The 11 Best Places to Dine in Pelican Bay

Gorgeous Pelican Bay on the north side of Naples is well known for its remarkably high quality of life. Surrounded by stunning private beaches and mangrove forests, Pelican Bay is the epitome of natural wonder and private luxury living. When you add in its world-class amenities and impressive dining scene, Pelican Bay real estate has much to offer those seeking the best of the best.

With this in mind, let’s look at a few of the most notable restaurants the area is known for.

Conveniently situated with stunning gulf-front views, waterside dining in and around Pelican Bay is a memorable experience. For casual and convenient dining on-site, the Sandbar’s panoramic gulf vistas are the perfect backdrop for its fresh, light fare and innovative cocktail menu. Guests can sip cocktails while taking in magnificent sunsets from the full-service beachside bar, open-air deckside dining, or cozy dining room. 

Tucked inside the exclusive Naples Grand Beach Resort, Rhode’s End is a hidden gem that will make you feel like you’re on a Greek island getaway. Sparkling blue Gulf water beckon as diners enjoy their comprehensive Greek and Mediterranean-inspired menu, tropical cocktails, frozen drinks, wine, and beer.

The Catch of the Pelican serves the freshest locally-sourced seafood and premium steaks in a casual yet sophisticated interior. The menu is locally-sourced, emphasizing Gulf Coast specialties such as an extensive raw bar, seafood towers, crab cakes, Chilean sea bass, lobster bisque, grilled swordfish, dry-aged ribeye, Jerk chicken, and much more. A comprehensive wine list, craft cocktail menu, and range of beers round out the meal. The Catch is famous for its elegant brunches and private dining experiences, such as the Full Moon Chef’s Dinner Series. These monthly themed dinners enable diners to relax under the full moon while enjoying a custom four-course meal with drink pairings.

The family-owned local favorite Panevino specializes in fresh Northern Italian cuisine, focusing on cultivating an excellent customer experience. Panevino has been named the area’s best Italian restaurant for four years, earning it an honored place on the Naples Business Hall of Fame. Panevino offers a range of salads, antipasti, and homemade pasta specialties, as well as nightly specials like Chilean sea bass, lobster ravioli, Osso Buco, Fish Livornese, Spiedino Romano, Mussels Luciano, and Chicken Scarpariello.

The signature fine dining experience of LaPlaya Beach & Golf Club, BALEEN, offers elegant upscale beachside dining and tables placed right on the beach. Travelers and locals make reservations here when they seek a dining experience for a fine occasion. Award-winning fresh fare includes BALEEN’s signature raw bar, pan-seared red snapper, Lobster Bucatini, and blackened local grouper. Carnivores can select from prime cut Black Angus, aged bone-in ribeye, and Berkshire pork chops. BALEEN’s delicious brunch and popular bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys make it a popular weekend tradition and the perfect place to enjoy Florida’s stunning sunsets and beach views.

For excellent views and fresh seafood, Gumbo Limbo, located in The Ritz-Carlton, features creative culinary treats and innovative cocktails right on the water. Whether you are enjoying a happy hour with friends, meeting a business associate for lunch, or celebrating an occasion, Gumbo Limbo’s lively casual atmosphere and beautiful views elevate the everyday to something special.

Namba specializes in Izakaya dining, defined by small plates of signature Japanese dishes and comfort foods. Sharing is part of the experience, so bring your friends and enjoy Namba’s wide range of beautiful Japanese creations. Namba is named for a district in Osaka known for its rich diversity of cuisines and cultures. Executive Chef Koko uses only the freshest of ingredients with exquisite preparation and attention to detail to serve up plates that are true works of art. Don’t forget to Instagram it before you dig in!

The featured lobby restaurant at Naples Grande Resort, Aura, features an elegant modern setting and hearty breakfast fare. This family-friendly spot also offers a children’s menu for younger diners and is the perfect place to bring everyone to fill up before a long day of looking at Pelican Bay real estate. 

This quaint French cafe boasts homemade artisan fare. It’s authentic: it has been owned and operated by French restaurateurs since its opening in 2010. Grain de Café uses the freshest ingredients delivered daily to create their classic French favorites. You’ll exclaim “Si Bon!” when you try their omelets, quiches, salads, and sandwiches. However, the pièce de résistance is their stunning pastry menu with flaky croissants, luscious turnovers, and sweet congolais.

Casual and fun, Pelican Larry’s has served locals and visitors for more than two decades. Larry’s award-winning wings top the traditional sports bar menu, including burgers, seafood, wraps, and oysters so fresh they shuck them at the table. The welcoming neighborhood hangout wants to make everyone feel like a local with daily happy hour, live entertainment, and ice-cold beer. So meet some friends here for dinner and drinks, or settle in to watch the game!

Located inside the stylish Ritz-Carlton, Dusk cultivates an atmosphere reminiscent of a classic Florida hideaway. A world-renowned sushi chef creates inspiring small plates which can be enjoyed inside or taken out to the lounge-style terrace overlooking the beautiful Gulf. Its innovative cocktail menu includes special creations like the Floridian Dreams — a delectable concoction of freshly squeezed Florida oranges, Jasmine-infused vodka, and mandarin and apricot liqueurs. Some say it tastes like sunshine in a glass.

With so many exclusive waterside resorts and homes, it’s no surprise Pelican Bay real estate offers fine dining, excellent casual cuisine, and specialty cafes to satisfy every craving. If you want to know more about Pelican Bay real estate, please don’t hesitate to reach out to seasoned professional Vincent Branda of Vincent Branda Real Estate for expert guidance. Vincent Branda knows the neighborhoods and the local market and can help you find your own slice of Florida paradise.