Java fix: 5 coffee shops to try in Naples
For a lot of people, coffee is a staple in everyday life. As a college student in New York City, I know it is certainly a staple in mine. For this reason, every time I come home to Naples from school, I am immediately on the lookout for new coffee shops.
Given my short but fruitful career as a coffee-lover, I have compiled a list of the places around town which ensure that, regardless of where you are in Naples, you too can enjoy a great cup of coffee.
Narrative Coffee Roasters
With only two locations, both in Naples, Narrative is a truly local spot. The coffee shops’ owners, Caleb MacPherson and William Diaz-Garcia opened their first brick-and-mortar store in 2020 at Mercato. Their second location on Central Avenue soon followed in 2021 but it closed in late 2024.
Narrative reminds me of many of my favorite coffee shops around my campus in New York City. Both locations are decorated in a minimalist design style with pops of green color from plants hanging from the ceiling and around the shop. There is plenty of inside and outside seating as well as free Wi-Fi, making it a great place to have a cup of coffee while you work.
What makes Narrative unique amongst the other coffee shops in Naples is that it sources in-season, meaning that the coffee beans used change seasonally. The coffee shop also makes several of its coffee syrups in house, including Vanilla, Lavender, and seasonal flavors.
Pro Tip: I always try to get a seasonal drink when I am visiting for a short period of time. Narrative has had some interesting combinations in the past including an apple-cider chai latte and a horchata latte.
Locations:
9106 Strada Place, No. 4105 Naples (Mercato)
1103 Central Ave., Naples
Kunjani Craft Coffee & Gallery
Kunjani is another locally owned business with a unique mission. This coffee shop and gallery was founded in 2016 by mother-daughter duo Stephanie and Nicola Bunnett. They started Kunjani with the goal of sustainability and fair-trade practices, making Kunjani a place to get a good cup of coffee while donating to a good cause.
They source their coffee beans from sustainable import partners, pay them above fair-trade prices, and utilize low carbon roasting technology. Through their nonprofit, Kunjani Project, they also help provide access to clean drinking water in African countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, and Kenya.
In addition to coffee and baked goods, which include a number of gluten free and vegan options, there is also an art gallery in-store. The retail space features art and fair trade, handmade items from places such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa.
Pro Tip: If you are not a big fan of coffee, try Kunjani’s matcha latte with a little bit of vanilla. It does not disappoint!
Location: 780 Seagate Drive, Naples, FL 34103
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
Bad Ass Coffee's comfy lounge is near Naples Pier.
Bad Ass Coffee on Third Street South has been a Naples staple for years. During season, it is common to see lines stretching out the door of people waiting to grab a drink. While Bad Ass Coffee has franchises across the country, the Naples locations are locally owned and operated.
The original Bad Ass Coffee opened in Hawaii during the late 1980s, sharing Hawaiian coffee from Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Moloka’i, Kona, and Ka’u. While the franchise has expanded significantly beyond Hawaii, Bad Ass still uses Hawaiian coffee beans and centers Hawaii in its design and mission, including donating to help rebuild West Maui after the 2023 wildfires.
Both the Third Street and Lowdermilk locations have a large amount of seating and WiFi, making them great places to do work or meet a friend for coffee.
Locations:
1307 Third St. S., Naples
1400 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., No. 148, Naples (Lowdermilk)
Bean to Cup Coffee Lounge
A building mural makes an appealing exterior for businesses such as Bean to Cup, which opened six years ago at 3248 Bayshore Drive in the Bayshore Arts District, East Naples.
Bean to Cup is a local, women-owned coffee shop in the Bayshore Arts District that has been open since 2019. The pet-friendly coffee shop is known for its support of local artists, community events, and expansive outdoor patio which overlooks the waterfront.
Since its establishment, Bean to Cup has been committed to serving fair-trade and organic-locally grown coffee. They offer a variety of hot and iced drinks as well as food options. The large amount of seating, outlets, and free Wi-Fi make it an incredible place to take a large group or work on a laptop.
Pro Tip: If you are with a group or a naturally indecisive person, order the coffee flight, which includes three different specialty drinks. They have a new flight every month.
Location: 3248 Bayshore Drive, Naples
Bontà Bakery
Bontà Bakery's sweet croissants.
If you are on Fifth Avenue looking for a quick pick-me-up with zero frills, Bontà Bakery is your spot. The Italian-owned and operated bakery opened in February 2024 and boasts an extensive menu of Italian specialties such as Bambolones, Cornettos and Cannnolis.
While many of the coffee shops on this list offer flavors and specialty drinks, Bontà stays true to its Italian roots, offering only espresso-drinks and coffee without syrups or add-ons. For this reason, a latte or cappuccino at Bontà is notably cheaper than other specialty coffee shops in Naples. This makes the bakery a perfect place to enjoy a cappuccino and an Italian pastry after a long day of shopping in downtown Naples.
Location: 824 Fifth Ave. S., No. 2, Naples
