Still a heavenly place to eat – The Chapel Grill

There are so many things to love about The Chapel Grill, we couldn’t wait to follow up to see how the restaurant has grown. The atmosphere still lends itself to a righteous dining experience and the service is still among the best in town.

The cuisine keeps drawing diners back along with a cocktail scene and location that continues to thrive.

Much to to the delight of Neapolitans, most of the original dishes remain including the roasted lobster bisque and The Chapel Salad – of which the sunflower seed praline garnish and herb Dijon white balsamic vinaigrette has earned quite a following. And in what are possibly two of Naples’ best appetizers, the Boeuf Bourguignon and wild mushroom and decidedly American cuisine, with plenty of outdoor dining and a generous indoor and outdoor bar, The Chapel Grill has become a local favorite. With reasonable prices, good portions and guests can feel comfortable coming here in shorts and tennis wear. The Chapel Grill is known for the creative adaptive
reuse of the beloved old building, the perfect use for the retired church. The sunny main room once contained the old church pews and alter.

“We were able to save the building and to create a fun and interesting new venue for people to enjoy so it’s a win-win situation for everyone,”says The Chapel Grill Owner Stephen Fleischer, who was very careful to maintain all of the integrity of the original building which lends itself to the graceful look of downtown Naples. “We promised the city that we would not make any changes to the façade and we also selected furnishings that complemented the original architecture of the structure, making sure that all of the details were right.”

In addition to the original use as a church, the building also served as the home of the Friendship House, a healthcare facility for older Naples residents of limited means. The building was dedicated to the Hutchinson family for their generosity as Friendship House patrons and the plaque risotto finished with Burgundy wine is rivaled only by the Maine lobster and black truffles finished in Manchego cream over penne pasta.

Favorite entrees include the Chapel center cut pork chop and the herb Dijon lamb shank – but the porcini mushroom dusted Florida snapper takes the cake as one of Naples’ preferred snapper dishes.

And the atmosphere at The Chapel Grill continues to thrive. The chiming of the clock is a charming reminder of the long history of the 7th Ave. South Baptist Church, but more exciting is the stylishly refurbished The Chapel Grill. It’s a unique restaurant located a block from Fifth Avenue across the street
from Cambier Park and The Norris Center. Featuring delidelicious and decidedly American cuisine, with plenty of outdoor dining and a generous indoor and outdoor bar, The Chapel Grill has become a local favorite.

With reasonable prices, good portions and guests can feel comfortable coming here in shorts and tennis wear. The Chapel Grill is known for the creative adaptive reuse of the beloved old building, the perfect use for the retired church. The sunny main room once contained the old church
pews and alter.

“We were able to save the building and to create a fun and interesting new venue for people to enjoy so it’s a win-win situation for everyone,” says The Chapel Grill Owner Stephen Fleischer, who was very careful to maintain all of the integrity of the original building which lends itself to the graceful look of downtown Naples. “We promised the city that we would not make any changes to the façade and we also selected furnishings that complemented the original architecture of the structure, making sure that all of the details were right.”

In addition to the original use as a church, the building also served as the home of the Friendship House, a healthcare facility for older Naples residents of limited means.

The building was dedicated to the Hutchinson family for their generosity as Friendship House patrons and the plaque recognizing that dedication remains on the building. Mrs. Hutchinson was invited to attend the restaurant’s grand opening celebration last year.

The Chapel Grill offers dinner seven nights a week during season, but is closed on Mondays during the off-season with happy hour every night from 4 to 6 p.m. and late night dining on Friday and Saturday nights. The Chapel Grill is not open for breakfast or lunch but does offer a wonderful Sunday brunch buffet during season with that
service ceasing around Mother’s Day. The Chapel Grill also offers a dinner and theater special for patrons of the Gulfshore Playhouse. Patrons can come for a full meal including cocktails and dessert and receive a special price for both dinner and performance tickets.

“We remain open late on theater nights to provide theatergoers with a place to go after the show,” says Fleischer. “We know what people are looking for when they dine out in town – great food and drinks in a beautiful venue, ideal location and all at reasonable prices so The Chapel Grill is the perfect place for a fun and relaxing evening.”

811 7th Avenue South,
across from Cambier Park
Naples, FL
239.206.4310
www.TheChapelGrill.com
Open for dinner Monday-Saturday and
Sunday brunch during season.
The Chapel Grill is closed on Mondays and
for Sunday brunch during the off
season. The Tavern offers light bites and
cocktails. Reservations are
strongly recommended.