St. Augustine Restaurants: Local Spots for Grub and Good Times

St. Augustine earned the No. 1 spot on Southern Living‘s South’s Best Food Towns list in 2019. How did the city climb to the top? Perhaps the fresh ingredients and local flair. Pair them with award-winning chefs and creative dishes, and there’s a recipe for success. Plus, foodies love this destination. So taste some of the best, and visit these St. Augustine restaurants.

St. Augustine Restaurants: 8 Options for Different Cravings

Collage Restaurant

For upscale dining in St. Augustine, head to Collage Restaurant in the heart of the historic district. One thing that makes Collage Restaurant such a hit is the staff’s focus on fresh ingredients. Many of which are locally sourced from growers and producers in Florida.

Open only for dinner, this hot spot provides a place for anniversaries, special occasions or date-nights. For starters, select from fresh seafood or tenderloins. Then enjoy salads, steaks, rack of lamb, chops and seafood. Each dish represents flavors from all over the world. A few favorites: beef tenderloin, lobster ravioli and chef’s selection seafood quartet.

Mojo Old City BBQ

Mojo is a growing name in Florida for barbecue. Since opening, the restaurant has added locations throughout north and central Florida. Even better, this barbecue joint serves different styles of ‘cue.

Mojo Old City BBQ is a pet- and family-friendly spot for lunch or dinner. Appetizers range from fried pickles to boom boom shrimp. Then try North Carolina pork, St. Louis spareribs, Texas hot links, jumbo sandwiches, or handhelds like burgers and clubs. For something extra, order a Southern platter such as Delta catfish.

Sunset Grille

Sunset Grille has ranked among the best St. Augustine restaurants for over 25 years. Not only that, but it has also earned accolades from local and national press for seafood.

Sunset Grille serves lunch and dinner. Both menus offer a selection of fresh seafood, traditional snacks, burgers, steaks, tacos, salads and soups. Entrees include shrimp platters, chicken and waffles, baby back ribs, and fresh catches. Additionally, Sunset’s grouper and New York strips keep people satisfied.

Cafe Alcazar

Located behind Lightner Museum, Cafe Alcazar offers cuisine in an elegant setting. In fact, the restaurant sits in what was once the world’s largest indoor swimming pool. Today, diners enjoy its historic charm and live piano music.

Cafe Alcazar opens for lunch and early dinner. Select small plates, soups, combos, and signature salads and sandwiches. Popular options include Alcazar club, hot ham and Swiss, and hummus. For hearty dishes, try blacken shrimp Alfredo or fresh catches. Cafe Alcazar also offers vegetarian options.

Pizza Time of St. Augustine

Craving yummy pizza? Look no further than Pizza Time of St. Augustine. This favorite ranks among the top St. Augustine restaurants for Italian flavors the family will love. Just remember to bring cash because cards are not accepted.

Pizza Time of St. Augustine serves homemade New York-style pizzas for lunch and dinner. Guests can order whole pizzas or by the slice, which suit those on-the-go. Pizza lovers also find lots of toppings, as well as cannolis, calzones and pasta dishes.

Casa Benedetto’s Ristorante

For other Italian favorites, Casa Benedetto’s Ristorante focuses on Sicilian cuisine made from scratch. In addition, many recipes have been passed down for generations.

Casa Benedetto’s Ristorante opens for lunch at noon and stays open for dinner. For lunch, try the pasta with red sauce or lasagna. Dinner brings starters such as rice balls or stuffed mushrooms. Then choose from a selection of pasta dishes featuring chicken, seafood veal and beef. House specialties include eggplant parmigiana and Grandma Betty’s manicotti.

The Back 40 Urban Cafe

This gem offers a selection of Tex-Mex, Caribbean and vegetarian options in one place. In addition, all ages are welcome to relax in this urban cafe located in downtown St. Augustine.

Come to The Back 40 for lunch or dinner. The restaurant serves burgers, pot pie, tacos, salads, sandwiches, wraps and quesadillas. Signature items include island bowl made with jerk chicken, a baked burrito smothered in cheese and Back 40 burger, to name a few. For something lighter, try the avocado and red pepper tacos.

Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille

Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille ranks among the best St. Augustine restaurants and has other locations in Florida. However, this location features bayfront views and historic charm – all paired with New Orleans style.

Both lunch and dinner menus showcase Southern favorites made with French and Creole influence. Appetizers such as bourbon balls and fried green tomatoes provide a good place to start. Then try Harry’s style chicken, jambalaya and she crab soup. Other favorites include French bakes scallops, Harry’s signature crab cakes and redfish royale.

Ready to savor these flavors? Book a St. Augustine vacation rental and visit these top St. Augustine restaurants.

Visiting with children? Try these St. Augustine kids activities for families.