May 24, 2023
Whether it’s fresh Florida seafood straight from the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, farm to table cuisine, or dining with an international flavor, you won’t go hungry during your stay here. With more than 90 distinctive restaurants to choose from, this small island offers a large variety for every palate and mood. Here’s a curated list of “Island things” for the foodie lover in all of us.
Deciding where to dine out can be challenging even for adults but when young children are involved, it can sometimes be downright frustrating. Luckily, Amelia Island is loaded with family-friendly restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Timoti’s Seafood Shak (pictured above) is popular with everyone. With fresh local and wild-caught seafood, favorite menu items include shrimp tacos, lobster rolls, seafood baskets and poke bowls. Dine family-style in a fun outdoor atmosphere. Parents can discuss the day’s agenda while kids check out the enclosed pirate ship play area. Sliders, located right on the beach, also has a playground set in sand and is a fun place for kids to play while parents enjoy the outdoor Tiki bar and live music.
Summer is all about dining al fresco, which translated from it’s native Italian means “in the fresh air”. With temperate year round climates, outside dining on Amelia Island is a great way to enjoy drinks and food with friends and family 365 days a year. The large patio at Cafe Karibo (pictured above) is surrounded by lush gardens, plants and trees adding a shady cool element in the warmer summer months. Dine on Spicy Thai Noodles, their famous Veggie Burger, or any of the deliciously eclectic menu items. The canopy of majestic oaks draped in Spanish Moss and twinkling lights make dining at The Patio at 5th & Ash a magical experience. Their diverse menu offers house made seafood, chicken and pasta dishes along with soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers. See more al fresco dining options.
With southern roots as deep as ours, it’s no wonder that many of our restaurants offer national as well as international foods with a southern twist. Inspired by the cultures and traditions found from Memphis to Havana and beyond, Pogo’s Kitchen (pictured above) specializes in delicious handmade southern cuisine that’ll have you planning your next visit before you leave. The grilled pork tenderloin with roasted carrots and chive grits is delish! Lagniappe, a Cajun French term meaning “a little something extra”, combines the traditions of French Creole with unique southern culinary staples. Start with an order of fried green tomatoes followed by the blue corn crusted catfish with pickled collards. Oh my. So good. David’s Restaurant & Lounge is a staple for a special night on the town specializing in steak and seafood with an extensive wine list and unique cocktails.
Amelia Island has it’s fair share of casual eateries, each with their own unique charm. The Happy Tomato, located in historic downtown, is truly the happiest of restaurants serving up mouthwatering barbeque, fresh salads, and deli sandwiches all in a relaxing outdoor atmosphere. Chef Richard Bolton will make sure you leave with a full stomach! If you’re looking for a funky and fun pizza joint, look no further than Townies Pizzeria where all pizza sauce and dough is made from scratch using the finest ingredients and fresh local produce right from their farm next door! Breakfast and lunch at iconic T-Ray’s Burger Station (pictured above) is a must when visiting Amelia Island. Located in a former Exxon service station, the menu is simplistic, eclectic and oh so good with everything from a fried bologna sandwich to some of the best fried shrimp you’ll eat anywhere. But, it’s their burgers that folks can’t get enough of and USA Today agreed by naming them One of the 51 Best Burger Joints in the US!
Find your Island Thing!
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