Famous French-Vietnamese restaurant from NYC, Chicago to open in Naples

Le Colonial, a French-Vietnamese restaurant that debuted in New York City in 1993 and Chicago in 1996, is headed to Naples. 

Dubbed Le Colonial Naples, the restaurant will be on Fifth Avenue South, scheduled to open in November, according to a statement. The restaurant — known for its celebration of the flavors and spirit of Saigon in the 1920s — is a concept from restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King. Named as one of the most beautiful restaurant interiors in the world by Veranda magazine, each Le Colonial, the release states, “is uniquely designed to transport guests to another era within the main dining rooms, verandas, terraces, private dining areas and lounges.

“We are delighted to be opening on one of the most beautiful streets in Florida and believe Le Colonial will be an exciting addition to the dining scene,” Wahlstedt says in the release. “We look forward to meeting everyone in Naples and having them experience the romantic interiors and Vietnamese cuisine.”

The 6,500-square-foot eatery, the release states, will feature a 74-seat dining room with “muted cream wall panels, antique baked mirrors, slow moving fans, hand painted periodic photographs, pewter bar top and lush plants, silk and brass custom made hanging light fixtures from Paris and elegant leather banquettes.” The 64-seat al-fresco patio dining, the release adds, will serve” as a garden hideaway for guests to luxuriate among lush tropical foliage and gorgeous blooms.”

The 40-seat Lounge and Bar, meanwhile, features mahogany wall paneling, a herringbone wood floor, gold leaf screens and cream Venetian plaster walls, with plush seating of sofas and fauteuils. 

Entities that have worked on the project include architectural and design firm Knauer Inc. of Chicago, artist and painter Jonas Wickman of Stockholm, Sweden and DF Creative Designs of Connecticut.

In addition to New York and Chicago, the Naples location joins other Le Colonial restaurants in Houston; the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta; the Chicago suburb of Lake Forest; and Delray Beach, which opened earlier this year. 

“Considering that Le Colonial has been in Chicago for 25 years and Naples has a large number of second-home residents from Chicago and the Midwest in general, it’s a natural for Le Colonial,” says King in the statement. “We’ve long been fans of the area and have been waiting patiently to line up the perfect spot to share our renowned style of elevated Vietnamese cuisine, paired with unparalleled service and ambience. We feel the bustling and beautiful community in Naples is ideally suited to appreciate the unique vibe and vibrant tastes of Le Colonial.”

Le Colonial Naples is hiring for all positions.