Chef Asif returns to SWFL as culinary director of Naples Grande resort

Chef Asif Syed, the former longtime owner of 21 Spices Indian restaurant in East Naples, has returned to the local market as director of culinary at Signia Hilton Naples Grande Beach Resort. 

The new appointment, which began in early September, is Syed’s third venture as culinary director of resorts in Florida. After a nearly 10-year run of 21 Spices ended in March 2025, he introduced his modern Indian cuisine to Ayre by Karma, a restaurant that opened last December at Amrit Ocean Resort on Singer Island. Before opening 21 Spices in December 2015, Syed was culinary director of JW Marriott Marco Island and Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa. 

Although he has been working on the Atlantic coast for the past year, Syed kept his home in Naples and welcomed the opportunity to return to the Paradise Coast. He, his family and fans are thrilled about his homecoming. 

“A lot of people are happy now,” he said. “I realized there’s so much to do in Naples and I can’t see myself anywhere else.” 

Specific information was not available yet about restaurants at the local resort, which is targeted to reopen near the end of this year after being shuttered since April for renovations. Syed, though, will oversee all culinary aspects at the refreshed and rebranded property in North Naples. 

“Everything and anything to do with food here at the hotel I’m in charge of,” he said. “I will oversee the restaurants, the banquets, everything.” 

An acclaimed chef, restaurateur and culinary personality, Syed is known for his creativity and globally inspired cuisine. His reputation led to national television exposure, including appearances on the Food Network, where he defeated Chef Bobby Flay on “Beat Bobby Flay” and competed on “Guy’s Grocery Games,” where celebrity chef Guy Fieri dubbed the India native “the king of curry.” His career includes engagements at the James Beard Foundation and visits to the White House. 

“With experience spanning restaurant ownership, resort fine dining and an established reputation in South Florida, Asif Syed brings both entrepreneurial experience and a recognizable culinary profile to Signia Hilton Naples Grande Beach Resort,” said Gary Sims, vice president and managing director of the resort, in a Sept. 29 news release announcing Syed’s appointment. “As we complete the resort’s exciting transformation, his leadership will be pivotal in bringing our renewed vision. We look forward to introducing our future guests to the creativity, energy and thoughtful hospitality he brings to the table.” 

Additional details surrounding the 474-room resort’s refreshed accommodations, dining experiences and amenities will be announced soon. The Catch of the Pelican restaurant permanently closed last year at the resort. 

In early September, Hilton announced that Naples Grande Beach Resort, formerly Registry Resort and Waldorf Astoria, would be rebranded as Signia Hilton Naples Grande Beach Resort when it reopens after a $100 million renovation, the most extensive overhaul in the history of the resort at 475 Seagate Drive.