Published October 4, 2023

2023 in St. Augustine! This city is a special spot for food lovers, not just history buffs. Whether you crave classic dishes, new tasty trends, or fresh local bites, St. Augustine’s restaurants have something for everyone. Our guide lists 13 top restaurants you should try this year. Each spot offers a unique and yummy experience in a setting as delightful as the food, this list also comes at the right time as the Night of Lights is around the corner. Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the tastes of St. Augustine!

Columbia Restaurant

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Evelin Vargas (@evyvargas36)

Immerse yourself in an exquisite blend of Spanish and Cuban culture through tantalizing dishes like the 1905 Salad and the iconic Cuban Sandwich amidst the historic downtown charm.

Specialty: Spanish and Cuban cuisine.
Highlight Dish: Famous 1905 Salad, Cuban Sandwich.
Atmosphere: Located in historic downtown, offers a nostalgic and intimate environment.
Recommended: Lunch with a pitcher of Sangria.

Llama Restaurant

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Llama Restaurant (@llama_saintaugustine)

Indulge in a sublime Peruvian dining experience, where every dish is a piece of art, be it the exotic Ceviche Lima or the elegant Octopus Carpaccio.

Specialty: Elevated Peruvian cuisine.
Highlight Dish: Ceviche Lima, Octopus Carpaccio, Arroz con Mariscos.
Atmosphere: Fine dining with exquisite presentation and beautiful venue design.

Prohibition Kitchen

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Restaurant Times (@restauranttimesstaug)

Step back in time in this dimly-lit space, enjoying hand-spun milkshakes and a farm-to-table menu while grooving to live music.

Specialty: Farm-to-table menu, hand-spun milkshakes.
Highlight Dish: Not specified but has a diverse menu.
Atmosphere: Dimly-lit, Prohibition era decor, live music on weekends.

Burrito Works Taco Shop

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kate & Danielle (@hellosaintaugustine)

Savor the relaxed beach vibes with scrumptious Carne Asada-loaded fries and Baja-style fish tacos, freshly prepared with local ingredients.

Specialty: Tacos and Burritos.
Highlight Dish: Carne Asada-loaded fries, Baja-style fish tacos.
Atmosphere: Casual, beach-side stand with fresh, local ingredients.

Brisky’s BBQ

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Richard Mardex (@richardmardex)

Delight in authentic Southern BBQ with crowd-pleasers like brisket, smoked turkey, and a heaping serving of BBQ nachos, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Specialty: Southern BBQ.
Highlight Dish: Brisket, Smoked Turkey, Pulled Pork, BBQ Nachos.
Atmosphere: Casual and friendly, suitable for groups and family dining.

Collage Restaurant

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Longleaf at St Johns (@longleafstjohns)

Escape to a quaint, romantic spot in the historic district, offering mouthwatering international dishes with a local twist.

Specialty: International flavors using local ingredients.
Highlight Dish: Lobster Ravioli, Corvina with Parmesan-Pecan Crust.
Atmosphere: Romantic and quaint, located in the historic district.

St. Augustine Fish Camp

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brian Persons (@bpsurveyor)

Dine al fresco by the water, relishing southern-inspired seafood dishes, from crispy fried gator tail to decadent white chocolate bread pudding.

Specialty: Southern-rooted menu with fresh seafood.
Highlight Dish: Fried Gator Tail, Low-country Boils, White Chocolate Bread Pudding.
Atmosphere: Spacious with outdoor seating near the water.

The Floridian

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Molly (@muncys.munchies)

Experience true Florida flavors, with a menu showcasing local producers and irresistible dishes like braised brisket tacos and spicy fish melt.

Specialty: Florida cuisine with a focus on local produce.
Highlight Dish: Fried Green Tomatoes, Spicy Fish Melt, Braised Brisket Tacos.
Atmosphere: Tropical and casual with a menu adaptable for gluten-free needs.

Raintree Restaurant

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alan Hester (@questrar)

Dine in a landmark Victorian structure while enjoying a menu that’s both approachable and diverse, offering something for every taste.

Specialty: Various, approachable menu with seafood and meat options.
Highlight Dish: Shrimp and House-made Sausage, Kobe Beef Burgers, Steamed Mussels.
Atmosphere: Historic Victorian structure, classic and welcoming.

Conch House Marina Resort

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Explore St. Augustine (@explorestaugustine)

Nestled by the serene Salt Run shore, the Conch House Marina Resort offers an exquisite dining escapade with a robust Caribbean influence. Engage your palate with their signature Jerk Chicken Egg Rolls, a harmonious blend of sweetness and spice, accompanied by a delightful pineapple and datil pepper dipping sauce. Let each bite transport you to the vibrant Caribbean islands while you bask in the picturesque views from the deck, under the inviting Florida sunshine, observing the gentle dance of boats and fishermen in their daily ballet.

Specialty: Caribbean-influenced cuisine.
Highlight Dish: Jerk Chicken Egg Rolls served with sweet and spicy pineapple and datil pepper dipping sauce.
Atmosphere: Situated along the tranquil Salt Run shore with outdoor deck seating, offering splendid views of the waterfront and the passing boats and fishermen.
Recommended: Enjoy a meal on the deck to soak in the warm Florida sunshine and scenic views.

Read more about Conch House Marina Resort

Ice Plant Bar

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Haley (@whatshaleyeating)

Step into the Ice Plant Bar, a sanctuary of taste located within a historic 1927 ice plant. This establishment doesn’t just serve meals and drinks; it crafts experiences. With a meticulous eye for presentation, each drink is a masterpiece, served with ice cubes tailored to perfection from colossal 300-pound ice blocks. The menu is a canvas of Southern favorites, offering delicacies like pimento cheese paired with guava-datil jelly, succulent fried chicken, and delectable hoecakes. Each dish and drink tells a story, embodying the essence of Southern tradition and the establishment’s rich history.

Specialty: Drinks and Southern staples.
Highlight Dish: Pimento Cheese with guava-datil jelly, Fried Chicken, and Hoecakes.
Atmosphere: Set in a historic ice plant dating back to 1927, it offers a unique ambiance with a meticulous focus on presentation, serving drinks with custom-crafted ice cubes from 300-pound ice blocks.

Meehan’s Irish Pub

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Meehan’s Irish Pub (@meehansirishpub)

For those yearning for a touch of Irish hospitality, Meehan’s Irish Pub is your go-to destination. Here, a culinary canvas of traditional Irish delights unfolds, featuring classics like hearty Fish and Chips and succulent Corned Beef and Cabbage. But the magic doesn’t stop there! Ascend to Johnny’s Oyster Bar, located just upstairs, and dive into a treasure trove of fresh seafood. With a backdrop of the serene Matanzas River and the historic Castillo de San Marcos, it’s a dining experience where Irish charm intertwines with the allure of the sea, all within a laid-back atmosphere where the beer flows as smoothly as the laughter.

Specialty: Traditional Irish fare and fresh seafood.
Highlight Dish: Fish and Chips, Corned Beef and Cabbage at the main restaurant, and a variety of freshly caught seafood at Johnny’s Oyster Bar upstairs.
Atmosphere: Relaxed and friendly with dual dining experiences – traditional Irish pub ambiance in the main area and a casual seafood bar with river views upstairs.
Recommended: Try the traditional Irish fare, or enjoy the view of the Matanzas River and the Castillo de San Marcos from Johnny’s Oyster Bar.

Catch 27

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chef Dennis | Ask Chef Dennis®ï¸ (@askchefdennis)

Embark on a culinary expedition with Catch 27, a haven for seafood aficionados. This restaurant pledges allegiance to freshness and local flavors, serving seafood so fresh it might as well have jumped straight onto your plate! Start with Southern favorites like Deviled Eggs adorned with crispy fried oysters, or the tantalizing Smoked Salmon Spread. Main courses beckon with the likes of Fish or Shrimp with Grits, and delicate Crab Cake Sandwiches that whisper the secrets of the deep blue. And for a finale? The Tiki Float awaits – an intoxicating dance of coconut ice cream, Jamaican gold rum, and passionfruit that captures the essence of a sun-kissed, seaside escapade.

Specialty: Fresh, locally caught seafood with Southern touches.
Highlight Dish: Deviled Eggs topped with crispy fried oysters, Smoked Salmon Spread, Fish or Shrimp with Grits, and Crab Cake Sandwiches. For dessert, the Tiki Float is a must-try.
Atmosphere: Casual and welcoming, perfect for seafood enthusiasts with hearty appetites.
Recommended: Indulge in the Tiki Float – a delightful concoction of coconut ice cream, Jamaican gold rum, and passionfruit.