Friends and neighbors,

I’m feeling grateful for all of the culinary and creative delights Naples offers us as the city stirs again. 

I’m highlighting my top five vegetarian-friendly restaurants that nail both plant-based and carnivorous entrees. Plus, I have a rundown of the Naples International Film Festival, an inspiring storytelling event with a peek at some films I’m excited to catch.

Thanks for reading, sharing, and commenting, and keeping this local guide alive! I appreciate hearing from you all. Shoutout to our newest sponsor, Airport Donuts, who has a special treat for you all! 

Cheers,

If you have a tip or event to share, email me at [email protected] — I’d love to feature your favorite finds!

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1. Mediterrano – Old Naples

Mediterranean is one of the best cuisines with naturally vegetarian options, and Mediterrano is one of the best in Naples. Their seafood paella is unapologetically rich, briny, and alive with flavor. The vegan paella is an equally compelling tapestry of spices and textures that doesn’t compromise. This is the top pick for dinner for a crowd with various food restrictions.

📍 336 13th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
mediterrano-naples.com

2. Le Indya – North Naples

Le Indya is where the curry hits you with precision and warmth. Vegetarian dishes like Chana Masala and Aloo Gobi Masala hold their own, and vegan and vegetarian guests will appreciate the full appetizer and entree menus just for them. Meat lovers should try the Kashmiri Lamb Chops or take their pick from the chicken entrees. Flavorful and delicious. 

📍 975 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples, FL 34108
leindya.com

3. True Food Kitchen – Waterside Shops

True Food Kitchen is the epitome of healthy and plant-based eating. The menu is heavily vegetarian and vegan-friendly, with Ancient Grain Bowl, Spaghetti Squash Casserole, and roasted Brussels sprouts all getting rave reviews. But others can savor the grass-fed burgers and chicken sandwiches made mindfully. Great pop-in lunch spot. 

📍 5375 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 15, Naples, FL 34108
truefoodkitchen.com/locations/naples

4. Lake Park Diner – Lake Park

Lake Park Diner updates the classic diner with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, and the result is a local crowd-pleaser. Vegetarians should go for the Tofu Poke Bowl and Orange Cauliflower Bowl, while the Half Rotisserie Chicken is so juicy and flavorful that the omnivores will ask to come back. They also do the regular stuff - mahi sandwich and fish n’ chips are solid picks. 

📍 944 7th Ave N, Naples, FL 34102
thelakeparkdiner.com

5. Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen – East Naples

Kareem’s brings Beirut to Naples and is the second Mediterranean restaurant on this list. Many of the mezze options are vegetarian, like tabbouleh, baba ganoush, hummus, and grape leaves. Can’t decide? Get the whole sampler platter. For entrees, vegetarians will love the moussaka (eggplant) or falafel wraps. On the non-vegetarian side, the lamb shank and chicken shawarma are flavorful standouts.

📍 4270 Tamiami Trail E, Suite 18-19, Naples, FL 34112
kareemskitchen.com

October in Naples means the city is stretching, shaking off its summer slumber, stone crab traps are coming in, and filmmakers from around the world are flying in for the Naples International Film Festival.

Since 2007, NIFF has become a hub for independent film, curating some 60 films each year from every corner of the globe. In 2025, the festival sifted through over 1,000 narrative, documentary, and short films. 

The festival kicks off with a red carpet opening night screening and party, complete with VIP tickets where you can meet the filmmakers in attendance, followed by multi-day screenings and juried selections. Filmmakers stick around for Q&As and panels, so viewers can grab a peek behind the curtain of this art form. 

Most screenings happen across the Artis—Naples campus in Hayes Hall, Daniels Pavilion, and the serene Norris Garden, with a few at the Alamo Drafthouse. The outdoor screening “Under the Stars” in the garden turns a movie-going evening into a cinematic experience itself and is worth checking out. 

Over $15,000 in cash prizes are handed out, with juried selections for Narrative, Documentary Feature, and Short Film, as well as awards for Rising Star, Indie Spirit, and audience favorites. NIFF closes with awards and a special classic screening; this year, The Princess Bride will be accompanied by live orchestration from the Naples Philharmonic. 

NIFF is a reminder that Naples has more to offer than dinner reservations and pretty sunsets (although we love those). Compelling stories and creative inspiration are literally flying in, and I encourage Naples locals to take advantage of this programming. 

Learn more and grab tickets here. 

Films I’m Looking Forward to this year: 

The Pantone Guy (FL): At 96, Palm Beach resident Larry Herbert reflects on his life, from his Depression-era Brooklyn upbringing to creating the Pantone Matching System, which transformed the way the world uses color.

Happy as Larry (UK): Unsatisfied with his life, a man embarks on one last adventure on the Isle of Skye, but his plans are thrown off when an unexpected companion shows up.

Xmas Tree (Norway): When a man’s expensive Christmas tree is stolen, he tries to steal another from a nearby landowner, only to have his holiday plans spiral into chaos.

Last week’s poll asked: When you're eating out, where are you headed for stone crab?

Here’s where you landed:

This poll was all over the place, with Kelly’s slightly taking the lead over Swan River. I also received many write-ins for Truluck’s and still some voters prefer to eat at home. Thank you to all who responded! 

Streaming at home has fundamentally changed movie-watching habits. With the Film Festival coming to town, I want to know: 

Why It Matters

Choosing vegetarian-friendly spots signals demand for inclusive, thoughtful menus, which nudges more kitchens to cook that way.

Even small choices -- a donut on your commute, a Q&A you attend -- add up to a city that’s tastier, kinder, and more creative.

What’s the one thing you’ll show up for this week?

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

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