Bicyclette Cookshop

Ingenuity is the Main Ingredient at Naples Hotspot

By Cheryl Mandell  / Photos by Cheryl Mandell and Carlos Gonzalez

Situated next to sister company Naples Cyclery, on Vanderbilt Beach Road in Naples, Bicyclette Cookshop is equal parts polished and approachable. This vibrant eatery invites guests on a gastronomic adventure. Have you ever experienced “caviar bumps” with creme fraiche and… Bugles?

“Every dish tells its own story,” said Manager Paige Carroll. That narrative unfolds through bold flavors and thoughtful composition, with a touch of nostalgia and even inside jokes making their way into the dishes. Speaking of dishes, whimsical sayings adorn the plates, which offer a great conversation piece to the evening.

The interior strikes a balance between sleek modernity and rustic warmth. Clean architectural lines and soft globe pendant lighting create an airy, contemporary feel, while rich wood paneling, honey-toned tables and woven-back chairs add an inviting comfort. A long, bustling bar anchors the space, lined with neatly arranged bottles and warm wood shelving, while an open kitchen offers a glimpse behind the scenes. Mustard-yellow banquettes provide a cheerful pop of color, encouraging guests to stay awhile.

At the heart of it all is partner and Chef Kayla Pfeiffer, whose resume is as impressive as her food is memorable. A 2025 James Beard Emerging Chef semifinalist, Food Network “Chopped” champion, and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Pfeiffer brings both technical precision and a playful spirit to every dish. Her approach blends global inspiration with Florida’s seasonal ingredients, resulting in a menu as dynamic as the chef herself.

According to Owner Louie Mele, “Chef Kayla’s dishes are meant to be eaten with every flavor at the same time.” He encourages diners to experience each plate as a harmonious whole rather than a collection of parts.

At Bicyclette Cookshop, the menu reads like a passport, each dish a stamp from a different corner of the culinary world, yet all tied together by Chef Kayla’s signature balance of precision and playfulness. It’s a menu designed for exploration, where small plates such as the guava crumpets and goat butter, or  the beef tartare — with horseradish aioli, mimolette cheese and thin, crispy carta — invite sharing.

When it comes to the main course, the grilled kampachi, featuring amberjack fish, fermented black walnut and turnip-top pesto, is a standout.  More adventurous palates might gravitate toward the rich duck entrée layered with smoked eel and beet umeboshi jus (Japanese pickled plum).

Behind the bar, the same thoughtful approach continues. Cocktails like the Bicycle Thief, which blends campari, gin, lime and grapefruit, offer bold, layered flavors, while a well-curated and extensive wine list spans from crisp Sancerre to robust Napa cabernets.

Since opening in November 2023, Bicyclette Cookshop has garnered significant acclaim, including recognition as one of USA Today’s Best New Restaurants of 2025. Despite the accolades, the Bicyclette team remains deeply rooted in community and connection. They added a new, entirely unique dining concept called Heyday Cookshop, which just opened last month in North Naples.

With its inviting atmosphere, imaginative cuisine and passionate team, Bicyclette Cookshop isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a place to experience.