St. Augustine has a dining scene that fits the character of the city. Historic buildings, waterfront views, international cuisine, fresh seafood, and chef-driven menus give visitors plenty of choices when planning a special evening.
Guests staying in our St. Augustine vacation rentals can find upscale restaurants throughout the Historic District, along the bayfront, and across the Bridge of Lions on Anastasia Island. From French and Peruvian cuisine to steakhouses and Italian favorites, these restaurants are worth considering for date nights, anniversaries, celebrations, and memorable vacation dinners.
La Nouvelle Bistro
La Nouvelle Bistro brings French dining to Bridge Street, just outside the busiest part of the Historic District. The restaurant focuses on a more refined bistro experience, making it a strong choice when you want a quieter dinner after exploring downtown.
French cuisine and an intimate setting give La Nouvelle a different feel from many of St. Augustine’s seafood-focused restaurants. It is especially appealing for couples planning a special dinner or travelers looking to add European flavors to their vacation dining plans.
The Drunken Horse St. Augustine
The Drunken Horse St. Augustine combines dinner with the experience of a wine bar. Located on Charlotte Street in the Historic District, it provides an inviting setting for an evening built around wine, conversation, and thoughtfully prepared food.
Its location also makes it easy to pair dinner with an evening walk through downtown. Visitors choosing vacation rentals in St. Augustine may appreciate having restaurants like The Drunken Horse within reach of the city’s historic attractions and nighttime entertainment.
Llama Restaurant
Llama Restaurant offers Peruvian cuisine with a modern approach. Owner and executive chef Marcel Vizcarra incorporates locally sourced seafood and produce while drawing on the flavors and culinary traditions of Peru.
The restaurant is on Anastasia Boulevard, making it convenient for guests staying near St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia Island. The menu is known for creative presentations and Peruvian flavors, with vegetarian and vegan choices also available. Reservations are a smart idea for this smaller, popular dining room.
Saint Italian Restaurant
For an upscale Italian meal near the bayfront, consider Saint Italian Restaurant. The restaurant features both courtyard and balcony dining in Historic Downtown, creating an appealing setting for a date night or celebratory dinner.
The menu covers Italian favorites alongside steak and seafood. Depending on the current menu, diners may find pasta dishes, chicken Parmesan, ravioli, lamb, filet, and traditional Italian desserts. The combination of Italian cuisine and a downtown location makes Saint easy to work into an evening of sightseeing.
Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen
Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen serves upscale American comfort food with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Its craft beverage program includes cocktails, mocktails, local beer, and an extensive selection of wine.
The restaurant is part of the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel and is close to many of the city’s best-known historic attractions. Seasonal menu changes give returning visitors something new to consider, while the full bar makes Castillo a convenient choice for drinks followed by dinner.
17 King
17 King describes itself as a wine-focused American bistro. Located across from the Plaza de la Constitución, it combines an upscale menu with craft cocktails, curated wines, and regular live music.
Current dinner selections include dishes such as seared scallops with lemon risotto, duck pappardelle, filet, ribeye, salmon, and pork chop. Shareable appetizers provide another option for couples or groups who prefer to sample several dishes.
Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar
Steak and seafood take center stage at Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar inside the Casa Monica Resort & Spa. The restaurant’s Spanish and Moroccan-inspired surroundings complement a menu designed for a more formal meal in downtown St. Augustine.
Selections can include prime steaks, seafood, pork, raw-bar choices, and an extensive wine collection. Its central location also puts diners near the Plaza de la Constitución, Lightner Museum, and other Historic District landmarks.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to experience these top St. Augustine restaurants for yourself? Choose from our selection of St. Augustine rentals to find the ideal home base for your stay!
Sainte-George Restaurant
Travelers may still see Sainte-George Restaurant mentioned in older St. Augustine dining guides. However, this restaurant at 1 St. George Street now operates as Latitude under the same ownership. The current concept focuses on Latin fusion and steakhouse cuisine.
The restaurant remains at the northern end of St. George Street near the City Gate. Its location and upper-level dining spaces make it an option to consider when planning dinner during an evening in the Historic District.
Final Thoughts
Fine dining in St. Augustine goes well beyond one type of cuisine. French, Italian, Peruvian, Latin, seafood, steak, and contemporary American restaurants all have a place in St. Augustine dining.
For popular restaurants, reservations are worth making in advance, especially for weekends, holidays, and special occasions. Menus and operating hours can also change seasonally, so check directly with each restaurant while planning your evening.
Book Your St Augustine Rental with The Ocean Gallery
A great dinner is even better when you have a comfortable place to return to afterward. The Ocean Gallery offers St. Augustine condo rentals with the space and conveniences families, couples, and retirees need for a relaxing coastal vacation.
Our team is committed to personalized service and helping guests find the condo that fits their trip. Book your St. Augustine rental with The Ocean Gallery and enjoy convenient access to the beach, historic attractions, local restaurants, and everything that makes St. Augustine a favorite Florida destination.
