Amelia Island is a foodie lover’s dream with so many great restaurants to choose from. From appetizers to entrees, seafood to steak, sweet to savory – Amelia Island’s eclectic dining scene appeals to everyone whether it’s a casual bite or an upscale meal.
Here’s a fun and flavorful A – Z guide highlighting culinary creations from restaurants around the island. Bon Appetite!
A – Avocado Tuna Tini
Where: Café Karibo
Cafe Karibo offers a light and refreshing Avocado Tuna Tini where cubed sushi-grade tuna and diced avocado are perfectly tossed in a ginger vinaigrette, served with a seaweed salad and crunchy sesame-wonton crisps. A delicious starter for sushi lovers and martini drinkers alike.
B – Bolognese
Where: Pogo’s Kitchen
For a rich and hearty meal, savor the Bolognese at Pogo’s Kitchen. This dish features a tasty meat sauce served over radiatori pasta and topped with a nutty grana padano cheese. It’s the perfect way to welcome in the fall season.
C – Caviar
Where: Salt at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
For an upscale experience, enjoy the finest caviar at Salt Restaurant. With options like Kaluga and Royal Osetra caviar, this is a treat for the most discerning palates, served with all the luxurious accompaniments. Amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean aren’t too shabby either.
D – ‘Dina Crab Cakes
Where: The Crab Trap
The ‘Dina Crab Cakes at the Crab Trap are what’s for dinner. Packed with lump crab meat seasoned with Creole spices and dressed with lemon, this appetizer is served with pickled roasted red peppers and remoulade sauce for a zesty zing.
E – Empanadas
Where: Hola! Cuban Café
Crispy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, the empanadas at Hola! Cuban Café come with delicious fillings like egg, ham & cheese; mojo pork; or spinach. They’re a perfect on-the-go snack, appetizer, breakfast, lunch, or dinner! We recommend eating them anytime… anywhere.
F – Steak Frites
Where: Burlingame
Classic and elegant, the Steak Frites at Burlingame feature a perfectly cooked steak served with hand-cut French fries, beurre noisette, caramelized onions, garlic, and a flavorful roasted garlic aioli. A must try.
G – Georges Bank Sea Scallops
Where: Indigo
Indulge in seared Georges Bank sea scallops – naturally sweet with a firm texture that caramelize perfectly in the pan. This dish is served with rich mushroom risotto, autumn vegetables, and a drizzle of truffle oil.
H – Hawaiian Omelet
Where: Garden Street Bistro
Get your day started the delicious way. The Hawaiian Omelet at Garden Street Bistro features grilled chorizo, cheddar cheese, and caramelized pineapple, topped with pineapple salsa and a drizzle of teriyaki mayo, offering a tropical burst of flavor with every bite.
I – Indian Curry Veggies Rice
Where: Wicked Bao
For a taste of something different, the Indian Curry Veggies Rice at Wicked Bao offers a blend of chickpeas, onion, carrot, spinach, and creamy coconut milk. It’s a vegan-friendly dinner option packed with savory goodness.
J – Jaguar Roll
Where: Akari Sushi
Sushi lovers, rejoice! The Jaguar Roll at Akari Sushi is a deep-fried eel roll stuffed with avocado and cream cheese, drizzled with spicy mayo, peach sauce, and eel sauce. It’s a perfect combination of sweet, and spicy.
K – Key Lime Dessert Cups
Where: Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop
Get your tastebuds dancing with Nana Teresa’s Key Lime Dessert Cups. This treat starts with a Coconut Key Lime Cookie Base and is layered with luscious Coconut Cream followed by a smooth Key Lime Pastry Cream and crowned with a light, tangy Key Lime Mousse. Omg.
L – Lamb Barbacoa
Where: Mezcal
For a flavorful and tender dish, try the slow-cooked Lamb Barbacoa at Mezcal. It’s served with a cactus salad, mild salsa, tortillas, and white rice. A perfect combination of rich, hearty, and yummy all melded together.
M – Bar Zin Mussels
Where: Bar Zin Bistro
If you’re in the mood for seafood, the mussels at Bar Zin Bistro are a must-try. Cooked in a sambucco and white wine butter broth, these mussels are silly good and deliver a tantalizing fusion of flavors you didn’t know you needed.
N – New York Strip
Where: Bob’s Steak & Chop House
Are you ready to sink your teeth into a 14oz New York Strip at the best steakhouse on Amelia Island? Bob’s Steak & Chop House specializes in prime cuts of meat and serves them with a signature glazed carrot and choice of baked, smashed, or skillet-fried potatoes. A steak lover’s dream!
O – Oysters Rockefeller
Where: Slider’s Seaside Grill
Oysters Rockefeller gets its moment of glory at Slider’s Seaside Grill. Fresh, half-shelled oysters are topped with sautéed spinach, Parmesan cheese, and garlic butter breadcrumbs, then baked to golden perfection. A classic seaside favorite at this classic oceanfront restaurant.
P – Paella
Where: Espana
For a dish that brings Spanish flavors to the heart of Amelia Island, Espana’s Paella is a winner with everyone. This seafood rice dish is packed with clams, mussels, shrimp, and more, cooked in a saffron broth. Chase it down with house-made sangria. Your stomach will thank you.
Q – Quesadilla Mexicana
Where: Pepper’s Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar
The Quesadilla Mexicana at Pepper’s is filled with char-grilled chicken, sautéed poblano peppers, red onion, mushrooms, and mozzarella. Served with rice and beans, it’s a hearty meal with plenty of flavor.
R – Rustica Pizza
Where: Arte Pizza
Pizza lovers unite! The Rustica Pizza at Arte Pizza delivers a flavorful combo of mozzarella, roasted green peppers, onion, ham, pepperoni, and gorgonzola cheese. It’s a white pizza that satisfies all your cravings of what a classic woodfired pizza should be.
S – Shrimp Basket
Where: Timoti’s
At Timoti’s, enjoy a fresh wild caught Shrimp Basket served your way—blackened, grilled, or fried. Each basket comes with crispy fries, tangy slaw, and golden hush puppies. Grab a seat at an outdoor picnic table for a relaxed meal the whole family will love.
T – Tuna Nachos
Where: Salty Pelican Bar and Grill
For a unique and fresh take on nachos, try the Tuna Nachos at Salty Pelican. Seared tuna is served over blackened wonton chips with seaweed salad, goat cheese, pico de gallo, and wasabi sesame seeds. Order this appetizer. Trust me.
U – Down “Under” Burger
Where: Down Under Restaurant
Head down under the bridge for a burger classic! The Down “Under” Burger is a juicy, fresh beef patty cooked to your liking and topped with crisp lettuce, tomato, onion, homemade dill pickles, and your choice of cheese. Served on a soft brioche bun for the perfect bite every time.
V – Veal Rib Chop
Where: Lagniappe
Lagniappe offers “a little something extra”. For a decadently delicious menu option, the Veal Rib Chop comes with wild mushroom risotto and grilled asparagus. Dine inside or under the twinkling white lights outside for a magical dining experience
W – Wagyu Beef Carpaccio
Where: David’s Restaurant & Lounge
Treat yourself to this luxurious Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, served thinly sliced with fresh garnish, olive oil, crunchy toast, and other sophisticated touches. Perfect for meat lovers looking for a light starter that melts in your mouth and is oh-so decadent.
X – unXpectedly Yummy Surprise
Ok… So there is no X dish (that I could find), but you’ll find plenty of unique bites all across the island! Try a chef’s special or something uneXpected at any of the island’s great eateries – like this delicious breakfast special from Beech Street Grill!
Y – Yuca Rellena
Where: 1928 Cuban Bistro
The Yuca Rellena from 1928 Cuban Bistro is a golden, crispy yuca ball stuffed with perfectly seasoned ground beef. With its crunchy exterior and flavorful, tender filling, this Cuban-inspired treat combines texture and taste in every bite.
Z – Zuppa De Pesce
Where: Ciao Restaurant
Ciao Restaurant’s Thursday night special, Zuppa De Pesce, is a hearty Italian seafood stew brimming with fresh fish and shellfish and served over a bed of spaghetti. This flavorful dish brings the essence of the ocean straight to your plate.
There you have it. The ABC’s of dining around Amelia Island!