Naples’ Best Martinis + A 2-Pound Lobster Deal Locals Love + Poll

Friends and Neighbors,

There are few drinks as deceptively simple and endlessly debated as the martini. As the winner of our cocktail poll, I’ve been compelled to find the best around town. Fortunately, Naples (and its neighbors) have several bars and restaurants that treat the martini with the reverence it deserves. 

We’re also highlighting one of Naples’ best off-season dining deals—a two-pound Maine lobster dinner that’s drawing locals in droves. 

Thank you for sticking around, sending me tips, and most importantly, supporting local businesses—especially in the off-season. Don’t miss the poll this week, where we’ll crown the definitive martini: gin or vodka? 

Cheers,

The martini remains the ultimate test of a bar. There is nowhere to hide behind juice, sugar, and smoke. However you order your martini, it should be ice cold and perfectly balanced. Fortunately, Naples has a handful of places that understand this.

If you are serious about martinis, start here. This intimate spot on U.S. 41 has become something of a pilgrimage site for cocktail lovers. Behind the bar, Monika treats the martini with near-religious precision. If you’re a purist, order the Grey Goose dirty martini with blue cheese olives. Those more adventurous can try their pineapple or chocolate martini. And as long as we’re dishing out advice, get the beef tallow fries. It would be a mistake not to.

2500 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 115, Naples | fuseglobalcuisine.com | Tue–Fri 11 a.m.–2 p.m. & 5–9 p.m.; Sat 5–9 p.m. 

Ocean Prime understands that a martini should feel a little cinematic. The bar has the low, flattering glow and polished energy of a place where people come to celebrate. The martinis are consistently excellent: frigid and impeccably proportioned.  If you like a savory twist, order the Hot & Dirty Martini, made with olive oil–infused vodka and Calabrian chili blue cheese olives. It is a little decadent and entirely worth it. For espresso martini fans, don’t miss out. They pour one of the strongest in town.

Insider tip: Arrive early and take advantage of the weekday early dining menu before 5:30 p.m. 

699 5th Ave S, Naples | ocean-prime.com | Daily 4–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat until 10 p.m.

Ocean Prime. 

There are few pleasures more civilized than a martini in the Lobby Bar at the Ritz-Carlton. The bartenders work with a master sommelier–curated wine and spirits program, and they understand that a classic martini is elegant in its simplicity. Come just before sunset, settle into one of the deep chairs, and order your martini very cold. It is an experience that makes you feel (however briefly) as though you have your life impeccably organized.

280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples | ritzcarlton.com | Daily: 4:00 PM-11:30 PM

In the Bayshore Arts District, Seventh South is a beacon of polish on the waterfront. The setting is stylish and the marina backdrop is a pleasant alternative to the bustle of downtown. The bartenders are deft with spirit-forward classics and it’s a favorite, specifically, for those who like a dirty martini.

2891 Bayview Dr, Naples | seventhsouth.com | Mon 4:30–9 p.m.; Tue–Sat 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

If you are willing to head to Bonita Springs, Chartreuse is well worth the detour. The room is moody and the cocktail program is executed with precision. The bartenders here are genuinely delighted to discuss the vermouth ratios and methods for achieving a perfect martini. If you consider yourself in any way a cocktail snob, this is the spot for you. 

27313 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs | chartreuselounge.com | Mon–Thu 4–11 p.m.; Fri–Sat 4 p.m.–1 a.m.; Sun 2–11 p.m. 

A great martini is an exercise in restraint. With only a few ingredients, there is nowhere for mediocrity to hide. These locations respect that.  

If there’s one off-season locale Naples locals look forward to, it’s Watermark Grille, just off Tamiami Trail. This longtime, family-run spot, run by two brothers for over 25 years, has that rare mix of consistency and old-school charm that’s getting hard to find.

The headline here is the off-season special: a 2-pound Maine lobster for $39.99, served with garlic mashed potatoes and broccolini. In a town where the ever-elusive price “MP” shows up more than actual numbers, it feels like a steal. The lobster is sweet, hefty, and more than worth it, even if they’re not budging on side substitutions.

And if lobster’s not your thing, you’re still in good hands. Watermark has classic steakhouse comforts like prime rib, filet, and French onion soup, in addition to seafood offerings like scallops and coconut shrimp. The lobster-averse can’t go wrong with the steak.

The space is a true ‘90s throwback and largely unchanged since it opened in 1998. Think curved dining room, indoor palm trees, water features, and colorful lighting. Some call it dated, but for many, that nostalgic charm is exactly what keeps them coming back.

Watermark is quintessentially Naples and somehow feels even better in the off-season. Plus, supporting a local, family-run spot always makes the meal taste a little better.

11280 Tamiami Trl N, Naples, FL 34110  | watermarkgrille.com  | Sun–Thurs 4–9 p.m. Fri–Sat 4–10 p.m. | (239) 596-1400 

Last week we asked: Is Sails brunch worth it to you?

Here’s where you landed:  

With 46% of votes, our readers say resoundingly that Sails brunch is worth every bite, while 25% would choose to go to lunch or dinner. Sails has fans and for good reason. Here’s what some readers had to say: 

Thank you all for sharing! 

A good Naples week does not need much: one cold martini, one local dinner deal, and a few strong opinions from people who know what they like.

Thanks, as always, for reading, voting, and sending me your favorites. Keep the tips coming.

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

P.S. - Check out our sponsor’s vacation homes, comfortable for you, your family, and even your pets. Find out why they currently have more than 600 reviews (all 5 stars!). For more information and to book that perfect vacation, click here.

Put your brand in front of 100,000 passionate Naples Florida Review readers. Let's partner.