German restaurants are generally difficult to find, but with the influx of vacationers and the growing population, the Naples area of Florida has more than its share. German food tends to be spicy and heavy so you must be able to handle the spice and be hungry. There are several German restaurants in Naples, but the most popular are located on Marco Island, about 20 minutes south of the city.
To the uninitiated, a German restaurant is judged by the quality of its sauerbraten and Rudi's European Cuisine takes the dish to a new level. This restaurant's version of the old standard is richly flavored with a red wine gravy that marries well with the marinated beef. It is served with dumplings that are light and red cabbage of just the right tartness. Its extensive menu also offers schnitzel served with two gravies and spaetzle. Make room for dessert as Rudi's makes special apple and cherry strudels served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, to name just two.
Rudi's European Cuisine
10711 North Tamiami Trail
Naples, FL 34108
239-325-8755
naplesnews.com
Some say that House of Mozart is the best German restaurant on the west coast of Florida. You would do well to make a reservation since the restaurant is teeming with diners. The restaurant décor is like many others, but is comfortable with classical music softly playing in the background as you dine. The menu is rather eclectic with a preponderance of German dishes dominating, but a selection of other foods is available. Among the German items is Rahm Schnitzel which is lemony veal cutlet in a cream sauce served with spaetzle and red cabbage, and Champignon Schnitzel, or tender veal cutlet sauteed with white mushrooms, finished in a creamy white wine sauce and served with rice pilaf and red cabbage.
House of Mozart
151 South Barfield Drive
Marco Island, FL 34145
239-642-5220
houseofmozart.com/
Konrad Mayerhofer for whom the restaurant was named trained at culinary schools in Germany and served as executive chef at the Essex House in New York before opening this restaurant in 1992. Mayerhofer's culinary talents shine through the moment your food arrives. From the well-executed menu, you could order Bayersiche Schlachtplatte, a Bavarian specialty platter combining smoked pork loin, roast pork and sausage, and served with homemade mashed potatoes and sauerkraut. Other entrees include Jaeger Schnitzel, a thin sauteed veal cutlet covered with assorted wild mushrooms in a red wine sauce, and served with homemade spaetzle and fresh vegetables, or pan-fried calf's liver topped with smothered onions and served with fresh vegetables and mashed potatoes.
Konrad's Seafood & Grille Room
599 S Collier Blvd Ste 304
Marco Island, FL 34145
239-642-3332
konradsrestaurant.com/index.htm
