Southwest Florida Dining Scene Heats Up with Romantic Accolades
The Southwest Florida dining scene is abuzz as popular reservation platform OpenTable has featured three local restaurants among the most romantic in the country. Out of 100 establishments nationwide to make this prestigious list, two are located in Collier County: Sails Restaurant and Sale e Pepe. The third, Angelina’s Ristorante, earns this honor for an impressive third consecutive year.
Sails Restaurant: An Elegant Naples Staple
Sails Restaurant, an elegant fixture on Fifth Avenue in Naples, is renowned for its fresh European flavors and vibrant champagne brunch events. Opened in 2018 in a former bank branch, Sails has quickly become a local favorite. This isn’t its first recognition from OpenTable; last year, it was featured on the Top 100 Brunch Restaurants list, and in 2024, it secured a spot on the Top 100 Restaurants in America list.
As of February 2, 2026, Sails boasts a 4.8-star rating on OpenTable from nearly 4,400 reviews, with a significant surge of 3,600 reviews since April 2025. Diners consistently praise the impeccable service and top-notch cuisine. An anonymous OpenTable user, reviewing on March 15, 2025, described their experience with their fiancé as “amazing,” highlighting the “impeccable and extremely friendly” service and “top notch” food, especially dessert. They highly recommended Sails for a romantic dinner.
Sails is dedicated to providing an upscale and thoughtful dining experience, from its attentive service and fresh menu items to its inviting, beach-inspired interior design. Located on Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples, guests can find convenient parking behind the restaurant on Third Street in spots marked “305 5th Ave.”
Sale e Pepe: Italian Romance with Gulf Views on Marco Island
Perched overlooking the Gulf at Marco Beach Ocean Resort, Sale e Pepe offers a fine Italian dining experience nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant earned an OpenTable Diners’ Choice award in 2024 and maintains a stellar 4.8 rating with almost 4,000 reviews on the platform.
Stepping inside Sale e Pepe is like being transported to Italy, with its aged stone, marble floors, and exquisite hand-painted wall art. The menu features heirloom recipes crafted with fresh Florida produce and seafood. To preserve its elevated romantic ambiance, a business casual dress code is enforced in the formal dining room. The only reminder that patrons are in Southwest Florida is the breathtaking view of the beach.
OpenTable user Erica, dining on December 20, 2025, praised the “incredible staff” and noted that the “views of the sunset made for a romantic dinner.” Sale e Pepe truly delivers a special dining experience, combining Italian style, a romantic atmosphere, exceptional food, and unparalleled Gulf views.
Angelina’s Ristorante: Consistently Exquisite Dining in Bonita Springs
Angelina’s Ristorante, located along South Tamiami Trail in Bonita Springs, has cultivated a loyal following since Angela and Don Smith opened its doors on April 16, 2008. Don Smith proudly shared in a 2023 email to the Naples Daily News, “My wife is an excellent cook, and I’m a great eater, an unbeatable combination.” He also expressed immense pride in the numerous awards received over the years and the dedicated staff committed to delivering a high-end dining experience.
This fine-dining destination is celebrated for its high-quality ingredients, outstanding service, and meticulous attention to detail. The menu features exquisite Wagyu steaks, handmade pasta dishes, and a comprehensive wine list that has earned Wine Spectator Magazine’s 2-glass and Best of Award of Excellence.
OpenTable user Iris, who dined at Angelina’s on January 25, 2026, raved, “This restaurant never disappoints! The service is impeccable, the ambiance is lovely, and the food is delicious. Our dining experience was quite special in every way.” Reservations are strongly suggested to experience Angelina’s exceptional offerings.
OpenTable’s Selection Methodology
OpenTable compiles its annual list from over 9 million reviews submitted by verified diners and analyzes dining metrics collected between December 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025. The selection process considers various factors, including “diner ratings, the percentage of five-star reviews, the number of alerts set, the percentage of reservations made in advance, percentage of capacity and direct searches.” These metrics are weighted to form an overall score. The complete list is available on opentable.com, with restaurants listed alphabetically by state and name.
