Behind every meal is a story. The Paradise Plate is a publication dedicated to bringing those stories to life.
It is built on firsthand experiences by the guides of Paradise Food Tours—people who spend their days introducing Southwest Florida through its food, neighborhoods, chefs and local stories.
Every article covering our local food scene strives to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the people, passion, craftsmanship and unexpected details that transform a meal into a memorable experience.
Articles may be reprinted or republished in whole or in part, provided that you include a clear citation, the author's name, and a hyperlink to the original article on our site.
Middle Eastern Food and Pizza Have No Business Being Together.
I walked into Canary Club expecting to fall in love with the pizza. Instead, I went back a second time...for the hummus. Three visits later, I've learned that the dishes that sound the strangest are often the ones you'll remember the longest.
Feeding Teenage Boys Is Hard. Finding a Sandwich They All Agree On Is Even Harder.
Teenage boys are some of the toughest restaurant critics you'll ever meet. So when two of mine gave Chop It Up an enthusiastic two thumbs up, I knew we'd found something special. Great sandwiches brought us in, but genuine hospitality is what will bring us back.
Some Restaurants Ask You to Eat. Nosh Asks You to Stay.
Beautiful food brought me to Nosh on Naples Bay. The waterfront, the relaxed pace and the feeling that there was no reason to rush kept me coming back. Sometimes the best table in Naples isn't just about what's on the plate.
Kim Chi Grill: The Best Restaurants Don't Always Look Like Much
Some of the best restaurants hide in faded shopping plazas and ordinary strip malls. Kim Chi Grill is one of those places. Come for the bao buns, stay for the hibachi—and don't be surprised if Chef James remembers your name before you leave.
You Can Order Eggs Anywhere. So Why Would You?
Every time I bring someone to Sunny House Café, the same thing happens. They open the breakfast menu... and I quietly slide a different one across the table. That's where the real adventure begins.
How to Order Like a Local at El Tapatio
Forget the fancy dining rooms downtown. The best gorditas in East Naples are in this unassuming roadside motel from the 1970’s.