Medi Brings a Taste of the French Riviera to Downtown Naples
After 26 years as Vergina, the Fifth Avenue South destination enters a new chapter with Mediterranean cuisine, refreshed interiors and live entertainment.
NAPLES, Fla. — A longtime dining destination on Fifth Avenue South has entered a new era. After 26 years as Vergina, the popular downtown Naples restaurant has transformed into Medi, a Mediterranean-inspired dining and entertainment venue bringing the coastal charm and vibrant atmosphere of St. Tropez to Southwest Florida.
Now open at 700 Fifth Ave. S., Medi combines contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, redesigned dining spaces, handcrafted cocktails and daily live entertainment. The transformation marks a new chapter for the restaurant while preserving the hospitality and familiar faces that have made Vergina a staple of the Naples dining scene.
“For 26 years, Vergina has been a place where our guests feel like family, and that same spirit will continue at Medi,” said Eric Tancredi, managing partner of Medi. “We wanted to bring the vibrant energy of the Mediterranean to Naples through a fresh culinary direction, inviting interiors and evenings filled with live music and entertainment.”
A Fresh Take on Mediterranean Dining
At the center of Medi's culinary transformation is Executive Chef Víctor Villanueva, whose international experience and passion for Mediterranean flavors shape the restaurant's new menu.
Originally from Venezuela, Villanueva studied at Instituto San Ignacio de Loyola in Peru before earning a culinary arts certificate from the Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute. With more than a decade of culinary experience, he brings an approach focused on fresh ingredients, balanced flavors and thoughtful presentation.
The menu blends contemporary Mediterranean dishes with updated versions of familiar Vergina favorites, offering longtime patrons something recognizable while introducing new culinary experiences.
Among the highlights are Artichoke Branzino, Moroccan Salmon seasoned with aromatic spices, Linguini Portofino with shrimp and zucchini, Sapore di Mare seafood pasta and Seafood Paella.
Guests looking to share can explore the Medi Platter, featuring Mediterranean dips accompanied by fresh pita, or the Labneh appetizer, served with tomato chutney.
“Our menu celebrates vibrant produce, fresh seafood and the pleasure of sharing a meal,” Villanueva said. “My hope is that guests discover something new while feeling completely at home around our table.”
Inspired by the French Riviera
Beyond the menu, Medi's redesigned interior draws inspiration from the French Riviera, blending coastal elegance with an atmosphere designed for both relaxed dining and lively evenings.
With accommodations for approximately 300 guests across indoor and outdoor spaces, the restaurant offers several distinct dining experiences.
The main dining room seats 110 guests, while the indoor bar accommodates 52, providing a social setting for cocktails and entertainment. Outside, guests can dine along Fifth Avenue South or enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired courtyard, which seats approximately 45.
The variety of spaces allows Medi to accommodate everything from intimate dinners and casual gatherings to celebrations and special occasions.
Cocktails, Music and Nightlife
Medi's transformation extends beyond the dining table, with an expanded beverage program and a renewed emphasis on entertainment.
The cocktail menu takes inspiration from Mediterranean coastal flavors, featuring selections such as the Peach Rosé Spritz, Passionfruit Martini and Coupe de Cantaloupe, crafted with fresh cantaloupe and melon liqueur.
Other offerings include the Lychee Moon with Empress Gin, the floral Hibiscus 75 and a Limoncello Sorbet Cocktail combining limoncello sorbet, vodka and Prosecco.
An upgraded audio system supports daily live musical performances beginning in the late afternoon.
Early performances are designed to complement dining and conversation, while later entertainment shifts toward the bar, creating a more energetic atmosphere for guests looking to extend their evening.
The concept reflects Medi's ambition to become more than a traditional restaurant, offering a destination where dinner, cocktails and nightlife come together.
Honoring the Past While Embracing the Future
Although the name and dining concept have changed, Medi retains the management and team that helped establish Vergina's longstanding presence in downtown Naples.
The evolution was influenced by guest feedback and the restaurant's desire to grow alongside the community it has served for more than two decades.
The venue also plans to incorporate seasonal dining experiences, including Thanksgiving and Christmas dishes prepared by Villanueva alongside the regular menu.
For longtime Vergina patrons, Medi offers an opportunity to rediscover a familiar destination. For newcomers, it introduces a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience in the heart of one of Naples' most recognizable entertainment districts.
With its combination of fresh cuisine, inviting spaces and live performances, Medi is positioning itself as a destination for both memorable meals and evenings out on Fifth Avenue South.
Plan Your Visit
Medi Naples is located at 700 Fifth Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102.
The restaurant is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Lunch is served until 4 p.m., happy hour runs from 3 to 4:45 p.m., and dinner is available from 4 to 11:30 p.m. Bar service continues until closing.
For reservations or more information, visit www.MediNaples.com, call 239-659-7008 or follow @Medi.Naples on Instagram.
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