13 Best Restaurants in St. Augustine, Northeast Coast

Nestled in the Historic District, this 48-seat restaurant highlights local seafood, which, depending on the success of the fishermen, will include several fish entrées each day. The ever-changing menu also often has steak, lamb, or veal selections, all served in an intimate setting that is a tad more upscale than most area restaurants. For an original dessert try the bougainvillea—inspired by the colorful flowering plants that frame the building, it's made of strawberries, ice cream, and Cabernet-vanilla sauce served in a leaf-shaped phyllo cup.

Although many flock to this artsy and inspired eatery for its veggie-centric menu, there's plenty to tantalize omnivores as well. Delicious Southern food with flair ranges from braised pork belly biscuits to toast du jour, a rotating bruschetta inspired by the freshest produce from local farms. Many dishes, such as the cornbread panzanella, offer a choice of meat, seafood, tofu, or tempeh. Some gluten-free dishes are also available. Attire is casual, and the oceanic hues and funky decor put you at ease. Kids' needs are handled with flexible good nature. It's a deservedly popular spot, especially on weekends, when you should make a reservation.

Local foodies rejoiced when James Beard–nominated chef Brian Whittington brought his eclectic Southern cuisine to a city thin on upscale dining. As you dig into fresh fish with crawfish étouffée or the Cheshire pork chop (many have declared it the best they've ever eaten), delight in the fact that this charmingly "preserved" Victorian home once belonged to Thomas Jefferson's great-granddaughter, Maria Jefferson Shine. Start with the charcuterie board, which is highlighted by homemade pâté served in a Mason jar. Reservations are highly recommended.

Housed in the magnificent Lightner Museum—formerly the luxurious Hotel Alcazar in its 1890s incarnation—this lovely little lunch spot sits where wealthy winter tourists once frolicked in the nation's largest indoor pool. Curried chicken salad, panini, and artichokes Giovanni—an addictive dish of baked artichokes with cheese and mushrooms on linguine—are among the many favorites here. Reservations are recommended.

Everything is made from scratch here, from the sauces and marinades to the mixers for unique cocktails such as the cucumber jalapeño margarita. Daily specials might include pork and chicken tamales or fresh local cobia with tequila-marinated shrimp, mango corn salsa, and chipotle sauce. The Mayan soup is a must—fresh vegetables, avocado chunks, and crispy tortillas in a light vegetable broth. The two-story restaurant has three seating areas: a shaded ground-level courtyard, a second-story deck overlooking the street, and a rustic indoor dining room. 

Befitting its Cuban and Spanish cuisine, this historic restaurant evokes an airy villa, thanks to a white-stucco exterior and an interior atrium dining room full of palm trees, hand-painted tiles, and decorative arches. Favorites on the menu include arroz con pollo, fillet salteado (with a spicy sauce), an array of tapas, and a fragrant seafood paella (allow extra time for preparation). Table not ready? Take in the archival family photos on the walls, linger in the courtyard, listen to the fountains, and enjoy a glass of homemade sangria or a refreshing mojito.

Steaks and coastal Spanish–inspired cuisine are the specialty here, highlighted by dishes such as goat cheese terrine layered with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and pesto. Large plates include braised short ribs and the chef's daily fresh catch preparation. The rustic, dimly lit dining room can get loud on busy weekend nights, as patrons—often celebrating special occasions—linger over their tapas and Spanish wines. There's a charming, more sedate courtyard for outdoor dining.

Across the Bridge of Lions from downtown, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant is recognizable for the line of customers who wait patiently for fried shrimp (the specialty), seafood, and fried chicken. Needless to say, it's been a popular local eatery for generations. On the menu are oysters, scallops, hush puppies, broiled seafood, coleslaw, biscuits and cornbread with gravy, and banana cream pie. Bring cash; credit cards are not accepted.

In the circa-1791 General Worth house across from the marina, this bustling little spot has a homey feel with a balanced clientele of locals, students, and visitors. Favorites include coconut shrimp, blue-crab cakes, and fresh local grouper. Beef lovers may want to try the filet mignon or the New York strip. From upstairs, you have a great marina view; in the courtyard, you might enjoy the perfume of blooming jasmine. Call ahead for "preferred seating."

They take their chowders seriously in St. Augustine, and many will tell you Sunset Grille's is the best—so good that it's poured over French fries as an appetizer. If you prefer a lighter version, a cup of the award-winning chowder is the perfect prelude to fresh fish dinners featuring Caribbean snapper and macadamia-crusted grouper. The popular restaurant, framed by a white picket fence, has a Key West vibe and two dining areas: a lively interior and an open-air second-story deck with distant ocean views. Reservations are not accepted, but the frequent crowds gathered in the pleasant waiting area indicate that most consider the dining experience well worth the wait.

Homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and brick-oven pizzas are just some of the delights attracting locals and tourists alike to this casual Italian gem a few blocks from the beach. Giant chalkboards detail the fresh fish creations of the day, but it's tough to resist the pasta dishes such as papardelle cinghiale (handmade papardelle with wild boar, plum tomatoes, and fresh herbs). Italian-born owner–chef Simone Parisi uses locally sourced ingredients, with emphasis on the abundant seafood harvested by area fishermen. Meat lovers will be happy here, too, with items such as Tuscan ribs and a double pork chop stuffed with fontina and prosciutto. The airy dining room is anchored by the brick oven and open kitchen; the restaurant also has a small courtyard for outdoor dining.

This family-favorite spot is one of the few restaurant–bars accessible to the beach itself. It's known for its hearty breakfasts, flavorful burgers, and a beer menu with 20 draft selections. With 30 TVs, it's also popular with sports fans; there's also live music on the weekends.