Exceeded expectations.
Expected something overrated, overpriced, and a taste catered to Naples elderly demographic. The typical 5 entrees you can find at surrounding "upscale" restaurants, executed at low to moderate level. Annoyingly loud, crowded, and underwhelming atmosphere.
However, I found several aspects of BrickTop's to be exceptional.
First, the atmosphere. I went there on a date with my girlfriend around 5:45 pm on Saturday when it was still daylight. The atmosphere was (very) dark with dim lighting which looked like a spotlight on the table. I felt the lighting was more than sufficient, and created a romantic vibe. This may vary depending on where you sit. Seats by the outside window will obviously be lit. Around us were mostly elderly (to be expected) but not over crowded. Enough space to feel somewhat isolated. White cloth tables with paper covering. The paper lessens the classic upscale look, although more sanitary.
Second, the service. Our waiter was attentive but not pushy. Very personable and knowledgeable about the menu and food itself. Always cheery when conversing with us. Professional. Knew exactly when to intervene without having to hunt him down. I believe his name was Alan? Not sure.
Third, the food. Simplistic menu with complex and seemingly perfected dishes. I was amazed to be honest. The bread with butter prior to the meal was OKAY, but definitely lacking. The crust to soft portion of bread ratio was overly crusty. Regarding the entree, I had the Chicken Milanese. Tender, relatively thin piece of chicken which was perfectly cooked and parmesan crusted with lemon beurre blanc. The beurre blanc was a highlight for me, very addictive and complimented the chicken well. This was served with fettuccine alfredo and you could tell it was made from scratch. THICK noodles and well proportioned amount of sauce. My girlfriend had the Bistro Chicken, which was tender and juicy as well. Very good. For desert, the Chocolate Chip cookie with peppermint ice cream and caramel drizzle was a good end to the meal. Hot cookie served in skillet, melted in your mouth and balanced with fresh cold ice cream. Again, everything well proportioned and enough for 2 people to split (desert).
Last, pricing. Very expensive. I spent 75$ for 2 entrees and a desert. Is it worth it? Maybe every once and a while. I vividly remember the first thing our waiter told us... Have you been here before? No. Almost everything is made in house. You'll be back, trust me. By the end I was convinced that yes, I very well might be back. And that is what I...
Read moreBrickTop's is quite a unique restaurant. It is the perfect convergence of upscale dining with a laid back, casual feel.
I always feel a little intimidated heading to a fine dining establishment as I refuse to dress in anything besides comfortable athletic clothes. Regardless of my attire, my guests and I were welcomed with open arms. Both indoor, outdoor, and bar seating is available.
From a service standpoint, I've never been to a restaurant who's servers are so laser focused and utterly methodical in their attention to the details. I can easily assume the level of training that went into their service approach was extremely tedious, making the customer experience something you contemplate weeks after leaving the restaurant. For those who are accustomed to such spectacular service, it might be nothing new, but for a layperson to fine dining, it was definitely a profound experience.
From a cocktail standpoint, the Prickly Pear was something I can't put into words. It is the most popular drink at the restaurant and one must order it to experience it. The Charred Grapefruit is another drink that one must order as its balance of sweetness and bite of alcohol was absolute perfection. The babyback ribs were the most tender ribs I've ever put in my mouth. I have no idea how the chefs were able to accomplish this. I was so impressed with these ribs I ordered them again on my second visit. Although this establishment will leave you with a bill higher than a chain restaurant, it is absolutely worth it. You certainly get what...
Read more⭐ BrickTop’s Naples – Where Taste Takes a Vacation and Never Comes Back 🧳🍴
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spend $100 to feel absolutely nothing inside — welcome to BrickTop’s. 😐💸✨
The Food: Ordered a burger. Got a hockey puck in a brioche tuxedo. 🍔🥶 The fries? Looked like they were fried in 2016 and reheated with a hair dryer. 🍟💀 Tried the sushi. I don’t know who Brick or Top is, but neither of them should be near raw fish again. 🐟🤢 My Caesar salad came pre-tossed with regret and an emotional crouton drought. 🥗
The Service: Our server was either performing an interpretive dance of avoidance or genuinely believed we were ghosts. 👻 Asked for water. Got ice cubes and judgment. 💧😤 Waited 45 minutes for food, but I guess they were aging the chicken like a fine wine. 🍗⏳
The Vibe: Atmosphere screamed “I used to be classy, now I just gaslight people into thinking this is fine dining.” 😩🎩 The music playlist was moodier than my ex on a rainy Tuesday. 🎶🌧️ Sat under a vent blowing arctic wind straight from Elsa’s soul. ❄️🥶
The Prices: For what I paid, I expected at least a handwritten apology from the chef or maybe a warm towel to cry into. 💳😭 I could’ve cooked better food blindfolded, on a boat, during a storm, with expired ingredients. And I'm not even a good cook. 🧑🍳
Final Thought: If you’re in Naples and want to feel overcharged, underfed, and emotionally confused, BrickTop’s is your place! Would I go again? Only if I lose a bet or am filming a reality show called “Fine Dining Fails:...
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