Your Naples Weekly Guide: 4 Local Food Specials, Memorial Day Events & Food Network Spotlight

Sponsored by

Friends and neighbors,

Did you miss us last week? After a year of tirelessly writing this newsletter, our trusty Editor-in-Chief, Carolyn, is taking a break. I am continuing The Naples Florida Review in her absence. 

In this issue I’ve covered a few more early dining deals from some of your favorite spots, plus investigated the latest Naples restaurant to get their feature in Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives… even though it is none of those things.

I also rounded up a few events, both patriotic and not, in anticipation of the upcoming Memorial Day. There’s a charity 5K, plus the Philharmonic playing this weekend at Artis, and a host of other live music events happening. Have you made any grilling plans? Personally, I will hit up the grocery store before the weekend and cook smash burgers (on a cast iron) and hot dogs (adorned with sauerkraut) at home. 

I hope to connect with you all and give some discerning reviews on what is happening in Naples, which seems to change as much as it stays the same. All feedback is appreciated in this endeavor. 

Cheers,

P.S. You can always catch up on past issues at naplesfloridareview.beehiiv.com. And email me anytime at [email protected] with tips, questions, or to vent about our beloved Naples! 

P.P.S Wondering who the heck I am? Although I studied journalism and worked in marketing, writing has taken a backseat to my true love – food. I made a career change and worked in the food industry for many years, eventually running a successful sourdough bakery in New York. My sabbatical is now Naples – where I will continue to indulge in the food scene, visit some old friends, and keep you abreast of the latest local news and events. 

Table of Contents

• Tourists Flee, Locals Glee: 4 Summer Dining Deals …

• The 239 Makes Its Debut on Diners, Drive-Ins and D …

• Top 7 Events this Week – Memorial Day 5k, Patrioti …

• This Week’s Poll:  What’s your favorite dinner to …

Tourists Flee, Locals Glee: 4 Summer Dining Deals from Our Favorite Spots   

We covered a few summer dining deals the other week, but good news: there’s plenty more where that came from. I don’t want you to miss out on deals from a few of our favorite spots we’ve already reviewed. 

Our readers consistently ranked Del Mar and The Continental as their downtown favorites, and both are offering early dining specials worth checking out. And can we talk about Rebecca’s? They rolled out a $29 afternoon steak frites special that’s calling my name (salad, steak, and unlimited fries…say less). 

As we move past Memorial Day and head into a lull, you can use these deals as an excuse to treat yourself—and you’ll be doing a favor to the local businesses you love too.

1. Complimentary Apps and Dessert with Entrée at Del Mar
📍 494 5^th Ave S, Naples, FL
🕓 Daily | Early Dinner 4:00–5:30 PM

🕓 M-F | Happy Hour 4:00–6:00 PM

🌐 delmarnaplesrestaurant.com

Based on our polls, Del Mar is both our readers’ 2^nd favorite spot and the 2^nd most overrated. Wherever you fall, I had to include their early dinner promo: your choice of a complimentary starter and dessert with purchase of an entrée from 4:00-5:30 PM. A steal. They also have a Monday through Friday Happy Hour at the lounge, with $5 off select cocktails and wine by the glass, $5 beers, and half off dips, spreads and flatbreads. 

2. Steak & Lobster Prix Fixe at The Continental ($50)
📍 1205 3rd St S, Naples, FL
🕓 Daily | 5:00–6:00 PM | All night Wednesdays
🌐 damicoscontinental.com

The Continental is a quality 3^rd Street South restaurant you probably know for its lovely ambiance… and steep prices. Their early dining special is pretty good—a three-course dinner featuring a steak and lobster tail for $50. Start with a salad and end with warm cinnamon donuts. Not a bad evening for the damage. They are also offering a 3-martini flight for $20 at the bar with purchase of food. Great for a refined night out, but for sure on the higher end of what could be a “deal.” 

3. Two-Course Dinner + Wine at Alberto’s on Fifth ($39)
📍 868 5^th Ave S, Naples, FL
🕓 Daily | 4:30–5:30 PM & 8:30–9:30 PM
🌐 albertosonfifth.com
A great deal in the heart of downtown: two courses and a glass of wine for $39. Italian fine dining with warm hospitality—pasta is made in house, and the seafood is always fresh. I love that they have a later dining option too. For 5^th Ave South it’s charming and lively, but never too loud.

4. Steak Frites Happy Hour at Rebecca’s ($29)
📍 2955 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL
🕓 Daily | 3:00–5:00 PM
🌐 rebeccasnaples.com
Rebecca’s is offering a happy hour special that resembles my ideal last meal: a perfectly cooked steak, unlimited fries, a walnut salad, and Chef Darren’s secret sauce all for $29. This is the only item on their happy hour menu…and it's all you'll want. Their tagline? “Come early. Come hungry. Line starts at 2:59 PM.” 

Which deals will you take advantage of, if any? Did I miss your favorite? Let me know!

The 239 Makes Its Debut on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

The 239 is about to join the growing list of Naples restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The Food Network series, hosted by Guy Fieri, filmed an episode at The 239 this past fall, reportedly closing the restaurant during the day for two days to capture the magic. Now, that episode is finally set to air on May 23 at 9 PM. 

If you’re familiar with The 239, you might be wondering…that’s definitely not a diner, a drive-in, or a dive. And you’d be right. But the restaurant earned its spot on Triple D thanks to its distinctive menu and uncompromising approach to sourcing locally and cooking from scratch.

The feature comes with a bittersweet note. Just earlier this month, The 239’s owner, Steve Sinchek, passed away at age 65 following injuries sustained in a bicycle accident near his home. His loss has been deeply felt by the community. His obituary was recently published here.

Now, the team—led by General Manager Ray Corallino—is carrying forward his legacy with care and dedication.

Like Sinchek’s other venture in Palo Alto, The 239 emphasizes farm-to-table and boat-to-table cuisine, and notably does not use seed oils, opting instead for olive oil, coconut oil, and beef tallow for cooking. 

If you ask me, someone who has worked professionally as a cook, I’m not afraid of seed oils. Oil, like anything, needs to be eaten in moderation. But switching to olive oil or coconut oil is a moderately healthier option, because they are high in omega-3 fatty acids and reduce cardiovascular risk more than the omega-6 fatty acids found in seed oils. The more you know.

Additionally, they boast that any item on their menu can be made gluten free. Have a gluten-free or celiac friend? Take them here, it’s their heaven. 

With the amount of local businesses they support, I’m happy to give The 239 some latitude when it comes to their pricing, which seems to be most people’s critique (in addition to their aversion to cash). Mushrooms are sourced locally from Naples-based grower Care2Grow, and a chalkboard inside their restaurant lists other local farms and vendors they proudly support including Jimmy P’s, Dilly’s Fish Co., Inyoni Organic Farm and more. 

One of their signature items? The pink beignets, a delicious specialty that’s quickly become a fan favorite. The twist? They’re gluten free and get their pink color from freeze-dried strawberry sugar coating, served with a variety of dipping options. 

If you're looking for a reason to visit, The 239’s weekday lunch special is hard to beat: Monday through Friday, from 11:00 AM to 2:39 PM (way to stick to the bit), you can enjoy a three-course lunch for just $19.95. Starters include options like salad, ceviche, wings, calamari (+$2), or crispy brussels sprouts. Seriously, guests rave about these brussels sprouts. Entrées range from the duck fat-griddled short rib brisket burger to grilled gluten-free tacos, with a few bowls and sandwich options too. Their menu isn’t prolific, but you can take comfort knowing that the ingredients are ultra-fresh, and you’re supporting local farmers. Sadly, their famous beignets are not on the lunch special menu, but you can choose from chocolate mousse or key lime cheesecake. 

The 239 will be hosting a watch party on May 23, starting at 7:30 PM, to celebrate the episode’s premiere, hoping that the Food Network feature will boost sales going into slow season. Details can be found on their Facebook page here. 

So go. Not just because the lunch is a steal (though it is), but because this is the kind of place worth supporting: delicious, thoughtful, and committed to supporting the community.

Top 7 Events this Week – Memorial Day 5k, Patriotic Pops & More 

There are multiple ways to honor Memorial Day around Naples: run a 5k for charity, grab tickets to the Naples Philharmonic, or kick back and see live music around town. In search of peace? Consider checking out the free sunset yoga at Seagate Beach. 

1. 🎤 Tuesday Night Open Mic at The Blue Monkey

📅 Date: Tuesday, May 20 | 🕔 Time: 7:00 PM

📍 Location: Blue Monkey Bar & Grill, Mission Hills Drive, Naples, FL

Show off your talents or enjoy performances by local artists at this weekly acoustic open mic night hosted by The Florida Rhythm Kings. 

👉 Details Here

2. 🎶 Patriotic Pops with the Naples Philharmonic

📅 Dates: Thursday, May 22 & Friday, May 23 | 🕖 Time: 7:30 PM

📍 Location: Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, FL 34108

Experience the high-flying music of America as the Naples Philharmonic, Naples Philharmonic Chorus, and Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus present their annual star-spangled salute to our troops. From soaring orchestral arrangements to rousing choral moments, this all-American affair features the best and most beloved works by prolific American composers, paying tribute to our country’s musical heritage and honoring the brave men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedom. 

👉 Buy Tickets Here 

3. 🌺 Memorial Day Appreciation Weekend at Naples Botanical Garden

📅 Dates: Saturday, May 24 – Monday, May 26 | 🕙 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Location: Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL 34112

To honor our nation's heroes, active and retired military personnel receive free admission to the Garden throughout the weekend. Enjoy the lush landscapes and special exhibits in a serene setting.

👉 Event Details

4. 🎶 Live @ The Cove: Saturday Night Music Series

📅 Date: Saturday, May 24 | 🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Location: The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3920 City Gate Blvd. North, Naples, FL 34117

Enjoy live music at The Cove, an outdoor beer and wine bar, featuring local bands every Saturday evening. A variety of food trucks will be on site. This Saturday the James William Band is playing, a self-described mix of Texas red dirt country and alternative rock. 

👉 More Info 

5.  🏊 2-Mile Swim Challenge at Lowdermilk Beach

📅 Date: Sunday, May 25 | 🕙 Time: 7:30 AM 

📍 Location: Lowdermilk Beach, Naples, FL

Up for a challenge? Test your endurance in this open-water 2 Mile swim along the beautiful shores of Lowdermilk Beach.

👉 Full Details

6. 🧘 Sunset Yoga at Seagate Beach

📅 Date: Sunday, May 25 | 🕔 Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Location: Seagate Beach, Naples, FL

Join a free community yoga session on the beach as the sun sets over the Gulf. 

👉 Free sign-up here

7. 🏃 10th Annual SNIP Collier Memorial Day 5K

📅 Date: Monday, May 26 | 🕙 Time: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

📍 Location: Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Naples, FL

Participate in this annual 5K run to support SNIP Collier's mission. SNIP provides spay & neuter services to the most impoverished communities in Collier County Florida. Their goal is to end the euthanizing of otherwise adoptable dogs due to the pet overpopulation crisis. There is a FREE 1 Mile Kids race at 8:30 AM- no sign up necessary!

👉 Sign-up details

This Week’s Poll:  What’s your favorite dinner to order in? 

Did I miss your favorite? Let me know! I’m always picking Chinese: fried rice and a huge side of sauteed string beans is my go-to. Typing this I’m beginning to crave it. I’ve tried and failed to learn how to make these specific blistered string beans at home, but perhaps I’ll never be as generous with the garlic or MSG as necessary. 

Let me know if I should review a favorite of yours!

Presented by Naples Florida Rentals: Discover the Best Family Vacation Homes in Naples!

Are you ready to elevate your vacation experience? Naples Florida Rentals offers an exquisite collection of luxurious vacation homes that cater to your every need. Owned and meticulously maintained by us, each property guarantees a super-clean, comfortable stay, perfect for you, your family, and even your pets.

Why settle for less when you can indulge in our award-winning, guest-favorite homes? Join over 300 satisfied guests who’ve rated us 5-stars. Save on third-party fees by booking directly with our owner, Dana, and immerse yourself in Naples’ vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and endless sunshine.

Why It Matters

Supporting local restaurants and businesses keeps Naples vibrant, especially through the slower summer months. These dining deals, local events, and celebrations are more than just activities—they strengthen our community bonds and keep our city thriving.

See you out there,

Elizabeth Bellotti
Associate Editor
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 300 reviews and all of them 5 stars. For more information and to book that perfect vacation, click here.

Love reading The Naples Florida Review? Click here to share with your friends and family.

Advertise with us

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