Some of Naples’ most popular restaurants in resorts along Vanderbilt Beach still have not reopened since being washed out by Hurricane Ian’s storm surge last fall, but all plan to relaunch by this fall.  

Hurricane Ian washed out ground-floor restaurants and accommodations, creating a heavy loss for the businesses, their employees and their patrons. After missing out on a full busy season this winter and spring, those longtime restaurants at upscale resorts on the Gulf will begin opening this summer and all plan to be open before the end of the year. The fine-dining venues include The Turtle Club at Vanderbilt Beach Resort, Baleen Naples at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort and The Grill at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.   

The landmark Buzz’s Lighthouse restaurant was able to reopen last fall on the bay side of Gulf Shore Boulevard but the mom-and-pop motel that accompanied it for 45 years was destroyed beyond repair. The Lighthouse Inn was demolished May 22 on property that will be used to expand parking and amenities for the restaurant.   

The Turtle Club  

“The whole Vanderbilt area got crushed pretty good, we lost everything. We lost all of the restaurant equipment,” said Peter Tierney, who co-owns The Turtle Club with Mick Moore, who also co-owns the Vanderbilt Beach Resort, which hosts the beachside restaurant, one of the most popular dining spots in the region. “The good news is that we will be back up. We’ve got a lot of love out there. They are cheering us on.”  

Founded in 1998, the restaurant was built to code, which required it to have breakaway walls designed to collapse from storm surge, allowing water to flow through and under the building without compromising the rest of the hotel structure. “The walls themselves did exactly what they were supposed to do,” Tierney said. “By doing that, it kind of washed away all the interior.”  

Vanderbilt Beach Resort reopened earlier this year, but its significantly damaged restaurant is still being rebuilt. The goal is to reopen The Turtle Club in mid- to late fall, Tierney said.  

“We are not doing anything new or fancy. We are just rebuilding it as it was because it worked so well,” he said. “Our crew is all still together. Everyone is excited about it. We are ready to get it back up for everybody.”  

The exterior has had vast improvements since Ian wiped out the resort’s lush landscaping and filled the swimming pool with sand. The palm trees and orchids have been replanted and the pool dug out, Tierney said.  

“The place looks great. The property looks great. They really did a great job of putting it back together,” he said.  

Baleen at LaPlaya  

Less than half a mile north from The Turtle Club on Gulf Shore Drive, preparations are being made to reopen Baleen at LaPlaya.  

“Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate post-Hurricane Ian recovery efforts,” LaPlaya shares on its website. “Since its temporary closure in late September 2022, our team has been working diligently to restore LaPlaya to the modern tropical splendor we all know and love.”  

The resort began a phased reopening in late January with the opening of its bay tower accommodations, private beach access, Boutique LaPlaya and a temporary beach bar and grill at the only one of four pools open. Elements, the resort’s signature bar, is offering a limited food and beverage menu. The resort’s Gulf tower reopened by March, said Amy Morales, a guest services associate at LaPlaya.  

“It was slow-going,” Morales said about the staggered reopening of the resort months after being slammed by storm surge. “We ended up getting 11 feet of water across our property with 4 feet in the lobby.”  

Although the resort’s spa reopened in its bay tower, the gym is not open yet. Baleen is still closed for dining in, but the restaurant is expected to relaunch this summer at LaPlaya. Breakfast from Baleen is now available to hotel guests and in-room dining is available from an all-day menu of cold items.  

“The property is still under construction, which will be ongoing until the end of the year. Our beach house is being redone completely,” Morales said.  

Life is slowly returning to normal at LaPlaya. The first wedding since the hurricane was held in mid-May at the resort. That wedding originally had been planned there in October.  

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples  

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, also sustained a serious blow from Ian that interrupted its plans to unveil its new tower, lobby, Club Lounge and restaurants last December. The iconic resort now plans to reveal its extensive evolutionary changes when the Ritz reopens July 6, more than nine months after the storm. The historic relaunch includes its many dining options.  

“We anticipate the resort will open with six outlets, including three beloved restaurants — The Grill, Dusk and Gumbo Limbo — and three new options for our guests: Sofra, Moka and The Lobby Bar. A seventh restaurant will open at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples in December 2023,” said Emmie Lancaster, senior marketing manager for The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples.  

Sofra, a new Mediterranean-inspired dining concept focusing on fresh, healthy dishes, will replace Terraza, which offered a taste of Italy and an open-air terrace. Sofra’s vegetable-forward menu includes signature elements such as barrel-aged feta while tableside pushcarts will provide freshly baked flatbreads and hand-pressed olive oils.  

Moka, a new dining concept inspired by traditional Italian cafes, “reflects the passion of roasters and artisans, presenting freshly pressed coffees and lattes alongside classic pastries, sandwiches and gelatos.” The sophisticated new lobby of the Ritz will feature an ornate Lobby Bar and “Signature Champagne Tasting Experience” created in partnership with Master Sommelier Elyse Lambert.  

“Our goal was to create an even more exceptional guest experience, and we are confident that our new additions will exceed expectations,” said Ritz-Carlton Area General Manager Mark Ferland.  

The Ritz venues that have become local favorites also will reopen July 6. The Grill’s signature fine-dining experience will continue to feature a menu of dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood and international wines. The beachside Gumbo Limbo outdoor restaurant will return with salads, sandwiches and seafood. Dusk also will be back in its sleek space with a private terrace and a menu of freshly prepared sushi and small plates and an expansive list of signature drinks.