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- 👉 March 11th Edition | 5 Must-Try French Spots 🇫🇷 | 7 Can't-Miss Events 🎉 | Foodie Poll Inside!
👉 March 11th Edition | 5 Must-Try French Spots 🇫🇷 | 7 Can't-Miss Events 🎉 | Foodie Poll Inside!
Inside: The Naples Dining Debate Heats Up 🍽️🔥
Carolyn Cervoni
March 11, 2025
Sponsored by
Friends and Neighbors,
Season is in full swing, and there’s no better time to get out and enjoy everything Naples has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a great meal, a local event, or just an excuse to soak up the sunshine, there’s something for everyone right now.
In this issue, I’m spotlighting five fabulous French restaurants that are worth a visit, whether you’re craving escargot or a perfect croissant. We’re also sharing a rundown of the Top 7 Events happening this week, including concerts, art walks, and one of the best seafood festivals around. And don’t miss our Foodie Poll—I’d love to hear how often you dine out and what your favorite local spots are!
As always, I really enjoy hearing from you. If you have ideas, feedback, or a hidden gem you think deserves a mention, drop me a note at [email protected]. Your suggestions help make this newsletter better each week.
Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you out and about in Naples!
Table of Contents
🇫🇷 Five Fabulous Places for French Food in Naples
Many of the articles touting top cuisines in Naples focus on either Italian or Asian food. I’ll admit I’ve highlighted those two cuisines myself in this publication. Not today! Today, we’re talking about one of the more unsung cuisines here in Naples: French.
We’ve got some pretty fantastic French restaurants in Naples, and many are off the beaten path of Fifth Avenue. In fact, in today’s list, there’s just one restaurant located on Fifth. For the rest of these gems, you’ll have to leave the confines of downtown to be transported—culinarily speaking—to the wonders of French dining.
So, set down the soy sauce and ragu, and get ready for croissants and escargot!
1. Bleu Provence
This restaurant has been a favorite of my family’s for decades. Nestled downtown near City Dock, Bleu Provence is a true Naples gem with a killer wine list. Family-owned and operated, you’ll often see the Cariot clan, who are more than happy to stop for a chat that makes you feel like family. You can’t go wrong with this menu, but I suggest the sweetbreads, moules-frites, and duck leg confit.
2. The French Brasserie Rustique
The French is one of my favorite restaurants on Fifth Avenue. I’ve celebrated so many memorable occasions here thanks to the wonderful atmosphere, both inside and out. The vibe is approachable, and the menu is solid from start to finish. Don’t miss the escargot—it’s served inside a buttery puff pastry that’s simply heavenly.
3. Chez Boet
Family-owned and warm, Chez Boet serves traditional French food in a comfortable setting. In my opinion, the food is consistently great and presented in a straightforward way. I’ve always found the service top-notch, and first-timers are often surprised by how good the overall experience is. I highly recommend the bouillabaisse.
4. Café Normandie
The first time I spotted this place, I was pretty shocked: a French restaurant in a strip mall next to Mel’s Diner? How good could it be? Well, years of stopping by Café Normandie have eased my doubts—it’s now one of my favorite spots to grab a quick breakfast or lunch. Looking for great crepes and coffee? Café Normandie has you covered.
5. Escargot 41
I first visited Escargot 41 with my best friend, who convinced me to give the French place next to Dollar Tree a “real try.” Needless to say, I went from totally skeptical to a definite fan by the time the escargot hit the table. The namesake dish isn’t the only standout, though—check out the duck options like their excellent Canard Rôti aux Pruneaux.
Bon appétit, Naples! 🇫🇷✨
Let me know which spot you’re heading to first—or if I missed your favorite! Email me at [email protected].
Top 7 Events This Week
1. Rookery Bay Brush Strokes: Wildlife Watercolors
📅 Date: Tuesday, March 11 & Thursday, March 13, 2025
📍 Location: Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples
🎨 Description: Join artist Jan for a relaxing watercolor class focused on capturing Southwest Florida’s unique wildlife. All skill levels are welcome, and materials are provided!
🎟 Ticket Prices: $65.00 per class
🚗 Parking: Free
🔗 Register Here
2. JC Cole & Folsom '68 - Johnny Cash Tribute Concert
📅 Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
📍 Location: Artis–Naples, Naples
🎸 Description: Experience the raw energy of Johnny Cash’s legendary 1968 Folsom Prison performance brought to life by JC Cole & Folsom '68. A night of classic country hits!
🎟 Ticket Prices: Starting at $45.00
🚗 Parking: Free with venue admission
🔗 Get Tickets
3. Naples Design District Block Bash
📅 Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Naples Design District, Naples
🎉 Description: Join the monthly Block Bash in the Naples Design District! Every second Wednesday through April, explore different blocks featuring exclusive promotions, curated specials, and engaging activities. This month’s featured businesses include:
✨ District Sushi Bar – BOGO sushi rolls + raffle entry with any purchase
✨ Feel at HOM – Spring collection showcase, complimentary cocktails & gourmet snacks
✨ Ferguson – Light bites, beverages, and showroom tours
✨ The Mini Bar – 25% off cocktails, $7 wines, $4 bites + raffle entry with purchase
✨ Shop Love Celene – Sidewalk sale & complimentary drinks
✨ Fun Time Early Childhood Academy – Family-friendly activities and info on early childhood programs
🎟 Admission: Free
🚗 Parking: Free in district lots
🔗 Event Details
4. The Naples Players Present: Man of La Mancha
📅 Date: Wednesday, March 12 – Sunday, March 16, 2025
📍 Location: Sugden Community Theatre, Naples
🎭 Description: Step into the world of Don Quixote in this timeless musical that celebrates the power of hope and imagination. A must-see performance by The Naples Players!
🎟 Ticket Prices: Starting at $47.00
🚗 Parking: Free in nearby public lots
🔗 More Info & Tickets
5. Naples Seafood & Music Festival
📅 Date: Friday, March 14 – Sunday, March 16, 2025
📍 Location: Naples Italian American Club, Naples
🦐 Description: Savor delicious seafood, shop local arts & crafts, and enjoy live music all weekend long at this fun, family-friendly festival.
🎟 Admission: Free (food & drinks available for purchase)
🚗 Parking: $10.00 (on-site)
🔗 Event Details
6. Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade
📅 Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
📍 Location: 5th Avenue South, Downtown Naples
☘️ Description: Celebrate Irish heritage at the biggest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Southwest Florida! Enjoy festive floats, marching bands, and plenty of green!
🎟 Admission: Free
🚗 Parking: Limited downtown, arrive early!
🔗 Parade Info
7. Cars and Coffee 239
📅 Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Mercato, Naples
🚗 Description: Southwest Florida’s premier car show returns! Stroll through Mercato and check out hundreds of cool cars—from exotics and classics to muscle cars. Grab a coffee and enjoy the vibe!
🎟 Admission: Free
🚗 Parking: Free (Mercato garages and lots)
🔗 More Info
Foodie Feedback: Your favorite restaurant vibe and this week’s poll!
Looks like I’ve found my tribe amongst you, because hidden gems and hole-in-the-wall spots are my favorite too. While I enjoy a nice meal downtown, I’m always most excited by a hole-in-the-wall, family-owned local spot.
Check out last week’s poll below and please vote in this week’s poll at the end of this issue!
Last Week’s Poll: Which Dining Experience do You Crave the Most?
Your comments:
Probably because of years of misdirected zoning, the Naples area is one of the few "seaside" towns with virtually nowhere to dine overlooking the beaches. Too bad.... L.M.
Guy Fieri has been around town.
Note: I did notice that Guy Fieri has been infiltrating some of our hot spots. I plan to check out the episode on The Rooster, which has one of the best breakfasts around!
Naples Dining Habits: How Often Do You Eat Out? 🍽️
How many times a week do you dine out in Naples? |
Share your favorite spot you keep going back to in the comments below!
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Why It Matters
Great dining isn’t just about the food—it’s about discovering something new. The best meals often happen when you step off the beaten path and into a hidden gem you never saw coming.
This week’s list is proof that Naples’ food scene is bigger than just Italian and seafood—and the same goes for what’s happening around town. Whether it’s a music festival, a car show, or a surprise dining experience, the best moments happen when you explore.
So, where’s your next great meal? And what’s on your weekend list? Let’s make this one unforgettable. 🍽️🎉
Carolyn Cervoni
Editor-in-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review
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