Last Updated: December 2, 2023
We have visited this beautiful town many times and especially love it during Christmas celebrations. St. Augustine, FL, is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States, dating back to 1565. This historic city, characterized by its cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture, boasts a vibrant culinary scene that fuses traditional Southern flavors with diverse international influences. Visitors can savor fresh seafood at waterfront eateries, indulge in Spanish and Cuban cuisine reminiscent of its colonial past, or enjoy modern twists on classic dishes at contemporary restaurants. St. Augustine’s dining establishments offer a taste of the city’s rich history and reflect its dynamic, evolving food culture, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and food enthusiasts. We hope you enjoy our Retirement Travelers travel guide to all the best places to eat in St. Augustine restaurants.
Best St. Augustine Restaurants
Harry’s Seafood, Bar and Grille
Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille is in the heart of the historic of St. Augustine, Florida. It is known for its delicious seafood dishes and New Orleans-style cuisine. It has a very relaxed atmosphere and a lovely outdoor seating area where we chose to eat. They offer Cajun-Creole cuisine, and their specialties are voodoo shrimp, blackened redfish, gumbo, and jambalaya. When you add in a great selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, along with live music, you can see why this is one of the most popular restaurants in St. Augustine.
Prohibition Kitchen
Prohibition Kitchen is a fantastic St. Augustine restaurant with a theme set back in the 1920s. They feature various choices of gourmet pub food, including craft burgers, sandwiches, and salads. They also have a great bar with many options of specialty cocktails, and it is also an excellent venue to watch the big game.
Collage
This upscale restaurant is in the Historic District in St. Augustine. It has a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu has many local seafood options, steaks, chicken, and pasta. We found the service very good, and it was apparent they wanted their customers to have a great experience. They also have an extensive wine list to match any of the meals.
Raintree Restaurant
This St. Augustine restaurant has a casual vibe and is set in an old Victorian home. Plentiful indoor and outdoor seating has excellent features like a gazebo, fireplace, and a koi pond. They specialize in steak and seafood, and everything was prepared well. Our favorite was the lobster bisque. They have a full bar and a wide variety of delicious desserts. You will enjoy this St. Augustine eatery.
Catch 27
Catch 27 is a restaurant in the heart of the historic part of St. Augustine that derives its name from the seafood caught in our nation’s 27th state, Florida. This quaint restaurant has an upscale and modern, yet still feels quite casual. We recommend trying the Minorcan clam chowder, the fresh “catch of the day,” or our other favorite, shrimp and grits. They also have a wide selection of wine and beer to match any meal.
Columbia Restaurant
Columbia Restaurant in St. Augustine has been around since 1905. It features Spanish/Cuban cuisine and decorated with Spanish artwork, Spanish fountains, and many hand-painted tiles throughout the restaurant. We recommend getting the authentic Cuban sandwich and if you don’t get your fill at the restaurant, there is even a Columbia Restaurant Cookbook you can purchase there. They also offer a wonderful selection Spanish wine.
Gas Full Service Restaurant
This fun restaurant is across the Bridge of Lions from the Old City in St. Augustine. This place serves a great variety of starters, salads, burgers, and other sandwiches that are pleasing to your eye and comforting to your stomach. This retro-modern restaurant is worth the trip across the bridge for all the fantastic food and the reasonable prices.
Ice Plant Bar
The original building for this restaurant was an ice plant that dates back to 1927. It is now a farm-to-table restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner. They serve a wide variety of grass-fed beef, burgers, locally caught seafood, and one of the best selections of craft cocktails in the area. On the weekends, they serve a fantastic brunch from 10-3, which is not to be missed.
Llama Restaurant
We have eaten at Peruvian restaurants in many countries and always loved them. The Llama restaurant in St. Augustine is no exception. The chef and owner are from Peru, and we got an authentic experience of the cuisine and culture of his country. We recommend trying some ceviche as an appetizer and seafood as an entrée. They also have an excellent selection of cocktails, wine, and beer. If you want a unique dining experience with fantastic food in St. Augustine, this restaurant is your place.
The Floridian Restaurant
The Floridian Restaurant is in the heart of the old city in St. Augustine. It offers a wide selection of Southern foods, using produce from the local area. We found it to have nice selection of comfort foods and great vegetarian options. They also have a great selection of beer and wine. It has a very casual and comfortable atmosphere, with an oceanic décor as the theme. It is a highly popular establishment, and we highly recommend a reservation, especially on the weekends.
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