Golden Grove Kitchen sits in the space that housed Mel’s on Collier Boulevard for decades. It opened last September, and it’s a compelling reason to head north for an affordable dinner instead of defaulting to your usual spots. Bledi Atgjergji—the founder—spent over 25 years working at Mel’s before closing it down to launch his own place, and many of the same servers and cooks are still on the floor, which is why the transition was seamless instead of jarring. The family that owned Mel’s still owns the building, but the menu has shifted from heavy diner fare to something lighter and more current, built around fresh, local ingredients and Bledi’s own culinary trips through the South and the Mediterranean.
The food is American comfort with a Greek twist. The whole branzino is a standout here—deboned tableside by the chef, served with vegetables and rice, and has won over regulars who wish it were still Mel’s. The lamb gyros and chicken souvlaki come up often in conversation when locals talk about what to order, with portions that leave you full and prices that stay firmly in Mel’s old range. Burgers are still a staple, but the kitchen now has more grilled proteins, fresh salads, and weekly specials that give you a reason to come back, as well as American dishes like “Thanksgiving Everyday,” with turkey, stuffing and gravy.
A few things to know before you go: Golden Grove kept the Mel’s footprint but gave the interior an update with the same easy parking. Weekly specials run Monday through Sunday: kids eat free on Monday; a T-bone for two with a bottle of wine lands at $55 on Tuesday; lamb shank is $20 on Wednesday; BBQ night is $20 on Thursday; and Friday through Sunday brings prime rib at $26, surf and turf at $30, and twin tail at $30.
Happy hour hits Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 PM, with half-off apps, domestic beer buckets at $16, imports at $20, Jack and Cokes at $5, and $2 off signature cocktails, martinis, and margaritas. Hours are 7 AM to 9 PM daily, with breakfast served until 11 AM and lunch specials during the week. The main draw here is the price: entrees land in the teens, portions are large, and you can feed a table of four without blinking. Service is great, and the whole thing feels like what Mel’s used to be, like Naples before everything got so expensive, which is why this is quickly becoming a go-to for anyone who missed the old spot and still wants a go-to affordable place.
Golden Grove Kitchen | 12035 Collier Blvd, Naples | Open daily 7 AM–9 PM | goldengrovekitchen.com | 239-455-4242
Originally published in
The Naples Florida Review.
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