 338 9th St. N.
As old-school Naples as it gets. The grouper sandwich ($16–$18) is fresh, flaky, and fried just right. Bun, crunch, squeeze of lemon — no gimmicks needed.

Runner-up: Captain & Krewe – 629 8th St S
More polished, but their blackened grouper sandwich ($20-ish) is one of the cleanest, most flavorful in town.

🍗 Chicken Parm Sandwich

Winner: Neapolitan Gourmet Deli – 5415 Airport-Pulling Road
This one’s all about the bread. Crusty but soft enough to handle the sauce and mozzarella. Chicken is breaded perfectly. Around $12–$14, and worth every bite.

Runner-up: Parmesan Pete’s – 7935 Airport-Pulling Rd N
North Naples is the go-to for comfort food. The chicken parm sandwich ($14–$15) is big, cheesy, and satisfying.

🥩 Reuben

Winner: Larry’s Lunchbox – 870 Neapolitan Way, 2650 Airport Rd. S.
The epitome of a Reuben. Hands down the best deli-style Reuben in Naples. Piled-high corned beef, sauerkraut, toasted rye. Around $13–$14.

Runner-up: Yacht Club Subs - 847 4th Ave S
The Regatta. This is my personal favorite because I am partial to a Pastrami Reuben (also known as a Rachel). Packed with thin pastrami and melty goodness on a sub. $14–16.

🇨🇺 Cuban

Winner: Rumba Cuban Café – 1265 Airport-Pulling Rd S
Closest thing to Miami in town. Pressed just right with juicy roast pork and crisp pickles. $11 (half) or $16 for a filling sandwich.

Runner-up: Van Van Cuban Café – 2500 Tamiami Trail N #111
Smaller, casual spot with a Cuban that’s big on flavor and comes in around $10.  

Did I catch your favorites? Am I missing others? Let me know!

Because we still have 3 more weeks of Sizzle, I can’t resist writing about it again. Lunch might just be the smartest way to savor it. Two-course lunches for $19 or $29—and in some cases, you get three courses! Best of all? Each meal sends $1 to Blessings in a Backpack, helping local kids get weekend meals.

Here are four lunch spots I’d actually hit up:

Bicyclette Cookshop — $29 (two courses)
This newer gem on Vanderbilt Beach Road is doing creative New American dishes with local ingredients—and it made USA Today’s Best Restaurants list for 2025. Traditionalists can choose a Wagyu burger (with an upcharge that is worth it) or go for a porchetta gyro with an interesting appetizer. Worth a shot if you want something a bit inventive and still super local.

Sea Salt — $29 (two courses)
Downtown, polished, but still approachable. Start with spring rolls, prawn ceviche, or grilled romaine with “Parmesan snow.” For your main, go classic with a burger, shrimp salad, or truffle-brie grilled cheese. Feeling fancy? Add tuna or lobster for a little splurge.

Keewaydin’s on Fifth — $19 (two courses + dessert)
The variety is the biggest flex. You could start with a Cubano, fish tacos, po’boy, or cowboy burger—and dessert is built-in (Key lime pie or passion-fruit cheesecake). They even have options like tuna poke or crab salad if you want an upgrade. 

Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar — $19 (three courses)
This is the jackpot. Three courses under $20? Yes, please. Think calamari tower, salmon crispy rice, or truffle corn guac to start. Then a burger, blackened mahi sandwich, or chopped-chicken Caesar wrap. Dessert’s thrown in too. Doesn’t get better than quick, casual, and feels like you’re stealing the deal.

It’ll be easy to grab a table during lunch. Use Sizzle to tick off a place you’ve been curious about and feel satisfied knowing you're helping out the community.

If you try one, shoot me a reply! I’d love to hear your favorite bite of the week.

Last week’s poll asked: It’s lunchtime in Naples—what’s hitting your plate?

Here’s where you landed:

Two runaway winners of this week’s poll: sandwiches and salads! Thank you for helping inform the newsletter -- I love knowing what our readers prefer. 

We’ve been eating our way around Naples—now it’s your turn. Which spot do you hit up first for a killer sandwich?

Hit reply with your pick! I’ll share the results in next week’s newsletter. 

Why It Matters

Food is one of the best ways to connect with a city -- and these local picks prove that Naples can hold its own when it comes to comfort favorites and community flavor.

Until next time,

Elizabeth Bellotti
Editor-In-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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