October 9, 2024
Photo Credit Above: Coquina
There’s something magical about dining al fresco. Does it somehow enhance the flavors of the food? Perhaps it’s just the allure of dining with a beautiful view or the ambiance created by lights strung across a cozy courtyard that we enjoy. Or quiet simply, it might be feeling the warm air as you sit in the shade of an oak tree as opposed to a cold, air-conditioned restaurant (although we do appreciate that AC on a hot summer day).
Whatever it is that makes outdoor dining so appealing, Amelia Island offers you a wide variety of al fresco dining options.
Lagniappe (A little something extra) combines the traditions of the French Creole with unique twists on Southern culinary staples using only the freshest local ingredients. Dine outdoors in their bricked courtyard for a special romantic evening.
Way back in the early 80’s, an old fish camp was remodeled into a restaurant Down Under the bridge. Dine on iconic southern seafood entrees with an ice cold beer or cocktail outside on the oversized deck and watch for dolphin, sea turtles, manatee and the sunset.
Located at the Amelia Island Marina, Kitchen 251 specializes in down home food with a cajun twist and offers up amazing waterfront views of the marsh and marina whether dining indoors or on the outdoor deck.
Nestled in a 1906 cottage in the heart of historic downtown, Indigo Fernandina promises an elevated dining experience of southern coastal cuisine and elegance. Enjoy a date night on their spacious outdoor patio no matter the season.
Enjoy a wide array of specialty menu items including poke bowls, fried shrimp, authentic street tacos and yummy burgers. Make sure you ask to sit upstairs on the rooftop deck where the ocean views are nothing short of spectacular. Get Salty!
The Boat House is a relaxed and playful dining environment with live entertainment outside on the patio, which is where you should sit. Share some shrimp nachos to start and sip on a glass of wine or one of their signature cocktails.
Dine on creative land or sea dishes served in a casual dining atmosphere at Brett’s. Enjoy the view from inside or outside as you overlook the Fernandina Harbor and marina on the Amelia River.
Located poolside and oceanfront at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Coquina is a dynamic restaurant focusing on seafood and coastal dishes inspired by the island’s Eight Flags Spanish heritage.
Slider’s Seaside Grill is the perfect place for multi-generational parties. With a gorgeous ocean view, a can’t-miss tiki bar and a children’s outdoor playground, there’s something for every age – including the diverse menu.
Dine indoors, on the patio, or at a picnic table with your toes in the sand at Sandbar Amelia Island where you get stunning ocean views along with a eclectic menu of seafood classics, homemade pizzas, and innovative dishes like Blackened Redfish served with cheese grits.
Burlingame offers fine dining al fresco. Chef Chad creates seasonally inspired, modern American food with a twist and the option of dining on the back deck takes this upscale restaurant to the top of our list.
Tucked into a small courtyard off South 3rd Street is one of Amelia Island’s best lunch spots. The Happy Tomato serves up some of the tastiest BBQ plates, sandwiches, and salads this side of Texas! Don’t foget the homemade cookie for dessert.
Located in the Palmetto Walk Shopping Center on the south end of the island, Bar Zin is a quaint little neighborhood American bistro offering both porch and patio seating with some of the tastiest food around.
If the lush, outdoor garden seating isn’t enough to win you over, then the traditional Spanish and Portuguese flavors at España will have you coming back for more. It’s hard to resist a pitcher of sangria and a table full of shareable tapas.
A restaurant with decor as eclectic as its menu, the ambiance of Café Karibo’s large garden courtyard will have you order dessert just so you can linger longer. And next door, you can extend your meal with a cocktail on Karibrew’s back patio.
With a name like The Patio at 5th and Ash, there’s no doubt this is a laid-back outdoor dining spot on Amelia Island. With an eclectic menu of seafood, chicken and pasta dishes, this patio was created for long chats with good company.
The Florida House, a historic bed and breakfast in downtown Fernandina Beach, is also home to Leddy’s Porch. Indulge on southern specialties like fried chicken or enjoy a lazy Sunday brunch in their picturesque courtyard complete with a mermaid fountain
Located at The Shops of Omni Amelia Island Resort, Marché Burette is a French-inspired market and deli. Dine on freshly made salads, sandwiches or wraps on the outdoor patio or covered porch overlooking the lake.
The Surf Restaurant and Bar has been serving up seafood favorites with a side of ocean breezes and live music on their deck since 1957! If you’ve been to Amelia Island before, you’ve most likely dined at The Surf.
If you are looking for a cute place to sit outside and dine on authentic German food, Hofbrau Amelia is the place for you. Their German beer and sausages are lecker (delicious).
Explore the full list of Amelia Island’s dining options.
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