🍴 Insider Scoop: New Naples Eats, Cheap Lunches & Weekend Events

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Friends and neighbors,

I’ve heard many of you have boated your way over to Snook Inn or The Boat House to take advantage of the lovely summer deals, and I am humbled that this newsletter is having an impact. 

This week, we’re bringing you to two high-end, new restaurants in town: Blackbird and Estia. Plus, I’ve got some midweek inspiration if you’re feeling stir-crazy and need a lunch out of the house. Naples has events of every flavor this week, whether you want to bop your head along to Summer Lovin’ or be transformed by a performance of The Blue Danube.  

Thank you for all the feedback I’ve gotten—it helps me make this newsletter better. I appreciate hearing from all of you. Have a tip, event, or restaurant I should feature? Drop me a line at [email protected]. 

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I must imagine that many readers of this newsletter, like me, have an insatiable desire to experience something new, especially when it comes to food. There are few better experiences than a first bite of a meal that leaves you in awe. This week, I wanted to highlight two standout new restaurants, Blackbird and Estia, for your inspiration. 

Both new spots are highly stylized (complete with faux tree décor), but they’ve also put in the work to deliver delicious and refined flavors. 

Blackbird Modern Asian opened on June 6 inside Naples Bay Resort & Marina, and the place wastes no time telling you what it’s about. The interiors are beautifully designed. Plush red banquette dining and a faux cherry tree awning with mood lighting brings Miami-style design to Naples. They’ve executed an upscale ambiance while maintaining a welcoming space. 

But for all the glitz and glam, I suspect there are two main reasons diners will return: the service is impeccable and highly attentive, and the flavor profiles are refined and balanced. Blackbird has been packed every day since opening, and I don’t expect it to slow down anytime soon. 

The restaurant is the first West Coast Florida venture for the Three Amigos Hospitality group, a group of three friends who have opened over 30 restaurants (including the first Blackbird location in Jupiter). The menu here is classic Chinese cuisine with a modern twist, and focuses on small, shared plates that appear at your table as soon as they are prepared, piping hot. Expect offerings like spicy pork wontons, dan dan noodles, spring rolls, fried rice, and lo mein, plus an “Emperor’s Selection” for the hungry, including their famous three-day Peking duck and a massive Wagyu Tomahawk Steak (feeds up to 4). The desserts are main events themselves, with Chocolate Tangerine Bombs and the “Year of the Snake” banana pudding both served with panache.  

Prices run from teens for bao buns to triple digits for that tomahawk, so you can keep it casual or splurge. Monday’s “never-ending” happy hour (4–10 p.m.) feels tailor-made for locals. Tuesday through Saturday, happy hour is 4-6PM (50% off cocktails, beer and wine), and I’ve heard the lines start at 4. Right now, they only take reservations for large parties, so expect a wait if you aim to eat at prime time. My advice? Go before 6 and indulge in happy hour or an early dinner.    

Blackbird Modern Asian

1500 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102

Blackbirdmodernasian.com

Fifteen minutes north, Estia made its debut this spring in the former space of Bokamper's on Fontana Del Sol Way, bringing Greek cooking to a quiet plaza. The Pashalis family operates a restaurant group in Philadelphia and the South Jersey area with several Estia locations, and this is their first foray into Florida. 

Estia hopes to transport you to Greece, and it undoubtedly delivers. The room is white-plaster bright, with faux olive trees and honey-wood tables, exuding the warmth and hospitality of a traditional Greek Taverna patio. 

The first thing you’re greeted with is a bed of crushed ice heaping with whole fish; pick one and they’ll grill it with a simple Greek lemon sauce, oregano, and capers. Prepared simply, the fresh fish (flown in from Greece and beyond) sings, allowing you to savor every bite. If whole fish isn’t your lane, order the lamb chops: melt-in-your-mouth, marinated in olive oil and lemon, grilled pink, and served with fried potatoes that soak up the drippings. Not sold? The grilled octopus is another standout. Add their signature “Estia Chips” (paper-thin eggplant and zucchini, stacked Jenga-style with tzatziki). They are impossible to eat politely, so don’t bother. Just try to transport as much tzatziki as is possible without compromising the integrity of the chip. 

Two openings and two different cuisines to welcome the Naples dining scene. Blackbird satisfies the late-night, cocktail-forward crowd craving Asian cuisine. Estia gives us a Greek escape with incredible fresh seafood. 

Does either new restaurant pique your interest? Blackbird might need a few more weeks to die down, but if you’re willing to wait an hour or eat early, it is worth it. You’ll have an easier time with Estia, especially mid-week. Both feel built with intention and flair, and given that they’re borne of successful restaurant groups, I think they’ll quickly become institutions. 

Estia 

8990 Fontana Del Sol Way, Naples

estiarestaurant.com

When I’m feeling trapped in the stale air of working from home, the best pick-me-up is getting out for lunch. Lunching out often can, ahem, dig into the budget. I’m featuring a couple of local lunch steals that have dependable menus without a markup. 

1. Sea Salt – $19.95 Bar Lunch

Where: 1186 Third Street South

When: Daily, 11:30 AM–3 PM (at the bar only)

Deal: Main Course + a glass of wine for $19.95

Sea Salt doesn’t usually make the list for affordable eats, but this one’s a steal. Sit at the bar during lunch hours and choose from a limited lunch special menu, including chicken Milanese, their cheeseburger, or a focaccia sandwich. Sip your glass of wine and indulge in a dignified lunch for less than $20, a sure pick-me-up, however you slice it. 

2. The Local – Two-Course Lunch Special

Where: 5323 Airport-Pulling Rd N

When: Daily, 11:30 AM–2:30 PM

Deal: Soup or salad + sandwich, burger, or tacos for $17.50

The Local is dependable in the best way: farm-to-table, unfussy, and consistently solid. Their lunch special gives you enough flexibility to make it feel like your own meal, but the portions are balanced, and the ingredients are fresh. Plus, they have a solid veggie burger on their menu. It's a quick in-and-out if you're working, or a calm midday break if you're not. 

3. Jimmy P’s Charred – Weekly Lunch Deals

Where: 25301 S Tamiami Trail (North Naples location)

When: Weekdays, 11 AM–4 PM

Deal: Rotating daily specials — burgers, tacos, steak, and more

This one’s for the meat lovers. Jimmy P’s Charred offers different specials depending on the day: $14 burgers on Monday, tacos for $15 on Tuesday, and heartier options later in the week. Thursday is steak day ($24) and my preferred day to visit. It's casual but consistent, with just enough polish to feel like a proper lunch out. 

Final Thoughts:
Make an excuse to take a breath, sit down, and enjoy a quiet hour away from the heat. I know well how a “quick lunch” can turn into a triple-digit bill, but it doesn’t have to. 

You’ll find something to get yourself out of the house this week. Mercato is screening Grease!, plus Paragon Theaters celebrates Jaws’ 50^th anniversary with special screenings. Don’t have plans Saturday? Sea Salt’s Executive Chef is hosting a cooking demo and a 2-course lunch. Here’s what’s happening: 

1. Movies on the Lawn @ Mercato – Grease! 

📅 Tuesday, June 17 | 8:30 PM
📍 Mercato

Enjoy Summer Lovin’ over at Mercato, where they are screening Grease! as part of their Movies on the Lawn series. Pack a blanket, snacks, and some beach chairs for the most comfortable viewing experience. There’s something about a movie musical that is best enjoyed in a communal environment. No coolers or outdoor beverages permitted. Free.  

2. Grand Piano Series – Dmitry Yudin

📅 Thursday, June 19 | 7:00-8:00 PM
📍 St. Leo Auditorium, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs

Renowned pianist Dmitry Yudin from Moscow leads the program at St. Leo Auditorium. The program is a mix of romantic and brooding, with Mozart’s Rondo and the most famous waltz composed—Strauss’ The Blue Danube. The latter is one of those pieces you must see live at some point in your life. Online tickets at $46, $50 at the door. All proceeds go to free youth education programs. 

3. JAWS 50^th Anniversary Screening

📅 Friday, June 20^th, 12PM & 6PM 
📍 Paragon Theaters

DUN dun. DUN dun. Celebrate the 50^th anniversary of JAWS by viewing the new 4K restoration of Steven Spielberg’s classic to the day, as it was originally released on June 20th, 1975. Screening will begin with trivia contests and giveaways. Check here for tickets. 

4. David Koechner @ Off the Hook Comedy Club

📅 Friday, June 20, Saturday, June 21 | 6:30-8:30 PM
📍Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100

American Actor and comedian David Koechner, known for his roles in Anchorman and The Office, comes to entertain Naples. If you’re a fan of The Office, you can put your knowledge to the test with The Office trivia night he’s hosting on June 19^th. Find tickets here: offthehookcomedy.com 

5. Summer Cooking Class Series with Chef Josh Zeman

📅 Saturday, June 21 | 1:00 PM
📍Sea Salt

Join Executive Chef Josh Zeman for a summer cooking demo featuring a potato gnocchi demo followed by a two-course, wine-paired lunch of gnocchi, mussels, and bouillabaisse. This event includes full recipe, a live demonstration, and discussion time. A fun way to spend an afternoon and pick the mind of a Chef. $75 per person. Call for reservations: (239) 434-7258. 

6. Alejandro Fernandez: De Rey a Ray Tour 

📅 Sunday, June 22 | 8:00 PM
📍 Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero

Latin music icon Alejandro Fernández comes to the Hertz Arena in a special tour to pay tribute to his father, Vicente Fernández, the King of Mariachi. Expect a mix of classic ranchera music and Alejandro’s newer hits. Bound to be an emotional rollercoaster. Tickets start at $60, and arena parking is $30. 

Last week's poll asked: How do you find out about new restaurants? 

Here’s where you landed:

Social media leads with 29% of the vote, followed by newsletters! 

I recently got back on Facebook and have been surprised by how active the foodie groups are. Truly, the best way to learn is from other locals; I prefer it to whatever viral spot Instagram is trying to serve me. 

Whether you’re hosting friends or celebrating something special, brunch plans often need to be made. I am curious: 

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Why It Matters

Savouring local bites and experiences isn’t just enjoyable—it’s how we build community, support our favorite spots, and turn ordinary days into memorable adventures.

Let these picks inspire your next outing and keep Naples lively and connected!

Elizabeth Bellotti
Associate Editor
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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