Dinner & Show: 5 Hidden Gem Restaurants in St Augustine
Whether you’re a local who is tired of eating dinner at the same five spots in St Augustine or you’re coming to visit oldest city from out of town – this is THE local guide to the best unique places to eat in St Augustine.
This guide features some tried and true restaurants that are sure to please, followed by waterfront options and some truly unique off the beaten path options, for the adventurous.
Read to the end for a BONUS — where to take your date for a thrilling extravagant show (after your dinner) that you two won’t soon forget!
Picture this! You are planning a date night in St Augustine and you can’t risk for everything not to be absolutely perfect. You can certainly choose one of these tried and true restaurants, and rest assured, you will not be disappointed.
The Cordova Coastal Chophouse is a stunning Spanish and Moroccan restaurant in the Casa Monica Resort and Spa. An intimate dining experience with finely curated art, wines, and local ingredients. Any of their steaks are phenomenal along with amazing sides of crispy smashed potatoes, foraged wild mushrooms and charred broccolini. Their wine selection is one of the best in town! It is becoming a local favorite too.
The Columbia Restaurant in St Augustine is a two story building featuring Cuban flavor, where the wait staff make their famous table-side sangria and the 1905 salad right in front of you. The salad is made with ham and Worchester sauce and it’s a whole experience! We highly recommend the flaming Filet Chacho as your main course and a double espresso after dinner.
The atmosphere inside St Augustine’s Forgotten Tonic is mysterious, romantic and tucked away. It’s located away from the hustle and bustle of the main square off on Aviles St. It has a swanky feel to it and is known for uncommon dishes and unique takes on traditional selections.
Casa Maya in St Augustine offers a very extensive selection of tequilas to go with their diverse Latin inspired menu and traditional Mexican fare. There’s always live music which is such a nice compliment to a romantic dinner.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.The Floridian is the type of spot where everything is fresh and dishes are seasonal. It’s a modern health-conscious twist to traditional Southern cuisine. They are dedicated to the craft of farm-to-table food and have many vegetarian options as well.
Who doesn’t want to watch the little sailboats nodding by and the city bridge lights turning colors as you wait for your dinner? St Augustine is nestled right on Matanzas Bay and its waterside strip is bustling with amazing restaurants.
River & Fort really does overlook Castillo de San Marco fort, where you have an unparalleled view of the waterfront from their balcony and rooftop. The service is top notch and the steak there can be cut with your butter knife.
The outdoor seating at Harry’s is incredibly cozy. The restaurant is built inside one of St Augustine’s old houses and it feels like stepping back in time dining there. Harry’s is famous for their New Orleans style seafood dishes and signature must-have biscuits.
Saint is a newer Italian fine dining establishment, overlooking the river with incredible scratch-made pasta sauces. Their short rib Bolognese is a signature dish along with the 100-layer hearty lasagna. Saint has quickly become a go-to staple of St Augustine’s fine dining options.
For laid back and welcoming waterfront views, check out St Augustine Fish Camp. Located at the back of downtown, the restaurant boasts a gorgeous sunset view with golden hour light shimmering on the water. It has a relaxed atmosphere that’s a perfect complement to their seafood selections.
Are you foodies who love lesser-known dining spots with unique culinary experiences? We saved the best for last!
This is our weekly date night spot, sitting in the bar are with amazing service, excellent martini’s and wine and the best pizza in town. Shhhhhh don’t tell. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate. We have had almost everything on their menu and it is all fabulous!
Catch 27 is known for its very fresh, locally sourced seafood. The fish was likely swimming yesterday if it’s on their menu. Catch is very cozy and less formal, making it a locals favorite. Their staff is friendly and make some of the best cocktails in town. We love the relaxed atmosphere of their back patio and gardens. And yes, there deviled eggs are a must.
At Collage we love their Tenderloin Au-Poivre. Nestled in the heart of downtown, Collage is an intimate and romantic dining experience with a menu featuring fresh local seafood, steaks, lamb, and veal, all prepared with international flavors. The menu emphasizes original recipes crafted from scratch using high-quality ingredients.
The moment you walk into the gardens at Old City House your are transported to an Eden. Housed in a historic BNB building, this restaurant combines elegant dining and charm. The menu features a blend of Southern and contemporary cuisines, and the intimate setting is perfect for a romantic evening. Everything lobster is amazing. Service is excellent.
Whenever we are celebrating a birthday we have brunch at La Nouvelle. There Steak Frites are amazing as are their daily specials. Their wine list is outstanding and having their in house sommeliers guide you makes for an adventurous dining experience. Their orange dessert will blow your mind and taste buds.
After indulging in a dinner at one of St Augustine’s hidden gem restaurants, continue your enchanting romantic date night with a captivating theater performance at the Magic Hideaway.
Located within the historic Casa Monica Resort & Spa, the Magic Hideaway offers an intimate speakeasy style setting for a mind-bending magic and mind-reading experience!
From the moment you arrive there, you and your date will feel front and center to the magic and grandeur sleight-of-hand performances of the master magician Bill Abbott, and welcomed by his wife and hostess, Rebecca Abbott.
Booking Information:
Because of the luxury of an intimate setting, it’s recommended to book in advance due to the limited seating capacity.
Book Tickets To The Show
