USA TODAY ranks Naples as one of the best small town food scenes in annual awards

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• Five local restaurants highlight Naples’ diverse culinary offerings, including The Dock at Crayton Cove, known for its classic seafood.
• Upscale dining can be found at The Turtle Club on Vanderbilt Beach, while The 239 provides a community-focused atmosphere in Mercato Shops.

The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the best in lifestyle, food and drink, and travel. Over the past four weeks, readers voted on their favorite places ― and of course, Naples made the cut.

USA TODAY readers reaffirmed what we already knew and recognized Naples as having one of the best small town food scenes.

This year, Naples is ranked as having the second best small town food scene in the country.

To celebrate, we’ve rounded up five of our favorite local restaurants that showcase just how great our food scene is.

1. The Dock at Crayton Cove

The Dock at Crayton Cove is among the oldest restaurants still standing in Naples, opening in 1976.

The restaurant offers classic seafood dishes with a tropical flair that you can enjoy with a waterfront view.

It’s one of those places that really captures the essence of Naples.

(845 12th Ave. S., Naples; 239-263-9940; dockcraytoncove.com)

2. Bicyclette Cookshop

Bicyclette Cookshop captured national attention this year when it made the USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year 2025 list.

The local restaurant boasts a playful, yet elevated menu curated by executive chef-partner Kayla Pfeiffer.

If you’re looking to try a dish that’s fresh and new, this is the place for you.

(819 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples; 239-514-3333; bicyclettecookshop.com)

3. The Real Macaw

The Real Macaw brings the charm of Key West to Naples with island cuisine, live music, and a great sense of community.

The restaurant was originally opened by Jeanne Harvey in 1991, but was passed down to her daughter, Siobhan Harvery Cleveland, after she died in 2021.

Located in the heart of the Bayshore Arts District, The Real Macaw has established itself as an iconic Naples spot that visitors and locals can both enjoy.

(3275 Bayshore Drive, Naples; 239-732-1188; therealmacaw.com)

4. The Turtle Club

The Turtle Club is a Naples staple that allows you to enjoy an upscale dining experience on Vanderbilt Beach. I don’t just mean you’ll have a view ― your toes can literally be in the sand.

The menu is full of elevated coastal options, along with some classics like burgers. There’s a lunch menu with lighter offerings and a separate dinner menu with bigger and richer portions.

You’ll want to make a reservation for dinner, but lunch tables are first-come, first-served.

(9225 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples; 239-592-6557; turtleclubbnaples.com)

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5. The 239

Named after our Naples area code, The 239 really captures what it’s like to be a local. You’ll always feel a sense of community at the restaurant and bar since it’s nestled in the middle of the always-bustling Mercato Shops.

The 239 offers a clean menu for any time of day, including brunch, lunch, and dinner. You can choose to sit a table inside, or opt for the outdoor bar.

Happy hour begins at 2:39 p.m. and runs until 6 p.m. and gives you a perfect excuse to try their specialty craft cocktails with friends.

(9108 Strada Place, Naples; 239-631-1902; the239naples.com)