What's Opening & Closing in Naples: New Restaurants, Big Comebacks & Major Changes — October 2026

Naples is heading into season with a serious restaurant shake-up—and some of the biggest changes involve names locals have known for decades.

Vergina has transformed into Medi. Pazzo! is back. CAVA is planning another Naples location, and movie theaters are returning to Mercato.

But there's another development worth getting excited about: Naples Grande is preparing to unveil five new dining concepts, including an Italian trattoria, a Mediterranean bar, and a beachfront burger spot.

From Fifth Avenue South to North Naples, here's what's opening, closing, moving, and changing around town.

475 Seagate Drive | Reopening planned January 2027

One of Naples' best-known resorts is preparing for a major comeback—and the restaurant lineup may be just as interesting as the renovation itself.

Naples Grande Beach Resort is undergoing a reported $100 million transformation and will reopen under the Signia by Hilton brand.

The resort has announced five new food and beverage concepts:

There's a familiar Naples name behind the culinary transformation, too.

Chef Asif Syed, who operated 21 Spices in East Naples for nearly a decade, has returned to oversee the resort's food and beverage program.

The renovation includes all 474 guest accommodations, refreshed gathering spaces, and upgraded resort amenities.

The main resort remains closed during renovations, although Rhode's End Restaurant and select beach amenities remain available.

Why it matters: Five dining concepts arriving together could make Naples Grande a major dining destination for residents as well as resort guests.

Editor's note: The five-restaurant announcement was made November 3 and is included as an early November update.

700 Fifth Avenue South | Debuted October 26

One of Fifth Avenue South's most recognizable restaurants has a new identity.

After 26 years, Vergina has transformed into Medi, bringing a French Riviera-inspired dining experience to downtown Naples.

The concept takes inspiration from St. Tropez, pairing Mediterranean dishes with refreshed interiors, creative cocktails, and entertainment.

Executive Chef Víctor Villanueva leads the kitchen, with menu offerings that include seafood, Mediterranean shared plates, and other coastal-inspired specialties.

Although the name and concept have changed, much of the familiar management and staff remain.

For longtime Vergina customers, this is one of downtown's biggest restaurant transformations in years.

853 Fifth Avenue South | Reopened October 27

After months of renovations, Pazzo! Cucina Italiana is welcoming diners again.

The longtime Fifth Avenue restaurant reopened October 27 with an updated dining room, kitchen improvements, and a refreshed menu.

Many familiar Italian favorites remain, while new dishes and an updated dining experience give regulars something different to discover.

Pazzo! also plans to introduce lunch service in December.

For a restaurant that's been part of the Fifth Avenue scene for more than three decades, its return is welcome news heading into season.

Fifth Avenue South | Restaurant update

Sushi Thai on Fifth is another familiar downtown dining name undergoing changes.

While questions have circulated about the restaurant's status, it should not be described as permanently closed without confirmation.

We'll continue following the updates and report more details as they're established.

Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort | Now open

Looking for a sports bar with something more than televisions and wings?

The new upscale sports gastropub at Naples Beach Club combines food, cocktails, and live sporting events with interactive entertainment.

The biggest attraction is a four-lane bowling alley, complemented by other games and gathering spaces.

It's a fresh entertainment option for Naples, especially for date nights, groups of friends, and anyone looking to watch a game in a more elevated setting.

5047 Tamiami Trail East | New restaurant

A new Italian restaurant has taken over the former Lima Restaurant space at The Village Falls.

Carucci's Restaurant and Pub is the creation of Fred Carucci and Eileen Marcinkowski, bringing a neighborhood Italian dining experience to East Naples.

The menu includes traditional pasta dishes, seafood, and Italian specialties, including a signature stuffed veal chop.

It's another independent restaurant addition for residents along the East Trail corridor.

2625 Davis Boulevard | Grand opening October 30–31

Naples now has a new destination for soccer training.

Sogility combines technology-assisted training stations with coaching designed to help players improve ball control, technical skills, and decision-making.

Former U.S. men's national team player Jozy Altidore is among the company's owners.

The Naples facility is the brand's first Florida location.

Mercato, North Naples | Lease signed in October

North Naples movie lovers have something to celebrate.

Following the closure of Alamo Drafthouse at Mercato, Paragon Theaters signed a lease to take over the former cinema.

The company plans to introduce upgraded seating, heated recliners, full-service dining, and premium-format movie screens.

Paragon already operates The Pavilion theater nearby, but the Mercato location will bring movies back to one of Naples' busiest dining and entertainment destinations.

The current target is early 2027, subject to renovation and installation schedules.

5042 Airport-Pulling Road North, Carillon Place | Coming soon

Mediterranean fast-casual favorite CAVA is planning another Naples restaurant.

Coming-soon signage has been reported at Carillon Place, near Airport-Pulling Road and Pine Ridge Road.

The chain is known for customizable Mediterranean bowls, pita sandwiches, hummus, and other dips.

The planned restaurant would join CAVA's existing Naples location at Addison Place.

No official opening date has been announced.

5014 Airport-Pulling Road North | Opening status being confirmed

CAVA won't be the only familiar dining brand arriving at Carillon Place.

Jersey Mike's Subs is also preparing a location in the shopping center.

Restaurant licensing activity in late October indicates progress toward opening, although the first day of customer service has not been independently confirmed.

Together, the additions will bring more fast-casual dining options to the busy Pine Ridge and Airport-Pulling intersection.

4377 Tamiami Trail North | Scheduled November 14

Outdoor enthusiasts have a new store on the calendar.

Sierra, part of the TJX family behind TJ Maxx and Marshalls, is preparing to open in the former Party City space at Park Shore Plaza.

The nearly 18,700-square-foot store will feature outdoor clothing, activewear, shoes, and recreational gear at discounted prices.

It will be among the brand's first Florida locations.

Park Shore Plaza | Expected early 2027

Park Shore Plaza is preparing for another major retail addition.

TJ Maxx is expected to occupy the former Saks Off 5th space, expanding the shopping center's discount retail lineup.

An exact opening date has not been announced.

Waterside Shops | Reopening planned November 18

Anthropologie is relocating within Waterside Shops.

The retailer temporarily closed its previous location October 18 and is scheduled to reopen in a new space November 18.

Other luxury retail changes are also planned at Waterside, including future boutiques and store relocations.

330 Ninth Street South → 1200 Central Avenue

One of Naples' favorite burger restaurants is preparing for a new chapter.

Brooks Burgers is leaving its longtime Ninth Street location as the property faces redevelopment.

But the restaurant isn't disappearing.

Owner Todd Brooks plans to reopen nearby as Brooks Burgers & Bar at 1200 Central Avenue.

The transition is targeted for late November or early December, although the schedule could change.

Bayshore Drive → 2650 Airport Road South

Another local Italian favorite is preparing to move.

Baci Trattoria & Pizza plans to relocate to Courthouse Walk near the Collier County Government Center.

The restaurant expects to preserve its familiar Italian menu and pizza offerings at the new location.

The move is targeted for late November or early December.

22927 Lyden Drive, Estero | Opened October 22

Southwest Florida's Whataburger expansion continued in October.

After the Texas-based chain opened its first regional restaurant in south Fort Myers in September, a second location debuted near Coconut Point in Estero.

The new restaurant features seating for 158 guests and operates daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

While technically outside Naples, it's a convenient new option for North Naples residents who want to see what the Whataburger excitement is all about.

Several additional projects could reshape Naples dining and shopping over the coming months.

At Coastland Center, restaurant concepts in development include Atlantic Forge Mediterranean Steakhouse, Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, and Oar & Iron Raw Bar & Grill.

East Naples is also watching plans for Whole Foods Market at Vitano, while other new restaurant and retail projects are progressing throughout Collier County.

These projects are in different stages of planning and development, and their opening dates remain subject to change.

October's openings, relocations, and restaurant transformations show just how quickly Naples' business landscape is evolving.

Fifth Avenue is reinventing longtime favorites. North Naples is getting new dining and entertainment options. National brands are expanding into neighborhood shopping centers. And familiar local businesses are finding new homes rather than disappearing.

With Naples Grande preparing five new dining concepts for January and more retail openings on the horizon, there's plenty more to watch.

Know about a restaurant or business opening, closing, or moving in Naples? Send your tip to Naples News Now. We may feature it in next month's roundup.

Sources: Gulfshore Business; Fifth Avenue South BID; Gulfshore Life Season Preview 2026–27; Greater Naples Chamber; The Adventurist Magazine; Naples Press; Medi press release;Hilton website