The Best Places for Outdoor Dining in Naples

One of the joys of visiting Florida’s Paradise Coast is dining al fresco.

You’ll find outdoor dining experiences aplenty throughout our destination — certainly along the Marco Island beaches — but for this article we’ll focus on the offerings in Naples.

5th Avenue South, the city’s prime spot for fine dining, has a bounty of al fresco options. You can also find restaurants with outdoor dining on Third Street South, and at Venetian Bay, Tin City, on the water and elsewhere.

Here’s an overview of terrific places to eat outside in Naples.

Fifth Avenue South

Stroll along downtown’s main dining and shopping thoroughfare and you’ll find numerous delicious opportunities for an al fresco meal. 5th Avenue South has seating on the sidewalk and outdoor patios at most of its restaurants and bars.

Don’t miss Osteria Tulia, which serves rustic Italian cuisine in the ambiance of a lovingly restored farmhouse. The restaurant sources artisanal ingredients from growers in Italy and America, and makes its doughs, pastas and cheeses in house.

5th Avenue South has an abundance of elevated Italian eateries with al fresco seating, among them Bice Ristorante, Caffe Milano, Dolce & Salato Italian Bistro, Pazzo! Cucina Italiana, Molto Trattoria, Alberto’s on Fifth, and La Trattoria, a purveyor of light and airy Neapolitan pizza.

The French Brasserie Rustique is another stellar restaurant on the culinary thoroughfare. “The French,” as it’s more commonly known, has a large courtyard, where it serves Franco-staples like escargot, foie and beef bourguignon. (A tip for you carnivores: don’t miss the steak frites).

Mediterranean cuisine is represented by Del Mar, which has patio seating on two levels. And you won’t find many cities the size of Naples where you can feel the breeze while eating exotic Persian cuisine, but here it is: Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro.

Steak lovers, you’re covered, too — with Chops City Grill, Ocean Prime and Aqua Seafood & Steaks.

More 5th Avenue South outdoor dining: Sails Restaurant, 5th Avenue Coffee Company & Sixth Street Diner, Vergina, Keewaydin's on Fifth.
 

Third Street South

Known as the birthplace of Naples, Third Street South’s slogan is “Glamour and Good Times Since the 1930s.” The three blocks between Broad Avenue and 14th Avenue South are where most of the dining action is.

Sea Salt is a fine-dining establishment specializing in Venetian-inspired seafood with innovative twists. The large patio is covered and employs ceiling fans, perfect for those days when there’s not much of a breeze.

Ridgway Bar & Grill serves Contemporary American and French cuisine you can relish on the patio or in their gorgeous garden courtyard. A plate of calamari among the lush greenery makes a perfect pairing.

More Third Street South outdoor dining: Barbatella, Campiello, Jane’s Cafe on 3rd, Old Naples Pub, and Tommy Bahama.
 

THE VILLAGE SHOPS ON VENETIAN BAY

This upscale enclave north of downtown is known for its shopping, of course, but it also features a cluster of fine-dining restaurants offering some of the most picturesque views in Naples.

At T-Michaels Steak & Lobster House, you’ll find a bay view to keep you company as you enjoy a craft cocktail, fresh lobster or a juicy steak. While you stroll along the waterfront and parks, don’t pass up the chance to grab a pastry and a coffee at Black Letter Coffee + Café.

At Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar, you’ll be treated to the white-tablecloth treatment. The restaurant is prized for its fresh fish, but also serves terrific steaks and chops. Enjoy cutting-edge Continental cuisine at M Waterfront Grille.

More Venetian Bay outdoor dining: Fish Restaurant, MiraMare Ristorante, The Village Pub.
 

Tin City

This funky waterfront shopping area on the eastern end of downtown Naples has all you need by way of antiques and novelties. It’s also where you’ll find two restaurants you can think of as beach bars off the beach.

Pinchers is the ideal spot to enjoy lunch or dinner on the waterfront in a casual atmosphere that’s family friendly. Similarly, the fully open-air Riverwalk at Tin City has a full bar and full menu of seafood and other favorites.
 

OTHER WATERFRONT SPOTS

Florida’s Paradise Coast has a wealth of restaurants with water views, whether it’s beachside, bayside or riverside.

Turtle Club, part of the Vanderbilt Beach Resort 10 miles north of downtown, features a large collection of umbrella-covered tables right on the beach. You can kick off your shoes for some toes-in-the-sand dining. The menu is appropriately seafood-focused.

In the classy Bayfront of Naples shopping center on the eastern edge of downtown, you’ll find two places: Tavern on the Bay Sports Bar & Grill and EJ’s Bayfront Cafe.

More waterfront dining: The Dock at Crayton Cove, The Boathouse on Naples Bay.

ELSEWHERE

Nosh on Naples Bay, while it has a 5th Avenue address, is about a mile east of the Avenue’s restaurant row. This upscale eatery has ample outdoor seating that looks out over a marina.

The Oasis in northern Naples has a large outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas out front. It serves eclectic American cuisine.

If you're more interested in enjoying a beer or two than sitting down for a meal, stop by Riptide Brewing Company, just north of downtown. The place is part of the growing craft beer scene on Florida’s Paradise Coast. While Riptide does not serve food, it does host food trucks on select nights.

Hogfish Harry’s Restaurant + Bar, which sits on a small island in the northern part of the city, features a cozy courtyard populated with flowering plants.

Few experiences are more delightful than enjoying a meal with family and friends outdoors in perfect weather. But just in case it rains – or you simply prefer dining in air-conditioned comfort – don’t worry. All of the restaurants listed above also offer indoor seating.