Disappointed in our visit to Blackbird compared to the reviews and accolades. Excluding the charred edamame and drinks our visit was mediocre.
Vibe was very modern and looked nice, but the seating layout was a disaster. Servers can't walk the aisles without bumping into your chair and it's a real challenge dodging servers getting to the bathroom without encroaching on multiple diners on the way. They also need some additional sound dampening as it was very loud with a large party in the middle of the room and it was a challenge to talk.
The edamame was amazing and was the best dish we had, other than that the food wasn't great. Crab Rangoon were real crab, but blended to a very strange texture and taste for Rangoon, they came out lukewarm, weren't crispy at all and were a tiny portion. The Brisket Bao Buns meat was lacking flavor, very wet and more like a sloppy joe with fresh herbs, neither my wife or I finished ours. Pickles were good and devoured. Beef jerky was not jerky, but slices of steak that were seasoned and grilled/charred but still chewy, good but not like Asian jerky at all more like burnt ends, wouldn't order again.
Living in Fort Myers we have MAKS Asian Kitchen here, which is in a Publix strip mall and no where near as "fancy." MAKS dishes blew anything we had at Blackbird out of the water on flavor and texture. Hard to not compare the two food experiences and feel disappointed.
Drinks were good, no real complaints there. Their play on an Old Fashioned uses peanut butter whiskey, was good but too sweet. My wife liked her cocktails, but compared to drinks at Jungle Bird, Bar Tulia, Vine Room and even somewhere laid-back like 10 Twenty Five it wasn't anything we needed to come back for.
Service format was okay, food comes as soon as it's ready, so our server made sure to tell us to put in smaller, staggered orders. This was a challenge as he had multiple tables and all of them were constantly ordering leading to slower service.
Server himself was semi-interested, didn't really explain any of the dishes or the restaurant, and didn't really engage with the table beyond the intro. He was obviously rushing so I don't blame him for the interactions fully, but if you're charging higher-end prices, you need a higher-end experience.
The two person tables are small, so multiple items coming out all together can easily overwhelm the table. There was no effort to stagger, stage or combine plating, so only order what you can fit on the table. We ended up having to consolidate freshly delivered plates ourselves just to fit three apps on the table.
Portion to price was very Naples, you won't be full after spending $100 (just like Nosh next door, which is even more overpriced). A good thing was we went during happy hour (4-6 pm, 50% off drinks, discounts on some apps) which saved us some money on the meal, that was the saving grace for us, as full price food and drinks wouldn't have been worth it.
Also, it's Valet ONLY when we went 5PM on a Friday, self parking lot was completely blocked off. Expect to valet (free for Blackbird) and bring cash to tip if you visit. I appreciate the valet being free, but I don't like being forced into it as we'd always previously self parked, guessing Blackbird overwhelmed the self-parking lot and was bothering residents.
We probably won't be back for a while and when we make the trip down to Naples again, we would stick to USS Nemo or Tulia. Too many other amazing restaurants in Naples to risk another poor experience here until they...
Read moreWhat a night at the Blackbird 🐦⬛ in Naples, we visited this Sunday! The food was delicious and served up so quickly, (scratch kitchen so it is not coursed, and comes out quick) The service from our bartender Carson was absolutely fantastic, one of the best bartenders we have ever had. They were all nice but he definitely stood out. “Is there anything I can do to make your dining experience any better today?” (Just top notch) Drinks were delish and dessert was not only so good it was beautiful too. Definitely a must go! PS happy hour is great. We got 2 sharable apps, 2 entrees, 3 drinks each and a dessert and our bill was only 120! That’s amazing. We had the the wok charred edamame, smokey and delicious, tasted like that perfect char you get from a grill with a touch of sweet and spicy. Orange Chili Calamari, so lightly battered and super tender, it was topped with Macadamian nuts, scallion, orange chilli. Orange Chicken, was again very tender, lightly sauced (not drenched thankfully, so it kept it light) scallions, delicious pieces of orange rinds for a pop of extra flavor and the bok choy was so good (which we ate every piece of 🤤 ), so good. Chicken Fried rice, simple and delicate, rice was light and fluffy, Flavor was not super intense, we had a few bites and were so full we boxed it to take home. We never get dessert but our bartender said the “Year of the Snake” was not only good but beautifully presented and a must have. So we splurged a bit! It was so damn good and pretty. Banana’s Foster with Bread Pudding, salted caramel gelato, caramel ganache and cinnamon/chili with a milk chocolate snake that melts over the dish! Omg 🤤
Our drinks of choice, my husband never opts for specialty cocktails as he is a bourbon man, he had a few Buffalo Trace on the rocks, which by the way ALL Cocktails, drinks, wine, sake etc are half off from 4-6. (Just not bottles) He also had a Buddah Beer. I wanted to try the fun ones so I started with the “CRAZY RICH ASIAN” suntory haku vodka, lemongrass, apple, cucumber, kiwi, lime! (This was my favorite by far, even the hubs liked it) Then I had the “PHO KING GOOD” tito’s handmade vodka, blue chair bay key lime rum cream, egg white, pho syrup, thai basil, lime, pineapple! (Good but very subtle and tasted likee a meringue with a bit of herbs) not my fave but still good. Lastly we had to get the Blackbird 🐦⬛ “THE BLACKBIRD” skyy vodka, amaro lucano, chai, cold brew, vanilla cream, activated charcoal, chocolate fortune cookie. Delish tasted like tiramisu! But may I suggest one or the other (dessert or this drink) very rich and sweet. I don’t have a single negative thing to say, it was perfect. I will suggest a reservation or go early. We are bar people, and it filled up immediately. We got there knowing this and arrived at 3:45 We were first in line (yes a line!) but in minutes there were at least 15 people behind us. Everyone at the bar was so nice, and they ALL were raving about their food too! Also, its valet only ( just as an fyi ) Give it a try, especially for happy hour. You will be pleasantly surprised.
#blackbird #asianfusion #cocktails...
Read moreI had the pleasure of eating here on VIP night 6/5/2025. The food was amazing and our sever Nicole was perfect. She went above and beyond for us!
Nestled along the waterfront at Naples Bay Resort, Blackbird Modern Asian has quickly established itself as a standout in the city's dining scene since its grand opening on June 6, 2025. This contemporary eatery offers a sophisticated twist on Pan-Asian cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques under the guidance of award-winning Executive Chef Tim Nickey
From the moment you arrive, Blackbird captivates with its striking design elements. A six-foot-tall bronze Buddha head greets guests at the entrance, setting the tone for the immersive experience inside. The interior boasts a vibrant floral and butterfly mural, rich red hues, and contemporary Asian-inspired art, creating an atmosphere that's both elegant and inviting. Outdoor seating under the covered waterfront walkway offers diners picturesque views, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Blackbird's menu is a curated journey through Asian flavors, emphasizing Chinese cuisine with influences from Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese traditions. Signature dishes include:
Peking Duck: A house specialty, this dish features ducks marinated, air-dried, and roasted to achieve crispy skin and tender meat, served with traditional accompaniments.
Miso Black Cod: A delicate preparation served with baby bok choy and a sizzling soy vinaigrette.
Garlic King Crab Noodles: Lo mein noodles tossed with lump crab, garlic, and XO sauce, offering a rich and savory flavor profile.
Sichuan Smoked Pork Spare Ribs: Tender ribs glazed with star anise BBQ sauce, garnished with scallions and pickled Fresno chili.
The beverage program complements the menu with inventive cocktails like the "Pho King Good," blending vodka, key lime rum cream, pho syrup, Thai basil, lime, and pineapple.
Guests have praised Blackbird for its attentive and knowledgeable staff, who enhance the dining experience with thoughtful recommendations and seamless service. The restaurant's commitment to quality and detail is evident in every aspect, from presentation to flavor.
Blackbird Modern Asian offers a dynamic and upscale dining experience that successfully marries traditional Asian flavors with contemporary flair. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner spot or a place to celebrate special occasions, Blackbird delivers on all fronts.
Location & Hours
Address: 1500 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
Hours: Daily from 4:00...
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