🔥 Naples’ Most Overrated Restaurant? The Poll Results Are In! | 🍝 Best Italian Picks | 🎭 Must-See Events

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Friends & Neighbors,

This past week my husband and I took the kids to see snow for the first time and try skiing in Switzerland. So rather than rolling around Naples reviewing the new spots, I ate more fondue than I care to recall.

One cuisine that both the Swiss and Naples locals embrace wholeheartedly is Italian. This week, I’m giving readers our essential Italian reading list to remind you of some of the best Italian that Naples has to offer as you plan the week ahead.

There are a lot of great events going on this week, so this issue also features our nine favorites. From watercolors to Rod Stewart, there’s no shortage of things to do! 

We’re also excited to present the results of our “Overrated or Worth the Hype” reader poll! This poll elicited some intense debate and laugh-out-loud commentary. I wanted to republish some of the best feedback we received (and you guys love to be honest, which I like)!

As always, if you have any feedback on this issue or ideas for another issue, please email me at [email protected].

In the meantime, I’m off to fight the jet lag and bring you a fresh new review next week.

Thanks for reading,

P.S. You can view the entire archive of the Naples Florida Review here, for tips, reviews, and ideas. 

Table of Contents

• Naples’ Italian Scene: A Recap of Our Favorite Rev …

• Top 9 Events This Week

• Overrated or Worth the Hype? Your Vote & Your Voic …

Naples’ Italian Scene: A Recap of Our Favorite Reviews

1. Mino’s

Originally published December 17, 2024
Mino Italian: A Naples Hidden Gem
Just steps from Tin City in downtown Naples, Mino’s is a hidden gem that’s been serving straightforward, delicious Italian fare since 2016. Think classic Margherita pizzas, homemade egg pasta, and a cozy, no-fuss atmosphere.
Location: 1100 6th Ave S #1, Naples, FL 34102
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Phone: 239-302-5990

2. Top Five Countdown: Best Italian Restaurants in Naples

Our Top 5 countdown dives into the best local Italian eateries. From authentic pasta to inventive pizza, here’s a snapshot of our picks:

• 5) Molto Trattoria

  368 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
  Nestled on 5th Avenue South, Molto Trattoria offers an intimate setting with homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and a patio perfect for people-watching.
  

• 4) Enzo’s Italian Restaurant and Bar

  4351 Bonita Beach Rd SW, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
  A classic Italian-American spot over the Naples/Bonita border, Enzo’s dishes out generous portions of comforting favorites like baked clams and fried artichokes in an old-school vibe.
  

• 3) Osteria Tulia

  466 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
  With a rustic farmhouse charm in downtown Naples, Osteria Tulia dazzles with creative dishes—think “Study of Mozzarella” and stellar house-made Bucatini Cacio e Pepe.
  

• 2) Parmesan Pete’s

  

  7935 Airport-Pulling Rd N, Naples, FL 34109
  This family-run gem offers hearty Italian-American classics, from a legendary chicken Parmesan to satisfying linguine with clam sauce. Learn more here. 
  

• 1) Limoncello

  13800 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL 34110
  Our top pick blends authentic Italian charm with an elevated atmosphere. Located at the corner of U.S. 41 and Old 41 in North Naples, Limoncello is renowned for its pasta classics and innovative twists.

3. Bar Tulia – Mercato Location

Location: 9118 Strada Pl, Naples, FL 34108

Originally published July 9, 2024
Bar Tulia transforms its dinner menu into the perfect Happy Hour treat. From 3 PM to 5 PM daily, enjoy signature kinds of pasta (don’t miss the Torchio with homemade sausage) and small plates like Crispy Brussel Sprouts & Sausage and Fried Calamari—all paired with enticing drink discounts.
Explore Bar Tulia →

Top 9 Events This Week

1. Art After Hours at The Baker Museum
   📅 February 26, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
   📍 The Baker Museum, Naples
   Enjoy free admission, live local music, and an evening immersed in art.

2. Florida Everblades vs. South Carolina Stingrays
   📅 February 28, 2025 | 7:30 PM
   📍 Hertz Arena, Estero
   Catch a fun, local, hockey matchup with tickets starting at just $19.

   

3. Festival Under the Stars
   📅 February 29 – March 10, 2025
   📍 Cambier Park, Naples
   Opera Naples presents world-class performances outdoors, including a tribute to Luciano Pavarotti.

4. Rod Stewart – Live in Concert
   📅 March 1, 2025 | 8:00 PM
   📍 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, FL
   Enjoy the legendary Rod Stewart performing his greatest hits—just a short drive away.

5. 116 Years of Broadway
   📅 March 1, 2025 | 3:00 PM
   📍 Artis—Naples
   A dazzling Broadway revue featuring classics from Wicked, Jersey Boys, and Cats.

   

6. Noises Off – A Theatrical Comedy
   📅 Previews: Feb 23, 25, 26 | Opening Night: Feb 27, 2025 | Final Show: March 20, 2025
   📍 Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
   A fast-paced British farce guaranteed to leave you laughing.

7. Watercolors & Wildlife – Painting with Jan
   📅 March 1, 2025 | 9:30 AM
   📍 Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples
   Learn to capture Naples’ coastal beauty in this beginner-friendly watercolor class.

   

   Photo Credit: Visit Florida

8. Snail Trail Forest Bathing
   📅 March 1, 2025
   📍 Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples
   Relax with a guided meditation and nature immersion inspired by the art of forest bathing.

9. Neapolitan Family Summer Camp Fair
   📅 March 2, 2025 | 3-Hour Event
   📍 North Collier Regional Park, Naples
   Meet local camp representatives, get your summer camp questions answered, and register on the spot.

Overrated or Worth the Hype? Your Vote & Your Voice!

I hoped that our “Overrated or Worth the Hype” poll would generate plenty of audience participation and feedback—and you didn’t disappoint! Below, you’ll find the results for each restaurant along with some of the best (and most honest) comments you shared. I read every single comment, so if you’d like to add your voice to the mix, feel free to email me at [email protected].

For the record, I’ve had excellent meals at Sails, Nosh, The Turtle Club, and Campiello’s. Out of these, Nosh is the one I least mind paying for—quality for the price is key. I also feel that Campiello’s was a lot better over 10 years ago, when it was arguably the most “authentic” downtown Italian restaurant, though the Italian food scene as a whole has improved since then. (You can read my sentimental review of the Turtle Club in our first issue here.)

The biggest takeaway from this poll? You’ve finally pushed me to check out Hyde & Chic. I’ve heard so many things about that restaurant and read countless reviews—it’s high time I give it a try!

Sails: Overpriced and Overwrought

Despite many positive comments, most of you feel Sails is overpriced and overwrought overall.

Your Comments:
• “Stuffy atmosphere, overpriced entrees, staff not treated with respect…why would anyone want to support them?” – J
• “One of the best dining experiences in Naples.” – C.B.
• “Food is very good but prices ridiculously high.” – B
• “Indifference is the only way to describe the service vibe.” – P.B.
• “On several visits, we found the food mediocre at best, the service slow and amateurish, and the atmosphere pretentious.” – E.W.

Nosh on Naples Bay: Creative and Elevated

Nosh offers a fine dining experience off Fifth Avenue that’s definitely worth trying—especially for its excellent Happy Hour.

Your Comments:
• “One of our favorite restaurants! Delicious food, kind and professional waiters, love and thought put into all the dishes, and you can taste it. Worth the trip from anywhere—never been disappointed except when we couldn’t get a reservation!” – Jodie
• “We have enjoyed our visits; the food overall was very good.” – E.W.
• “The menu is just not worth the price.” – M.J.

The Turtle Club: Past Its Prime (Close Vote)

This beachside institution is a Naples must-see for its history, though many of you agree it’s a bit pricey nowadays.

Your Comments:
• “I will go for the Turtle bread alone!” – M.M.
• “Better, newer places to dine.” – M.P.
• “Never disappoints.” – M.J.
• “Love any restaurant on the beach. We do not have enough of them.” – C.W.

Campiello’s: Timeless Italian

Many of you feel Campiello’s, while still charming, isn’t quite what it used to be—better a decade (or more) ago.

Your Comments:
• “A great restaurant 5 years ago that is resting on its laurels.” – R.W.
• “Not what it was, outdated compared to other great Italian restaurants.” – F.K.
• “Anyone who voted ‘Tourist Trap’ clearly hasn't had their radiatori!” – M.M.
• “Fun spot, but food is uninspired.” – M.T.
• “It’s a tourist trap but food is good. Problem is getting reservations.” – B.M.
• “We go there with family and guests alike! The bruschetta is the best in town!” – M.J.
• “Ridiculously overpriced, not worth it.” – L.L.
• “Acoustics horrible, service mediocre.” – P.B.
• “High quality food and great for people watching.” – D.D.

Hyde & Chic: Tied Between Creative Chef/Bold Flavors and Overhyped

Hyde & Chic has received mixed reviews, with some of you impressed by the chef’s creativity while others felt the flavors were overhyped.

Your Comments:
• “No, I did not vote bold flavors…I voted overhyped! And WOW is it ever! The food was only average…and it was ALL beef… the fish came in unacceptable. I was stuck with every course being beef. The wine pairings were weak—obviously, the person picking them only knows the words ‘red’ and ‘white’! The choices were poor. I would never go back… such a disappointment!” – B.C.
• “I keep hearing that you need a lot of time if you dine here.” – D.D.

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Why It Matters

Naples isn’t just a destination—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re chasing the perfect plate of pasta, finding your next favorite happy hour, or stepping into a night of world-class entertainment, this city has something for everyone. And when we share what we love (and what we don’t), we make it even better.

So keep the recommendations coming, keep exploring, and most importantly—keep experiencing all that Naples has to offer.

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

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