New Tastes: Delve Into Southwest Florida’s Culinary Scene

A major benefit of living in Southwest Florida is that talented and entrepreneurial culinarians and restaurateurs are drawn here, too. The result is that the region offers an impressive mélange of cuisines, from roll-off-the-beach-and-into-a-booth casual to upscale establishments with tuxedoed servers and a formal approach to dining. 

Have a craving for Indian? Thai or Vietnamese? French, Italian, Lebanese, Cuban or Peruvian? Farm-to-table, vegetarian or organic? Seafood, Florida or New England style? Artisanal bakeries, independent pizza joints, upscale steakhouses and serious barbecue? All are present and accounted for. 

Like the population, the number of restaurants is growing. It’s a challenge to keep up with all the new spots, of which there have been many in the past year. Here is a taste of what’s new and delicious. 

LEE COUNTY 

Bellini’s 

13451 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 
239-270-5005 
bellinisfortmyers.com 

It’s always nice to reunite with an old friend, and that’s what Bellini’s is to those who have lived here for a couple of decades or more. The restaurant was a favorite on Captiva until closing 20 years ago. Now it’s back, this time on the mainland in the Cypress Square location that was previously home to Stillwater Grill. The menu includes raw oysters, branzino, seafood fideuà (think paella with pasta instead of rice), lobster ravioli carbonara, rack of lamb and sweets like Bellini’s tiramisu, Basque cheesecake, Nonna’s limoncello and ricotta bread pudding. Sunday brunch features avocado, lobster toast, filet mignon with potato hash, lump crab Hollandaise and chocolate crepes. 

Blossom & Brie 

8250 Nalle Grade Road, North Fort Myers 
239-385-0415 
blossomandbrie.com 

First opened as Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm a decade ago, this 86-acre property in North Fort Myers affords a rare chance to dine on a working farm, where many of the resident cows, sheep, chickens, ducks, donkeys and pigs will amble over to the fence to check out visitors. Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served in the spacious venue by a professional staff. Executive Chef Wesley Robbins and his team produce imaginative and beautifully presented dishes using proteins and vegetables raised at the farm. 

Bruno’s of Brooklyn 

2149 First St., Fort Myers 
239-278-0211 
brunosofbrooklyn.com 

The restaurant isn’t new but the space in which Bruno’s of Brooklyn now operates seems worlds away from the modest space it occupied for a decade just a half mile from the new spot on First Street. Chef and owner Cal Bruno and his wife, Genevieve, have taken Bruno family recipes that made their previous restaurant such a favorite and now offer it in a more spacious and visible spot at First and Dean streets in downtown Fort Myers. Spicy lobster capellini, cavatelli sausage and broccoli rabe over house made pasta, 18 types of antipasti and veal chop Parmigiano are among the dishes that await diners here. 

Guru Indian Bistro 

Prado at Spring Creek, 25151 Chamber of Commerce Drive, Bonita Springs 
239-427-0924 
guruindianbistro.com 

This new Bonita Springs restaurant offers a heady mix of aromatic Indian dishes, including multiple options for vegetarians and seafood lovers. Besides the ubiquitous chicken tandoori and tikka, there is tandoori shrimp or salmon as well, dal makhani (Punjabi-style black lentils and kidney beans), biryani, vindaloo and, for dessert, house-made mango pistachio kulfi. 

PJK Neighborhood Chinese 

Coconut Point, 23151 Village Shops Way, Estero 
239-421-9867 
pjkchinese.com 

From the company that brought us PF Chang’s and Fleming’s Steakhouse comes PJK Neighborhood Chinese, a casual, upscale concept combining traditional Chinese flavors with modern interpretations and focusing on local seafood. The first location, which is in Naples, has been successful and now Coconut Point has the second location of the Naples-based Paul Fleming Restaurant Group fresh concept. Starters on the menu include grouper bao buns, duck confit tacos and eggrolls. Braised short ribs, Peking duck, teriyaki steak, Mongolian chicken (or other protein), and a variety of dim sum (small) plates, including dumplings, duck potstickers and chili wontons. 

Sunqu Delights of Peru 

529 Pondella Road, North Fort Myers 
239-360-7906 
sunquperu.com 

This little gem has a modest exterior, but the doors that once led to a convenience store now open onto a charming bastion of well-executed Peruvian food served by a charming team. Chef and co-owner Oscar Ludena ably manages the kitchen while co-owner Nicholas Byrnes works in the front of the house, making guests feel like family. He’s also equipped with an iPad containing photos of all of the dishes on the menu and he will graciously review them with anyone uncertain about what to order. Servings are generous. One of their ceviche platters and a paella entree are plenty for two. Can’t decide? Consider ordering a boat that resembles the type used for sushi, but this one contains portions of 10 Peruvian dishes. Whatever you choose, save room for dessert: The Seven Leches Cake made by the chef is worth every single calorie. 

Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant 

362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 
239-472-0011 
wickieslighthouserestaurant.com 

Brought to you by the owners of The Island Cow on Sanibel (destroyed by fire in August 2022) and Mad Hatter (washed away by Hurricane Ian a month later). The owners of the two establishments partnered in Wickies Lighthouse. The result is a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus weekend brunch. Diners will find a wide-ranging menu with plenty of comfort fare – think omelets, pancakes, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits – and some surprises – like blueberry jalapeno flatbread, a burger with fig and bourbon compote, candied bacon and pepperjack cheese, and the signature Mad Hatter crustless cheesecake. 

COLLIER COUNTY 

Bakery at Grappino 

80 Ninth St. N., Naples 
239-331-4325 
aielligroup.com 

The culinary team that brought us Sea Salt, Barbatella, Dorona and Grappino have added to their repertoire with the opening of Bakery at Grappino, a venture that involved sending the executive chef to Europe for an intensive immersion in baking Old World style. The bakery serves breakfast and lunch with a bounty of freshly baked breads and pastry. Whether it’s focaccia, brioche, ciabatta or cannoli, it’s made in-house. Coffees, smoothies, fresh juices and ginger shots are also available. You can buy jars of some sauces used in the restaurants along with the pastries and bread. 

Soluna 

403 Bayfront Place, Naples 
239-384-9436 
solunanples.net 

Chef William Andraca is known to many who dine in area country clubs. His last stop was the Bay Colony Golf Club. Now, he has opened Soluna in Bayfront at Naples, where Stoney’s Steakhouse used to be. Contemporary fare is the concept, featuring dishes such as calabaza risotto, heritage pork chop and black grouper. Brunch might consist of smoked salmon Napoleon, French toast with key lime cream or a grilled black grouper sandwich with umami aioli. 

Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar 

Mercato, 9118 Strada Place, Naples 
239-399-3313 
tap42.com 

This Florida mini chain opened its first Southwest Florida location in Naples’ Mercato last year and is working to open one in Fort Myers this year. Occupying the space that previously held AZN Azian Cuizine, Tap 42 blends contemporary American fare with craft beers and handcrafted cocktails in a casually stylish setting. The beer list includes 42 Hazy Daze, a collaboration between Tap 42 and Funky Buddha Brewery. Choose from a variety of appetizers – Truffle Street Corn avocado toast, guacamole, spicy tuna tartare, chicken lettuce wraps – plus salads, burgers and sandwiches and plated entrees like prime chimichurri skirt steak, jumbo barbecued baby back ribs, beer battered fish and chips and chocolate chunk bread pudding. 

Unidos, A Latin Kitchen & Bar 

1 Ninth St. S., Naples 
239-331-3668 
unidosrestaurant.com 

Nuevo-Latin style adds another dimension to the Latin foods we already like. That’s what Unidos serves – dishes we might be familiar with but that are prepared in a way that delivers some surprises. Wood-roasted pork shank tacos come with both green and guajillo sauces, plus charro beans. A grilled cauliflower steak comes with passion fruit coconut sauce and yuca fries. Other possibilities include wood-grilled branzino tacos, caramelized plantains and street churros with ice cream, strawberries and mint. 

CHARLOTTE COUNTY 

Jay’s Smokin’ BBQ 

10175 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda 
941-646-8589 
jayssmokinbbqfl.com 

Texas-style barbecue is this newcomer’s specialty. (Actually, the business isn’t new, but it used to arrive on a food truck.) With a brick-and-mortar building – the space previously occupied by Stingray’s Diner at the defunct Muscle Car City Museum. The menu is extensive, with favorites such as brisket burnt ends, Wisconsin cheese curds, hot honey fried chicken, smoked brisket, Italian sausage and pulled pork. For a serious indulgence, consider the Smashed Potato Skillet (baked, smashed and buttered russet potato with pulled pork or chopped brisket piled on top, smothered in melted beer cheese, then a drizzle of Jay’s Signature BBQ Sauce, topped with sour cream and fresh chopped scallions). 

Mayon Asian American Restaurant 

4300 Kings Hwy, Port Charlotte 
941-291-0055 
mayoneats.com 

Mayon Asian American Restaurant brings Filipino style to this casual new eatery at Schoolhouse Square. The menu includes standards such as lumpia, adobo, currywurst, Mongolian beef, sinangag (garlic fried rice), spareribs and halo halo, plus still more lunch and dinner offerings and a full bar. 

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor 

5500 Sunseeker Way, Charlotte Harbor 
833-914-7300 
sunseekerresorts.com 

The new Allegiant Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor opened with 20 – yes, 20 – food and beverage options. The resort features seven standalone restaurants, 11 bars and lounges, two poolside options and the 25,000-square-foot Food Hall, in which 11 concepts co-exist, resulting in some 200 dishes from which to choose. There’s Arezzo Craft Pizza Kitchen, Kinderhook Raw Bar & Crab Co., Copper Cask Backyard Beer Garden, Sweet Shine patisserie and dessert bar; Charlotte Parlor gelato and creperie; Copper Cask Backyard Beer Garden – you get the idea. Thorough exploration will likely require multiple meals. 

U-Yee Sushi & Grill 

42031 Cypress Pkwy, Babcock Ranch 
239-567-1388 
uyeesushi.com 

Both sushi and hibachi lovers can find something on the voluminous menu at this Crescent B Commons restaurant. There are plenty of sushi and sashimi variations along with cooked items from the kitchen, such as gyoza, fried soft-shell crab, tempuras and hibachis.