Tim Aten Knows: 75+ SWFL restaurants close in 2025

Southwest Florida bid farewell in 2025 to more than 75 restaurants, including some that had been popular local spots for many years. 

Long goodbyes 

Long-timers that closed in 2025 include Outback Steakhouse, which shut after operating more than 30 years in Naples; and La Sorpresa Latina Cuban Cafe, which had a 30-year run in East Naples. Bambusa Bar & Grill shuttered after nearly 20 years in Naples; and Black Eyed Pig and Zookie’s Sports Bar & Grill after more than 15 years each in North Naples. Both HobNob Kitchen & Bar and Lamoraga closed after nearly 12 years each in Naples. 

Pelican Larry’s Raw Bar & Grill closed its last two locations in Collier County in 2025. The one on Davis Boulevard had an 18-year run in East Naples and the one on Immokalee Road for 10 years in North Naples. 

The longevity also was impressive for some Lee County restaurants that closed in 2025. Leone’s Italian Market & Pizzeria in Cape Coral closed after 47 years. Bonita Bill’s on San Carlos Island cast off after more than 30 years. In Fort Myers, Buddha Live and Joe’s Crab Shack closed after 25 and 20 years, respectively. Roadhouse Cafe operated for 17 years in south Fort Myers. 

The shortest runs for restaurants that closed last year include Bahama Breeze Island Grille that turned off its lights after operating less than 11 months at Coastland Center in Naples; and Cookie Plug in Cape Coral, which opened this summer and pulled the plug about four months later in November. 

Currying flavor 

Another large loss was 21 Spices, the contemporary Indian restaurant that launched in late 2015 at Sugden Park Plaza in East Naples. The popular restaurant closed March 31 after Karma decided the fate of Chef Asif Syed, who wished to explore new opportunities on a bigger stage beyond Naples. 

Syed now creates modern Indian cuisine at Ayre by Karma, a new Florida restaurant that opened in early December on Singer Island in Palm Beach County. 

“Karma is a Michelin-recognized restaurant group from [Washington,] D.C., currently expanding across Florida, and I’ll be overseeing Florida operations,” he said. “I joined the group in October and have been working on launching the Singer Island restaurant.” 

Don’t be surprised if Karma eventually brings the nationally acclaimed chef back to Naples. Until then, the fresh Ayre is a 2½-hour drive from Naples at Amrit Ocean Resort on the Atlantic coast.  

More opportunities 

Other local restaurants closed this year because of opportunities waiting in the wings. Last week’s look back at the year’s new restaurants spotlighted some of those.  

In downtown Naples, The French closed last fall after operating for nearly nine years and Chef Vincenzo Betulia launched Tulia Italian Steak in its place; The Bevy shuttered in early summer after eight years and was replaced by La Salière, an Italian concept from the same owners as The Bevy.  

It was a wrap for Simit Fresh Mediterranean, which flipped to a new location of Turco Taco in East Naples. Two Fillets closed in Naples Park to be transformed into Caiman Cantina. Also in North Naples, Mercato permanently closed Bravo Cucina Italiano after about 15 years to bring in Violí, a Greek taverna-style restaurant; Coffee Bar lost its lease to make way for Just Salad coming to Granada Shoppes; and in a game of chicken, PDQ at Carillon Place closed after being sold to Saucy by KFC.  

Relocated restaurants 

Redevelopment forced Seventh South Craft Food + Drink to close in Naples, but the crafty crew relocated to Bayshore Drive, where the business was reimagined as Seventh South Waterfront. Redevelopment projects also forced L’Olivo Ristorante and Roma Italian Bistro & Pizzeria to close in downtown Naples. Roma’s owners relocated their restaurant a few blocks west on Fifth Avenue South, where they created a new concept — Ottimo on 5th. L’Olivo’s former strip is still a work in progress for future destinations. 

Also in Naples, Yacht Club Subs closed its original eatery in Central Square and opened a larger location a few days later on Fourth Avenue South. Stogie Pairing Cigar Lounge closed at Bell Tower and relocated to Metro Parkway in Fort Myers. Take Two Coffee also relocated for a second take in Fort Myers.  

Ownership changes 

Some other businesses changed hands and brought closure. Chef Keith Casey sold KC American Bistro in North Naples, which became Amber Cove under new ownership; a new owner morphed Zookie’s into Sonny’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar in North Naples; Sawgrass Grill in Golden Gate closed but merged into nearby Cracklin’ Jack’s; new owners turned Thai Thai Sushi Bowl into Maipi Thai Sushi Bar in Naples Coastal Shoppes on Collier Boulevard; and Larry’s Lunch Box continues to operate in East Naples under new ownership and without the longtime “Soup Nazi.”  

More Collier closings 

In Naples, we also lost Bodega Ole on Fourth Avenue North, Divine Naples Coffee & Wine Bar on Fourth Avenue South, Dorona in Centre Pointe and Duck Donuts in Park Shore Plaza. 

In North Naples, closings included Skillets at The Strand, Aroma Indian Cuisine, Boutique Sweet Couple, Island Vybz Jamaican Cuisine, 16 Handles, The Warehouse Cuisine & Cocktails and Five Guys in the Gateway Shoppes at North Bay. The Shoppes at Vanderbilt saw the shuttering of Tableside Restaurant and The Cave Bistro & Wine Bar. The Catch of the Pelican quietly closed at Naples Grande Beach Resort. 

In East Naples, we also lost Charlena’s Pizza, China Dragon Star, Dominick Pizzeria, Espiritu, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice at Berkshire Commons, Naples Tiki Bar and Grill and Z’s Music Kitchen. 

More Lee closings 

In Bonita Springs, closings included Gatsby’s Pizza, Jimmy P’s Charred, Industry Standard Kitchen + Bar and Napoli Pizza. In Coconut Point, South Fork Grille and El Nido Modern Mexican vacated adjoining spaces, while other Estero closings included Perkins Restaurant & Bakery and Zino. 

Closings at Gulf Coast Town Center included Cantina 109 Mexican restaurant, The Keys Bar & Grille and Moe’s Southwest Grill. Also closing in Lee County were La Ola Surfside restaurant at Bell Tower, Voodoo Brewing Co. and Le Macaron French Pastries in downtown Fort Myers, and Grandma Penny’s in North Fort Myers.  

Sweet Floret Cakery closed its brick-and-mortar store in Matlacha, and although The Pecking Order Fried Chicken & Pies on Sanibel had been closed since it was damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022, it announced in November that its plans to reopen were scrapped. Cape Coral closings included Divine Donuts, El Tropical Cuban restaurant, First Round Draft sports bar, Matthew's Pizza Kitchen, the South Cape location of Rib City, Scotty’s Bierwerks, Texas Tony’s Rib & Brewhouse and the last location of Lehne Burger.  

The Tim Aten Knows weekly column answers local questions from readers. Email Tim at Tim.Aten@NaplesPress.com.