Florida is a constant surprise. It is not all theme parks and beaches. I never expected that exploring Amelia Island restaurants while in Florida could be so fun and delicious. Seafood is a main staple of this island just south of the Georgia border. Don’t skimp on dessert either though.
Amelia Island restaurants have international flavors marching in, young chefs creating amazing meals, and little taco joints that can save you a bundle cash wise, but don’t sacrifice flavor. Come along as we share where to eat on Amelia Island. You will find something the whole family will love, whether it’s your first or fifth visit.
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Weekend getaway to Amelia Island
Sliders, 1998 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Located right on the beach, Sliders is best known by locals for their key lime pie, steak and fries salad, grouper sandwich, crab cakes, fabulous fish and chips, coconut shrimp and superb tacos. Kids will love the massive playground they can hang out on while their parents enjoy their meal on the picnic tables. This is a spot that makes it easy to linger and relax.
Amelia Tavern Restaurant and Brewpub, 318 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. The Amelia Tavern is better for drinks and appetizers than a full meal, but that could be enough when you want to eat light during a weekend getaway. Definitely try to key lime martini and order one of the massive pretzels. The martini tastes just like key lime pie… but with a bit more of a boozy kick.
Timoti’s Seafood Shak, 21 N 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Great prices doesn’t have to mean cheap food. Every local you meet will ask you if you have been to Timoti’s, a little taco joint just off Centre Street. There is limited indoor seating, but most of the year you will be more than comfortable sitting outside. There is also a nice play set in the back for the kids to play while parents sit at picnic tables. Get the mahi mahi tacos and tuna poke bowl. You will not be disappointed.
Oceans at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. You can’t go to the beach and not enjoy fish tacos at one of the many Amelia Island restaurants. Oceans is located next to the pool at the Ritz-Carlton. They serve a trio of fish tacos that have just a little kick and are served with guacamole and sour cream to take away any lingering heat you might not be able to handle. The salads are enormous and great for veggie lovers in your group.
Salt at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Go to Salt if you are looking to splurge and get your money’s worth. Book a table ahead of time. If you can swing it, get the tasting menu. Try not to overload on bread, butter and the freshly infused salts that come to the table while you wait for your appetizer. Come hungry. You will be very full by the time you leave. Save room for dessert!
More great Amelia Island Restaurants
Amelia Island Coffee, 207 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. The best spot to get coffee in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida.
Beach Diner, 2006 S 8th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. A perfect spot to enjoy breakfast, whether you need an early morning pick me up or like to chow down on breakfast later in the morning.
Ms. Caroline’s Restaurant, 2120 Sadler Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. This little Amelia Island restaurant is located in a strip mall, but don’t let that turn you off. Quiche, cinnamon rolls, coconut cake and pumpkin cheese cake are what brings locals back again and again.
Sabbia Medditeranean Street Food, 11 N 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, FL 32034. When you need a quick meal with a Mediterranean flare, Sabbia will fill you up and get you back out exploring.
Tasty’s Fresh Burgers and Fries, 710 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. A burger place with great shrimp? Yup. That’s what we hear from the locals.
Pi Infinite Combinations, 19 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. When your kids just have to have pizza, Pi is the place to take them.
Hola Cuban Café, 117 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Cuban food comes to Fernandina Beach and the locals are so glad it did. The owners also run one of the only food tours in town. Pop in to check them out.
The Patio, 416 Ash St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Mediterranean dishes plus French crepes makes this a sweet little spot to fuel up while hanging out on the beach.
Green Turtle, 14 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. This is the bar you want to go to when all of the other bars are full and you want to hang out with the locals. The massive outdoor space makes it easy to meet up with friends and stay out late into the night.
Salty Pelican, 12 N Front St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. If you are looking for a Tuna BLT, the Salty Pelican is the place to be. This is an Amelia Island restaurant institution and the restaurant fills up quickly, especially on the weekends.
La Mancha, 2709 Sadler Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Brazilian food in Florida means great paella (always three different paellas to pick from) and the best flan. They also serve their shrimp appetizer in a pineapple, which adds a little more fun to your meal.
Lucas On Centre, 614 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Italian cuisine for the whole family… if you love Italian food that is.
Cucina South, 4828 1st Coast Hwy #1, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. If you crave spaghetti and meatballs you will want to pop into Cucina South. It’s what makes them a local favorite. Brick oven pizza is also a crowd pleaser.
Bar Zin, Palmetto Walk Shopping Village, 4924 1st Coast Hwy, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Bar Zin has a fabulous wine list, very well priced lunch and a great fish special every day.
Burlingame Restaurant, 20 S 5th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. The former chef of the Ritz Carlton opened Burlingame in a cute house where he is serving up fresh, seasonal seafood to locals and visitors.
Le Clos, 20 S 2nd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. When you miss grandma, head to Le Clos for a taste of the chef’s grandmother’s meatloaf recipe. Just make sure you save room for the flourless chocolate tort. Actually, save room for dessert at any of the Amelia Island restaurants you visit.
29 South, 29 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. This Amelia Island restaurant is known for its excellent service and food inspired by the island and southern roots. What does that mean? Pork chops marinated in a tea brine for three days served on mac n cheese and ribboned with berry compote. The chef is also creating flatbread specials with fresh farm ingredients. Save room for dessert! The Warm Donut is a hot custard with pieces of warm donut in it served in a coffee mug with mocha ice cream.
The Pointe Restaurant at Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, S Fletcher Ave, Amelia Island, FL 32034. Elizabeth Pointe Lodge is one of the best B&Bs on the island. Located right on the beach on the north side of the island, non-guests are welcome to eat at the restaurant for dinner.
Amelia Island Food Tours
Amelia Island Downtown Tasting Tour, 117 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, FL 32034. When you own one of the Amelia Island restaurants off Centre Street, it’s only natural that you will want to show off your favorite sips and bites around town. While Amelia Island Downtown Tasting Tour is much more focused on the sips, you will still get a great taste of the island. Join the Booze & Bites Tour, Mixology Tour, or even the Georgia vs. Florida Mixology tour to meet the local bartenders and learn the secret to their unique island cocktails.
Amelia Island Culinary Academy, 25 S 3rd St, Amelia Island, FL 32034. You are never too young to learn how to cook! The Amelia Island Culinary Academy offers cooking classes for adults and kids. They also offer a Chef-owned Restaurant Tasting Tour and a Farmers Market Tour & Class for adults (check website for class availability). Children can sign up for a morning sushi, pizza or pasta class. Better yet, sign your kids up for the Parent’s Night Out Children’s Pasta Class to sneak in a date night with your hubby.
Where to stay on Amelia Island
It’s not surprise that Amelia Island hotels offer some of the best ocean views, loads of accommodation styles and in-house restaurants. No matter your budget, we know you will find a place to rest and relax on Amelia Island, but here are two of our favorites.
Ritz Carlton Amelia Island, 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. The Ritz-Carlton is located on the south side of the island, giving you plenty of privacy to go with your luxurious stay in Florida. This Amelia Island hotel is everything you could want when staying at the beach. Each restaurant features local cuisine with local international flares. The spa is a must for anyone truly looking to relax, and the kids’ club gives parents the time to enjoy one another for a few quiet hours.
Residence Inn Amelia Island, 2301 Sadler Rd, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034. This Amelia Island hotel was recently remodeled and is conveniently situated in between the downtown area and the beach. The Residence Inn offers suites for families to really spread out when they are exploring Amelia Island with kids.
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Amelia Island Destination Guide
Amelia Island Hotels
- Omni Amelia Island Resort: Great resort right on the beach with free Wi-Fi and a pool on site.
- Amelia Hotel at the Beach: A traveler’s favorite. This hotel comes with free parking, breakfast included, and a pool.
- Beachside Motel: Recently renovated and one of the only beachside motels. Pet-friendly and guests will enjoy the free Wi-Fi and pool.
Looking for more? Search the best Amelia Island hotels on Booking.com.
Amelia Island Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals
- Amelia Island Condo, steps to beach: Sleeps 4 in 2 bed + 2 bath.
- Oceanview Beach Cottage: Sleeps 5 in 2 bed + 1 bath.
- Luxurious High End Home Across Beach: Sleeps 6 in 3 bed + 3 bath.
Appetizing photos. I loved eating in Amelia Island. Fun place to play, explore, and especially eat.
Your pics are awesome, the food looks soo good!