SWFL Sizzle Returns to Naples December 2-15

Twice a year, foodies from near and far rejoice over SWFL Sizzle, a dining event which lets diners savor, specially priced, prix-fixe menus in many Paradise Coast restaurants over 14 days. The winter edition takes place next month, December 2-15, 2019, and features 46 restaurants in Naples, plus additional restaurants in nearby Fort Meyers, Marco Island, Estero, and Bonita. A donation for each meal sold goes to a great cause, the Florida Gulf Coast University Food and Beverage Scholarship Fund.

With a wide variety of cuisines and restaurants from which diners may choose, this event celebrates Southwest Florida’s diverse culinary community. Memorable lunch and dinner menus are created at both fine-dining and casual restaurants and offered at a reduced rate for these two weeks, giving gourmands a great way to explore Naples’ vibrant—and delicious—restaurant scene. Two-course lunch menus are priced at $16 or $20, with three-course dinners, consisting of a starter, entree, and dessert are available for $26 or $36.

Naples’ residents and visitors alike love the warm weather, ample sunshine, and fabulous beaches found on the Paradise Coast, but twice a year, SWFL Sizzle brings awareness to the area’s other attractions. Naples is an incredible destination for fabulous shopping, lively entertainment, and the warm hospitality found in our local lodging. Spend a fabulous day enjoying Naple’s charm and beauty, then make sure to try one of the spectacular restaurants participating in this gastronomical event. It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious meal at the end (or in the middle) of an unforgettable day in Naples.

If those aren’t enough good reasons to entice you to make your reservation for SWFL Sizzle Restaurant Week, here are five more!

1. SWFL Sizzle is an excellent reason to try a new restaurant.
It’s easy to keep going back to your tried and true favorites when dining out. This event is the perfect opportunity to step out of your culinary comfort zone and try something new. It’s a great time to check out Naples’ newest restaurants that happen to be participating in SWFL Sizzle, such as The Bay House, Dorona Italian Steakhouse, Sails Restaurant. With those choices, you might just find your new go-to restaurant for date night!

2. Find a new favorite dish at your favorite restaurant.
Many of the participating restaurants offer exclusive offerings that will be new to their menus, or available just for SWFL Sizzle. This event gives chefs at your favorite restaurants the perfect time to try something new. With unique and well-thought-out new appetizer, entrée, or dessert recipes, you will be reminded of why theirs is your favorite place to dine out, and first-timers will be given a reason to keep coming back. Make sure to check out what some Naples’ established favorite restaurants such as Campiello, BHA! BHA! Persian Bistro, and Osteria Tulia are cooking up!

3. Prix-fixe menus allow you to be a gourmet without having to be frugal.
With menus including starter, entree, and dessert all at $26 and $36, it’s an excellent opportunity to feast like a boss at an affordable price point and cross some indulgent and critically acclaimed restaurants off your must-try list. With many restaurants usually offering a la carte menus, ordering three courses can be hard on the budget. SWFL Sizzle makes it more affordable to try those restaurants that might not be part of your usual dining repertoire, including Cote D’Azur, Ocean Prime, and Bistro 821.

4. It’s a great reason to leave the brown bag at home.
Leave the leftovers or picnic lunch at home and eat out! Several of the participating restaurants are offering multi-course lunches at $16 and $21. Lunchtime dessert? Yes, please! Stroll down the colorful streets of Naple’s and pop into one of the participating restaurants for a savory mid-day meal. If it’s a workday, you better make sure to cancel your afternoon meetings—you will be too busy thinking about your fantastic lunch!

5. And the best reason of all, it’s for a great cause!  

For every meal purchased during SWFL Sizzle, $1 will be donated to Florida Gulf Coast University’s Food and Beverage Scholarship fund. Each year, qualified, local high school graduates who plan on attending the Hospitality Food & Beverage Program at FGCU have the opportunity to receive the Sizzle SWFL FGCU Food & Beverage Scholarship.
SWFL Sizzle makes it is possible for more than $50,000 to be raised to go toward the scholarship with its twice-yearly dining events, plus the “First Bite” Menu Release Parties and Silent Auctions. Participants in this program go on to become leaders in the hospitality field as chefs, directors, concierges, caterers, and more, bringing their talent and expertise to the Southwest Florida tourism industry.

For more information about SWFL Sizzle, including a list of participating information, visit https://www.swflrestaurantweek.com/​.