🍽️ The One Dish You Must Order at These Naples Restaurants

(Yes — we did the homework for you)

If there’s one thing we know for sure at Naples News Now, it’s this: when locals open the newsletter, food wins. And when it comes to choosing where to eat, nobody wants to scan a 12-page menu — they want the answer.

So today, we’re doing what your most decisive friend does best: telling you exactly what to order.

This list isn’t random. We pulled from local dining guides, consistent diner reviews, and community chatter — then narrowed each restaurant down to one dish that defines the experience. If you order it, you’ll understand why these spots keep earning repeat reservations.

Must-order: Miso-Broiled Sea Bass
A longtime local favorite, USS Nemo blends fresh Gulf seafood with Asian-inspired flavors. The miso-broiled sea bass is rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced — the dish most often mentioned when regulars describe “why they keep coming back.”

Pro tip: Pair it with a crisp white wine and skip overthinking the rest of the menu.

Must-order: Gulf Red Snapper (Chef’s Preparation)
Sails is all about letting pristine seafood speak for itself. Their Gulf red snapper — prepared simply and seasonally — consistently steals the spotlight.

Pro tip: Ask how it’s being prepared that night. It’s always fresh, always intentional.

Must-order: Blackened Fish Tacos
Relaxed, reliable, and endlessly satisfying. These tacos hit that rare sweet spot: bold seasoning without overpowering the fish.

Pro tip: Ideal lunch order before or after beach time.

Must-order: Lobster Roll
Yes, it’s Naples. Yes, it’s worth it. Generous lobster, lightly dressed, and served with waterfront vibes that make the whole experience feel like vacation mode.

Pro tip: Go early — weekends fill fast.

Must-order: Hogfish Sandwich
If it’s named after the restaurant, that’s usually your sign. Lightly fried hogfish with house slaw delivers classic Florida flavor without fuss.

Pro tip: Outdoor seating seals the deal.

Must-order: Lamb Chops
Mediterrano has built its reputation on refined Mediterranean comfort, and the lamb chops are the standout — tender, seasoned, and consistently excellent.

Pro tip: Date-night approved. Add a bold red wine.

Must-order: House-Made Burrata (Seasonal)
Simple, creamy, and perfectly executed. This burrata starter is one of the most talked-about dishes on Fifth Avenue — and for good reason.

Pro tip: Share it. Then argue over who gets the last bite.

Must-order: Signature Omelet
A Naples brunch institution. Big portions, consistent quality, and waterfront views make this an easy local staple.

Pro tip: Weekend mornings = arrive early or expect a wait.

Must-order: Short Rib Grilled Cheese
Comfort food, elevated. Tender short rib, melted cheese, and just enough indulgence to justify the hype.

Pro tip: Casual dinner perfection — no overthinking required.

Must-order: Lasagna (Yes — that one)

Every once in a while, a restaurant leans all the way in on a bold claim — and then actually backs it up.

After a recent Instagram video where the owner of New York Pizza & Pasta self-proclaimed their lasagna as “the best in the USA,” we had to try it ourselves here at Naples News Now. Verdict? They’re not exaggerating.

This is classic, old-school Italian-American lasagna done right: thick layers, rich meat sauce, perfectly balanced cheese, and that unmistakable “Sunday dinner” flavor you can’t fake. No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Just comfort food executed at a high level.

Why this dish: It’s hearty, unapologetic, and exactly what you want when you order lasagna — the kind that reminds you why this dish became iconic in the first place.
Pro tip: Come hungry. This is not a light order, and leftovers are just as good the next day.

We didn’t guess. We cross-referenced:

Instead of listing everything, we focused on the dish most often mentioned when people say, “You have to try this.”

If you’ve ever sat down at a Naples restaurant and wondered, “What’s the move here?” — now you know.

And don’t worry — this is just the beginning. Next up?

👉 What dish did we miss? Send us an email at [email protected]. We’re always hungry for the next list.