Why Sails Is the Ultimate European Fine Dining Experience in Naples Florida

Where exceptional Australian beef, celebrated seafood, fine wines, and Old-World hospitality come together on Fifth Avenue South

In Naples, Florida, where the Gulf Coast’s natural beauty inspires a distinctive way of life, dining can become an experience that lingers long after the final course. On the city’s celebrated Fifth Avenue South, just steps from the Gulf, Sails Restaurant brings the spirit of European fine dining to Southwest Florida, combining exceptional ingredients, international culinary influences, and the gracious art of making guests feel at home.

Since opening in 2018, Sails has earned a loyal following for its seafood, elegant surroundings, and attentive service. Yet beneath its reputation as a seafood destination lies another culinary distinction: an extraordinary commitment to beef, shaped by years of industry expertise and a deep understanding of quality.

For founders Corinne Ryan and Veljko Pavicevic, Sails was conceived as more than a restaurant. Inspired by their travels and Europe's enduring dining traditions, they envisioned a place where meals unfold without haste, ingredients are treated with respect, and hospitality is as memorable as the cuisine itself.

That philosophy continues to define the experience, from the first taste of seafood to a perfectly prepared steak and the wine chosen to accompany it.

An Exceptional Steak, Rooted in Australia

“Sails is known as a seafood restaurant; however, the beef here is my favorite,” Veljko says.

The statement reveals an important part of the restaurant's story. Corinne spent nearly two decades in the meat industry, including ten years in Australia and nine in the United States.

She worked with JBS Australia before relocating to America with the company, building the knowledge and professional relationships that continue to influence Sails' sourcing decisions.

That expertise is reflected in the restaurant's longstanding relationship with a trusted beef supplier. For the past decade, the partnership has provided a consistent foundation for the menu, with fresh beef delivered monthly and aged in-house to develop tenderness and depth of flavor. The objective isn't simply to serve an exceptional cut, but to ensure returning guests can rediscover the qualities that made it memorable.

Among the most distinctive selections is the Little Joe tenderloin, sourced from cattle raised on the pastures of southern Australia. Grass-fed for life, these cattle produce beef with a minimum Australian marbling score of four, a notable achievement for grass-fed beef. The fine distribution adds richness and succulence while complementing the tenderloin's naturally delicate texture.

Even the name has character. In the game of craps, a roll of two twos is called a “Little Joe,” a reference to the prized marbling score that distinguishes this beef. Raised without antibiotics or added hormones and supported by independently audited farming standards, Little Joe reflects the sourcing attention that informs Corinne's selections. At Sails, guests who appreciate the balance of tenderness, flavor and thoughtful provenance have made it a favorite.

The Australian Wagyu Ribeye: A Centerpiece at the Table

For those drawn to a richer, more pronounced expression of beef, the bone-in Australian Wagyu ribeye offers another reason to visit.

Sold by the pound, this generously proportioned cut is a favorite among Sails guests, some of whom describe it as the best steak in Naples. Its abundant marbling adds depth of flavor, while its presentation adds a theatrical touch to the evening.

The ribeye arrives atop a custom copper grill crafted in Greece, bringing its artistry directly to the table. Designed to be savored, whether shared among companions or enjoyed as the centerpiece of a memorable dinner.

In the open kitchen, the restaurant's custom wood-burning grill gives these carefully sourced cuts their final expression. Cherry-wood embers create a beautifully browned exterior while preserving the tenderness within. Under Head Chef Raj Holuss, the cooking is guided by precision and restraint, keeping the beef front and center.

The result is a meeting of exceptional sourcing and considered technique, where the ingredients need little embellishment to make their impression.

A Coastal Menu with European Sensibility

Although its steaks have earned their own devoted following, Sails remains deeply connected to the coastal culinary traditions of France, Italy, and Greece. The menu reflects a European sensibility in which seafood, carefully selected ingredients, and a leisurely progression of courses are integral to the pleasure of dining.

Corinne's expertise in beef sourcing also helped shape Butcher Private, the couple's members' club in Naples, extending their commitment to exceptional meat beyond the restaurant's dining room.

At Sails, that same knowledge exists alongside a broader culinary vision. Guests may begin with seafood before discovering a remarkable Australian steak, allowing the meal to unfold according to personal taste rather than expectation.

This breadth makes the restaurant particularly appealing: a destination that can satisfy a seafood enthusiast while offering an equally compelling experience to someone seeking a memorable steak dinner.

A Wine Collection Worth Discovering

An exceptional meal finds another dimension when paired with the right wine. At Sails, the cellar is an essential part of the experience, bringing together more than 1,000 labels from celebrated producers and offering opportunities for discovery.

The restaurant has received Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence for seven consecutive years underscoring its commitment to wine as an integral part of fine dining.

Whether pairing a carefully selected bottle with the delicacy of the Little Joe tenderloin or the richness of the bone-in Australian Wagyu ribeye, a thoughtfully selected bottle can enhance the character of the meal. The collection invites guests to explore familiar favorites or discover a new pairing, adding another layer of pleasure to an evening at the table.

Champagne Brunch and the Pleasure of Lingering

Fine dining at Sails extends beyond the evening hours. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the restaurant's Champagne brunch offers a different expression of its European-inspired approach to hospitality.

Served course by course, the brunch brings together freshly prepared dishes, seafood, house-made pastries, and Champagne in an experience designed for leisurely enjoyment. Rather than a hurried meal, it is an invitation to gather with friends, celebrate a special occasion, or simply devote an afternoon to the pleasure of good food and conversation.

The brunch's recognition among OpenTable's Top 100 Brunch Restaurants in the United States reflects its popularity with returning guests and its place within Naples' dining scene.

For visitors planning a weekend in Southwest Florida, it offers another way to experience Sails, with the same attention to detail found at dinner but a distinctly celebratory daytime atmosphere.

The Art of Making Guests Feel Welcome

Behind the restaurant's polished presentation is a philosophy that reaches beyond the menu.

Veljko's understanding of hospitality is deeply influenced by his upbringing in Montenegro, where the welcome extended to a guest carries particular significance. At Sails, this translates into an approach built on genuine connection: remembering preferences, anticipating needs, and ensuring that each person feels comfortable and valued.

The atmosphere balances the relaxed elegance of Naples with the traditions of Old-World service. Guests are encouraged to linger over another glass of wine, enjoy an additional course, and allow the evening to unfold at its own pace.

It is an approach in which the smallest details matter. Attentive service, thoughtful recommendations, and the feeling of being personally welcomed contribute to an experience that cannot be measured by the food alone.

For Corinne and Veljko, the goal has always been to create a restaurant where culinary excellence and human connection are inseparable.

A New Chapter for Sails Naples

In October 2026, Sails reopened following a six-week kitchen expansion, marking another milestone in the restaurant's continuing evolution.

The investment reflects the founders' belief that excellence requires ongoing attention. Even after establishing a loyal clientele and earning national recognition for its brunch and wine program, Sails continues to refine its operation and elevate the guest experience.

The expanded kitchen marks a step in that pursuit, supporting a restaurant whose identity has developed through curiosity, dedication, and a willingness to keep moving forward.

Today, Sails occupies a distinctive place in Naples' culinary landscape. Its celebrated seafood, exceptional Australian steaks, internationally recognized Champagne brunch, and extensive wine collection each offer a compelling reason to visit.

Yet perhaps its greatest distinction is the variety of experiences contained within a single destination. A guest may discover Sails over a seafood dinner, return for the Little Joe tenderloin, gather friends for a bone-in Wagyu ribeye, and come back on a weekend afternoon for Champagne brunch.

Each visit offers a different expression of the same philosophy: thoughtful cuisine, genuine hospitality, and the pleasure of taking time to enjoy both.

On Fifth Avenue South, Sails brings a little of Europe's enduring dining culture to Florida's Gulf Coast. It is a place where exceptional ingredients meet international influence, service feels personal, and a meal becomes more than an occasion.

It becomes an experience worth returning to.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is Sails Restaurant located in Naples, Florida?

Sails Restaurant is located on Fifth Avenue South in Naples, Florida, just steps from the Gulf and within one of the city's best-known dining and shopping districts.

2. When did Sails Restaurant open?

Sails opened in 2018 and has since developed a loyal following for its seafood, exceptional steaks, wine program, and attentive hospitality.

3. What type of food does Sails Restaurant serve?

Sails offers a European-inspired menu influenced by the coastal cuisines of France, Italy, and Greece, featuring seafood, premium Australian beef, and other carefully selected ingredients.

4. What makes the steaks at Sails Naples special?

Sails is known for its Little Joe grass-fed Australian tenderloin and bone-in Australian Wagyu ribeye. The beef is carefully sourced, aged in-house, and prepared over cherry-wood embers.

5. What is Little Joe beef at Sails?

Little Joe is grass-fed Australian beef distinguished by a minimum Australian marbling score of four. Its fine marbling contributes richness and succulence to the tenderloin.

6. Does Sails Restaurant serve Australian Wagyu steak?

Yes. Sails serves a bone-in Australian Wagyu ribeye sold by the pound and presented on a custom copper grill crafted in Greece.

7. Does Sails Naples offer Champagne brunch?

Yes. Sails offers Champagne brunch on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, featuring course-by-course service, freshly prepared dishes, seafood, house-made pastries, and Champagne.

8. What wine awards has Sails Restaurant received?

Sails has received Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence for seven consecutive years. Its collection includes more than 1,000 wine labels.

9. Who owns Sails Restaurant in Naples?

Sails was founded by Corinne Ryan and Veljko Pavicevic, whose shared vision combines European dining traditions, exceptional ingredients, and personalized hospitality.

10. Has Sails Restaurant in Naples recently expanded?

Sails reopened in October 2026 after a six-week kitchen expansion, continuing its investment in the restaurant and the dining experience.