This area of North Naples has very few innovative, top end restaurants, so I was very excited when Islas Modern Caribe opened recently. The owner/chef John knows his stuff, as he is also the proprietor of the one and only El Basque in Bonita Springs. Islas Modern Caribe is focused on the flavors of the Caribbean. John stopped by our table to introduce himself, gave us a complementary black bean hummus amuse-bouche, and explained the restaurant's concept. He also explained that he had plans to do some interior renovations to make the atmosphere even more special. Our server was very attentive and explained all the menu items in more detail. We ordered and shared several items: Shrimp Rellenos - this appetizer was very unique, and consisted of 3 "cups" made from crisp plantains and filled with shrimp and a tomato salsa. Jerk Coco - jerk chicken in a delicious, deeply flavored sauce, served with coconut rice and spinach. Crispy Pargo, which was a pan fried red snapper. It was very crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The portion was quite large. It came with cilantro rice. This was a favorite! There’s a new dish on the menu (forgot the name) which is a variation of stir fried rice with shrimp, calamari, other seafood, and sweet plantain which is divine. Ceviche Caribe - it was good but not our favorite. There’s desserts are also delicious, my favorite being the cheesecake. For a newly opened restaurant, the ambiance, service, and food were all flawless and we had a great evening. We’ve returned 3 times since our initial visit and the overall experience was consistent each time. Highly recommend this awesome new restaurant in North Naples! TIP: It's tucked in a plaza behind a plaza adjacent to Imperial Golf Estates and is a bit difficult to see if you're not familiar with the area. There's plenty of parking in the lot in front of...
Read moreTonight was my second time dining here in 5 days. My wife initially saw the recommendation for Islas Restaurant in the Naples Restaurant Word of Mouth Facebook group and decided to take me for my birthday.
Upon arrival, the door is opened for us, we’re greeted, and welcomed. The atmosphere is classy with a nice Latin American feel. After being seated, we were presented with a couple complementary arepas and we ordered the beef (wagyu) empanadas and cheese fondue with plantains for appetizers. Each of these tasted great and ended up being filling for the two of us. For our entrees we ordered the churrasco steak and sancocho which were also very good. My wife who is 26 weeks pregnant said when she goes into labor, I need to bring her the sancocho to the hospital.
Today, with my parents being in town, we brought them to Islas for dinner. We ordered an almost identical meal, but this time I tried The Argentinian with my dad getting Paella Johnny’s. Once again, all meals were delicious. Both nights, the chef and wait staff were welcoming, attentive, and appreciative of us being there. You can tell everyone takes pride in what they do. I’d highly recommend everyone to check them out if they want to enjoy a nice restaurant with a...
Read moreIf you’re searching for a place where food goes beyond the plate and tells a story, this restaurant is an absolute treasure. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and the unmistakable aroma of something special cooking in the kitchen.
The real magic here lies in the hands of the chef — a talented culinary artist from Colombia who masterfully blends traditional Latin American flavors with a modern twist. Each dish bursts with authenticity, creativity, and that unique sazón that makes Latin cuisine so beloved.
From perfectly grilled meats to rich, slow-cooked stews and vibrant, well-balanced sauces, the menu showcases a deep understanding of flavor and culture. The chef’s passion is evident in every bite, elevating even the simplest ingredients into something memorable.
This is more than just a meal — it’s a cultural experience, full of warmth, flavor, and soul. Whether you’re a fan of Latin food or just love great cooking, this spot will leave a lasting impression.
Highly...
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