Collier Citizen Dining

Familiar lyrics start off with “Aruba, Jamaica, ooo, I wanna take you.” You can sing along, as almost everyone knows the first verse to the famous Beach Boy’s song, “Kokomo.” But at Cocomo’s Grill in Marco Island, the essence remains, “We’ll get there fast and then take it slow.” Full story »

Easy access by both land or sea is seldom found in Southwest Florida. Bayview, on Marco Island, is one of the few waterfront restaurants that offers this convenience. Located in The Esplanade, it is just two miles from the Judge S.S. Jolley Bridge. The view of Smokehouse Bay from this spot will probably never change, but Bayview restaurant will be no more. Full story »

What is your favorite restaurant in Naples? Cote de Azure. It’s intimate, small and has excellent French food and service. Full story »

“Yes, we do pour a proper Guinness,” proclaimed Executive Chef/Owner Michael Ward of Erin’s Isle Restaurant and Lounge, “but the pub is really a bar, a lounge.” Confused? Technically, a true Irish pub serves specific ‘pub grub,’ which does not include Lobster Thermidor or a French rack of lamb. Full story »

What is your favorite restaurant? St. George and the Dragon, because it was the place to go in the 1980s. With a cozy, friendly ambiance, it’s like a home away from home. I like the duck with cherry sauce they serve on Saturday and always, the prime rib. Full story »

Restaurants come and go at a dizzying pace. Su’s Garden on Marco Island has been serving Chinese food under the same ownership at the same location on Bald Eagle Drive ever since 1982. So it’s fair to assume they must be doing something right. Ask co-owner Piyun Su for her secret, and she answers modestly. Full story »

What is your favorite restaurant? Bice. It’s really special — the food and the atmosphere. We get the salad, tuna and tiramisu. Full story »

If you think about it, seemingly unrelated professions like chefs and musicians do have characteristics in common, and creativity, dedication and self-discipline are among the many qualities that define Executive Chef Laura Owen, “In the Kitchen” this week. Full story »

Where can you paddle a canoe or take a swim, then savor a superb seafood spread while seated in a chickee hut bar on the shores of Johnson Bay? It’s all about the Sunday Buffet and family fun fest at the Capri Fish House on Isles of Capri. The bountiful all-you-can-eat buffet is set up in the air-conditioned ambiance of the unique dining room. And, of course, there’s ample seating indoors where diners can also enjoy views of Johnson Bay. Full story »

What is your favorite restaurant? The Island Grill. You can sit outside and they serve really good food. Plus, the menu is different; not the same old thing. We like the corn bread, coconut shrimp and tropical salad. Full story »

What is your favorite restaurant? Truluck’s. They have the best food and service in town. I love the all-you-can-eat stone crab special, in season. Full story »

What is your favorite restaurant? Why? I like the Melting Pot. It was closed for a while, but it’s open again now. My favorite thing to eat there is the seafood, and their desserts are the best! Full story »

What is your favorite restaurant? It’s a new one, Absinthe. I love the decor and their food is wonderful. Full story »

Have you been to a good restaurant lately? Yes. The Bayhouse. Full story »

What is your favorite restaurant? Why? Carraba’s. I like the atmosphere and the specials. Full story »