Binto Thai Street Food Cafe recently took to the street and moved 9 miles south this spring from Bonita Springs to North Naples.
Binto’s last day of business in Bonita was March 28 at Shops at Hidden Lakes, the location on U.S. 41 where the restaurant was founded in early 2020 by Bonita Springs resident Jules Davis. Binto reopened in April at 6355 Naples Blvd. Suite 7 in North Naples, replacing the original location of Fuji Sushi Bar & Asian Kitchen.
Fuji operated for nearly 15 years in Boulevard Shoppes near Costco on Naples Boulevard. Fuji founders Jon and On Augsondthung still own and operate the Fuji Sushi Bar & Asian Kitchen location they opened last year in Founders Square, as well as the Yoko-San Ramen restaurant across the communal outdoor patio from the new Binto on Naples Boulevard.
“I’m using a transitional menu, so I kept the majority of Fuji items to be available because a lot of people know Fuji and Fuji has been operating for 14 years over here,” Davis said. “However, there were some dishes that I use my own recipe, especially the Thai items, because I also have clients from Bonita that followed me here so I don’t want to surprise them.”
That authenticity includes a higher spice level than average, Davis said, who advises guests to order dishes mild if they prefer dishes spiced medium at other restaurants.
“If you like spicy you will come here because our spicy is spicy as a Thai spicy, not American spicy or other spicy. So, it’s the true, authentic flavor,” she said.
Davis also will gradually introduce Naples diners to Thai street food, dishes one would find on the streets of Thailand.
“Most people know Chicken Satay. It’s very popular. It’s easy street food, finger food. I use a flavor that is a blended flavor between different kinds of herbs and spices. But other items like Heavenly Beef Appetizer is also popular street food style. It goes very well with sticky rice. Not a lot of restaurants serve sticky rice but we do have that dish. It’s a true street-style Thai food.”
The Heavenly Beef features 8 ounces of flash-fried marinated beef sliced bite size and served with a side of sesame slaw. An order of chicken satay includes five chicken skewers with pickled cucumber and peanut dressing.
Other signature items include Kow Soi Curried Noodles, which features a Northern-style curry with coconut milk, bean sprouts, slaw mix, scallions, cilantro, egg noodles with crunchy noodles and lemon on top. Binto’s Thai Street Chicken, found on street corners in Thailand, includes grilled chicken breast, grilled zucchini and carrots topped with cilantro and served with sweet soy sauce and a ginger garlic sauce.
“This also is our signature that nobody else has in this area and is served with two kinds of sauces,” she said. “It’s how we serve it in Thailand so that is unique.”
Binto’s extensive menu has other Thai street food, sushi rolls and boats, bento boxes, poke bowls, appetizers, soups and salads. The menu also has some sweet desserts, such as Thai donuts.
“Mango Sticky Rice is also always very pleasant at the end of the meal because that is a true Thai dessert,” Davis said. “Some people say, ‘Why are you eating rice for dessert?’ but that’s how we do. So, it’s sticky rice with coconut flavor.”
Binto’s operating hours are noon to 9 p.m. daily. Lunch specials are available noon to 3 p.m. daily. The restaurant also has a beer and wine license.
New dining option
A similar restaurant for Asian cuisine recently opened in Binto Thai Street Food Cafe’s original Bonita Springs location in that center unit on the eastern edge of U.S. 41 near the border of Lee and Collier counties.
The new Platoo Sushi & Thai, 28811 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 4, features a menu of Thai and Japanese cuisine that includes teriyaki and curry entrees, noodle dishes, bento boxes, appetizers, soups, salads and desserts. The local restaurant is open daily 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
In addition to Binto, that longtime restaurant space in Bonita formerly was Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop and Bonita Sandwich.
