By Last Updated on May 29, 2023
Where to eat on Amelia Island? We’re glad you asked!
Having lived here since 2012, we’ve seen countless restaurants come and go while developing a list of our favorites for pizza, steak, Mexican and more. So, we’re bringing you the best restaurants in Amelia Island…according to locals who eat out probably far too often!
Enjoy!
And always check hours, as they change frequently. We do our best to keep this updated, but we’ve provided links to restaurant websites (when available) so you can double-check the latest hours and menus.
Breakfast
Looking for the best breakfast on Amelia Island? Check out these options:
Straightforward breakfast favorites – pancakes, bacon and eggs – reasonably priced. Outdoor seating available.
2006 S 8th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 310-3750
6 AM – 2 PM daily
Outdoor seating available
The best service on an Island renowned for poor service. Family-friendly, budget-friendly diner with good food.
2120 Sadler Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 261-6277
7 AM – 2 PM Tuesday through Saturday, 8 AM – 2 PM Sunday, closed Monday
Outdoor seating varies from none to a few tables on the sidewalk
Located in a tiny house downtown with a charming courtyard, Garden Street Bistro cooks out of a residential sized kitchen which can back up the service quickly. Arrive early or late. The pancakes are exceptional.
105 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 432-7027
8 AM – 3 PM Wednesday through Monday, closed Tuesday
Outdoor seating available
Sliders Seaside Grill & Tortuga Jack’s
Great ambiance and location, so-so food.
1998 South Fletcher Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-277-6652
11 AM – 9 PM Sunday through Thursday, 11 AM – 10 PM Friday and Saturday, closed Monday
Breakfast: upstairs at Tortuga Jack’s available Wednesday-Monday from 6 AM – 11:45 AM except Sunday 6 AM – 12:30 PM
Outdoor seating available (the best breakfast view on the island!)
An expanding southern chain which started in Atlanta, Bantam + Biddy offers hearty breakfast favorites with lunch as well. Pancakes and biscuits stand out.
4802 1st Coast Hwy #470, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (By Harris Teeter)
(904) 844-2953
8 AM – 3 PM Monday and Wednesday, 8 AM – 8 PM Thursday and Sunday, 8 AM – 9PM Friday and Saturday, closed Tuesday
Outdoor seating available
Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island – Coast
A worthy splurge of omelet’s, pancakes, sausage, bacon, fresh fruit and more for special occasions. $30.
4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Fernandina Beach, 32034
904-277-1100
Breakfast served daily from 6 AM – 10 AM; lunch and dinner also served
Outdoor seating available
Damn good bagels and bagel sandwiches. You’ll be surprised.
432 S. 8th Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-432-8934
6:30 AM – 2 PM daily
Outdoor seating limited to two high-top tables with two seats each
Pizza
Amelia Island surprisingly offers a half dozen pizza restaurants worth a visit. We’ve ranked them all in detail in another post.
Mexican
There are a few Mexican restaurants on Amelia Island worth checking out:
Pepper’s Cocina Mexicana and Tequila Bar
A tourist’s favorite also frequented by locals, Pepper’s serves up the good, not great, “Mexican” food you’d expect to find anywhere in America and not be disappointed or blown away.
530 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 277-2011
11 AM – 10 PM Monday through Saturday, 11 AM – 9 PM Sunday
Outdoor seating available
The Sunday tamale special is outstanding! The rest is ok.
960062 Gateway Blvd., Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034
(904) 310-9675
11 AM – 10 PM Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM – 9 PM Sunday and Monday
Outdoor seating available
Our favorite Mexican restaurant on the Island! The stuffed poblano pepper is outstanding, as are the margaritas!
12 N 2nd Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (although they’re building a new location on Centre Street in 2022)
(904) 261-0049
Tuesday-Sunday 12 PM – 10 PM
Outdoor seating available
22 S 8th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 261-2844
Monday-Saturday 9 AM – 8 PM
A handful of tables are available here inside of a Mexican grocery store.
Salvadorian pupusa – thick corn tortillas stuffed with varying ingredients – are worth a try. They’re only served on Saturdays.
Italian
For Italian on Amelia Island head to our favorite:
Standard Italian favorites – Caprese salad, chicken parmesan, fettuccini alfredo – done well. Good service, good ambiance, always an enjoyable experience.
4828 1st Coast Hwy #1, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 432-7920
5 PM – 8 PM Tuesday through Thursday, 5 PM – 8:30 PM Friday – Sunday, closed Monday
Outdoor seating available
Bar Food
For the best bar food on Amelia Island:
The Tavern by AIBC (Amelia Island Brewing Company)
Hit or miss since its opening in 2016. As of this writing, it’s hitting. The pretzel appetizer could be served with pride anywhere in the country, the burgers and sandwiches are sizable and delicious, the beer brewed on site is improving and the craft seltzers are AMAZEBALLS! Worth a visit themselves.
318 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 310-6088
11:30 AM – 9 PM Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 AM – 10 PM Friday and Saturday, 11:30 AM – 8 PM Sunday, closed Monday
Outdoor seating available
This is where you head if you want a nighttime hangout or to watch a game. The food is decent too.
It’s located on the grounds of the Omni Amelia Island Plantation.
36 Amelia Village Circle, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Monday-Friday, 4 PM – 12 AM; Saturday-Sunday, 11 AM – 12 AM
Southern Food
For the best Southern food on Amelia Island:
As close as you’re going to come to a traditional southern meat-and-three on Amelia Island. Good breakfast, better than good lunch sandwiches. Inexpensive.
5517 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 277-6614
8 AM – 2 PM Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday
Outdoor seating NOT available
Ribs/BBQ
For the best ribs and bbq on Amelia Island:
The Happy Tomato Courtyard Café and BBQ
Diligence in tracking down its quirky courtyard location downtown will be rewarded with some of the best ribs you’ve ever had. Anywhere. Period. The rest of the menu is quality. The ribs are way beyond that – while they last. Go for lunch or they’ll be gone.
7 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 321-0707
11 AM – 4:30 PM Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday
Outdoor seating available
Pulled pork grilled cheese stands out among offerings that otherwise fall just short of memorable.
960030 Gateway Blvd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 310-3611
11 AM – 8 PM Sunday through Thursday, 11 AM – 9:30 PM Friday and Saturday
Outdoor seating available
Seafood
For the best seafood on Amelia Island, look no further . . .
Super-casual spot downtown with decent fresh fish, shrimp, oysters, fish tacos and hush puppies. Fast service, cheap, great for kids.
21 N. 3rd Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-310-6550
Monday – Saturday 11 AM – 8 PM; Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM
Outdoor seating available.
People go here for the oysters and sunsets. The view is better than the food, although the oysters are exceptional.
12 N Front St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 277-3811
10 AM – 11 PM daily
Outdoor seating available
This restaurant is more about its ever-growing merch brand than the quality of the food. Almost always crowded with tourists and overpriced.
17 N. Fletcher Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-432-7385
11 AM – 10 PM Sunday through Thursday, 11 AM – 11 PM Friday and Saturday
Outdoor seating available
Charleston Low Country meets New Orleans Creole in this delicious mash-up of regional cuisine. Quality fish and seafood joins outstanding steaks, beef and a dreamy fried chicken to make this restaurant a star attraction on Amelia Island. The best meal in town for the money.
4810 First Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 844-2634
4 PM – 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 4 PM – 10 PM Friday and Saturday, 3 PM – 9 PM Sunday
Outdoor seating available
Our tune has changed on The Boat House since it’s opening. We’ve dined there numerous times in 2023 and have found every entrée and cocktail to be outstanding. Tad on the pricey side.
The live music is a nice touch.
30 S. 2nd Street Amelia Island, FL 32034
904-321-1234
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM Tuesday through Thursday, 4:30 PM – 10 PM Friday, 11:30 AM – 10 PM Saturday, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday, closed Monday
Outdoor seating available
Located on the Amelia Island side of the Amelia River which separates the Island from the mainland, the restaurant shares space with a marina and is a primo spot to watch the sunset. Food and atmosphere are fish shack sold. Live music.
251 Creekside Dr, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-261-7447
Outdoor seating available
Steak on Amelia Island
Looking for the best steak on Amelia Island?
Old school Florida steakhouse where the menu hasn’t changed in 20 years. A homey local’s favorite for steak and fish. Amelia Island’s version of “Cheers.” Sadly, the quality of the food has declined since the Pandemic.
4919 FIRST COAST HIGHWAY, FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034
904-277-4503
5 PM – 10 PM daily
Outdoor seating available
The best steak and seafood on Amelia Island and you’ll pay for it. Worth it for a special occasion.
802 Ash Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 310-6049
5 PM – 9 PM Wednesday through Monday, closed Tuesday
Outdoor seating NOT available
People rave, but not the people writing this review. Find out for yourself. It’s spendy.
20 South 5th St, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034
904-432-7671
5:30 PM – until Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday
Outdoor seating
Cuban
Did you know there’s a Cuban sandwich controversy in Florida? The Cubans here are worth your time.
31 S. 5th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-206-1985
9 AM – 3 PM Thursday through Sunday, closed Monday through Wednesday
Outdoor seating available
Successful in Jacksonville, the Fernandina Beach location opened in 2023. I prefer this “cubano” to HOLA!’s. The sloppy Joe, however, is the star of the show.
122 S. 8th St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-432-8439
Tuesday through Saturday 8 AM – 6 PM, Sunday 8 AM – 4 PM; closed Mondays
No outdoor seating
Tapas/Spanish
No argument here to anyone considering España the best restaurant on Amelia Island. Always good food. Always good service. Always good atmosphere. Interesting menu. The only problem is how hard it is to get a table.
As soon as you can, make reservations – a week-plus in advance if possible.
22 S. 4th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 261-7700
5 PM – 10 PM Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday
Outdoor seating available
French
We only have one French restaurant on Amelia Island, but it’s a great one.
A worthy splurge for a celebration or special occasion. Everything on the menu is prepared exceptionally. Los Clos, sadly, is closed for renovations in 2023.
20 South 2nd Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034
(904) 261-8100
5 PM – 9 PM Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday
Outdoor seating available
German
While there was no particular demand for German cuisine on Amelia Island, the area’s only German pub and biergarten opened in 2023 and I’m grateful they did! Quickly becoming one of my favorite local spots, the menu is a treat for low-carb eaters thanks to all the sausage. Don’t worry, they have pretzels too.
Sunday brunch is offered, as is an extensive selection of German beers on tap hard to find in Florida.
19 S. 3rd St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-326-5307
Monday through Sunday, 11 AM to 11 PM – check out those late night hours! A rarity in this small town. Closed Tuesdays.
Outdoor seating available
Luxury Dining
There are a few options for luxury dining on Amelia Island:
Ultra expensive. Not ultra-memorable.
Skip a regular meal and sign up for one of Salt’s remarkable “Chef’s Theater” experiences which will have you rubbing elbows and swapping recipes with the property’s award-winning chefs.
4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 277-1100
Wednesday-Sunday, 5 PM – 10 PM
Eat Beachfront
Sliders, The Surf and the Sandbar are the only three restaurants outside of the Ritz and Omni complexes that offer beachfront dining, with the The Surf and Salt Life barely making the list with across the street peek-a-boo views.
All three serve mediocre food with mediocre service among crowds of tourists surviving only on their beachfront locations. As locals, these are generally a pass for us.
Sliders Seaside Grill & Tortuga Jack’s
1998 South Fletcher Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-277-6652
11 AM – 9 PM Sunday through Thursday, 11 AM – 10 PM Friday and Saturday, closed Monday
Breakfast: upstairs at Tortuga Jack’s available Wednesday-Monday from 6 AM – 11:45 AM except Sunday 6 AM – 12:30 PM
Outdoor seating available
3199 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 261-5711
11 AM – 8 PM Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11 AM – 9 PM Friday and Saturday, closed Tuesday
Outdoor seating available
2910 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 11 AM – 9 PM, Friday and Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM, closed Monday
904-310-3648
Outdoor seating available
17 N Fletcher Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Monday-Sunday 11 AM – 10 PM
(904) 432-7385
Outdoor seating available
Restaurants at Omni Amelia Island Resort
The Omni has a variety of restaurants, some of which are accessible to all and others that are behind the gates and require a reservation.
Our two favorites don’t require going through the gate:
This is where you head if you want a nighttime hangout or to watch a game. The food is decent too.
36 Amelia Village Circle, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Monday-Friday, 4 PM – 12 AM; Saturday-Sunday, 11 AM – 12 AM
Great sandwiches and lots of outdoor seating. Breakfast items including biscuits and gravy and egg croissant and biscuit sandwiches are served all day.
FABULOUS pastry offerings and treats counter!
87 Amelia Village Circle, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Monday-Thursday, 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday-Sunday, 6:30 AM – 9:00 (Steak Out with three kinds of steak available from 5 PM – 9 PM)
Restaurants at Ritz Carlton Amelia Island
Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island – Coast
A worthy splurge of omelet’s, pancakes, sausage, bacon, fresh fruit and more for special occasions. $30.
4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Fernandina Beach, 32034
904-277-1100
Daily from 7 AM – 11:30 PM; breakfast daily 7 AM – 10 AM
Outdoor seating available
See above under “luxury dining.”
What do you think?