Petar's Restaurant — Restaurant in Bonita Springs

WARNING H2B WORKERS.

As an H-2B visa worker who spent 4 months at Petar’s Restaurant, I feel compelled to share my experience to alert others considering similar positions. Working under owner and head chef Petar al Kurdi was nothing short of a nightmare.

First and foremost, there was no employment contract provided, leaving us vulnerable to exploitation. Fair wages were non-existent, with fluctuating work hours ranging from 5 to 6 hours a day during the supposed "high season," which never materialized. Despite the bustling dining scene in Bonita Springs/Naples, FL, our restaurant remained eerily quiet. The start of the season it was 40 to 80 covers and he considered it was busy. The highest part of the season was anywhere from 80-120 and on rare occasions 140 covers which is not busy at all specially with the amount of people working in the restaurant.

The working conditions were deplorable. Petar's erratic behavior made the environment toxic, as he consistently belittled and snapped at employees. Transportation wasn't provided, and the suggestion to "ride a bike" for 1.5 hours was ludicrous. There were no breaks or family meals, and leaving the premises—even for essentials like water—resulted in baseless accusations of theft. (I’m going to attach the childish warning he made me sign).

Petar's frugality extended to basic necessities like water and food. The lack of support extended beyond him, with his second-in-command and his wife contributing to a hostile work atmosphere. I was finally fired on january 31st thank god! I stayed in Bonita Springs all the way to March 12 dining in several restaurants in Naples and Bonita springs and they were all packed. My colleagues kept on suffering in the restaurant. Petar’s remained the same, the same rotation of clientele he has is what keeps the restaurant going.

To one of my colleagues who had asked for permission to go to her country for family matters he said yes at first. Then he asked for her recipes for the new desserts that she brought to the restaurant of her own making. She said she could train her staff and sell him the recipes for a fair price to which he reacted in retaliation and denied her request to go for a brief visit to her home and accused her of creating drama at work.

It's clear Petar takes advantage of our visa status, knowing quitting means restarting the arduous process from scratch. Many H-2B and J-1 workers before us left prematurely due to similar mistreatment. In conclusion, Petar’s Restaurant is not worth the hardship endured. I urge prospective H-2B workers to steer clear of this place. Him and his wife only care about themselves and themselves only. They don’t even care about the customer experience just rotating tables for profit. The only similarity to a fine dining in this place...

Hate to be the one who reveals Bonita Springs best culinary secrets for fear of emboldening competition for the few coveted tables they have on the premises. Because news this oasis of impeccably prepared food emporium is spreading fast. But after living her for five years Petars ranks at the top of my list of fine dining experiences in Bonita Springs, (right at the cross road of Tammiani/New 41 and Bonita Beach Road (behind the big grocery store.

I've eaten their several times, trying different items off the menu and each one far exceeded my expectations, even though I always enter with high hopes. Everything is impeccably fresh which gives it all a "farm to table" taste. The menu has a few staples for good reason... They are in high demand, but their are always a couple specials that will temp you . I've taken the risk several times and have Been richly rewarded. Mains are flawless, sides are perfectly prepared. Not surprising given the fact that they are a painstakingly prepared under the close watch of the Chef himself. Petar. For a real treat , sit at one of the three kitchen side bar stools and watch them make the magic. I strongly suggest that those how love perfectly prepared food at a reasonable price frequent this establishment as often as they can, while they still can . Petar's and his staff's considerable cooking skills are going to be taking them places. EASILY THE BEST RESTAURNAT OF IT...

Petar's is probably the best restaurant I've been in the Naples- Bonita Spring area.

We come to Bonita quite often and I always like to explore the restaurants in the area so I was very lucky to come across Petar's.

The food here is so good. The menu is not big but it is diverse. From seafood to Lamb to Risotto. And some great daily chef's specials.

The service staff is very polite, attentive and friendly. Our waiter recommended out of the fish of the day special which was a grilled Corvina which was delicious. One dish that I never thought yo find there was a lump crab gazpacho for appetizer.... it was light and refreshing and so flavorful.

Also tried the jumbo scallops and pork belly this came over a very nice sweet potato mash with mushrooms and carrots... wow... it was so good. Also had a roasted beet salad with goat cheese and if you like a light and yet delicious dish... this is a must.

The ambiance is perfect, relaxing and very inviting. The owner/manager, Ana, is very personable and shows that she cares for you to enjoy your experience at the restaurant. The chef is well organized and dishes come in a timely manner. He came out of the kitchen after service to check on our experience and the food.

Petar's is truly a hidden gem. I hope to come back here many times and also to refer it to friends.

Thank you to all the staff for a great dinning...