Naples, Fort Myers restaurants among OpenTable's Top 100 in US for outdoor dining

Diana Biederman, Naples Daily News
Updated ·2 min read
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Not too surprising, Naples and Fort Myers restaurants were well represented in the new OpenTable "Top 100" favorite outdoor finds in America.

The restaurant reservations platform, as determined by "verified diner reviews," awarded Florida 17 total nods, with Naples and Fort Myers representing 5% overall ― more than any other destination in the state. Only California had more winners, with 31.

Other Florida metros making the cut include Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale ,Tampa and Orlando with two each; plus one each in Jacksonville, Key West, Miami and Stuart.

In 2022, two Naples restaurants made the list of top outdoor dining spots: Continental and Mediterrano. Neither made it this go-round.

And the winners are

OpenTable lists its winners alphabetically and we will too.

Alberto's on Fifth

Alberto's on Fifth Avenue South in Naples.
Alberto's on Fifth Avenue South in Naples.

During season, the line to dine at Alberto's can stretch down the street. Off-season, it's less competitive. A recent visit with my college alumnae social group was outside, where we enjoyed the restaurant's two-course al fresco deal with a glass of wine for $35 per person. True story: a bestie found love on a blind date there that she attributes to Torino-born chef-owner Alberto Varetto's food. (868 Fith Ave. S., Naples; 239-430-1060; albertosonfifth.com)

Campiello

Campiello earned back-to-back nods for best al fresco dining in Naples.
Campiello earned back-to-back nods for best al fresco dining in Naples.

And the awards keep coming to Campiello, which earned a 2022 spot on OpenTable's overall Top 100 best nationally in December, the only restaurant in town noted. (1177 Third Street S., Naples; 239-435-1166; campiellonaples.com)

The Claw Bar at Bellasera Resort

Fantastic burgers on a poolside patio make The Claw Bar a top al fresco find.
Fantastic burgers on a poolside patio make The Claw Bar a top al fresco find.

Live like you're on vacation at this glam spot that channels Beverly Hills and London's late Le Caprice (IFYKYK) vibes, albeit sunnier and a tad more casually. Seafood towers, great burgers and potent martinis (make it gin for authenticity) paired with sunbrella seating on the patio adjacent to the hotel pool is an idyllic way to spend time. (221 Ninth St. S., Naples; 239-231-3912; theclawbar.com)

Check them out: Best SW FL restaurants for eating outdoors, new ramen, gelato, deals

Connor's Steak & Seafood

Connors Steak & Seafood in Fort Myers.
Connors Steak & Seafood in Fort Myers.

The only chain making the local list, we've previously cited Connor's as a solid group dining destination because of its consistently, reliably good fare. Add this new accolade for reasons to visit. (10076 Gulf Center Drive, San Carlos Park; 239-267-2677; connorsrestaurant.com)

Del Mar

Del Mar's covered terrace on Fifth Avenue South
Del Mar's covered terrace on Fifth Avenue South

Two tiers of terraces where each table offers panoramic views of Fifth Avenue make al fresco dining at Del Mar a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. (494 Fifth Ave. S.; 239-350-0134; delmarnaplesrestaurant.com)

All restaurants qualifying for the honor accept reservations on OpenTable; those primarily using Resy or Yelp are not eligible.

Diana Biederman is NDN’s food & restaurant reporter. Connect via dbiederman@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Fort Myers, Naples restaurants on best outdoor dining in US list