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Friends and neighbors,
As we close out the year, I wanted to take a moment to look back on our second year of The Naples Florida Review and revisit some of the stories you loved most.
From stone crab season and standout sandwiches to dock-and-dine favorites, nature escapes, and music guides, this year was filled with recommendations that sparked conversations, poll responses, and more than a few āwe tried it because of youā messages in my inbox.
I am truly humbled by all of the positive responses to this newsletter, and your support and feedback make it special. If you missed an issue (or bookmarked it and forgot to go back), consider this your chance to revisit the highlights and maybe plan a few meals, outings, and adventures for the year ahead.
Thank you for reading, voting, sharing, and exploring this crazy, beautiful place with me. I hope youāll join me in sending off 2025 on a high note.Ā
Cheers to the New Year!Ā
Table of Contents
š Best of 2025: Food & Drink
š¦ Best Places to Get Fresh Stone Crab
Stone crab season officially runs October 15 through May 1, and this guide broke down where to find the freshest claws in town ā whether youāre buying straight from the docks or sitting down to crack them tableside.
Standout:
Kellyās Fish House ā Naplesā oldest seafood restaurant, serving dock-to-plate stone crab for over 70 years. Watching the boats unload while you wait for your claws doesnāt get more Naples than this.
š 1302 5th Ave S
š Daily 11 a.m.ā9 p.m.
š„Ŗ The Best Sandwiches in Naples: Lunchtime Favorites
Naples may not be a sandwich city on paper, but readers proved otherwise. This guide answered the eternal question: Where do you go for a truly great lunch sandwich? Where do I find the best Cuban or Chicken Parm?Ā
š Best Grouper Sandwich
Winner: Grouper & Chips ā Old-school, perfectly fried, no gimmicks.
Runner-up: Captain & Krewe ā A polished blackened version done right.Ā
š„ Five Perfect Salads in Naples
Written during peak patio season, this list became a go-to for light lunches, takeout orders, and āI donāt want to cookā afternoons.
Reader favorite:
Rebeccaās Cocktail & Wine Bar ā Chopped Salad
An oversized, flavor-packed lunch that easily turns into two meals ā and a quiet afternoon escape.
š 2955 Bayshore Drive
š Lunch TuesdayāSunday
šø Cool Off with The Best 5 Refreshing Cocktails
This one proved that Naples knows how to do cocktails well without sacrificing atmosphere. While we may be cooled off sufficiently now, itās still a great guide for who is crafting stellar cocktails around town, and where to treat yourself to a fun drink!Ā
Standout:
Queenās Road Cocktail at Tigress Rooftop Bar
A classic-leaning rum cocktail enjoyed at golden hour, perched above The Perry Hotel. A new favorite for special nights out.
š³ Breakfast for Every Craving
From pancakes to shrimp & grits, this breakfast guide sparked serious debate ā and plenty of early-morning outings.
Local classic:
The Rooster ā Southern comfort, scratch cooking, and one of the best fried chicken breakfasts in town.
š 600 Goodlette Rd N
š Top 5 Sports Bars in Naples
Football season brought out the crowds and this guide helped you choose the right bar for game-day energy, cheap beer, and wall-to-wall TVs.
Game-day MVP:
Rustyās Raw Bar & Grill ā Long happy hours, wing specials, pitchers, and a lively crowd that never misses a snap.
ā The Best Coffee Shops for Every Occasion
From people-watching to group meetups, this guide matched the right cafƩ to the right moment.
One favorite:
Tonyās Off Third ā Cinnamon rolls, cappuccinos, courtyard seating, and classic old-Naples charm.
š¤ Dock & Dine Favorites
Boat-accessible dining is practically a lifestyle here, and this guide highlighted the stops worth tying up forābeyond the popular spots you already know.Ā
Pictured: The View from Crabby Lady
One favorite:
Island Gypsy CafĆ© & Marina Bar ā Tropical, relaxed, and consistently solid seafood, docked at Isles of Capri Marina.
Best of 2025: Beyond the Beach! Local Guides You Loved
š£ Naples Beyond the Beach: Top Nature Tours
A reminder that Naplesā wild side is just as compelling as its coastline. You loved this look beyond the beaches to explore the other beautiful parts of nature. Take a peek if youāre looking for new inspiration.Ā
Top pick:
Rookery Bay Kayak & Eco-Cruise Tours ā Mangroves, wildlife, and biologist-led tours that make you slow down and look closer.
š¾ Where to Take Your Dog in Naples
This guide was popular for a reason, as so many of the readers of this review own dogs, yet our beaches arenāt known for being dog-friendly! Hence, a Naples conundrum that needed to be solved.Ā
Pictured: Gordon River Greenway
Top escape:
Keewaydin Island ā A real beach day for dogs, complete with swimming, sand, and zero distractions.
š§ 7 Tourist Attractions That Are Actually Worth It
For locals and visitors alike, this list separated the skippable from the genuinely enjoyable.
Still worth it:
The Vintage Trolley ā Tourist-y, yes. Still fun? Absolutely. Great rec for out-of-town guests.Ā
š¶ A Comprehensive Guide to Live Music Downtown
From jazz courtyards to lively bands, this guide became a reference piece you could pull up any night of the week.
Neighborhood highlight:
Third Street South ā Tommy Bahama, The Continental, and The London Club offering everything from island acoustics to late-night jazz.
Poll Results: Hostess with the Mostess?Ā
Last weekās poll asked: Are you hosting any guests this winter break?
Hereās where you landed:
More than 56% of voters are hosting for this holiday season! Thatās what happens when you live in a warm paradiseāeveryone wants to come visit! Champagne problems. Hope youāre having a wonderful time with friends and family.
This Weekās Poll: A Look Back
Taking stock of this last year: What was your favorite activity you did in Naples this past year?
Vote and tell me your favorite activity from the past year, and I can share the highlights!Ā
Why It Matters
As we step into a new year, it is worth remembering why these roundups matter in the first place. Naples moves fast, and the best parts of living here are often the simple ones you plan on purpose. A great meal becomes a tradition. A new park turns into a weekly reset. A live music night becomes the thing you look forward to when the week feels long.
This list is not just a recap. It is a starting point for your next favorite spot, your next easy outing with friends, and your next āhow did we not do this soonerā weekend.
Thank you for being here, and for making this newsletter feel like a community.
Warmly,
Elizabeth Bellotti
Editor-In-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review
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