A popular award-winning Naples restaurant is closing.
Chef Asif Syed announced Friday that he was shuttering the doors of 21 Spices at 4270 E Tamiami Trail, on Monday, March 31.
Asif has decided to explore “new opportunities beyond Naples.” The restaurant ― which opened in 2015 ― is known for Syed’s signature dishes, including Biryanis, Tandoori Chicken, and modern Indian flavors.
Asif ‘beyond grateful’ to Naples
Opened in 2015, “Chef Asif’s community engagement and charismatic presence on television have made him a well-recognized figure both locally and nationally,” said a news release.
“These past 10 years have been an incredible experience,” the release said.
“We have built something special here, and I am beyond grateful for the unwavering support of our guests, friends, and the Naples community. Your kindness and enthusiasm have meant everything to us.”
Syed was unavailable for comment Friday.
Famous from the beginning
While the chef has been on the Naples restaurant scene for a decade, it seems longer than that because of what accomplished.
The “King of Spice,” as Syed is sometimes called, in 2018 defeated world-famous chef Bobby Flay at his own game on Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay.” He also appeared on the Food Network shows “Guy’s Grocery Games” and “Cutthroat Kitchen.”
The “King of Spice,” chef Asif Syed of 21 Spices restaurant in East Naples participates the second annual Paradise Coast Wine & Food Experience at Cambier Park in Naples, FL. Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. Chef Syed recently beat world-famous chef Bobby Flay at his own game on Food Network.
Syed, who also has cooked dinner at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City, appeared at a few USA Today Paradise Coast Wine & Food Experiences in Naples.
In recent years, he’s cooked at the White House, In 2022 he received a rare invitation to an official White House reception hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden. Syed was invited for Eid al-Fitr, the three-day holiday commemorating the end of Ramadan and celebrated among the world’s approximately 2 billion Muslims.
Eid celebrations became an annual tradition starting with the Bill Clinton presidency but were halted during Trump’s first term. Following two years of pandemic protocols, 2022 marked the first Eid celebration during Biden’s term.
Syed returned to D.C. in 2023, when he cooked for then-Vice President Kamala Harris at her residence, the U.S. Naval Observatory. The official reception also recognized Eid-Al-Adha, and Syed cooked up several of 21 Spices’ greatest hits: “Chicken 65,” mustard-encrusted lamb chops, mini-vegetable samosas, a New York Strip ragout and a dessert assortment that included custard coconut truffles and creamy-cheesy gulab jamun ras malai.
What’s next for the chef
As his news release said, Syed wants to find opportunities beyond Naples but offered no details.
He invited his Naples friends to one more dinner with him at 21 Spices.
Syed’s career in Southwest Florida started more than 20 years ago: after earning his master’s degree in hospitality in Cyprus, he worked for Marriott International, Inc. One of his first assignments landed him at what is now known as the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.
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“If you want to become something in life, it should be work that makes your parents proud that you are their child,” he told the Daily News in 2022. “After working with me, you have no choice. You have to be successful.”
Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. Contact him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Chef Asif Syed closing 21 Spices restaurant in Naples: What we know
