Visit This Florida Destination For A Trendy, Award-Winning Restaurant That's Worth The Trip

There's nothing like good food to infuse your travels with even more memorable moments. You know, the type of food that sticks with you even after you've returned home, keeps you wishing you could go back for more, and makes you want to relive your trip over and over again.

And with the culinary travel trend on the rise in 2024, nothing screams "palatable adventure" like embarking on a food tourism experience that'll take your taste buds on a trip of their own. Luckily, you don't have to go too far — just to Florida. One of Naples' top-rated culinary staples is Bistro 821. Opened in 1994, Bistro 821 is the oldest restaurant in town. Owned and operated by Chef Jess S. Housman, the restaurant specializes in Asian, European, and American cuisine. Plus, it also uses locally sourced ingredients to create innovative dishes that are both delicious and beautiful to look at.

With a diverse menu that includes everything from seafood appetizers and veggie bites to pastas and steaks — plus a signature Wine and Dine menu that features two entrées and a bottle of wine for just $52 between 4 and 5 p.m. — dining at Bistro 821 is a feast for the senses. Sophisticated yet low-key, it's a must-visit for foodies looking for a gourmet experience without the hefty price tag.

In 2017, Bistro 821 was named by OpenTable as one of the "100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America" — and it's continued to make waves ever since. Along with this accolade, the restaurant has also been handpicked as one of Florida Trend Magazine's Top 200 Restaurants a total of eight times. With a prime location on 821 Fifth Avenue South — hence the name — the eatery is often described by patrons as "phenomenal," "amazing," and "always the best."

As for what to order, one of the most popular appetizers is the prawn dish. Served over a crispy sushi rice base and topped with Thai chili and peanuts, it's the perfect combination of spice and crunch to get your senses going. When it comes to choosing your main, diners — and Bistro 821 itself — agree that the star of the show is Chef Jess' miso-sake marinated Chilean sea bass.

For food-loving parents, the restaurant also has a kid-friendly menu with simplified versions of their dishes. From breaded shrimp to creamy pastas and burgers, kids 12 and under can enjoy a delicious meal alongside their parents for about $14 a dish.

Bistro 821 welcomes both walk-ins and reservations. If you'd like to secure your spot, you can make a booking through its website. Keep in mind that the restaurant is currently open from 4 p.m. until close (no specific time is given), and happy hour runs daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, secure parking is available in the 4th Avenue South parking lot, and valet parking is available seasonally from November through April.

Alongside its regular table service, Bistro 821 also offers both private dining options and special events. The former features a "Party Package" that seats up to 32 guests alongside a 3-course menu at $85 per person. Meanwhile, the latter includes weekly "Prime Rib Nights" — happening every Thursday for $42 — and the once-a-month "Sunday Party Brunches," with upcoming dates on February 18 and March 17 (2024) from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., including themed-music entertainment, cocktails, and a special breakfast menu for guests to enjoy.

Can't travel to Naples yourself? Bistro 821 also has gift cards available starting from just $5. So, go ahead — treat someone special.