Looking for Something New? Top 7 Events This Week 🎉, Best of Bonita When Leaving Naples for Dinner, Your Voice Matters: Vote Below

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Friends and Neighbors, 

Looking for something new to do this week or a new restaurant to visit? We’ve got you covered. In this issue we explore the Top 7 Events This Week and a must-visit list of our favorite dining options in Bonita Springs. 

This week’s issue got us thinking about fun restaurants to visit near – but outside of – Naples. Where’s your favorite place to go when you are leaving Naples for a meal at one of your favorite restaurants? Take our poll in today’s issue and let us know!

The busy holiday season is upon us, and I want to thank you so much for your support over the last 6 months. The vast majority of our readers spend at least part of the year in Naples, and I’m proud that we have a strong base of year-around local families that always pull through for me with tips on the latest happenings.

As always, please share your ideas and feedback by replying to this email or by contacting me personally at [email protected]. I read every comment and email. 

Happy Holidays,

Table of Contents

• Top 7 Events This Week

• Best of Bonita: Our favorites from our neighbor to …

• Poll: Your Favorite Dinner Destinations Outside of …

Top 7 Events This Week

Tuesday, December 10^th, 5:30pm-7:30pm: Canine Christmas Parade

Where: CJ’s on the Bay, 718 N Collier BLVD, Marco Island, FL 34145

Details: Join Marco Island's Christmas Island Style’s free Canine Christmas Parade. Enjoy live music and see if your pet has what it takes to snag a prize. All friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. 

Thursday December 12^th, 11AM: Nutcracker Afternoon Tea at Forever Fiore

Where: 950 5th Avenue North, Naples, FL 34102

Details: The Nutcracker Tea at Forever Fiore is a fun holiday experience that takes place multiple times heading up to Christmas. Enjoy tea and sandwiches while watching a professional ballerina perform scenes from the Nutcracker. I attended with a group of friends last week and we enjoyed the experience. I recommend bringing your own wine or champagne and paying the corkage fee (which is reasonable).  Click here for tickets and times. 

Friday, December 13th, 5pm-8pm, Farmer Mike's Christmas at the Farm

Where: 26031 Morton Ave Bonita Springs FL 34135

Details: Each Friday and Saturday in December, Farmer Mike’s hosts its annual Christmas at the Farm. If you haven’t checked out Farmer Mike’s yet (it’s a short drive from Naples and they host events throughout the year), check out this event that includes: Santa, outdoor lights, a snow slide, sledding mound, hayride, bounce house and U Pick Sunflowers and Strawberries.

Saturday, December 14, 2024, 5pm-10pm: Live Fest

Where: Tiburon Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, 2600 Tiburon Dr, Naples, FL 34109

Details: General admission tickets are still available for the hugely popular Live Fest at the Naples Ritz-Carlton Tiburon this Saturday. Love country music? Ready for a throwback fix with the Goo Goo Dolls? The venue and vibe are a must-see for season in Naples. Grab last minute tickets here. 

Saturday, December 14th, 6:15pm-8:30pm: Naples Boat Parade

Where: The parade may be viewed from: Naples City Dock (ticketed), Pinchers Tin City, Riverwalk Restaurant, Naples Landing, Kelly’s Fish House, The Boat House on Naples Bay, and Bayview Park.

Details: A favorite event for locals each year, the Naples Boat Parade is a fun display of lights on the water. Check out any of the restaurants above for a great vantage point, and it is certainly worth making reservations now if you want a guaranteed spot. 

Saturday, December 14^th, 12PM-9PM: Kaleidoscope Beer Company Grand Opening

Where: 987 3rd Avenue North, Naples, Florida 34102

Details: Check out Kaleidoscope Beer Company’s grand opening this weekend. The festivities begin at noon with a Paint & Pints event. Jessie Jay’s BBQ will be served from 4PM to 9PM and a Grand Opening Party that will start at 6:PM. 

Saturday, December 14^th, 6PM to 9PM: Live Music & $1 Wings at the Buffalo Chips Creekside Tiki Hut

Where: 26620 Old US 41 Road, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135

Details: Located behind Bonita’s iconic Buffalo Chips Restaurant is a small Tiki Hut where this Saturday you can listen to live music, visit a food truck, enjoy $1 wings and grab a cold beer. If you haven’t visited Buffalo Chips yet, you are in for a treat – the vibe and décor are distinctly local and the wings are great. For more on Buffalo Chips, see our Best of Bonita list below. 

Best of Bonita: Our favorites from our neighbor to the north

Sometimes there’s nothing better than taking a nice ride and enjoying dinner at a restaurant you’ve never experienced. As the author of a Naples newsletter focused on restaurants in Naples, sometimes I am excited to skip town for an evening and try something new. 

One of my favorite places to visit for dinner is Bonita Springs. Here’s a list of can’t-miss places that are worth the short drive north for an amazing (and most often, less expensive) experience. 

1. The Bohemian

Website
Address: 27975 Old 41 Road Suite 104, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

For foodies seeking a unique dining experience, The Bohemian is a must-visit. The chic, art-filled interior sets the stage for flavor combinations that you won’t find in downtown Naples. The restaurant now boasts a full bar, making it an even better destination for a memorable meal.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Warm Crab & Lobster: A delightful mix of shellfish with herbed citrus butter, mango, chives, and grilled bread.

• Wood Charred Octopus: Perfectly grilled with shishito vinaigrette, goat cheese crema, shiso, and cauliflower.

• Bone Marrow Dish: Not always on the menu, but an absolute must-have if available.

2. Kim-Chi Grill

Website
Address: 3300 Bonita Beach Road #123, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Tucked away in a non-descript strip mall, Kim-Chi Grill is a hidden gem for dim sum lovers. While it’s not the place for a romantic date night, its casual vibe and mouthwatering menu more than make up for it.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Dumpling Sampler: A medley of pork siu mai, shrimp & pork siu mai, spicy pork dumpling, pork and veggie dumpling, and veggie dumpling.

• Pork Belly Bao Buns: Featuring pork belly confit, steamed buns, cucumber kimchi, hoisin, and gochujang aioli.

3. Petar’s Restaurant

Website
Address: 3300 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

A favorite for couples, Petar’s is a sophisticated yet approachable spot perfect for a special evening out. With a cozy ambiance and an inventive menu, it’s no wonder this restaurant draws diners from Naples and beyond.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Gnocchi and Pork Belly: Homemade gnocchi paired with roasted pork belly in a light tomato cream sauce.

• Braised American Angus Beef Short Ribs: Served with herb mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a house-made demi-glace.

4. Buffalo Chips

Website
Address: 26620 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Casual and inviting, Buffalo Chips is a local institution known for its wings and fun atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back meal with friends or family.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Wings: Widely considered some of the best in the area.

• Beef on Weck Sandwich: A roast beef sandwich with shaved Certified Angus Beef on a Costanzo's hard roll with horseradish.

5. C :Level Restaurant and Cocktail Bar

Website
Address: 4450 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

With its dimly lit interior and cool vibe, C :Level is equally suited for a romantic dinner or a lively evening with friends. The menu features excellent shareables and apps, perfect for grazing over drinks.

Must-Try Dishes:

• French Onion Soup: Served with scissors for an interactive touch.

• Escargot Bourguignon: Baked with house butter and served with warm garlic bread.

Whether you’re in the mood for dim sum, wings, or a fine-dining experience, Bonita Springs offers something for everyone. These five restaurants showcase the diversity and quality that make Bonita a culinary destination worth exploring.

Poll: Your Favorite Dinner Destinations Outside of Naples

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Why It Matters

Every week brings a chance to discover, connect, and create stories that stay with us long after the moment has passed.

These events and hidden gems aren’t just about entertainment—they’re about finding joy in the details, supporting our local community, and making the everyday extraordinary.

Don’t just watch the week go by—be a part of it. 🌟

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

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