After living in Golden Gate for three years, this food and dining reporter has relocated to East Naples. While I’m very excited to try the restaurants around my new neighborhood, I’m bummed I won’t be as close to certain Golden Gate dining spots.
Golden Gate is often overlooked when looking for local restaurants, but there’s a few gems in the Collier neighborhood. Golden Gate is a great area for food with culture, whether it be Cuban, Mexican, Peruvian, or Brazilian.
Here’s a few Golden Gate restaurants to try if you haven’t already.
Brasas Steakhouse
Details: 11681 Collier Blvd.; 239-799-0069; instagram.com/brasassteakhouseandgrill
Brasas is the definition of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Located in a strip mall in Golden Gate City, this steakhouse is often overlooked. But Brasas provides something that most steakhouses don’t: relaxed ambience and loads of fun. If you’re looking for a quiet upscale steakhouse, Brasas isn’t for you. There’s often live music and dancing to enjoy during dinner.
Brasas is where a Brazilian steakhouse meets Cuban cuisine. The best way to try a lot of different types of meat is to order a board. Boards include anywhere from one pound to six pounds of meat, ranging from churrasco, bacon wrapped chicken, chorizo, filet mignon, and ribeye.
Cracklin’ Jack’s
Details: 2560 39th Street SW, Naples; 239-774-6000; cracklinjacks.com
Cracklin’ Jacks has been giving the Golden Gate area a taste of the Everglades since it opened in 1996. TV personality Guy Fieri visited the casual Southern dining joint for the “Dallas Dumplings, Florida Fried, and Chi-Tacos” episode of “Triple D.” The episode aired Feb. 21, 2025.
This popular Collier spot is known for its comfort food like fried green tomatoes, gator bites, frog legs, gator tail, sawgrass shrimp, and fried catfish with hush puppies. If the Everglades-inspired dishes aren’t up your alley, try something a little safer like fried chicken, rib eye, a variety of seafood dishes, or any of their classic sides like sweet potato fries and mashed potatoes.
Golden Grove Kitchen
Details: 12035 Collier Blvd., Naples; 239-455-4242; goldengrovekitchen.com
This Golden Gate dining spot took the place of Mel’s Diner in 2025, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus with classic favorites that remind you of home. Featured items include “Thanksgiving Everyday” that consists of roast turkey, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, and a classic fish and chips dish.
There’s truly something for everyone at Golden Grove, from breakfast classics like omelettes and French toast to dinner staples like steak, pasta, pot roast, and meat loaf. The restaurant also offers some Greek-inspired menu items like lamp chops and Mediterranean salad.
Señor Tequila’s Mexican Grill
Details: 11965 Collier Blvd., Naples; 239-352-1242; senortequilasrestaurant.com
There are a few locations across Southwest Florida, but I’ve spent quite a few nights at the Golden Gate Señor Tequila’s enjoying street tacos and live music. One of the best dishes on the menu is the chimichanga, which is a rolled fried flour tortilla filled with your choice of meat (get the shredded beef or chicken), then topped with lettuce, sour cream, guacamole. and mild sauce. Pro-tip: Order an extra side of mild sauce to pour over your dish.
Owners Miguel and Elvia Fletes have over 30 years experience in Mexican cuisine, gathering recipes from Elvia’s parents and grandparents who were originally from Colima and Jalisco, Mexico. The Fletes’ first Mexican restaurant opened in Washington in 1991 but has expanded into the Sunshine State, bringing SWFL locals delicious and authentic cuisine.
Aji Limon Peruvian Kitchen
Details: 11985 Collier Blvd., Naples; 239-228-6165; ajilimonperuviancuisine.net
Family-owned Peruvian restaurant Aji Limon aims to bring authentic flavors to locals at a fair price. You’ll enjoy gourmet dishes made from generations of traditional Peruvian recipes made with local and Peruvian ingredients. Aji Limon makes sure you get the best bang for your buck with large portions.
The Aji Limon menu is extensive, ensuring locals can try any Peruvian dish they’re interested in. Soups, ceviches, fried rice, and grilled meats are deeply engrained in Peruvian culture.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: Dining out? 5 places to eat in Golden Gate
Reporting by Kendall Little, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
