New downtown Naples restaurant: Unidos, a much-awaited modern Nuevo Latino concept
In what might be the space makeover of the year, the much-anticipated Unidos is finally open.
Helmed by Sal Mu?oz, his wife Jaime Mu?oz, who is responsible for the lovely décor, and business partner Carlos Angel, the new spot translates to unity, taking its name from Unidad, the team’s first restaurant in suburban Chicago that boasts mostly four and five-stars on Yelp and TripAdvisor.
The restaurant incorporates Ninth Street’s former Starbucks and Valento’s near Central Avenue.
Among the most coveted dining areas: an 11-seat cocktail bar plus a separate bar dedicated to numerous ceviche options, both with bold and stunning tile accents and lighting. The latter overlooks the custom wood-fire grill in an open kitchen led by chef Melina Martinez.
Why Naples?
“My wife and I came down here six years ago with my in-laws, who usually visit every year for a month. We just fell in love with Naples,” said Sal.
And while fusion concepts abound around town, Unidos is different. What it's not? A free chips and salsa kind of spot.
Instead, the goal was to create an upscale Nuevo Latino establishment like what you’d find in Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Lima and other sophisticated Latin American cities and capitals. That theme carries over on a mural with large black-and-white photos of iconic destinations that lend inspiration to the menu.
On the menu
The pan-Latin menu is a work in process during Unidos's first month. Nobu-esque crispy ceviche using fried rice and a spicy huancaina risotto both nod to Peruvian cuisine. Gnocchi studded with ropa viejo takes its cues from Cuba.
Traditional items include a slew of empanada choices and ceviches. Chorizos from Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico are served in a sampler plate that comes with cornbread patties for $19. Wood-grilled steaks and other meats are priced from $35 to $39. Elote fritters incorporating tempura flour and micro cilantro, a carryover from the Chicago location earning rave reviews on social media, are $13. For less adventurous palates, the burger is served with provolone and eggplant aioli with a side of yuca fries.
What to know before you go
Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. daily.
Full bar with craft cocktails; all mix ingredients, including syrups, are made from scratch. The wine list is also a work in progress, comprising vintages mainly from Argentina and Chile. Munoz is scouting selections from Mexico, an emerging market for fine wines from family-owned vineyards.
Easiest parking is behind the restaurant.
The outside patio abutting Central Avenue seats 24.
The private dining room can accommodate 12.
(1 Ninth Street, Naples; 239-331-3668; unidosrestaurant.com)
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: New in Naples: Unidos, a modern Nuevo Latino concept, opens downtown
