A New Era Reopens for BiCE Naples as Iconic Italian Brand Nears 100 Years

NAPLES, Fla. — BiCE Naples reopened its doors on December 22nd following a full renovation, marking a new chapter for the Old Naples restaurant as the BiCE brand prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.

The reopening comes after a comprehensive redesign of the restaurant at 300 5th Avenue S., blending updated architectural elements with the traditional style long associated with the Italian dining institution. BiCE Naples will resume dinner service with a refreshed seasonal menu and chef-driven specialties rooted in the brand’s Milanese heritage.

BiCE Naples has operated in Old Naples since 2005, earning a reputation for white-tablecloth service, classic Italian cuisine and polished hospitality. The restaurant traces its lineage to a trattoria opened in Milan in 1926 by Beatrice “Bice” Ruggeri, whose approach to handmade pasta and welcoming service laid the foundation for the global BiCE Group.

“As we celebrate 100 years of BiCE, we are proud to honor our family’s legacy while reimagining the future of Italian cuisine,” said Roberto Ruggeri, founder of BiCE Group. “BiCE Naples has always held a special place within our brand, and we look forward to welcoming guests back to a beautifully refreshed space that remains true to who we are.”

The 5,566-square-foot interior was redesigned in collaboration with Sinfonia Group, a firm with offices in New York and Treviso, Italy. The renovation introduces a light, coastal-Italian aesthetic, combining BiCE’s signature color palette with contemporary finishes. Design elements include a sculptural white bar with mosaic detailing, navy velvet bar stools, cream and navy banquettes, floating textile ceiling panels and white drapery throughout the dining room. Hand-painted blue scenic wall panels depicting Italian countryside motifs add a traditional touch.

The dining room seats 90 guests, while the bar area includes 10 seats. A private dining room, outfitted with custom furnishings, is available for events and business gatherings. Outdoors, the restaurant expanded its terrace seating along 5th Avenue South, featuring cascading bougainvillea, canopy drapes and woven white seating. The outdoor areas total more than 80 seats across multiple patio sections.

Wine remains a central focus of the concept, with a temperature-controlled cellar highlighting selections from Italy, France and the United States, with an emphasis on Italian varietals.

The menu features classic Italian preparations organized by traditional courses, including antipasti, pasta, risotto and main entrées. Signature dishes include vitello tonnato, burrata di bufala, pappardelle BiCE al Telefono, spaghettone alle vongole, linguine alla Nerano and veal Milanese. Seafood offerings such as branzino and seasonal contorni accompany the core menu, alongside rotating chef specialties.

“BiCE has earned its place among the world’s great dining institutions,” said Raffaele Ruggeri, CEO of BiCE Group. “This transformation reinforces our commitment to excellence in both design and culinary expression.”

BiCE Naples is opening with soft-opening hours, serving dinner daily from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on weekends through mid-January. Lunch service and bar happy hour are expected to launch later in the month.

BiCE Ristorante is part of the global BiCE Group, which operates restaurants worldwide under the stewardship of the Ruggeri family. The Naples location continues that nearly century-old tradition, combining Italian culinary heritage with a setting tailored to Southwest Florida’s coastal lifestyle.