Get a taste of this underrated Italian hidden gem in North Naples
Parmesan Pete’s marks 15 years serving Italian cuisine in Naples This is your sign to stop sleeping on strip mall restaurants. Some of the best spots in town are nestled into strip malls, but remain overlooked because locals assume they’re not as good as stand-alone places. Italian restaurant Parmesan Pete’s has been open in North Naples since 2012, but still remains an underrated hidden gem. I only found out about it after a reader emailed me earlier this month suggesting that I try it. She claimed the food was “always delicious” and the restaurant had “huge servings.” I’m happy to report that she was absolutely correct. It’s an intimate restaurant, with less than 15 indoor tables and only eight seats at the bar. Its charm is evident from the second you walk in and see the walls covered in black and white family photos that span decades. But the real star of Parmesan Pete’s is, of course, the food. The restaurant specializes in Italian comfort food, from classic dishes to innovative appetizers. There’s two dishes an Italian restaurant must execute properly to gain my stamp of approval: rice balls and meatballs. Parmesan Pete’s excels at both. Rice balls will run you $5 a piece and if I’m being honest, I’d order 10 of them in one sitting. They’re crunchy on the outside, but warm, soft, and delicious on the inside. If rice balls aren’t constructed well, they’ll crumble apart. But the rice balls at Parmesan Pete’s stayed together perfectly, making it easy to enjoy. Meatballs are $8 each and made to share. They’re fried and stuffed with chilled ricotta, which is the perfect balance of savory and creamy. I believe meatballs should always be served with ricotta, and Parmesan Pete’s agrees. Parmesan Pete’s stuffed meatball ($8) is fried and filled with chilled ricotta, then served with house gravy. Venture off of the normal menu and into the special chef’s menu and you’ll find a truffle honey burrata listed for $17. The creamy fresh burrata is served with fried zucchini, oven-roasted tomato, and ciabatta toast. The entrees at Parmesan Pete’s are classics with generous portions. Our table ordered the chicken milanese, chicken parmesan, veal parmesan, and chicken prosciutto. The chicken parmesan ($26) at Parmesan Pete’s is one of the best I’ve tried in Naples. The chicken is cooked perfectly and the sauce is delicious. It’s not acidic like other sauces I’ve had, which is a win in my book. The chicken parm ($26) and chicken milanese ($25) were the stars of the night. My Italian mother-in-law is ultra-picky when it comes to chicken parmesan, but after one bite of the dish at Parmesan Pete’s, she proclaimed it was the best in Naples. The house sauce served over chicken parm can make or break the dish, and luckily for Parmesan Pete’s, the sauce was absolutely perfect. It’s not acidic like other tomato-based sauces can be, which makes it easy to enjoy. The chicken itself is cooked perfectly, and the portion size is huge. You can absolutely split entrees and still be satisfied. The chicken milanese is something I’d order over and over again. It’s perfectly tenderized chicken, topped with fresh arugula, grape tomatoes, and bright red onion, then drizzled with lemon vinaigrette and balsamic. Try to get all elements on the plate on your fork for the perfect taste every time. If you want something fresh and bright, order the Chicken Milanese ($25). Make sure if you’re celebrating a birthday at Parmesan Pete’s that you tell the host when you call to make a reservation. If you do, you’ll receive a card with a handwritten message and a free dessert. These little touches make a birthday feel even more special. View Article
Parmesan Pete’s marks 15 years serving Italian cuisine in Naples
Parmesan Pete’s marks 15 years serving Italian cuisine in Naples Parmesan Pete’s Italian Kitchen is celebrating its 15th anniversary in Naples. Since opening in 2010, the restaurant has become a staple in the community, serving Italian dishes rooted in family tradition. Founded by fourth-generation chef and restaurateur Peter Della Rocca, Parmesan Pete’s has grown from a small takeout kitchen into a dining destination known for traditional Italian cuisine. Della Rocca, who has worked in the restaurant industry for nearly 55 years, credits his wife, daughter and staff for the restaurant’s success. “We are incredibly grateful for the support and loyalty we have received over the past 15 years,” Della Rocca said. “Our goal has always been to honor the legacy my great-grandmother began in Brooklyn in 1894, serving the finest Italian cuisine while making every guest feel special.” Parmesan Pete’s also sells its signature marinara sauce and Sunday gravy by the jar. Made from family recipes, the sauces are available for purchase at the restaurant, with plans to expand distribution to local stores. Parmesan Pete’s Italian Kitchen is at 7935 Airport-Pulling Road in Naples. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday for lunch and 4:30 p.m. to close Monday through Saturday for dinner. For reservations, catering or more information, call 239-992-3663 or visit ParmesanPetes.com. About Parmesan Pete’s Celebrating 15 years in business in 2025, Parmesan Pete’s Italian Kitchen is a family-owned restaurant in Naples, Florida, known for its innovative Italian cuisine and warm, inviting atmosphere. Founded by fourth-generation restaurateur Peter Della Rocca, Parmesan Pete’s is dedicated to creating flavorful Italian dishes and treating every guest like part of the family. The restaurant is located at 7935 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples, Florida. For more information, call 239-992-FOOD (3663).
Here’s Where To Find The Best Chicken Parmesan Sandwich In Each State
You can find a chicken Parmesan sandwich almost anywhere, but what takes an average chicken parm sub and turns it into something extraordinary? The fried chicken cutlet should be crispy and thin, the marinara sauce should be layered and flavorful, and the mozzarella cheese should be authentic and melted. The bread is also a key ingredient — whether the sandwich is served on a bun, focaccia, a baguette, or ciabatta, it should be fresh and well seasoned. For more details read the full article. https://www.mashed.com/1857114/best-chicken-parmesan-sandwich-each-state/
Naples Weekly Cuisine – Naples Foodie
Naples Foodie, Cecilia Krause finally made it to Parmesan Pete’s. She was recommended by several friends over the years. We appreciate her raving review. “If you’re a fan of authentic New York/New Jersey-style Italian cuisine, you’re going to love Parmesan Pete’s. The three distinct sauces, crafted from imported Italian plum tomatoes, are a standout and sure to satisfy any palate,” Cecilia raved. She also praised our service, describing it as both attentive and pleasant. Here’s what Cecilia enjoyed during her meal: Stuffed meatball Charred octopus Pappardelle and sea scallops Veal Parmesan (a fan favorite that comes in a large portion, highly recommended if you’re a veal lover!) For more details on her experience and to read the full review. https://naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/naples-foodie-38/
Best All-Around Restaurant, Best Caterer, and Best Italian Food in Naples
We are deeply honored to be recognized as the Best All-Around Restaurant, Best Caterer and Best Italian Food in Naples! This incredible Naples Community’s Choice Award is all thanks to the amazing support from our wonderful local community. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we’re truly grateful for your continued support and loyalty!
Florida Weekly Cuisine – Carlie’s Three For 3 Places for Linguini and Clams
Parmesan Pete’s signature Linguini Clam Sauce ranked #1 for Charlie’s top three Linguini and Clams dishes. Our hand-crafted signature dish is shelled baby clams simmered with garlic, oil & fresh garden Italian parsley, with a choice of Red, White or Marechiara. Visit our restaurant to try this fan favorite! read more
Best of the Gulfshore 2024 Award
We’re excited to share Parmesan Pete’s was voted as Best Italian Cusine in the Best of Gulfshore Life 2024. A big, warm thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for us. Your constant support means the world to us. The readers of Gulfshore Life have selected their favorite things about living in paradise and several local businesses have made the list. The Best of the Gulfshore is an online write-in ballot open for two months every year. View the winners and finalists
Parmesan Pete’s Naples Daily News Choice Awards
Parmesan Petes entered into the Naples Daily News Choice Awards and won “All-Around Restaurant” and “Italian Food”. Winner – Best All-Around Restaurant Winner – Best Italian Food 2nd place – Caterer/Catering Company 3rd place – Curbside/Carry Out 3rd place – Family Friendly Dining
Best of the Best Naples 2022 Best Italian Food award winner
Best Italian Food Winner: Parmesan Pete’s view here
Four Generations Of Family Recipes Have Influenced The Legendary Parmesan Pete’s In Florida
From OnlyinYourState, by Marisa Roman Oftentimes, one of the most appealing aspects of an Italian restaurant is the family history. There is nothing quite like sitting down to a meal and enjoying well-crafted, carefully-curated recipes from a family that truly honors the cuisine. This is how it feels to dine at Parmesan Pete’s in Naples, Florida. This Italian kitchen has fourth-generation recipes used within the restaurant, some dating back to the late 1800s. Come take a bite out of history with this Italian staple. If you want more Florida restaurants, make sure to click here and sign up for our weekly dining newsletter. Every Thursday, a new eatery to try in the Sunshine State will be delivered straight to your email. Yum! During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date. With a fourth-generation Italian chef at the helm dating back to 1894, Parmesan Pete’s in Naples, Florida is some of the best food you’ll find on the Gulf. That’s right, the family recipes that pepper the Parmesan Pete’s menu have been passed down over four generations, which means you’re getting a true taste of tradition every time you dine. As the history goes of this restaurant, there are five generations of Della Rocca family members in America from Italy, with members opening Italian restaurants on York Street in Brooklyn back in the late 1800s to now, in Naples Florida with Chef Peter Della Rocca. People flock to Parmesan Pete’s for the family-friendly ambiance, plus the menu that offers a big bite of Brooklyn on the Gulf coast. Start with a sandwich for lunch piled high with salami, capicola, ham, and provolone, all wedged between a fresh ciabatta bun… …or sit down for a romantic dinner meal, with a bottle of wine and the light sounds of a live violin as you dine. All the sauces from Pete’s are prepared with imported Italian plum tomatoes. Save room for dessert, too! These Italian delights range from Tartufo to cannolis and beyond. Pair it with a sweet port and you’ll be transported to the other Naples across the ocean. Visit Parmesan Pete’s in Florida for a trip to Italy courtesy of fourth-generation recipes and feel like family throughout the meal.