by Sharon Cullars

Created on: May 30, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Naples, often called "the crown jewel of Southwest Florida," offers visitors a variety of attractions: white beaches, tall coconut palms, lush golf courses, fashionable shopping and, of course, fine dining. The subtropical city is a medley of cultural influences - Caribbean, French, Irish, Italian and American - all of which adds flavor to Naples many dining options. Bistros, steak houses, and seafood restaurants are just a few of the venues offering diners a taste of Naples.

One of Naples' mainstay is Cloyde's Steak and Lobster House, located at the Venetian Village. Their award-winning cuisine includes select Prime beef, dried-aged to the strictest specifications, which makes the steaks particularly tender. Their seafood fare, both local and imported, is fresh and succulent, such as the Live Main Lobster which can weigh up to 5 lbs. Stop in and try some of their imported wines from an extensive list, including the Bollini, Pinot Grigio Italy. Follow that up with a slice of Key Lime Pie, a Florida favorite.

Travel along the bay front to Roy's Restaurant, where a superb Hawaiian menu provides a fusion of different tastes. A blend of European and Asian, the menu comprises the best of both worlds. Among Roy's classics is the Roasted Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi with lobster butter cognac sauce, and Roy's Classic Trio of Hibachi Grilled Salmon, Blackened Island Ahi and Hawaiian Style Misoyaki Butterfish served with a citrus Ponzu sauce, spicy soy mustard butter and sizzling soy vinaigrette. From the cocktail menu, select a wonderful Mango, Guava or Passion Fruit Mojito, puree blended with Bacardi Limon Rum,lime juice and freshly muddled mint.

Further inland at Pazzo! Italian Caf, order Bruschetta with vine-ripened tomatoes sprinkled with extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil or Oysters Fellini with roasted oysters, Parmesan, arugula, chili flake and toasted ciabatta crumbs. Top that off with Chocolate Tiramisu or an authentic Gelato Ice. Select from 250 bottles of affordable wines to water your palate. Or try a rich Caf Amaretto and Brandy.

Back at the bay check out Shane's Cabana Bar, where an array of tropical drinks is served in a chickee bar built right over Naples Bay. Have a leisurely cold drink to temper the heat while you take in the beautiful water view. A drinks only spot, they provide nightly specials including a tantalizing margarita.

For some Caribbean style, step into Cibao Grille's, a bistro-styled restaurant where American staples are complemented with spices from the Caribbean. Cibao's literal meaning is "place where rocks abound" and is the name of a fertile region of the Dominican Republic. Fertile is how you would describe the abundant offerings to whet your appetite all to the rhythmic beat of Caribbean instrumentals. The menu includes Shrimp and Lobster Punta Cana, with sauted shrimp and lobster on a bed of Pappardelle Pasta with Olive Oil, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Basil, and Roasted Shallots. Or try Coconut Grouper, Havana Pork Chop or Tilapia Costa Verde. For dessert, choose between the ever favorite Key Lime Pie or the Caramel Flan.

Naples is a place of fun, sun and relaxation...and some of the best dining along the coast.

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