Shortlist: The Best Amelia Island Restaurants For Food, Views & Fun!

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Last updated on December 1, 2022 by Wandering our World

Amelia Island is known for its peaceful and uncrowded beaches. It’s a wide open outdoor retreat from your everyday life. It has everything you are looking for and embraces the wonders of nature. However we don’t just recommend it due to its exceptionally beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife and immaculate waters – there’s also some extraordinary restaurants in Amelia Island.

So whether you are visiting Amelia Island for outdoor adventures, a family outing, relishing downtown or romancing with your significant other, we have compiled a list of the best restaurants in Amelia Island. Restaurants that have remarkable food, and exceptional dining experiences.

Read on to whet your appetite and get those hunger pangs going!

Chef cooking
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

The Best Restaurants In Amelia Island For Food, Views & Fun!

1. Burlingame

Located in the stunning Historic District of Amelia Island, Burlingame’s seasonal menus are created by their fantastic local chef, and served by diligent and modest servers in an elegant yet homely fine-dining setting.

Dinners are servedMonday through Saturday in three lovely dining rooms (indoor) and their outdoor deck. You can also enjoy a drink at the bar or at the pergola deck under the magnolias and soaring oak tree. It’s a classy dining experience perfect for date night.

Their menu is made from scratch with the freshest ingredients. They also have superb seasonal menus and craft cocktails, all within a comfortable surrounding and inviting atmosphere. It is without a doubt one of the best places to eat in the Fernandina Beach historic district and one of the best restaurants in Amelia Island.

20 South 5th st, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 432-7671

Chef adding drizzle to fine dining plate
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Kuzmin

2. Sliders Seaside Grill

This is the perfect place to visit if you want to eat near the beach with an awesome view of the ocean and put your feet in the sand. Even better, this restaurant has a children’s playground so your kids can play while you enjoy a meal and have a couple of drinks at the tiki bar! This is one of the best Amelia Island restaurants on the water, and as an added bonus it often has live music in the evenings too!

They have fresh seafood, burgers, several signature items from their chef and traditional favorites such as the Jack’s Eggs Benedict for breakfast, Catch of the Day for lunch and much more to enjoy!

We recommend trying their Loaded Seafood Chowder, the Bangin’ Shrimp and the Creole Dinner. They have an excellent kids menu and the desserts are fantastic too. And don’t forget to visit the variety shop which is inside the restaurant.

1998 South Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 277-6652 

3. Area 51 BBQ & Grill

This restaurant offers Korean cuisine, southern barbecue and American grill favorites, right in the heart of Fernandina Beach. Expect delicious Korean plates and American comfort food alongside barbecue that will leave you wanting more!

Have you tried Korean BBQ? It’s minimally smoky and perhaps a tad more spicy. It’s got a savory kind of sweetness, easy to eat, great to look at, and you’ll keep craving for more once you’ve given it a taste.

And to all the meat lovers out there, their Beef Bulgogi is something you don’t want to miss out on! It’s thinly sliced meat with a savory, mildly sweet and salty flavor.

510 South 8th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 844-2120

beef steak display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/lisovskaya

4. Story & Song Neighborhood Bookstore Bistro

This is Amelia Island’s indie bookstore, where you can shop for books while drinking delicious coffee, trademark wine or craft beer, or dine on a delectable breakfast or lunch. Sounds good right?

Relish in the friendly and comfy environment of the bistro and outdoor patio while dining on specialties such as the Little Paris Bookshop Quiche, Simple Abundance Chicken Pot Pie and many more.

Join them for breakfast or lunch daily. Shopping at this community conscious bistro helps the local economy, supports local jobs, supports local charitable efforts and ensures Amelia Island remains a unique and special place with independently owned businesses. So you can feel good about your choice of lunch while tucking in!

Inspired by their favorite cookbooks, the bistro here has some lovely breakfast options which pair well with a cup of their Nuanz coffee, which comes from their local roasters. Enjoy sitting in their Secret Garden Courtyard for lunch, where we recommend one of their delicious salads, quiche of the day or bagel sandwich, and perhaps a glass of one of their signature wines.

1430 Park Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 601-2118

Bagel with salmon
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

5. Arte Pizza Wood Fire & Grill

Located just one block off historic Centre Street, Arte has been serving mouthwatering Italian dishes and delectable wine for over a decade. They prepare all their dishes with fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients, so you know what you’re eating is going to be good. Their cheeses they use are of the highest quality too, and employees even home grown ingredients daily, such as garlic and herbs, directly from Arte’s garden.

Their Napoli wood-fired pizza is one of the best pizzas we’ve ever had, and they clearly strive for perfection with it. The secret to that great taste? The dough they use and the wood they burn.

Can you think of anything better than fantastic wood-fired pizza made in the traditional Neapolitan way? We can’t, although their succulent wild-caught Georgia shrimp is a close second!

109 North 3rd Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 227-1515

wood fired pizza on table
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/JulyProkopiv

6. Verandah

This is one of Amelia Island’s finest restaurants. While being part of the Omni Resort, it is also open to the general public. So whether you are staying there as a guest, or just want to enjoy a succulent diner, this is the place to be.

Try their house made pasta and seafood which has a Mediterranean influence, all in a very relaxed ambiance. They provide the flavors of the Atlantic Ocean and ingredients from local farmers straight to your plate.

We recommend their Hot Blue Crab Dip which comes with a tasteful artichoke and grilled toast. Next, you can go for their Charcuterie Board which comes with a georgian paleta, sorpressata picante and acorn tamworth prosciutto. Delicious.

142 Racquet Park Drive, Amelia Island, FL 32034

(904) 277-5958

antipasti, cheese, charcuterie, snacks and wine
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/netrun78

7. The Patio Place (Bistro, Wine Bar & Creperie)

The Patio Place is an cozy wine bar and eatery with a menu that ranges in taste alongside great drinks and an atmosphere that appeals to locals and visitors alike. We recommend getting their sweet and savory crepes filled with fresh and seasonal ingredients.

This Amelia Island restaurant offers a homey kind of environment that we always enjoy, coupled with many dishes from different countries.

It is also known as a local gathering place, where family, friends and associates can gather in a mellow location for catch ups and reunions. Theyoften have live music too – perfect! Definitelyoneof the best Amelia Island restaurants.

416 Ash Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 410-3717

crepes with berries
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

8. Cafe Karibo

Delight in the exclusive eatery that is Cafe Karibo.Enjoy a dining experience under shady oaks on a picturesque patio, or sit down in the cafe which has a diverse color pattern and furnishings. Their private banquet hall promises a unique dining evening. All of this is nestled in the heart of downtown and just minutes from the water.

We recommend you try their Turkey Cuban and Amelia Island Famous Veggie Burger. Their homemade soups and Shrimp Salad on croissant, made with fresh local shrimp, is worth trying too.

Their salads are made from fresh ingredients and we think the desserts are worth the travel alone. However be aware that they don’t take reservations.

27 North 3rd Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 277-5269

cafe coffee and food selection
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Alisa Korolevskaya

9. Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant Grill and Cantina

Enjoy an array of traditional Mexican-style food in an open, fun and amicable atmosphere in their open-air courtyard or indoor room.Pablo’s always have a new, exciting special dish every weekend for you to enjoy so this is a pace welove coming back to. The taproom is beautiful too, with plenty of outdoor seating. Expect delicious beer and food which looks super colorful!

Their chefs and staff are seasoned and capable of giving you a high-end encounter with their innovative and fresh meals. They use locally sourced ingredients, always fresh and with giving back to the community in mind.

12 N 2nd Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 261-0049

Mexican food display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Elihu Castillo Ramirez

10. Mocama Beer Company

Ok, so this isn’t a restaurant but we had to mention Mocama which has a taproom renovated from an old 50’s car dealership!

It was founded by four friends out of a common interest to brew remarkable beer.They usually have different events to celebrate their unique variations of beer and have a broad range of distinctive beers that you can try out in their taproom. So keep an eyeout to see if anyof their events tie in with your visit to the region.

They know beer lovers want to try new options so they’re always experimenting with their menu so it’s stocked with an assortment of beer styles. They release new beers on Fridays and do regular keg treatments where they dose their beer with different ingredients in very small batches to keep it fresh and unique.

We recommend their Cosmico, Prosim and Double Raspberry Ruby Rosa beers. They also have a lot of great wine selections too, so you will want to try those out too! Want a place to hang out before your favourite Amelia Island restaurant opens for dinner service, then head here!

629 S 8th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 456-9088

beer with food
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Drazen Zigic

11. Lagniappe

Encouraged by the culture and flavors of New Orleans, Charleston and Savannah, Lagniappe combine the traditions of French Creole with twists on traditional Southern dishes. They have a warm, welcoming and friendly establishment where you can enjoy a wide variety of cocktails with their appetizing food. Sign us up!

We recommend you try their wines, the Bayou Mai Tai Cocktail, alongside dishes like the Chicken Fried Oyster Plate and Filet Mignon.

4810 A1A First Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 844-2634

two cocktails
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Alessandro Biascioli

12. Hola! Cuban Cafe

Enjoy the fresh flavor of Cuban sandwiches and pastries in this quaint cozy cafe. Their food is made with succulent slow roasted meats that are cooked in-house. You can come here for breakfast or lunch. Plus they have a dog friendly patio, so it’s perfectly acceptable to bring your furry family member with you.

We recommend you order the Breakfast Empanada, Pastelitos, of the “The Cuban” Sandwich and definitely try the full-flavored robust Cuban coffee to keep you going throughout the day.

For dessert, we’re sure you’ll love the Flan and Churros. And let’s not forget their Iron Beer, or as they like to call it, “Cuba’s National Beverage”.

31 South 5th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 206-1985

coffee pressed
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

13. The Happy Tomato Courtyard Cafe and Barbecue

The Happy Tomato features mouthwatering barbecue which spotlights turkey, pork, ribs and chicken meat, as well as salads and deli sandwiches that you will relish.

Make sure you try out their Shrimp Salad during the annual Shrimp Festival which takes place every year from April 28th to May 1st, rain or shine.

They are always ready to offer you a good time and have a relaxed indoor/outdoor atmosphere. They offer a lunch menu, an a la carte menu and even catering menus if you’re having a party or get together.

We recommend having their Happy Tomato Special which comes with shrimp salad or try their The Max Sandwich.

7 South 3rd Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 321-0707

Full rack of BBQ grilled pork spare ribs on a marble board
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Vladimir Mironov

14. Beach Diner

Voted the best diner at the beach, this place has full service breakfast and lunch favorites, home cooked and made fresh every day.

Their friendly staff will go above and beyond your expectations, whether you have special requests or want to sit inside or outside, they are there to please you.

We recommend trying out their omelettes, eggs benedict on lump crab cake, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, corned beef and their smoked salmon lox bagel. Definitelyoneof the best restaurants in Amelia Island for brunch!

2006 S 8th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 310-3750

Berry pancakes display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Mehriban Aliyeva

15. Hana Sushi

This comfortable, warm and relaxed restaurant is recognized for its superb Sushi, excellent service and friendly staff. They are open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday. Their amenities include a child friendly environment, so if you have a family, make sure you bring the kids.

Be sure to try their appetizers from the sushi bar, their new deep fried rolls and their Poke Bowl and Sushi Burrito.

1930 S 14th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 277-8838

Sushi platter
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/AtlasStudio

16. Peterbrooke Chocolatier

To start off, we have to tell you that Peterbrooke’s has a complete section devoted to beach-motif chocolates which celebrate the natural beautyof Amelia Island!

Don’t miss their famed chocolate covered popcorn either,or their assortment of dipped items, candies and truffles, all made with first-rate covering chocolate. It’s the perfect place to grab a desert on the go.

1427 Sadler Road, Suite 16, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 277-0162

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  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.