THE BEST OF DINING 2025

By Cheryl Mandell

 

Every December, we look back on an exceptional year of local dining experiences. From global fusion to contemporary American steak and seafood, to classic down-home comfort food, Hawaiian poke and much more, these restaurants are worth a second look. Prepare to be inspired by the culinary talent in our area!

 

BHA! BHA! PERSIAN BISTRO

865 5th Avenue South, Naples 239.594.5557 | bhabhabistro.com

 

Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro on Fifth Avenue in Naples transports guests to a world of vibrant flavors and exquisite global cuisine. The extensive menu ranges from delicate lamb stews to jewel-toned rice dishes and hand-crafted baklava. Every dish is a tribute to Persian culinary artistry, with many menu items being Bha! Bha! originals for over 25 years. Lamb Eggplant Napoleon is a tender, aromatic house specialty. Crispy layers of phyllo are filled with thinly sliced roasted eggplant and seasoned ground lamb, cherry tomatoes, herbs, Persian yellow peas, caramelized onions and drizzles of seasoned yogurt.

 

 

 

BLANC

13451 McGregor Blvd, Suite 10, Fort Myers 239.887.3139 | blancentertainment.com

 

Tucked away in a plaza on McGregor Boulevard is a cozy yet contemporary restaurant inspired by flavors gathered around the globe. The menu at Blanc draws on French and Asian cuisines, and traditional American dishes. Much of the food at Blanc is cooked on a robata grill, a traditional Japanese charcoal grill that imparts a rich, aromatic flavor. There’s a good reason the French Onion Soup is a favorite among patrons and staff. It’s a hearty broth, sweetened by onions and made savory from crostini and the Swiss and mozzarella cheeses that top this delicious soup.

 

 

 

ESTIA

8990 Fontana del Sol Way, Naples 239.631.2902 | estiarestaurant.com

 

Estia brings fresh flavors and the inviting homestyle of Greece to the Southwest Florida food scene. This family-owned gem offers a menu filled with authentic Greek and Mediterranean dishes and fresh European fish, flown in daily. Estia means hearth in Greek, the warmest part of the home, and this dining hotspot lives up to its name. Lamb Chops are Estia’s pièce de résistance. Three Australian lamb chops are slowly braised and marinated in olive oil, fresh herbs and lemon, then charcoal-grilled and served with Greek fried potatoes and creamy, perfectly savory-and-sweet tzatziki sauce.

 

 

 

FRESH CATCH INLAND

7991 Plaza Del Lago Drive, Estero 239.319.5887 | freshcatchinland.com

 

Fresh Catch Island brings a refined twist on a local favorite. Since 2012, Fresh Catch Bistro had been a beloved fine-dining seafood staple in Fort Myers Beach, but Hurricane Ian had other plans. This year, a new location opened in Coconut Point, where classic coastal dishes meet vibrant new creations. Fresh Catch Inland is custom-made for the seafood-loving community of Estero. Spiced Pecan and Cranberry Crusted Grouper is a favorite from the original Fresh Catch Bistro. This baked black grouper is topped with tropical fruit salsa and rests on rice pilaf with sweet chili drizzle.

 

 

 

 

LA FONTANELLA

24600 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 204, Bonita Springs 239.498.6808 | lafontanellahospitality.com

 

The homemade quality and warm hospitality at 24-year-old Italian restaurant La Fontanella is no secret to most local southwest Floridians. Patrons are warmly welcomed and served generous portions of delicious, authentic Italian dishes that will bring you and your loved ones back time and again. The Vitello Osso Bucco is an impressive 20-ounce, red wine-braised veal shank, served in a port wine demi-glaze with green beans, carrots and a beautifully creamy risotto.

 

 

 

 

 

MARIO’S

20301 Grande Oak Shoppes Drive, Suite108, Estero

239.949.4423 | Facebook: MariosOfEstero

 

You can almost guarantee that you’ll be greeted by Mario’s smiling face during your meal. Mario’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at all times. Several of the items on the menu reflect

the Mediterranean cuisine prevalent in southern European countries and Mario’s home country of Albania, including Greek salad, spinach pie and gyros. Baked Meatloaf is a home run entrée made with love by Mario himself, served with sauteed mushrooms, onions and gravy. It includes a choice of potato or rice, plus vegetable and choice of soup, salad or coleslaw.

 

 

OLD VINES NAPLES AT MERCATO

9105 Strada Place, Suite 3125, Naples 239.591.5351 | oldvines.net/mercato

 

There is nothing ordinary about the casual fine dining offerings at Old Vines Naples at Mercato. The menu reflects a balance of tradition and innovation, blending classic techniques with fresh perspective, serving dishes from lunch to late night. House favorites remain on the menu year-round, but many of the dishes are replaced seasonally, based on the availability of local fresh produce items. Miso Honey Glazed Short Rib is slow-cooked for four hours and served with pomme puree, Calabrian chili broccolini, bok choy and crispy shallots. It’s a standout among a sea of fabulous menu items.

 

 

 

PJK NEIGHBORHOOD CHINESE

23151 Village Shops Way, Estero 239.421.9867 | pjkchinese.com

 

After spending several years in Naples, restaurateur Paul Fleming and his wife Jody were inspired to create a restaurant serving Chinese flavors that incorporated locally sourced ingredients from the bounty of fresh seafood available along the Naples coast. The success of the original location in Old Naples prompted the newest PJK Neighborhood Chinese restaurant in Coconut Point Mall. Dan Dan Noodles are the chef’s favorite dish. Featuring spicy Szechuan pork tossed with julienne-sliced cucumber and bean sprouts, this wok-fired dish is available with chicken, pork, shrimp, beef or tofu.

 

 

 

 

POKE FUSION

19810 Village Center Drive, Estero

239.362.2579 | Instagram: pokefusionswfl

 

Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish consisting of diced, raw fish marinated and served over rice or salad with various toppings and sauces. The name “poke” means “to cut” in Hawaiian, referring to the way the fish is prepared. Poke Fusion gets its name because it offers traditional poke and modern twists. Classic style or create-your-own, these dishes are fresh, flavorful and

healthy and a huge favorite among locals and FGCU students. The FGCU-sion Bowl is made from Spicy krab, eel sauce, spicy mayo, carrots, edamame, scallions, avocado and crispy onions.

 

 

 

REAL SEAFOOD CO.

8001 Plaza de Lago Drive, Suite 113, Estero 239.539.4748 | realseafoodcorestaurant.com

 

Like the original Real Seafood Co. established in 1975 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Estero location continues the tradition of sustainably sourcing fresh, top-quality fish and shellfish from the waters of New England and the Great Lakes, while also sourcing an abundance of local ingredients from Florida. The Pan Seared Scallops are large, pillow-soft sea scallops served on a bed of glazed, sweet mashed potatoes — an eclectic and wonderful pairing — with broccolini and bourbon bacon jam that beckons to be tasted.

 

 

RUSH INN BAR & GRILLE

10801 Corkscrew Road, Suite 428, Estero 239.319.5816 | therushinn.com

 

Located in Miromar Outlets, Rush Inn is full of elevated comfort food, Midwestern classics, and a bevy of beverages. The goal is to bring locals together from outside their gated communities to spend some time becoming familiar — in a place where everyone knows your name. Midwesterners will appreciate the Mini Pierogies, made with potato and cheese, fried and brushed with garlic butter, and served with housemade French onion dip. It’s a fan favorite at all of the Rush Inns from the Midwest to the Southeast.