Three Top-Tier Chefs Set To Open New Restaurants in Southwest Florida

A wave of culinary talent hits Southwest Florida as three acclaimed chefs, Michael Mina, Brad Kilgore, and Gavin Kaysen, will move to the region. 

"Southwest Florida is undergoing an incredible transformation. I want to be part of shaping what's ahead," said Michael Mina, according to Gulf Shore Life. His Acqua Bistecca at Saltleaf on Estero Bay opens next spring, bringing Italian-style steaks and fresh stone crab to the coast.

Food & Wine "Best New Chef" winner Brad Kilgore brought OISE Ristorante to Fort Myers in August. His menu mixes Italian and Japanese cooking in a historic building downtown, with dishes like tuna nigiri spiced with Calabrian chili ponzu.

At Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort, two-time James Beard winner Gavin Kaysen unveiled The Merchant Room this month. His New American cooking marks a Florida comeback after leading Palm Beach's Cafe Boulud.

After three years of storm repairs, Captiva Island's Bubble Room has reopened. Naples Beach Club brought life back to HB's raw bar and The Sunset Bar's waterfront spot.

Blackbird Modern Asian opened at Naples Bay Resort, The Canary Club opened in Bonita Springs, and James Beard nominee Kayla Pfeiffer plans Heyday Cookshop for early 2026.

Naples' Fifth Avenue South welcomes two new restaurants. Omasava rolled out its $298 tasting menu this fall. Next door, Chef Vincenzo Betulia transforms The French into Tulia Italian Steak, with prime Wagyu and wines.

Prime Social Reserve joins Fifth Avenue South's private dining scene this fall. The Cameron Mitchell spot pairs a swank lounge with Asian dishes, though memberships sold out before opening.

Other new locations include La Saliere in The Bevy's old Naples space, Pura Vida moves into Mercato, and Top Chef Greece victor Athinagoras Kostakos will open Taberna Violi. Shake Shack plans its Southwest Florida debut this winter.