Last updated: July 2026.
Southwest Florida’s dining scene continues to grow in 2026, bringing everything from chef-driven restaurants and wood-fired pizza to gourmet sandwiches, tacos and fresh new brunch concepts.
This guide tracks new restaurants in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers and Cape Coral that have either opened since the beginning of 2026 or are currently preparing to welcome their first customers.
Because restaurant opening timelines can change, we have divided the list into two categories: now open and coming soon. This article will be updated as additional restaurants open throughout the year.
Click a City Below or Keep Scrolling to Browse All New Restaurants in Southwest Florida!
Naples | Bonita Springs | Estero | Fort Myers | Cape Coral
New Restaurants in Naples
Heyday Cookshop
Heyday Cookshop opened in Naples in spring 2026 as a chef-driven restaurant, collaborative kitchen and hi-fi listening room.
The restaurant is led by chef Kayla Pfeiffer and blends creative cooking with music, natural wines and an evolving dining experience. Rather than following the format of a traditional restaurant, Heyday is designed to support guest chefs, culinary residencies, pop-ups and artistic collaborations.
Menu items have included inventive interpretations of familiar dishes, such as a Peking duck snack wrap, crab salad en brick, lamb tartare and a mushroom-based take on beef stroganoff.
Location: 4691 Tamiami Trail N., Naples
Clay Pot
Clay Pot brings authentic Anatolian cuisine to Naples, specializing in traditional dishes slow-cooked in handcrafted clay pots imported from Turkey in a quick-casual atmosphere. Inspired by generations-old family recipes, the restaurant offers a taste of one of the world’s oldest cooking traditions with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and time-honored techniques.
Location: 4910 Tamiami Trail N., Unit 310, Naples
Casa Cotzelli
Following the success of its original North Naples restaurant, Casa Cotzelli has expanded with a second location in East Naples. Owned by Italian natives Gabriele Cozza and Filippo Butelli, the family-inspired restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine, including house-made pastas, fresh seafood, pizzas and traditional recipes passed down through generations. One of its signature experiences is tableside pasta tossed inside a giant wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano, creating a rich, creamy sauce right before guests’ eyes. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on quality ingredients, Casa Cotzelli aims to make every guest feel like they’re sharing a meal in an Italian home.
Location: 12712 Tamiami Trail E., Naples (Shops at Eagle Creek)
Tiny Kitchen Empanadas
Tiny Kitchen Empanadas brings authentic Argentine street food to downtown Naples, serving homemade empanadas, choripanes and other specialties just steps from Fifth Avenue South. Operated by three generations of the same family, the restaurant grew from the owners’ popular farmers market business, formerly known as CDL Empanadas, and now offers a casual spot to enjoy traditional recipes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Location: 524 Park St., Naples
Ce Soir
Ce Soir brings a fresh take on French-inspired dining to Naples’ Bayfront, blending classic French cuisine with a modern, semi-casual atmosphere. The restaurant marks the U.S. debut of Canadian hospitality group Aiden Hospitality and offers an elevated waterfront dining experience featuring refined dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive wine list.
Location: 492 Bayfront Pl, Naples
Maruto’s Cuban Café
Maruto’s Cuban Café brings authentic Cuban cuisine to Golden Gate Estates, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu featuring classic sandwiches, mojo pork, palomilla steak, croquetas, Cuban pastries and traditional coffee drinks. Family-owned and operated by a local Cuban American family, the restaurant also offers fresh sugar cane juice, batidos and other authentic Cuban favorites.
Location: 13847 Winchester Trail, Unit 300, Naples
All Too Well
All Too Well brings a fresh take on the classic sandwich shop to downtown Naples, serving gourmet sandwiches on authentic Italian schiacciata bread. Originally founded in Chicago, the restaurant features high-quality meats, fresh ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired flavors, offering everything from signature sandwiches and salads to house-made soups in a casual, modern setting just steps from Fifth Avenue South.
Location: 795 Fifth Ave. S., Naples
Restaurants Coming Soon to Naples
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse
Rodizio Grill is bringing its signature Brazilian steakhouse experience to Naples. The restaurant will offer an authentic churrascaria experience featuring unlimited fire-roasted meats carved tableside by traditional gauchos, along with an expansive gourmet salad bar, hot Brazilian side dishes and classic desserts. Known as America’s first Brazilian steakhouse, Rodizio Grill has more than 25 locations across the country and is expected to become a popular destination for celebrations and special occasions.
Location: 2048 Tamiami Trl N., Naples
Buck & Rider
Buck & Rider, the acclaimed seafood and steakhouse concept from Arizona, is preparing to make its Florida debut in Naples. Known for its chef-driven menu, the restaurant specializes in sustainably sourced seafood delivered daily, premium steaks, oysters, sushi and handcrafted cocktails in an upscale yet approachable atmosphere. The highly anticipated addition will bring its signature coastal dining experience to one of Naples’ premier shopping destinations.
Location: Waterside Shops, 5415 Tamiami Trail N., Naples
New Restaurants in Bonita Springs
Acqua Bistecca
One of Southwest Florida’s most anticipated restaurant openings of the year has arrived along Estero Bay.
Acqua Bistecca is an Italian-inspired waterfront restaurant from Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Michael Mina. Located at Saltleaf Marina near The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay, the upscale restaurant combines handmade pasta, fresh seafood and chargrilled steaks with expansive waterfront views.
The restaurant includes indoor and outdoor seating, a marble bar and a private chef’s room designed for intimate dinners and special events.
Location: 5500 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs
Wichcraft Gourmet Sandwiches
Wichcraft Gourmet Sandwiches officially opened in Entrada Plaza in downtown Bonita Springs in April 2026.
The chef-driven sandwich shop comes from Caitlin Emery-Schewe and Brandon Schewe, the team behind The Bohemian, Canary Club and Downtown Coffee & Wine.
Wichcraft specializes in creative sandwiches made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, including meats smoked in-house. Its colorful interior, vintage furnishings and small curated shopping area give the restaurant the eclectic personality found throughout the owners’ other downtown concepts.
Location: 27975 Old 41 Rd #105, Bonita Springs
Break The Fast
Break The Fast is a family-friendly breakfast and lunch restaurant focused on fresh, made-to-order meals served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. From handcrafted breakfast favorites and fresh coffee to satisfying lunch options, the restaurant emphasizes quality ingredients, genuine hospitality, and creating a welcoming place where family and friends can gather over a great meal.
Location: 25301 S Tamiami Trail Ste 2, Bonita Springs
Restaurants Coming Soon to Bonita Springs
Hide•A•Wai Mojito Bar
Okay, we know this one isn’t really a restaurant… but we’re excited!
Hide•A•Wai is preparing to bring fresh-pressed mojitos and locally produced rum to downtown Bonita Springs.
Located across from Benson’s Grocery, the open-air bar comes from brothers Ben and Alex Voss of Alligator Bay Distillers. Its signature mojitos will be made using fresh sugarcane juice pressed on-site, with sugarcane sourced locally from Farmer Mike’s U-Pick.
The downtown project has been under construction while the owners work through design changes and build-out. When it opens, Hide•A•Wai is expected to offer a casual tropical setting centered around rum cocktails, fresh ingredients, and local partnerships.
Location: Old 41 Road in downtown Bonita Springs
Restaurants Coming to Midtown at Bonita
Midtown at Bonita is expected to become one of the city’s largest new dining and retail destinations.
The 68-acre mixed-use development is under construction near Bonita Beach Road and Bonita Grande Drive and expected to open in 2027.
LowBrow Pizza & Beer
The Naples-based restaurant is known for creative pizzas, wings, sandwiches and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.
Three Sixteen Cafe
Three Sixteen Cafe is planned as another food and beverage addition to the Midtown development.
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
The fast-casual seafood chain specializes in Maine-style lobster rolls, including classic, Connecticut-style and lobster-salad preparations.
Jeff’s Bagel Run
Jeff’s Bagel Run serves scratch-made, New York-style bagels baked throughout the day.
Gelato & Co.
Gelato & Co. specializes in Italian-style gelato, sorbet and other desserts.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
The national fast-casual restaurant is also included in Midtown’s planned tenant lineup.
Airport Donuts
Airport Donuts, a Naples-based craft doughnut business, was announced for Midtown in June 2026.
Fresh Monkee
Fresh Monkee will offer shakes made with fruit, vegetables, nut butters and limited added sugar.
Oberweis Ice Cream & Dairy
Oberweis Ice Cream & Dairy is planned for Imperial 41, another major mixed-use project taking shape in Bonita Springs.
The Illinois-based company is known for premium ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes and traditional dairy products. The Bonita Springs shop will be part of Imperial 41’s commercial area, which will also include retail, services and a future riverfront restaurant space. Imperial 41 is expected to open in 2027 as well.
New Restaurants in Estero
Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk
Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk is bringing authentic Roman-style pizza to Estero with its first Southwest Florida location at Coconut Point. Inspired by the century-old pizzeria just steps from Rome’s Trevi Fountain, the restaurant will feature artisan pizzas with airy, crispy crusts made from simple, high-quality ingredients, along with housemade pastas, Italian specialties and an extensive wine program. The highly anticipated restaurant is expected to open in 2026 and marks the fifth Piccolo Buco location in the United States.
Location: 22800 Via Villagio, Estero
New Restaurants in Fort Myers
Vybe
Vybe is a new wine and whiskey bar from acclaimed Southwest Florida chef and restaurateur Harold Balink, bringing an elevated social dining experience to Bell Tower in Fort Myers. The concept pairs a curated selection of premium wines, whiskeys and craft cocktails with chef-driven shareable plates, creating a destination for everything from happy hour to late-night gatherings. With live music, a stylish indoor bar and a spacious outdoor patio, Vybe offers a lively yet sophisticated atmosphere unlike anything else in the area.
Location: 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 245, Fort Myers
Turco Taco
Turco Taco opened its newest location in downtown Fort Myers in May 2026.
The locally established restaurant serves what it calls “Mexiterranean” cuisine, blending Mexican and Mediterranean flavors. Its menu includes tacos, bowls, salads and other casual dishes made with fresh ingredients.
Location: 2451 First St, Fort Myers
Amantia Wood Fire Pizzeria
Amantia Wood Fire Pizzeria is now open in south Fort Myers.
The family-owned restaurant draws inspiration from Albania and centers its menu around wood-fired pizza made with dough fermented for 48 hours. The menu also includes pasta, risotto, meatballs, arancini, salads, wings and Italian desserts.
Location: 15245 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers
Cheesesteaks.com
Cheesesteaks.com opened its third location earlier this year, bringing the authentic taste of Philadelphia to Fort Myers.
Location: 8646 Gladiolus Dr, Fort Myers
Sweet Tomatoes
Not “New” but a highly anticipated reopening!
After closing all of its locations in 2020, beloved buffet chain Sweet Tomatoes has officially returned to Fort Myers, reopening in its original location on U.S. 41. The all-you-can-eat restaurant is known for its expansive salad bar, made-from-scratch soups, baked potatoes, pasta, fresh breads, pizza, muffins and soft-serve ice cream. The Fort Myers restaurant is only the second Sweet Tomatoes location to reopen in the country, drawing long lines of loyal fans eager to revisit the nostalgic dining experience.
Location: 14080 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers
New Restaurants in Cape Coral
Cape Coral’s dining scene continues to expand in 2026, with several new restaurants opening across the city. From waterfront seafood destinations to elevated Latin cuisine and neighborhood favorites, here’s what’s new in the Cape this year.
El Jardín
El Jardín is a new garden-to-table restaurant in Cape Coral that blends Latin and Japanese-inspired flavors with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant partners with Southwest Florida farms, fisheries and ranchers whenever possible, creating scratch-made dishes ranging from house-made empanadas and spicy tuna crispy rice to miso mojo beef, yuzu adobo chicken and gourmet smash burgers.
One thing that sets El Jardín apart is its commitment to cooking without seed oils, using avocado oil and traditional beef tallow instead. Combined with handcrafted cocktails from the team behind Escondido Lounge, El Jardín offers a fresh, modern dining experience that’s as thoughtful as it is flavorful.
Location: 1227 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral
Tacos & Tequila Cantina
Tacos & Tequila Cantina has officially opened its new Cape Coral location, bringing a vibrant mix of authentic Mexican cuisine, handcrafted margaritas and an energetic atmosphere to the city. The menu features street tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas and house-made guacamole, alongside an extensive selection of tequilas and specialty cocktails, making it a lively spot for everything from casual dinners to happy hour.
Location: 903 NE 15th Place, Cape Coral
Bimini Basin Seafood & Cocktails
Bimini Basin Seafood & Cocktails is a new waterfront restaurant overlooking the Bimini Basin, offering fresh seafood, tropical cocktails and dockside dining. Operated by Phelan Family Brands, the expansive open-air restaurant features more than 250 seats and 32 boat slips, making it a destination for both boaters and diners arriving by land.
Location: 458 Tudor Drive, Cape Coral
More Southwest Florida Restaurants Are on the Way
The first half of 2026 has already brought a diverse mix of restaurants to Southwest Florida, from upscale waterfront dining and chef-led concepts to locally owned sandwich shops, pizzerias and cafés.
Bonita Springs is preparing for particularly significant growth as Midtown at Bonita, Imperial 41 and several downtown projects move closer to completion. Naples continues to attract creative independent concepts, while new restaurants are filling spaces in downtown and south Fort Myers.
Know about a new Southwest Florida restaurant that opened in 2026 or one that has plans to open soon? Comment below so we can add it to the list!
Check back as we continue updating this guide with confirmed opening dates, new restaurant announcements and first looks at the latest places to eat in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers & Cape Coral. Subscribe to our newsletter for new restaurants, SWFL news, upcoming events and more!
