Whether Spanish or something entirely different, small plates are everywhere these days. Here’s where to get the best.
TRADITIONAL
IM Tapas (Naples): This elegant Naples fixture is where to go if you want to be whisked to the Costa del Sol, with rare delicacies such as morcilla (blood sausage) and angulas (baby eels) to prove it. imtapas.com
La Trattoria Café Napoli (Fort Myers): With chef Gloria Jordan d’Cabral’s Spanish-Cuban ancestry informing most of her menu, expect the classics plus a few Mediterranean and New World twists. latrattoriacafenapoli.com
Lamoraga (Naples): An import from Spain, it was the first location stateside of an innovative recipe blending Andalusian cuisine with global influences. You can find cod fritters with a parsley-citrus aioli as well as basil-wrapped shrimp with sweet chili and miso-glazed pork belly. lamoragarestaurant.com
NEW AGE
Bar Tulia (Naples): Why can’t Italian cuisine get in on the fun? This watering hole with the unequivocally best craft cocktail program in Southwest Florida also specializes in small plates where sharing is the name of the game (don’t pass up the Modena pizza with shaved Brussels sprouts and house-made ricotta). bartulia.com
the cave (north naples): This new bistro and wine bar from Naples Winter Wine Festival trustees Jim and Laura Dixon should be in full swing by October. Its menu—exclusively shareables—will draw inspiration from Europe. naples-wine-collection.myshopify.com
Public House (Naples): Designed with nibbling in mind, it’s the place to have a little bit of this and a little bit of that with a strong regional American bent (think: pretzels baked with Maldon sea salt and served with jalapeño cheese dip). publichouseofnaples.com
Zen Asian BBQ (North Naples): Adapting the formula to bring bites from throughout East Asia to a Japanese pub, it also features fusion such as tuna “tacos” and spiced wings. eatatzen.com
