Waterfront North Naples restaurant reopens 10 months after Hurricane Ian: What to know

Diana Biederman, Naples Daily News
Updated ·1 min read

BALEEN Naples, the exquisite waterfront restaurant with endless water views at the chi-chi LaPlaya Beach & Resort, announced its "soft reopening" Monday.

The popular restaurant had been closed for nearly 10 months since Hurricane Ian slammed the Southwest Florida coast Sept. 28. It's been refurbished and a new menu is in place.

Despite being closed for so long, its rank has risen to TripAdvisor's No. 2 restaurant in town among 626 listed. Baleen also recently maintained its "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator in 2023.

Baleen in the news: Wine Spectator's Restaurant Awards features 23 SW FL winning wine lists. Who won?

The tiered terrace at Baleen, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort's restaurant.
The tiered terrace at Baleen, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort's restaurant.

What hasn't changed? It's still super expensive and splurge-worthy for the gorgeous Gulf vistas. Burgers are $26; black grouper, $46; and filet mignon for $56. Each oyster is $5. Make it $6 per shrimp.

Reservations are required. Valet parking is too.

The restaurant is a popular destination for guests beyond LaPlaya's compound. The hotel is part of Nobel Hotels & Resorts portfolio, as is the Inn on Fifth downtown.

Lunch with a beach view? BALEEN is back as of July 17.
Lunch with a beach view? BALEEN is back as of July 17.

Via a media statement, Area General Manager Joy Boyd said, “Our dedicated team has poured in relentless effort over the past several months to restore Baleen to its glory."

A Gulf sunset viewed from Baleen at the LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort in North Naples.
A Gulf sunset viewed from Baleen at the LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort in North Naples.

(9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples; 239-598-5707; laplayaresort.com)

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Waterfront BALEEN Naples reopens nearly year after Hurricane Ian