St. Augustine, Florida, isn’t just a historical landmark; it’s a culinary paradise waiting to be explored. From fresh-off-the-boat seafood to soul-satisfying Southern comfort food, and a delightful array of international flavors, this charming city offers a gastronomic adventure for every palate. With its rich history influencing its vibrant culture and diverse culinary landscape, St. Augustine boasts a restaurant scene that’s both captivating and delicious. If you’re planning a trip to the nation’s oldest city, prepare to be delighted by its abundance of fantastic eateries. This guide will lead you to some of the most popular and highly-rated restaurants in St. Augustine, ensuring a memorable dining experience. So, grab your appetite and prepare to discover where the locals and tourists alike flock to experience the best St. Augustine has to offer!
Seafood Sensations: Where to Find the Freshest Catch
Nestled along the Atlantic coast, St. Augustine naturally boasts a thriving seafood scene. The city’s proximity to the ocean guarantees access to incredibly fresh catches, prepared with skill and creativity. For seafood lovers, exploring the local restaurants offering the freshest catches is a must. Here are a few popular spots that are consistently praised for their quality and taste:
O’Steens Pub: A Local Favorite
O’Steens Pub is a St. Augustine institution. This family-owned, casual eatery is a local favorite for good reason. Known for its no-frills atmosphere and consistently delicious food, O’Steens offers a true taste of St. Augustine. Their fried shrimp is legendary, perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor. Another must-try is their Minorcan chowder, a hearty and spicy soup that reflects the area’s unique cultural heritage. The ambiance is relaxed and welcoming, making it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring the city. Located on Anastasia Island, it’s a short hop from the historic district. While they don’t take reservations and it can get busy, the wait is well worth it for a taste of authentic St. Augustine seafood.
The Reef: Oceanfront Dining
For a more upscale seafood experience, look no further than The Reef. This oceanfront restaurant offers stunning views alongside its delicious menu. The ambiance is sophisticated yet comfortable, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. The Reef is renowned for its expertly prepared grilled fish, highlighting the freshest catches of the day. Their seafood pasta dishes are also incredibly popular, featuring a medley of shellfish and perfectly cooked pasta in a flavorful sauce. With its breathtaking views and elegant atmosphere, The Reef provides a memorable dining experience that is sure to impress. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure a table with the best view.
Aunt Kate’s: Historical and Waterfront with Traditional Seafood
Step back in time while enjoying delicious seafood at Aunt Kate’s. This historical restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its waterfront setting and traditional seafood dishes. Situated on the Tolomato River, Aunt Kate’s boasts stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great choice for families and groups. Their crab cakes are a must-try, perfectly seasoned and pan-fried to golden perfection. They also offer a fantastic oyster bar with a variety of fresh oysters. Enjoy the casual ambiance and the beautiful scenery while savoring some of St. Augustine’s best seafood at Aunt Kate’s. Outdoor seating is available, making it a wonderful spot to enjoy the Florida sunshine.
Southern Comfort: Authentic Flavors of the South
St. Augustine’s culinary scene is deeply influenced by Southern cuisine, offering a comforting and flavorful experience. From hearty stews to perfectly fried chicken, the city’s Southern restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings. Here are a few popular spots that showcase the best of Southern comfort food:
The Floridian: Southern with a Twist
The Floridian takes Southern comfort food to a new level with its innovative and modern approach. This restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that are both familiar and exciting. Their shrimp and grits is a standout dish, featuring creamy grits and perfectly cooked shrimp in a flavorful sauce. The collard greens are also a must-try, tender and delicious with a hint of sweetness. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal. The Floridian also offers vegetarian options, catering to a wide range of dietary needs. It is a unique and enjoyable Southern restaurant that is located close to the center of downtown.
Mojo BBQ: Smoked Perfection
For a taste of authentic Southern barbecue, head to Mojo BBQ. This popular restaurant offers a variety of smoked meats, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs, all cooked to perfection. Mojo BBQ offers multiple sauces to accompany your meal which is a popular opinion among patrons. The sides are equally delicious, with mac and cheese, collard greens, and coleslaw rounding out the menu. The atmosphere is casual and lively, making it a great place for families and friends to gather and enjoy some delicious barbecue. Mojo BBQ captures the soul of Southern barbecue in the oldest city.
Maple Street Biscuit Company: Homestyle Biscuits
Maple Street Biscuit Company is a must-visit for biscuit lovers. This popular restaurant specializes in homestyle biscuits, served in a variety of ways. Their chicken biscuit is a crowd-pleaser, featuring a crispy fried chicken breast served on a flaky biscuit with various toppings. They also offer a variety of biscuit sandwiches, with options to suit every taste. With its comforting atmosphere and delicious biscuits, Maple Street Biscuit Company is a great place to start your day or enjoy a satisfying lunch. Keep in mind that they are generally only open for breakfast and lunch.
International Inspirations: A Global Culinary Journey
St. Augustine’s diverse population has contributed to a vibrant international culinary scene. From Peruvian delicacies to classic Italian dishes, the city offers a global culinary journey for adventurous eaters. Here are a few popular international restaurants that are worth exploring:
Llama Restaurant: A Peruvian Gem
Llama Restaurant brings the flavors of Peru to St. Augustine. This popular restaurant offers a variety of authentic Peruvian dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. Their ceviche is a must-try, featuring fresh seafood marinated in citrus juices and spices. The lomo saltado, a stir-fried beef dish with onions, peppers, and soy sauce, is another popular choice. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a great place to experience Peruvian culture and cuisine. Spice levels can vary, so be sure to ask your server for recommendations. Llama Restaurant delivers an unforgettable Peruvian experience in the heart of Florida.
Pizzalley’s Chianti Room: Cozy Italian Dining
Pizzalley’s Chianti Room offers a taste of Italy in a cozy and romantic setting. This popular restaurant serves classic Italian dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. The pasta dishes are a highlight, with options ranging from spaghetti carbonara to lasagna. The pizzas are also incredibly popular, with a variety of toppings to choose from. The ambiance is intimate and inviting, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Complementing your meal with a glass of wine from their extensive wine list elevates the experience. Pizzalley’s Chianti Room is the perfect setting for a delicious and memorable Italian meal.
La Herencia: A Taste of Spain
La Herencia serves up the vibrant flavors of Spain. Known for their tapas and classic Spanish dishes, La Herencia offers a culinary journey to the Iberian Peninsula. The paella is a must-try, a flavorful rice dish with seafood, chicken, and vegetables. The tortilla española, a traditional Spanish omelet, is another popular choice. Their tapas menu offers a variety of small plates, perfect for sharing and sampling different flavors. Pair your meal with a glass of sangria for the perfect Spanish experience. La Herencia offers a fun and festive atmosphere with delicious food.
Sweet Treats & Coffee Stops: Indulge Your Cravings
No culinary adventure is complete without indulging in some sweet treats and a good cup of coffee. St. Augustine boasts a variety of cafes and dessert shops, perfect for satisfying your cravings. Here are a few popular spots that are worth checking out:
Kookaburra Coffee: The Australian Blend
Kookaburra Coffee brings a taste of Australia to St. Augustine with its unique coffee blends and pastries. This popular coffee shop is known for its expertly crafted lattes and flat whites, using high-quality beans and skilled baristas. They also offer a variety of pastries, including croissants, muffins, and cakes. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. With multiple locations throughout the city, Kookaburra Coffee is always within reach.
Peace Pie: Ice Cream Sandwich Perfection
Peace Pie offers a unique and delicious twist on the classic ice cream sandwich. This popular dessert shop specializes in handcrafted ice cream sandwiches, featuring a variety of flavors and textures. From cookie dough to peanut butter cup, there is a Peace Pie for every taste. The ambiance is fun and family-friendly, making it a great place to treat yourself after a long day. With its creative flavors and delicious ice cream, Peace Pie is a must-visit for dessert lovers.
Creme de la Cocoa: European-Style Bakery
Creme de la Cocoa is a European-style bakery offering a delectable assortment of pastries, cakes, and chocolates. This popular bakery is known for its high-quality ingredients and exquisite craftsmanship. Their chocolate croissants are a must-try, flaky and buttery with a rich chocolate filling. The eclairs and cakes are equally delicious, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With its elegant atmosphere and delicious treats, Creme de la Cocoa is a great place to indulge or pick up a special occasion dessert.
Tips for Dining in St. Augustine
To make the most of your dining experience in St. Augustine, here are a few helpful tips:
- Reservations: Making reservations is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure a table at popular restaurants.
- Parking: Parking in the historic district can be challenging. Consider using parking garages or arriving early to find a spot.
- Dietary Restrictions: Call ahead to inquire about dietary accommodations, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options.
- Outdoor Seating: Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather.
Conclusion
St. Augustine’s restaurant scene is a vibrant and diverse reflection of its rich history and cultural influences. From fresh seafood to Southern comfort food and international delicacies, the city offers a culinary experience to satisfy every palate. By exploring the popular restaurants mentioned in this guide, you can discover your own favorites and create lasting memories in the nation’s oldest city. So come, experience the culinary charm of St. Augustine for yourself!
