St. Augustine is a beautiful city located in northern Florida that attracts visitors from all over the world. It is known for its rich history, white sand beaches, and delicious food. The city has many excellent restaurants serving mouth-watering dishes that will leave your taste buds dancing. This blog post will explore where to eat in St. Augustine, Florida.
St. Augustine has something to offer, whether you are in the mood for seafood, burgers, or something a little healthier. Let’s get started!
The Floridian
Step into the world of Southern cuisine at The Floridian, where every dish is a mouthwatering treat. From pimento cheese to pulled pork BBQ waffles, their menu boasts an array of delectable options.
Start your meal with the spectacular “Company’s Coming!” appetizer, tantalizing your taste buds with pickled vegetables, pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, and a toasted baguette. The Brisket Pozole Verde is a must-try for those seeking a unique entree. The datil jam and pickled onions will take the flavor profile to the next level.
Another menu item worth relishing is the ‘N Waffles, featuring pulled pork, bourbon brown sugar fruit, and buttermilk ricotta over a savory cornmeal waffle. The candied pecans complete the dish with a touch of extra sweetness.
The Blue Hen Cafe
The Blue Hen Cafe is a charming little cafe that serves breakfast and lunch with a warm and inviting vibe. It is the perfect place to go if you are in the mood for comfort food and one of the top digs for where to eat in St. Augustine.
Some crowd-pleasing dishes on Blue Hen Cafe’s menu are corned beef hash, blue crab quiche, pumpkin pancakes, and the breakfast burrito. The biscuits are fabulous and even more elevated with peach butter.
The Blue Hen Cafe also serves various other dishes, including tacos, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. They are closed on Mondays.
Cantina Louie
Looking for delicious Mexican street food and refreshing specialty cocktails? Check out Cantina Louie in a vibrant pink and purple neon setting. Fuel up with classic starters like Queso dip and warm tortilla chips, or indulge in the bold flavors of their Shrimp Ceviche.
When it comes to mains, you can’t go wrong with fan favorites like quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, or nachos. But don’t miss out on unique dishes like the SoCal Avocado Chicken with pineapple salsa! To top it all off, try the mouth-watering jalapeño Margaritas – my husband’s favorite.
Crave
Crave is a healthy food casual eatery on King Street that serves wraps, salads, and exotic and complex smoothies. It has a modern and minimalist vibe and is a great place to go if you want something healthy.
All the dishes are made with fresh, organic ingredients and are designed to be both nutritious and delicious. Crave’s wraps are trendy, with options like the Spicy Lotus and the Sesame Ginger Shrimp. I prefer the Nacho Tempeh Bowl, with black beans, avocado, and pickled jalapeños.
Salt Life Food Shack
Salt Life Food Shack is a seafood restaurant located on St. Augustine Beach. It has a laid-back vibe and serves fresh seafood that is caught daily. Salt Life has a varied menu, that includes street tacos, fresh-rolled sushi, and a range of seafood dishes.
Curry dishes are my favorite, and I was shocked to see an ethnic item like this on the Salt Life Food Shack menu. I ordered the Crunchy Chicken Thai Bowl with almond-crusted chicken over rice, veggies, and a yellow-cream curry sauce. Fresh coconut shavings added a nice second layer to the flavors. I ate every last bite; it was delicious.
Columbia Restaurant
What is the best place to eat in St. Augustine? Look no further than the Columbia Restaurant! Since 1905, this Florida mainstay has served delicious Spanish and Cuban cuisine, amazing sangria, and offered top-notch service.
With so many tempting dishes on the menu, I highly recommend the traditional Cuban sandwich and their signature 1905 Salad. The salad may not look like much, but the flavor is out of this world. And remember to try their cortadito coffee for an extra caffeine boost.
And if you’re a fan of their famous sangria, stop by Columbia’s retail shop to pick up packet mixes and their beautiful pitcher. Experience the magic of the Columbia Restaurant for yourself!
Athena
Discover superb global cuisine in St. Augustine with the must-visit Athena Greek Taverna in the heart of the historic district. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Athena promises a memorable dining experience.
Start your meal with the fiery Saganaki (goat cheese alight with flames), served to your table with the classic Greek “Opa!” cheer. Don’t miss out on the mouthwatering shaved lamb gyro, and try the impressive Greek salad. And here’s a helpful tip – lunch and dinner prices are identical!
Old City House Inn & Restaurant
If you’re in St. Augustine, visit the Old City House Inn & Restaurant. Not just because it’s conveniently located on the Old Town Trolley route but because it’s a historical treasure from 1873 that will take your breath away.
Walk through the charming courtyard filled with fragrant orchids that set a romantic tone for your meal. The atmosphere is casual and relaxing, leaving you feeling immediately at ease. But let’s talk about the food – their lamb dish, paired with cabbage risotto, is a showstopper. It’s so delicious it practically melts in your mouth.
I discovered Old City House on my first trip to St. Augustine during the Savory Faire Food Tour, which left an indelible impression on me.
Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille
Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille is a regional chain restaurant with a fun and lively vibe. It serves fresh “Lagniappe” seafood cooked in various ways: blackened, grilled, and fried. Harry’s has a Cajun-style menu that includes the likes of jambalaya, gumbo, and étouffée.
Some of the most popular items on the menu are the crawfish & shrimp étouffée and the blackened catfish. Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille also has a great selection of cocktails perfect for sipping on while enjoying the food. My favorite dish at Harry’s is the Jambalaya or the Baked Stuffed Shrimp. Save room for dessert — Bananas Foster or Key Lime Pie.
Catch 27
Catch 27 is named after the state (Florida) being the 27th in the union. You can enjoy the delicious 27 Trio appetizer – complete with guacamole, datil pepper pimento cheese, pico de Gallo, and warm fried tortillas – and pair it with an exquisite margarita.
Although seafood is a main menu item, my husband and I opted for the picture-perfect Cuban Rice Bowl and Blackened Fish Tacos, both of which were outstanding. The rice bowl, loaded with blackened chicken, black beans, pico, brown rice, and aioli, was so good that I left feeling pleasantly full to the point of being unable to walk.
Amici Italian Restaurant
Mangia! Discover a delicious taste of Italy at Amici Italian Restaurant in St. Augustine. Fresh ingredients and affordable prices make Amici a must-try spot, and I can personally vouch for their outstanding dishes. From hand-tossed pizza to Veal Parmigiana, the menu is packed with flavor…even down to the salad and housemade dressing.
I adore the Tortellini with basil cream sauce; it’s my favorite! The pasta, available in meat or cheese, is cooked to perfection, and the sauce is rich but not heavy. Don’t miss out on their amazing house-made salad dressing and billowy bread.
Michael’s
Indulge in a foodie’s paradise at Michael’s, established in 2006 on St. George Street. This premier restaurant has an eclectic, chef-inspired menu featuring locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. The mouthwatering piquant peppers are stuffed with savory goat cheese and are a must-order appetizer.
You can’t miss the creatively crafted Shrimp and Grits or the irresistible burger served with bacon jam. Chef Michael Lugo knows how to impress. Plus, the restaurant’s chic atmosphere adds to the dining experience. Be sure to stop by on Sundays for their top-notch brunch.
Ford’s Garage
Ford’s Garage is a great place to go if you want classic American food and drinks. It is a burger joint with an extensive menu including hand-pattied, never frozen burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more.
Ford’s burgers are insanely good, made with fresh prime beef and served on a toasted brioche bun. My pick is the mushroom & Swiss burger, served on a pretzel bun, though I sub fries for green beans. Pair your meal with a beer or cocktail from the extensive menu.
Ford’s Garage has a cool, vintage vibe, with car memorabilia on the walls and a vintage car parked outside. Kids love it!
Happy Hour is Monday through Friday, 2 to 6 PM, for $4 premium well drinks and $2 off drinks and drafts.
And For Dessert… Peace Pie
Peace Pie is a small shop that serves homemade ice cream sandwiches. The ice cream is made with fresh, all-natural ingredients and is sandwiched between two delicious cookies. The cookies come in a variety of flavors, including chocolate chip, oatmeal, and ginger snap.
Ice cream flavors include chocolate, vanilla, and key lime.
Read more of our Florida food posts:
Best Things to Do in Jensen Beach
Best Restaurants in Daytona Beach
Ultimate Guide to Vero Beach