Southwest Florida Business Reviews

Introduction

Located on the sands of Naples’ Vanderbilt Beach, The Turtle Club offers a dining experience that blends the relaxed ambiance of Olde Florida with modern cuisine. Founded in 1998 by Mike Moore and Peter Tierney on the grounds of the Vanderbilt Beach Resort, this restaurant has become a beloved spot for locals celebrating special occasions and tourists craving seaside dining. Guests often rave about the combination of sunset views, fresh seafood and warm hospitality.

History and Family Legacy

The Vanderbilt Beach Resort—Naples’ first hotel—opened in 1951 and has been operated by the Moore family since 1968. When Mike Moore and Peter Tierney launched The Turtle Club on the resort’s beachfront property in 1998, they aimed to create a restaurant that preserved the resort’s heritage while offering elevated cuisine. In 2004, Mike’s son Mick Moore joined the team, ensuring that family stewardship continues.

Philosophy and Atmosphere

The Turtle Club’s philosophy emphasizes gracious hospitality and a relaxing, unplugged dining experience. Guests are invited to slow down, kick off their shoes and savor the moment. The setting combines a casual beach vibe—think open‑air seating, sand beneath your feet and tiki torches—with the elegance of crisp linens and fine china. Staff greet diners with genuine smiles and encourage them to linger over cocktails while watching the sunset.

Menu Highlights

The menu at The Turtle Club features fresh seafood, steaks and locally sourced produce. Some of the standout dishes include:

• Grouper and Snapper: Caught daily from Gulf waters, the fish is prepared either grilled, blackened or with a macadamia nut crust.
• Gulf Shrimp and Scallops: Served over risotto or pasta with citrus beurre blanc.
• Lobster Bisque: A velvety soup infused with cognac and finished with a dollop of crème fraîche.
• Filet Mignon: Aged beef cooked to order and paired with truffle mashed potatoes.
• Signature Salads: Incorporating seasonal fruits, goat cheese and house‑made vinaigrettes.

Dessert options range from Key lime pie to decadent chocolate cake. The wine list showcases domestic and international vintages carefully selected to pair with seafood. The restaurant’s cocktail program includes tropical classics like piña coladas and mojitos, as well as modern twists featuring local herbs and fruits.

Lunch and Dinner Menus

While The Turtle Club is best known for its elegant dinners, its lunch menu offers a more casual selection of dishes ideal for beachgoers. Lunch favorites include fresh grouper sandwiches, shrimp tacos with mango salsa, and salads topped with blackened chicken or grilled shrimp. A children’s menu features items such as grilled fish fingers, chicken tenders and fruit cups, making it easy for families to dine together. The relaxed midday atmosphere allows guests to enjoy a quick bite before returning to the beach or exploring nearby attractions.

Dinner service elevates the culinary experience with expanded entrée options, including lobster tails, New York strip steak and seasonal catch prepared with chef‑inspired sauces. Sides like roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta and coconut rice complement the mains. The kitchen highlights locally caught seafood and produce from regional farms, and it rotates specials based on the day’s catch and seasonal availability. Gluten‑free and vegetarian options are available upon request, ensuring that all diners feel welcome.

Special Events and Private Dining

The Turtle Club’s beachfront setting makes it an ideal venue for special occasions. The restaurant hosts weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events and milestone celebrations. Event planners on staff coordinate everything from menu selection and wine pairings to table décor and musicians. For intimate gatherings, the restaurant offers semi‑private sections of the dining area or exclusive use of the patio. Guests can design custom menus featuring signature dishes or bespoke creations tailored to personal tastes.

During holidays, the restaurant offers prix‑fixe menus that highlight seasonal ingredients—think Thanksgiving turkey with sage dressing or New Year’s Eve surf and turf. Many locals return year after year for these festive meals, appreciating the combination of gourmet food and a relaxed beach ambiance. The Turtle Club also collaborates with local charities to host fundraising dinners where a portion of proceeds supports environmental conservation and community programs.

Tips for Dining

Securing a table at The Turtle Club requires some planning, especially during peak season. For dinner reservations, call well in advance and request a seating time that aligns with sunset if you want prime views. Arrive early to enjoy cocktails at the tiki bar while watching dolphins and seabirds play in the surf. The restaurant’s dress code is resort casual; collared shirts and dresses are appropriate, but jackets and ties are not required. Sandals are acceptable, but patrons often bring a light sweater due to the coastal breeze. Valet parking is available, though many guests prefer to walk from nearby hotels and condos.

Because The Turtle Club does not accept lunch reservations, arrive shortly before opening to avoid a wait. If you find yourself on the waitlist, take a stroll along the beach or relax in the resort’s lounge. Staff members will text you when your table is ready. Parties with children should request tables closer to the restaurant building, where the sand is firmer and it’s easier to navigate with strollers.

Sustainability and Sourcing

The Turtle Club’s culinary philosophy extends beyond flavor to environmental responsibility. The restaurant sources seafood from fisheries certified for sustainable practices and partners with local farmers who use organic and regenerative methods. Chefs design menus that minimize waste by utilizing whole fish and seasonal produce. Leftover cooking oil is recycled into biodiesel, and compostable to‑go containers replace Styrofoam. Through initiatives like participating in coastal cleanups and supporting sea turtle conservation organizations, the restaurant demonstrates its commitment to preserving the natural resources that make beachfront dining possible.

Dining Experience

Diners often highlight the sensory experience of eating at The Turtle Club:

• Beachfront Seating: Tables are set directly on the sand, allowing guests to dig their toes into the powdery beach while dining.
• Sunset Views: Many visitors plan their dinner reservation around sunset to catch the sky’s transformation over the Gulf. Photographers and romantics alike find this view unforgettable.
• Attentive Service: Waitstaff are attentive without being intrusive, creating a relaxed yet polished atmosphere.
• Unplugged Ambiance: Without loud music or television screens, conversation flows easily. Diners appreciate the peaceful environment.

Reservations and Practicalities

The Turtle Club serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.. The restaurant does not accept reservations for lunch, operating on a first‑come, first‑served basis. For dinner, reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by phone. Because the restaurant is located at 9225 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples, parking is available on site, but it can fill up quickly during sunset hours.

Community Connections

The Turtle Club values its ties to the Naples community. The restaurant sponsors local events, supports environmental initiatives and partners with nearby farms and fisheries to source ingredients. It also serves as a gathering place for celebrations—from marriage proposals and anniversary dinners to holiday feasts. Staff remember regular guests’ names and preferences, making the restaurant feel like an extension of the guests’ homes. This personal touch is often cited by customers as a reason they return.

Awards and Reviews

Over the years, The Turtle Club has garnered numerous accolades from diners and critics alike. Local magazines frequently include it in their “Best of Naples” lists, praising its fresh seafood and attentive service. Online reviewers highlight the memorable sunsets, noting that no photograph can fully capture the view in person. The restaurant’s beachside tables often appear in travel guides as one of the most romantic dining spots on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Such recognition reflects not only the quality of the cuisine but also the dedication of the staff and the enduring appeal of beachfront dining.

Recognition and Accolades

The Turtle Club has garnered numerous awards for its food, service and ambiance. Local publications often rate it among the top beachfront dining spots in Naples. Guests consistently mention that while the restaurant has become more popular, it still maintains the friendly, intimate vibe that characterized its early days.

Future Plans and Innovations

As the restaurant looks ahead, plans include refining its menu to incorporate more locally sourced ingredients, expanding its wine list and continuing to offer special tasting dinners. The management is also considering the addition of a small chef’s garden to grow herbs and vegetables onsite, further connecting diners to the origins of their meals. Sustainability initiatives, such as reducing single‑use plastics and participating in beach cleanups, are becoming more prominent.

Conclusion

The Turtle Club is more than a restaurant; it’s a beachfront sanctuary where food, hospitality and nature intersect. Whether you’re savoring a macadamia‑crusted grouper while watching the sun dip below the horizon or celebrating a milestone with loved ones, the experience combines Olde Florida charm with culinary excellence. A visit here captures the essence of Naples’ coastal lifestyle, leaving diners with memories as warm and lingering as a Gulf sunset.