Nestled between the hustle and bustle of the usual fair of Fifth Avenue South, you will find one of Naples’ newest and most unique restaurants, HobNob. Only open since mid-December 2013, HobNob has already been named one of Open Table’s Hottest 100 Restaurants. And for good reason. The restaurant offers the younger crowd (30- to 50-somethings) of Naples a place to let their hair down while they socialize and enjoy a menu of clean, fresh American cuisine in a fun environment — something Naples desperately needs.
According to Webster’s Dictionary, “hobnob” is a verb meaning “to mix socially, especially with those of higher social status.” The decor inside has been designed to give you the opportunity to do just that, with its large tables and group-friendly environment. In fact, you won’t find any two-top tables in the place. Which means you’ll have plenty of room to sit at the table with your food, no matter what you order…or you could come early and make a new friend at the bar!
Well-known restaurateur Michael Hernandez, creator of other Naples’ favorites such as Handsome Harry’s (now closed and ready to transform into something new), Michael’s Cafe, Bistro 821, Bistro 41, Aqua Grill, Mia, Trios and Zoe’s (which once filled this same restaurant space) has partnered with three other great minds to produce this hip, social, urban-feeling bar and restaurant in the heart of downtown Naples. If you’ve been to this 6,800-square-foot space before when it housed Zoe’s, Trilogy and the Jolly Cricket, you won’t recognize it now.
The HobNob menu is created by Executive Chef Tony Biagetti, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America and was also at Handsome Harry’s for the better part of a decade. The cuisine is distinctly American but with a simple, clean twist. Local and organic foods are used whenever available to create the best possible meal.
HobNob Kitchen & Bar
720 5th Avenue S.
Naples, Florida 34103
Phone: 239-580-0070