Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Local's Guide to Naples' Design District

Luxury Condos Melinda Gunther January 9, 2025

Old Naples may be world-famous for its white sand beaches and sophisticated resort lifestyle, but its new adjacent neighbor, the Design District, has fantastic culinary, outdoor activity opportunities, accommodations, and boutique shopping. This guide will direct you to the best of the Naples Design District.

Cafes & Treats

Forever Fiore Tea Lounge

A French-Italian fusion that marries the sophistication of Parisian patisseries with the charm of Italian dolce. Forever Fiore's is a pairing made in gastronomic heaven.

The Bowl

Discover The Bowl's organic, dairy-free açaí bowls, pitaya bowls, and smoothies. My favorite is the Green Tide!

Breakfast & Lunch

Grappino Bakery

Grappino Bakery features breakfast / brunch set in an architecturally significant building designed by Naples' own MHK Architects. They offer an authentic European experience with a focus on using high-quality Italian ingredients. Health oriented patrons can enjoy different smoothies, juices and ginger shots. Guests can also indulge in authentic Italian coffee and espresso drinks throughout the day.

Lavender Cafe & Bistro

Lavender Cafe & Bistro offers a charming dining experience with a touch of Mediterranean and American classics. Enjoy a wide range of organic breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner options that are carefully prepared using the freshest ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for a morning pick-me-up, a leisurely brunch, a quick lunch, or a memorable dinner, Lavender Cafe & Bistro is the perfect spot for those who appreciate delicious food made with care and dedication

Brooklyn Dough 

"The best bagels in town!"  They hand roll, kettle boil, and bake fresh daily. Locally owned and operated, Brooklyn Dough offers the most authentic New York style bagels Naples has to offer.

Grouper and Chips

Simple, bright, pint-sized fish 'n' chips shop specializing in beer-battered local catch. Over 27 years ago, owner Pam Pischner opened the doors of Grouper and Chips. Aside from their popular grouper baskets, they also offer local favorites such as their fresh mahi mahi tacos and their unique French flair includes dishes such as Bouillabaisse and Chicken Milanese. With a combined experience of over 50 years in the service industry, Pam and her two daughters are delighted to bring you the freshest fish this side of the Gulf!

Dinner

Unidos

This new addition is one of the hottest places in Naples today.  Unidos is an elevated Latin-inspired restaurant in the heart of the Design District. Experience the flavors of Nuevo-Latino dishes with coastal flair. 

Warren

I never feel like I'm in Naples when I'm in The Warren.  Its brick walls and sophisticated atmosphere are a welcome addition to the Naples restaurant scene.  Described as a casual restaurant serving up steak, short ribs, and other comfort food, although don't be fooled - this is a SCENE - meaning dress to be seen.  

Cosmos Ristorante and Pizzeria

This is hands down our family's favorite pizza restaurant and we have spent every Christmas Eve here for as long as we can remember.  Located in the heart of Naples just a half mile north of 5th Avenue South, Cosmos Ristorante & Pizzeria offers the finest in authentic and inspired Italian cuisine. Using only the freshest ingredients, their menu features fresh homemade pastas, specialty pizzas, seafood, sandwiches and more!

The Claw Bar & London Club

The Claw Bar can be described as a stylish American eatery highlighting seafood, steaks, brunch & home-style desserts with full bar.  They have a beautiful outdoor patio and the food and service is top notch.  On the weekends you can reserve a table upstairs at The London Club for dinner with live music.  Again - this is one of our favorite places to eat in Naples.  Reservations for the London Club are a must! 

Limon Rooftop 

Located on the top floor of the new AC Hotel, discover Limon, a rooftop experience just south of the Design District. Here's where favorite dishes meet updated flavors in a culinary focus that's equal part classic and contemporary, with an emphasis on fresh, Florida seafood. A long, lively drinks menu fills every glass with a zestful spirit. Sit inside or out, at a table or gathered around the bar, in an elevated atmosphere of intimate congeniality. 

Drinks

Kaleidoscope Beer Company

Kaleidoscope Beer Company is a family-owned and operated brewery in Naples, Florida. They are passionate about creating flavorful, high-quality craft beers.

Mini Bar

The Mini Bar is a true casual option in an alfresco setting offering quick bites and a rotating roster of live music.

The Alley - Naples' Premier Late Night Sports Bar

Looking for a vibrant spot to grab late-night food in Naples, FL? The Alley is your go-to destination for a unique urban bar experience inspired by the gritty charm of a New York City alleyway. The sports bar keeps the energy high with throwback hits from the ’90s, fun bar games at the tables, and a lively atmosphere that keeps the night going. Whether you’re catching the game or just out for a good time, The Alley offers a full menu of delicious bites and craft cocktails well into the night. From signature sliders to fresh tacos, they’ve got the perfect late-night food to satisfy your cravings.

Stay

Bellasera Hotel

Find yourself just a mile from Naples’ white sand beaches and steps away from the world-class shopping, dining, and galleries of Old Naples’ famed 5th Avenue South. Bellasera Hotel features elegant studios with en-suite jacuzzi tubs and balconies overlooking the resort pool, as well as spacious 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom condominium-style suites complete with fully-appointed kitchens, living and dining areas, and outdoor terraces for full enjoyment of Southwest Florida’s gorgeous year-round weather. On-property amenities include an outdoor heated swimming pool & whirlpool spa with poolside cabanas, a 24-hour fitness center, guest shuttle service, upscale dining with indoor and outdoor seating, lounge with live music, guest bicycles, and more! 

AC Hotel by Marriott 5th Ave

AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue combines a particular sophistication with a host of practical comforts, bringing modern hospitality to the heart of Old Naples. This Southwest Florida hotel enjoys an ideal location along Naples’ unofficial main street, surrounded by upscale shopping, dining, cultural arts, and entertainment. Waterfront retail, restaurant, and recreation venues Tin City and Bayfront are across the street, while Baker Park and the sugar-white beaches of Naples are only a short distance away. 

Shop

Summerfields Fine Furnishings

Summerfields is a home, garden and gift shop with a colorful Florida twist.  Their curated home collection offers exceptional quality, is well designed and one-of-a-kind. 

Audrey's 

Audrey's is THE PLACE to go in Naples for designer resale clothing, shoes and handbags. They are a resale boutique carrying an extensive collection of contemporary and vintage designer clothing and accessories.

Garden District

The Garden District is Naples premier floral and event destination. Specializing in custom floral creations for the most discerning clientele.

Get Outside 

Gordon River Greenway Biking / Walking

Gordon River Greenway offers 2.5 miles of asphalt, mulch, and boardwalk trails meander through six different native plant communities and are designed for passive recreational activities such as: walking, jogging, biking, roller-blading and skateboarding. The park is leashed-dog friendly and contains: fishing and look-out piers, a kayak/canoe launch with storage rack, bike racks, restrooms with water fountains, a playground with a tree-house, and picnic pavilions.

Gordon River Greenway Kayaking / Canoeing

From the launch area, paddlers in canoes and kayaks have access to a new landscape to explore.  Guided kayak tours are available through the Conservancy of Southwest Florida (239) 213-2500 located next door to the Goodlette Road entrance to the Gordon River Greenway. Must book tour 48 hours in advance. Unguided 2-hour Kayak rentals through the Conservancy are available to Conservancy members only and can be rented online: https://www.conservancy.org/nature-center/kayaks/rentals.

Baker Park

Baker Park is a beautiful 15-acre park located on the Gordon River, across the street from the Naples Dog Park at 100 Riverside Circle. The park is connected to the Greenway with the Blair Foundation bridge that crosses the Gordon River. The park opened in October of 2019 and is named after Jay and Patty Baker. The Baker Park Loop is a 1.3-mile trail that features a beautiful view of the Gordon River.  Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.

Freedom Park

Fred W. Coyle Freedom Park is approximately 50 acres and sits at the Northeast corner of Goodlette-Frank Road and Golden Gate Parkway. There is a 5-acre lake with approximately 3500 feet of boardwalk constructed throughout the park. Existing Wetlands on the site have been restored via removal of exotic vegetation and planting of native species.

Visit Naples Design District

If you are planning a trip to Naples , make sure you plan some time to spend in the Design District. You will not be disappointed. 

Want to Live in the Design District?  Eleven Eleven Central and Naples Square are just two of the condo communities that will allow an active outdoor and walking lifestyle in the Design District. 

 

Work With Melinda

Reach out to Melinda Gunther for expert real estate services. Buy, sell, or rent properties with confidence. Contact her today!