Ce Soir Opens Its Doors in Naples with Coastal French Cuisine and Open-Flame Elegance

NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — Naples' dining scene has welcomed a new culinary destination as Ce Soir officially opens its doors at Bayfront Plaza, bringing contemporary French Mediterranean cuisine, live-fire cooking, and an elevated waterfront dining experience to Southwest Florida.

Overlooking Naples Bay and located just steps from Fifth Avenue South, the 7,000-square-foot restaurant combines the sophistication of Paris with the relaxed elegance of the French Riviera. The concept marks the first United States venture for Toronto-based Aidan Hospitality, a hospitality group known for creating upscale dining experiences rooted in quality, authenticity, and community.

“Naples is appreciated for its beauty, lifestyle, and sophisticated taste,” said George Gill, partner and marketing director at Aidan Hospitality. “Ce Soir was designed to complement that energy. We’re inspired by the flavors of the French Riviera and Mediterranean coastlines, and we’ve brought that spirit to Florida with a bold twist of au feu de charbon.”

The phrase, which translates to “by the coal fire,” serves as the foundation of the restaurant’s culinary identity. At the center of the kitchen sits a charcoal-fired Josper grill, known internationally for its ability to infuse ingredients with a distinctive smoky flavor while maintaining precision and refinement.

The menu showcases a blend of locally sourced ingredients and French Mediterranean techniques. Signature offerings include a Snake River Farms Wagyu Porterhouse, Duck Confit served with bean cassoulet, pancetta, pork ragout, sausage and pangrattato, and Oxtail Agnolotti accompanied by artichoke barigoule, confit cherry tomatoes and black garlic powder.

Seafood also plays a prominent role throughout the menu. Guests can expect selections such as Snapper Ceviche with passion fruit emulsion, micro cilantro, kumquat, coconut gelée and tapioca cracker, alongside littleneck clams, prawns, whole lobster and freshly shucked oysters displayed at the restaurant’s expansive 14-foot raw bar.

Beyond its culinary offerings, Ce Soir was designed to deliver a complete sensory experience. The interior blends jewel-toned greens, sandy beiges and driftwood grays to create a sophisticated coastal atmosphere. Custom banquettes, stained oak booths, mosaic accents, flowing drapery and lime-washed walls contribute to a setting that feels both elegant and inviting.

A centerpiece of the space is a 24-seat U-shaped bar crafted from Cristillo natural stone. Featuring lava stone facades, mirrored ceilings and a striking 560-bottle wine display, the bar serves as a focal point for the restaurant. Adjacent to the main dining room, a climate-controlled wine cellar with floor-to-ceiling glass cabinets offers an intimate experience for wine enthusiasts.

The beverage program was created by Jacob Martin, the 2023 World Class Global Bartender of the Year. Drawing inspiration from Florida’s agricultural bounty, Martin developed a cocktail menu that incorporates grilled and charred ingredients to complement the restaurant’s live-fire cooking philosophy.

Among the signature cocktails is the Grilled Avocado Passionfruit Sour, featuring Plantation White Rum, passionfruit curd and avocado leaf tincture. Another standout is the Grapefruit Brûlée, a combination of tequila, mezcal, burnt grapefruit, lime, Green Chartreuse and Fever-Tree soda. The Toasted Coconut Espresso Martini rounds out the menu with coconut vanilla-infused vodka, dark rum, coffee liqueur, espresso and a gold espresso bean garnish.

As day transitions into evening, Ce Soir aims to evolve from an upscale dining destination into a vibrant social gathering place. The venue will feature live entertainment and deep house DJs on weekends, creating an atmosphere that reflects the energy of Mediterranean coastal nightlife.

The restaurant will operate from 3 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and remain open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Founded in 2008 and formally incorporated as a hospitality group in 2022, Aidan Hospitality currently operates seven hospitality concepts throughout Canada. Named after the founder’s son, the company emphasizes family values, neighborhood connections and distinctive experiences across each of its venues.

With its combination of French coastal cuisine, live-fire cooking, curated cocktails and waterfront ambiance, Ce Soir is poised to become one of Naples’ most anticipated restaurant openings of the year.

For more information, visit cesoirnaples.com or follow @cesoirnaples on social media.

Collaborator Credits: Rebecca Kussmann