🍷 Where to Go Now That The Cave is Closed + Paul McCartney Tribute + Best Cakes in Town

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Friends and neighbors,

Welcome to June. 

The air is thick, and it tells me that hurricane season has officially begun, so the afternoons feel heavier and lazier. This week, I’m mulling over the closure of The Cave and introducing you to a new wine bar. Plus, I have a roundup of the best local spots to order specialty cakes (custom bakers > supermarket chains) and the latest calendar of events this week — from classic rock at Mercato to karaoke in Bonita Springs. I also want to know who serves your favorite taco, so be sure to vote below. 

If you’re new here: this newsletter is a mix of food, culture, and community happenings in Naples, complete with weekly polls and feedback from you. 

If you're not new: I’m glad you’re back. 

Stay Dry,

Table of Contents

• Farewell to The Cave, Plus a New Wine Bar

• Where to Order Specialty Cakes in Naples? 

• 🎉 Top 6 Events This Week: A Beatles Tribute and M …

• Here’s What You Said: What’s Naples Missing?

• This Week’s Poll: Favorite Taco in Naples?

Farewell to The Cave, Plus a New Wine Bar

What began as a wine bar guide has turned into a farewell post. 

After more than seven years in North Naples, The Cave Bistro & Wine Bar has officially closed its doors. Tucked into the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, The Cave wasn’t just a cozy date spot. It was a family-run labor of love with a deep wine list and the ability to feel like you escaped to Tuscany for an evening.

The closure came quietly in May, when a sign was hung that The Cave was "closed until further notice." Owner Jim Dixon noted that “a number of factors” contributed to the decision but cited personal health challenges as a major influence. He sent a final email to explain. “Unfortunately, as many of you know, I have been going through some health challenges this past year, which has put a lot of stress on my entire family,” he shared. “As a result, Brandie has had to take on more responsibility for the business, which presents its own challenges for a single parent of a 6-year-old.”

The Dixons launched The Cave on November 6, 2017, on the corner of Airport-Pulling and Vanderbilt Beach Roads, but their history is even deeper. Brandie Dixon first opened Naples Wine Collection in a smaller space in the same plaza back in 2013. That retail wine shop later expanded alongside The Cave and became an extension of the restaurant.

While the restaurant is now closed, the retail shop isn’t gone just yet. Naples Wine Collection will continue to operate in its current location for the next month, with Brandie taking the reins and searching for a new home for the business. “Laura and I will be transitioning ownership of the retail store back to her,” Jim said, adding, “We hope you will continue to support Brandie in your future wine purchases.”

I originally wanted to highlight The Cave in a list of my favorite wine bars, but instead, I’ll point you in a new direction to a more recent addition to the Naples wine scene. 

Tucked away in the Design District, Nat Nat is Naples’ newest natural wine bar, and while it won’t fill the void of The Cave, it’s worth checking out. Small, low-lit, and tucked behind an unassuming storefront, it feels like the kind of spot you’d find in New York or Paris. This wine bar opened last September but still feels like a secret spot. 

Despite the focus on natural wines, there’s nothing pretentious here (I don’t typically seek out natural wines). The team is kind and generous with their knowledge. For me, a great wine bar is not one with the longest wine list but with the most patient staff. Sommeliers who aren’t in a rush, who like to take the time to explain and recommend. In my purview, great service can really dull the pain of an overpriced charcuterie board, but thankfully, you won’t find that here. 

At Nat Nat, you can try a three-wine flight or pick a bottle off the shelf and enjoy it in-house for retail price, plus a $25 corkage fee. Compared to other spots with the traditional 400% mark-up of most wine bottles, this fee should go down easily. Most of their wines are French or Italian, and every bottle feels like it was chosen with care.

Owners Peter Rizzo and Chef Ming Yee brought that same thoughtful approach to the kitchen. They work closely with local farms and fishermen, and the menu changes weekly depending on what’s in season. You might find a soft sourdough focaccia with sautéed mushrooms one night, a snapper ceviche the next. Nat Nat is a place to go with an open mind. The food is simple but exquisite, and the homemade ice cream is a must.

Inside, you’ll find a few bar stools, some soft couches, and an atmosphere that invites you to stay a while. Maybe one glass turns into three, and maybe you even forget you're in Naples.

So, while we say goodbye to an institution, we also welcome something new. The Cave won’t be forgotten, and maybe a new lease will find its way forward. But as always with Naples, there’s something new to look forward to. 

Where to Order Specialty Cakes in Naples? 

June is the start of birthday season in my family (including mine), and there’s no better excuse to splurge on a proper cake. 

As a baker, I care about two things: flavor > fondant, and local > chain. Sure, I’ve been known to pick up a Whole Foods Berry Chantilly in a pinch, but I like to support local bakeries when I can. I know firsthand how hard the business is and how slim the margins are. Plus, there’s no better reaction than pulling out a gorgeous cake. If there’s one motto I have, it’s how you do one thing is how you do everything. This applies to cake, too. 

Here are three bakeries that consistently do it right: 

1. Sassy Cakes Naples

Where: 1030 Collier Center Way #5, Naples, FL
(239) 687-5100 or by email: [email protected]
sassycakesnaples.com 

This is the bakery you call when you want a gourmet showstopper. Their cakes are elaborate, personalized, and frankly, delicious. There’s a reason why Sassy Cakes made it all the way to Cupcake Wars on The Food Network: their flavors are as good as their designs. Great for the latest trend (like these vintage heart cakes). 

Bonus: Sassy Cakes has an easy online ordering system. 

2. Mikkelsen's Pastry Shop

Where: 1068 Business Lane, Naples, FL
(239) 596-5996 or by email: [email protected]
 mikkelsenspastryshop.com 

An institution! European sponge cakes at extremely affordable prices. They have an incredible decorating team, but are often busy (for a reason). Just check out that amazing graduation cake. Also, a great place to grab a small cake any day—they typically stock a selection of 6” cakes. 

When to order: At least 24 hrs in advance, a week for specialty decorated cakes. 

Good to know: Closed on Sundays. They recommend you email an inspirational photo if you have a specific vision. 

3. Angelic Desserts
Where: 10823 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL
(239) 287-6303
angelicdesserts.com

Decadent, made-from-scratch cakes that live up to the name… heavenly. Angelic has a great selection of signature flavors like chocolate mousse, coconut cloud, and strawberry shortcake with real whipped cream, plus beautiful custom options.

When to order: 48 hrs in advance for standard cakes; more time for custom designs.
Good to know: Vegan and gluten-free options available with notice.

Also worth a look: Cake’d (for vegan and gluten-free) and Beachin’ Cakes (haven’t tried, but they’ve got rave reviews from friends).  

With just a little planning, you can pull out a great present. No birthdays coming up? Maybe a dad deserves something special this Father’s Day. 

🎉 Top 6 Events This Week: A Beatles Tribute and Music at Mercato!

From Mercato’s Night Music Series to a Sir Paul McCartney tribute concert, there’s always something to do in Naples. Want to shake things up? Head to karaoke on Wednesday at The Rooftop at Riverside. 

Here's what’s happening around town:

1. 🧘 Beach Yoga at Vanderbilt Beach
   📅 Date: June 4 | 🕖 Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
   📍 Location: Vanderbilt Beach @ 100 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples, FL 34108
   Start your morning on the sand with Lo’s Yoga. No judgment, no mirrors, just the sound of the Gulf and a full-body stretch. Bring a towel or mat. $16 for a 1 hr class.
   👉 Join a class here
   

2. 🎤 Karaoke Night at Rooftop at Riverside
   📅 Date: June 4 | 🕖 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
   📍 Location: Rooftop at Riverside @ 27300 Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
   A rooftop, the sunset, and strangers singing Whitney Houston? What else do you need? Order a drink and go for it, even if you’re tone-deaf. Need a suggestion? Pick a Shania Twain song. 

   👉 Event details here
   

3. 🎶 Manhattan Connection at Giuseppe and the Lion
   📅 Date: June 5 | 🕖 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
   📍 Location: Giuseppe and the Lion @ 600 Neapolitan Way, Naples, FL 34103
   A duo covering jazz, Motown, and ‘80s synth? Yes, please. Giuseppe is quickly becoming the spot for under-the-radar live music in Naples. This one you’ll want to book ahead.
   👉 Reserve a table here
   

4. 🎸 Thunder Beach at Mercato Nights Music Series
   📅 Date: June 5 | 🕖 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
   📍 Location: Mercato @ 9118 Strada Pl, Naples, FL 34108
   Family-friendly, lawn-chair-approved rock band with a loyal following. Go for the music, stay for the food trucks and people watching.
   👉 More info here
   

5. 🎸 Sir Paul: A Beatles & McCartney Tribute
   📅 Date: June 8 | 🕖 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
   📍 Location: Giuseppe and the Lion @ 600 Neapolitan Way, Naples, FL 34103
   For nostalgia lovers. This tribute is great for fans of all ages and a perfect way to wind down the weekend. Grab a table for 4-6 people or buy a single high-top seat.
   👉 Get tickets here

Here’s What You Said: What’s Naples Missing?

Last week's poll asked:
Which community events would you like to see more of in Naples?

Here’s where you landed:

1. 🎪 Street Fairs & Carnivals – 34.5%

2. 💃 Social Dance Nights – 21.2%

3. 🏃‍♀️ Charity Events & Galas – 16.8%

4. 🛠️ Workshops & Art Fairs – 15.0%

5. 🗣️ Civic Forums or Town-Halls – 12.4%

We have farmer’s markets and live music, but the people have spoken: Naples needs more street fairs. 

Honestly, I voted for salsa nights. Give me a live band and a patio and I’ll dance all night. If you’re organizing one, I’ll promote it.

Now, shifting from events to a taco showdown...

This Week’s Poll: Favorite Taco in Naples?

Tacos are serious business here. I want your take. Vote below and let me know which spot really deserves the title of Naples’ Best Taco.

I had an agonizing time making this list so short, so let me know if I missed your favorite. I’m deeply curious to see the results. 

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Why It Matters

Local treasures shape the spirit of our community—from cherished spots we bid farewell to, new favorites we embrace, and delicious cakes that mark our special moments.

Staying connected keeps Naples vibrant, delicious, and uniquely ours.

Elizabeth Bellotti
Associate Editor
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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