Friends and neighbors,

If Naples has its polished streets like Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, you might think that’s where the city’s heart beats. But I’d like to draw attention to the pulse of daily life that is strip malls. This newsletter is, in part, an ode to the humble strip mall. Spend a Saturday at Trinity Plaza without ever leaving the block and you’ll see why it’s indispensable.

This week, we also explore Naples’ new steakhouses, with a close look at Aufieri & Martinez, the Argentinian spot that’s bringing wood-fired flavor and approachable fine dining to Vanderbilt Beach. 

And thanks to all your responses regarding sushi; I’m glad we have a cadre of sushi lovers eating and enjoying all that Naples has to offer.

Cheers,

Naples has its polished streets (ahem, Fifth Avenue South, Third Street South), complete with valet parking and water views. But the pulse of daily life is quintessentially the strip mall. One such heartbeat of Naples is Trinity Plaza, between 3rd and 4th on Tamiami Trail, brimming with so many useful spots you can inordinately spend a whole Saturday running errands and indulging in goods. 

The rundown: 

Begin Saturday at Brooklyn Dough, where hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels fill the air with warmth. Everything or Sesame with schmear satisfies a modest appetite, while the Bacon, Egg & Cheese or Pastrami Egg & Cheese (my preference) provides a more substantial start.

Next, stop into Mercato Italiano. Olive oils, balsamic vinegar, cured meats, cheeses, and Italian wine line the shelves. A quick stop often turns into a small haul: pantry staples, snacks, hostess gifts and/or a bottle to accompany dinner.

The UPS Store handles half of Naples’ Amazon returns (seemingly) and passport photos efficiently, clearing errands without fuss.

Lunch at Grouper & Chips rewards effort with a dependable standby. The Grouper Sandwich Basket and Fisherman’s Platter are popular for a reason, or try the blackened grouper salad for something a little lighter. 

Another great option is Lavender’s, a recent opening that offers comfort and flavor: Smoked Salmon Benedict, Mediterranean Sea Bass, or Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad pair with Lavender Latte or Lavender Lemonade. The dining room encourages conversation and is a great spot to catch up with friends. 

Take those same friends and hit up Tip Top Spa & Nails or La Purla Nails together for a mani or pedicure. Walk-ins are welcome, and the presence of full tables signals that the plaza is a hub of local life. 

Trinity Plaza continues around the corner with a Greek spot, Cuban café, and Dunkin’ is just across the way. It’s not flashy, but the convenience of running errands, grabbing delicious meals, and small treats and treasures within one block is perhaps an understated luxury we take for granted.

At the new Argentinian steakhouse on the north side of Naples’ bustling Vanderbilt Beach corridor, Aufieri & Martinez brings a grounded, fire‑forward approach to grilled meats that feels authentic without the pretension. It sits in a modest storefront at the Shoppes at Vanderbilt, a retail center just off Vanderbilt Beach Road, where one can mix casual errands with dinner plans. Inside the restaurant, the vibe is relaxed and warm with wood tables, a visible grill area that anchors the room, and an atmosphere that encourages lingering and conversation. 

What draws people here is the cooking: certified Angus beef and other Argentinian classics handled with respect for simple seasoning and real wood‑charcoal flavor. The grill imparts that signature smoky edge to the meat, and you’ll notice right away on dishes like the skirt steak or strip cuts when they’re cooked medium‑rare with char on the outside and juicy, beefy richness inside. Beyond the steaks, appetizers are familiar with traditional South American touches, like thinly sliced carpaccio dressed with arugula and Parmigiano, grilled Spanish octopus with olive oil and lemon, and empanadas filled with seasoned beef that are already considered standouts. Provoleta, a grilled Argentinian cheese seasoned with chili flakes and paprika, gives you a taste of the parrillada spirit even before the big cuts arrive. 

Sides and salads provide balance without overcomplicating the menu: a classic Caesar or burrata salad with charred asparagus and toasted almonds keeps things fresh, while kids’ options like milanesita (breaded beef or chicken) make it easier for families to dine together. The beverage list leans into what pairs nicely with grilled beef like Malbecs, other bold reds, and a handful of wines by the glass.

Service here feels sincere and attentive without theatricality; the team is focused on helping you enjoy your meal at a natural pace rather than impressing with fanfare. That fits the restaurant’s broader ethos: it’s not fine dining with white gloves, but rather a place where good ingredients and honest technique take center stage. The early impressions: an unpretentious and welcoming quality that enhances a strong menu. 

Practical things to know before you go: the kitchen generally opens in the late afternoon and is a dinner‑focused spot rather than a lunch destination. Reservations aren’t always easy to come by on busy weekend nights, but early evenings are quieter and give you a better chance to soak in the smoky aromas before it fills up.

If you want steak dinners but with a distinctly Argentinian character, with wood‑smoke aroma, simple but thoughtful accompaniments, and an unhurried setting, Aufieri & Martinez is shaping up to be one of Naples’ more interesting new dining draws. This new steak spot feels a bit more understated and grill‑centric, and joins two other new steakhouses in Naples, Tulia Italian Steak and the recently opened Tennessee regional chain, Connor’s. 

Last week’s poll asked: Are you a sushi fan? 

Here’s where you landed:

Yes led with 47.12%. And shoutout to Sushi One, a fan favorite that was left off my Top 5 list. Many of you have tried the new spot Mimoto and agree it’s fabulous! 

Weeks like this are a reminder that “Naples” is not just the postcard version, it’s the everyday places that make life here work and feel connected.

Trinity Plaza matters because it gathers real routines into one walkable block, and those small, shared stops are where a community quietly holds together.

And a place like Aufieri & Martinez matters for the same reason: it gives us a warm room, honest food, and an easy excuse to slow down and be with people we like.

See you in the next edition,

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

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