Bringing a coastal European getaway to Naples, Florida is the dazzling culinary concept Sails, a dream come true for any pescatarian. Serving mouth-wateringly fresh seafood in a setting that somehow perfectly balances Portofino with Port Royal, this elegant destination is not one to miss.
Founded in January 2018 by entrepreneurs Veljko Pavicevic and Corinne Ryan, who discovered a shared passion for fantastic food and incredible wines, Sails combines the very finest flavors of France, Italy, and Greece. Tucked away just a few steps from stunning Gulf Coast sunsets, this authentic European experience is a delight to the senses.
Hand-selected seafood is flown in fresh each day, and prepared meticulously by Executive Chef Darren Veilleux. A personalized dining experience allows guests to select their own fish (in true European fashion). Start with a magnificent seafood tower – the perfect start to any great meal – and work your way from bright crudos to rich Australian Wagyu. Finish with a whole fish of your selection prepared to your liking, salt-baked, seared a la plancha, or wood-grilled on Sail’s custom Hestan suite, there are truly no bad choices here. With a goal to redefine indulgence, every dish here is expertly crafted to bring extraordinary flavors, textures, and the finest ingredients to its guests. Standouts like tuna hamachi tartare, lobster ravioli, and produce from local farms are all examples of the excellence Sails brings to every meal. To enhance every flavor on your plate, Sommelier Nenad Nedimovic and Owner Veljko Pavicevic will guide you through an incredible list of 700 curated labels to create a dining experience of a lifetime.
To create an atmosphere of European elegance, Veljko Pavicevic traveled extensively to source one-of-a-kind furnishings for this elegant space. With the day’s artfully arranged display of fresh fish acting as the focal point to the space, the room is elevated by a museum-quality hand-crafted mosaic inspired by a painting at Sydney Harbor’s Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron in Australia. With French Oak flooring, marble slabs carved by local artisans from Greece, and custom ceramic plates to display each impeccable dish, Sails is a multi-sensory experience. Oversized Italian-leather chairs bring a sense of comfort to the space, and French Lagioule flatware and Rona hand-blown crystal and glassware achieve elegant perfection in this one-of-a-kind restaurant. The next time you’re in Naples (and looking for your own European getaway) this sophisticated dining destination is a must-visit.
Words by Emma Ungaro
