Dining plays a central role in Southwest Florida’s economy, where hospitality remains one of the region’s most dynamic industries. As restaurants open, close and reinvent themselves, the dining scene reflects broader patterns of growth, risk and consumer demand. In each issue, we ask a local business or civic leader to name three restaurants they return to regularly, offering a snapshot of the places shaping Southwest Florida’s dining and business culture.
Adria Starkey is president of FineMark Bank & Trust, a division of Commerce Bank, admits she is spoiled at FineMark “because we have an amazing chef,” and she eats lunch there most days. For dinner, she enjoys evenings out with family, friends and clients at three of her favorite spots, each with at least one dish that keeps her coming back.
A simply grilled whole fish at Sea Salt reflects the fresh, clean flavors that make the Naples restaurant a favorite for Adria Starkey.
Sea Salt
My favorite fish in town is the simply grilled whole fish at Sea Salt. It is cooked to perfection and reminiscent of the fresh, clean flavors of Italy. We are so fortunate to have such remarkable dining spots here in Naples.
1186 Third St. S., Naples
Italian favorites at Grappino, including pasta and signature dishes, keep diners returning to the longtime Naples restaurant.
Grappino
Grappino is a longtime favorite in our house. We always seem to manage to get a table and enjoy a wonderful meal. My favorite pasta there is the tagliatelle or the trofie with Bolognese sauce. Jerry, my husband, always has the tagliatelle, but I prefer to change the pasta on a regular basis, and the eggplant tower is always a special treat for me. The lasagna is also wonderful.
90 Ninth St. N., Naples
Fresh seafood dishes at USS Nemo, known for consistent quality and service, make it a go-to spot for longtime diners.
USS Nemo
USS Nemo is my go-to for seafood, and I’ve been dining there for 25 years thanks to its consistently excellent food and service. The sea bass is a classic and always amazing; I also really like the branzino. The fish is always really good, and I like the choices of sides. At lunch, I like the poke bowls. This is a great place to take guests because the food is always special.
3745 Tamiami Trail N., Naples
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