Best Restaurants in St. Augustine
Top Food & Drinks in St. Augustine Florida
St. Augustine is a premier Florida foodie destination with three distinct dining hubs. The Historic District for Spanish/Old World charm, Anastasia Island, for local seafood, and Vilano/North Beach for more upscale, waterfront dining. Centered heavily on fresh Atlantic seafood, it takes influence from Spanish, Minorcan and Southern cuisine. It is also a hub for Atlantic shrimp. You’ll often find seafood served “Minorcan” style, which lightly fried with a side of datil pepper hot sauce.
One thing we’re obsessed with St. Augustine is the craft beverage community here. Not only will you find breweries (with several spots near the Historic District and Anastasia Island), but there are Distilleries and Wineries too. Learn more about where to eat in St. Augustine for the best seafood, waterfront dining and Florida specialties.
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Must Try Dishes in St. Augustine
Handmade Pasta
They specialize in fresh, daily made pasta featuring “00” flour & local eggs.
Try it at: Saint Italian Restaurant
Shrimp & Grits
Classic Southern coastal preparation of local Atlantic shrimp & stone ground grits.
Try it at: Fish Camp
Stuffed NY Strip
New York Strip is butterflied and filled with Herb Boursin cheese & garlic shrimp.
Try it at: River & Fort
St. Augustine Restaurants
The Press
Gourmet Gastropub
Best for: Burger enthusiasts, Locals, Casual diners
A gourmet neighborhood gastropub known for baking fresh bread daily and pushing the edge of comfort food. The Press is known for having some of the best burgers in St. Augustine. Located in a discreet strip mall, their burgers are award winning and the desserts are made to order.
Must Try Dishes: Conquistador Burger, Half Pound Datil Burger, Steakhouse Burger, El Cubano Panini, Datil Beer Cheese Fries, White Chocolate Bread Pudding
Sunset Grille
Seafood, Comfort
Best for: Casual beach goers, families, and sports fans
A casual, beachy institution that has been a staple for over 15 years. It features an upstairs open air deck and a full bar with local craft beers. No reservations available, walk in only.
Must Try Dishes: Fish & Chips, Momo’s Coco Boss Coconut Shrimp, Creole Shrimp & Gouda Grits, Bang Bang Shrimp, Tropical Trigger, Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi, Crab Bisque, Sunset Shrimp Toast
Saint Italian Restaurant
Modern Upscale Italian
Best for: Couples, Foodies, Special Occasions
A modern and chic Italian spot housed in a beautifully restored old bank building along the bayfront. It’s trendy and chic with a rooftop bar and great live music. Reservations are highly recommended.
Must Try Dishes: Bread Service (with whipped ricotta), Gnocchi Al Limone, Seafood Bucatini, 100 Layer Lasagna, Short Rib Bolognese, Pesto-Balsamic Salmon, Braised Osso Buco
River & Fort Restaurant & Roof Top Lounge
Southern, Surf and Turf, Upscale
Best for: Rooftop views
In the heart of downtown, River & Fort is known for its expansive views of the Castillo de San Marcos and the Matanzas River. This three level, southern continental restaurant features seafoods and steaks.
Must Try Dishes: Braised Short Ribs, Stuffed New York Strip, Charred Miso Glazed Salmon, Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Pickle Hushpuppies, Cannon Ball Shrimp, Manifestation (cocktail), Cannonball (cocktail)
Kingfish Grill
Seafood, Sushi
Best for: Casual Dining, Families, Boaters
A casual, harbor front eatery with a diverse menu and a full sushi bar. They recently moved to a renovated, more spacious location in Cobblestone Plaza, and have great views of the water.
Must Try Dishes: Horseradish Encrusted Mahi Mahi, Captian’s Platter, Error in Judgment
Get Directions or View Full Menu (check out their coupons!)
Cap’s On the Water
Seafood, “Old Florida”
Best for: Relaxed, outdoor sunset experience
Located on the Intracoastal Waterway in the Vilano Beach area, its expansive wooden deck has a Tiki Bar, a Sunset Oyster Bar, and a scenic dock. There is an award winning wine list with over 500 selections and a full bar.
Must Try Dishes: Crab Cakes, Sesame Seared Tuna, Calamari Vilano, Vanilla Grouper, Pear Ravioli, She Crab Soup, Oysters Rockefeller
St. Augustine Fish Camp
Seafood, Southern
Best for: Families, Groups
A vibrant, modern riverside spot serving fresh coastal seafood with Southern flair. With fast service and generous portions, it’s great for groups who want coastal dining.
Must Try Dishes: Fried Gator Tail with Cowgill’s Datil Pepper Aioli, Rick’s All Day Seafood Soup, Fish Camp Shrimp & Grits with White Wine Butter Sauce, Add a bump of caviar
Columbia Restaurant
Cuisine: Spanish, Cuban
Best for: Cultural dining experience
A traditional Spanish restaurant, in the heart of the historic district, dating back to 1905. This popular destination is open for lunch and dinner. Order the 1905 Salad or sangria for tableside show! Reservations are recommended.
Must Try Dishes: Paella Valenciana, 1905 Salad, Cuban Sandwich Tampa Style, Cannelloni De Langosta, Key Lime Pie, White Chocolate Bread Pudding, Sangria
Sarbez!
Cuisine: Grilled Cheese
Best for: Fun & Games, Craft Beer
Gourmet grilled cheeses fixed up in a funky space with craft beer on tap, retro arcade games & indoor/outdoor seating. Try one of the many classic sandwiches or make your own. Games are $1! And if you love Oprah, check out their bathroom.
Must Try: Kombucha or beer on tap
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