19 Must-Try St Augustine Restaurants

As North Florida locals, Jenn and I find ourselves driving over to St. Augustine time and time again when our stomachs start rumbling. Whether we’re in the mood for a classic Southern breakfast at The Blue Hen Café or double-shell tacos at Mojo’s, we always manage to leave full and happy. In this St. Augustine Restaurants Guide, we’ve outlined our 19 go-to spots to eat in St. Augustine, from breakfast and lunch joints to bakeries and live music bars.

🏆 St. Augustine Restaurants Quick Picks

Lunch & Dinner in St. Augustine

1. Mojo’s Tacos

Mojo’s Tacos has quickly become our go-to spot for tacos and arepas in St. Augustine! We tried the fish tacos and two arepas (avocado and beef), and every bite was packed with bold, unforgettable flavors. The tacos were perfectly balanced, and the arepas had that ideal crispy-yet-soft texture that makes them downright crave-worthy.

A must-try is their famous Mojo Sauce. This signature mild hot sauce isn’t overwhelmingly spicy but has a tangy, vinegar kick that makes it seriously addictive. So addictive that Jenn couldn’t leave without taking the leftovers home, where it made the perfect addition to her breakfast the next morning.

📍 Location: 551 Anastasia Blvd #4572, St. Augustine, FL 32080
💰 Price: $10-12 per person
📝 Special Notes: Open Daily 9 am – 9 pm
🍽️ What to Order: Fish Tacos, Beef Arepas, and Avocado Arepas

2. Ice Plant

Nestled in the historic Ice Plant building, Ice Plant offers a truly unique dining experience compared to other St Augustine restaurants. The building’s exposed industrial features provide a glimpse into its past as an ice plant, and its convenient location next to the St. Augustine Distillery makes it a must-visit after a tour.

Between their consistently exceptional food that changes with the seasons and a notable commitment to excellent service, Ice Plant has become hands-down our favorite fine-dining restaurant in St. Augustine!

On their menu, you’ll find dishes made with only fresh, local ingredients, such as grass-fed beef, fresh seafood, and local produce. While you’re ordering, make sure to keep an eye out for their daily specials, weekend brunch, and vegetarian options!

On our visit, Elliot enjoyed the daily special, a delicious local flounder sandwich with fries, while Jen raved about the Green Herb Bucatini and Local Clams. The combination of the fresh herbs in the pasta with the salty and brimy flavor in the clams and the Pangrattato (Crispy Toasted Breadcrumbs) on top was out of this world!

This unique bar and restaurant also offers a variety of refreshing house-pressed juices and expertly crafted cocktails, so don’t skip over their drink menu! Elliot opted for a classic Old Fashioned with Bourbon, while Jen enjoyed the non-alcoholic Chaka Kahn. This creative drink menu adds yet another layer of enjoyment to one’s dining experience at Ice Plant.

3. The Floridian

The Floridian offers a refreshing take on traditional Southern cuisine in a charmingly Southern atmosphere. While perusing their menu, we loved seeing how they cater to various dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan, without sacrificing flavor or uniqueness—occasionally a challenge in St Augustine restaurants.

On our last visit, we decided to try the Catch of the Day sandwich and a fresh peach and shrimp salad to savor the local flavors. The peach salad was divine and the seafood was incredibly fresh and flavorful, without being overly greasy—a common issue with fried dishes.

For all you IPA fans out there, we found that practically all of The Floridian’s dishes would pair perfectly with one of their local IPAs. If you don’t know much about beer, don’t worry, we recommend you ask one of their servers for a recommendation based on your flavor preferences.

4. The Reef

If you’re looking for a classy St Augustine restaurant that offers fresh seafood with international wines and breathtakingly beautiful ocean views, The Reef is your place. This restaurant has an old-fashioned ambiance, fitted with white tablecloths and wood-paneled ceilings. The Reef makes the perfect setting for a romantic date night on the water or even a larger gathering with friends.

While renowned for its seafood dishes, The Reef also caters to a variety of tastes with their selection of meat and vegetarian options, such as their Short Rib Sliders and Grilled Cauliflower. If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’re sure to appreciate their extensive menu featuring both local and international wines to complement your meal.

5. Osprey Tacos

Tacos are one of our favorite types of food, so when one of our subscribers (local to St. Augustine) told us about Osprey Tacos, we knew we had to b-line it there to try them! All I can say is it did not disappoint! This taco spot is conveniently located next to Old Coast Ales, sharing its outdoor seating area, making it the perfect combo spot. Osprey Tacos had friendly staff, and the food came out quickly, which we really appreciated!

Jen ordered the San Diego and Baja Fish tacos, while Elliot ordered the Crispy Tofu, Brussels Sprouts, and Tempeh tacos. Their homemade sauces were delicious and elevated an already delicious taco to flavor town! Their sit-down seating is outdoors on picnic tables, giving a very casual atmosphere. Osprey Tacos may have just surpassed A1A Burrito Works for our favorite taco spot in St. Augustine!

6. A1A Burrito Works

A1A Burrito Works is easily one of our most visited St Augustine restaurants! This local taco and burrito shop is conveniently located in St. Augustine Beach and stays open every day of the week until at least 11 pm. They’re known for their UFO tacos, which are basically a better version of Taco Bell’s crunch wraps!

Their tacos are crunchy and juicy to the point where we always have liquid literally dripping down our arms! Pair a UFO taco (or two) with one of their authentic Mexican sodas and you’ve got yourself a perfect meal (in our opinion). Between their casual outdoor seating, flavor-packed food, and quirky atmosphere, it’s no wonder A1A Burrito Works has us coming back for more every time we’re in St. Augustine! In the dozens of times we’ve been here, it can get busy! We recommend getting there early or be prepared to wait for your order.

Breakfast in St Augustine

Check out our complete list of our Favorite Breakfast Spots in St. Augustine!

7. The Blue Hen Café

The Blue Hen Café, a St. Augustine staple since 2013, offers up a delightful breakfast and lunch menu. Located on W King Street, this cozy eatery serves up classic Southern comfort food like corned beef hash, BBQ pulled pork and grits, and blue crab quiche. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, their salads, sandwiches, and burgers are also worth trying. We also love them for their charming hen-themed decor, which provides a homey and casual atmosphere perfect for a satisfying Southern meal.

Elliot couldn’t resist trying the breakfast burrito with a side of pumpkin pancake. The burrito was packed with flavor, and the pancake had just the right amount of sweetness. Jen opted for the hearty Corned Beef Hash, which came with home fries, sautéed peppers and onions, two eggs, and a delicious biscuit with homemade peach butter.

Blue Hen’s menu is full of thoughtfully crafted dishes such as these, all with unique and delicious flavor combinations. On another lunch visit, Jen enjoyed the Black Bean and Avocado Salad with their homemade cilantro buttermilk dressing, a solid and satisfying lunch option.

8. Beachside Diner

Beachside Diner, a relatively new addition to St. Augustine Beach, offers a classic Northeast-style diner experience that is open daily for breakfast and lunch. Their menu features traditional diner favorites, including omelets, eggs Benedict, chicken and waffles, avocado toast, homemade corned beef hash, pancakes, and waffles for breakfast. In addition to their breakfast menu, they offer lunch options such as burgers, sandwiches, seafood, pulled pork, sliders, and stuffed meatloaf.

Elliot enjoyed The Classic Breakfast, while Jen opted for the Surfer Sarah omelet. Both of us were impressed by the crispy fried baby potatoes that accompanied Elliot’s home fries. Altogether, we loved the nostalgic diner atmosphere, complete with classic breakfast items, diner decor, and endless coffee refills.

Keep in mind that Beachside Diner can get quite busy, especially on weekends. We visited at 8:45 am on a Saturday and by the time we left, they had a long line out the door waiting to be served. Thus, we recommend arriving early to avoid a long wait. If you prefer, you can also order through Doordash or pick up your food.

9. Schmagel’s Bagels

Schmagel’s Bagels is a unique find among St Augustine restaurants, serving up authentic NY-style bagel sandwiches in a wide array of styles. You can choose from their breakfast sandwich menu, enjoy a classic bagel with homemade cream cheese, or even build your own creation with your preferred bagel type, protein, cheese, condiments, and veggies. What truly sets Schmagel’s apart is their impressive selection of bagels, ranging from traditional flavors like Everything and Blueberry to more adventurous options like Cheddar Jalapeño and French Toast!

We learned the hard way that Schmagel’s can run out of bagels early in the day, so be sure to arrive before 10 AM. On our successful visit, Elliot ordered the onion egg and cheese bagel, a satisfying to-go option for exploring St. George Street. The place was bustling with Flagler College students, a testament to its local popularity. Next time, we’re eager to try the Dirty Duval or a classic everything bagel with cream cheese as they seemed to be popular orders among the locals!

10. Ancient City Brunch Bar (Bourbon & Boards)

Ancient City Brunch Bar offers a unique and customizable brunch experience, allowing you to mix and match dishes like French Toast Sticks with a Yogurt Parfait or a stack of pancakes with thick-cut applewood smoked bacon. We found their food, service, and atmosphere to all be top-notch. And don’t just take our word for it, as they were awarded Brunch Restaurant of the Year in 2024!

We tried the spinach and artichoke quiche, accompanied by a side salad, and it was a delicious and beautifully presented dish! So if you’re a fan of artichokes, this quiche is a must-try.

If you’re looking to book a trendy and delicious brunch in St. Augustine for a larger group, Ancient City Brunch Bar’s customizable menu and overall ambiance make them a great choice.

Coffee Shops in St Augustine

11. Alms+Fare

Alms + Fare, a gluten-free bakery and coffee shop, offers a delightful array of nutritious and delicious treats made fresh daily. As a “Wellness Bakery & Cafe,” they prioritize organic, non-GMO, dairy-free, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened ingredients—as can be seen in the quality and flavor of their products.

In addition to their drinks and baked goods, they offer customizable smoothies, smoothie bowls, and sweet or savory toasts, which you can enjoy in their charming interior or at their outdoor tables. Open every day of the week, Alms + Fare is the perfect spot for breakfast or brunch plans.

Elliot opted for a vegan coffee cake, while Jen enjoyed a spinach egg muffin, although the display case and menu were filled with LOADS of even more tempting options. We couldn’t resist noticing their homemade ice cream cookies, so if you’ve tried them, please share your thoughts with us!

12. The Kookaburra

The Kookaburra is an Australian-inspired coffee house that opened its doors in 2012 at Cathedral Place. Due to their popularity, they have since expanded to six locations throughout St. Augustine! They offer a variety of specialty coffees, delectable baked goods, and their famous “Aussie Pies,” freshly made savory pies perfect for breakfast or lunch. Their baked goods selection changes daily, featuring treats like blueberry scones, pumpkin donuts, and apple fritter sweet bread.

On our visit, we enjoyed a Flat White and a Green Goddess drink, but we want to go back on an empty stomach to try their breakfast pies. We decided to enjoy our drinks indoors at their downtown location, but they also offer outdoor seating for those who prefer to enjoy their coffee, pastries, and pies al fresco.

Bars and Breweries in St Augustine

13. Dog Rose Brewing Co.

Dog Rose Brewing Co. is a vibrant craft beer haven that caters to both beer enthusiasts and those seeking live music in St. Augustine. With darts, shuffleboards, indoor seating, and a spacious outdoor patio, Dog Rose is the perfect spot to gather with friends.

While primarily a brewery, Dog Rose also offers a selection of wines and non-alcoholic drinks for those who prefer something different. And even though they don’t have their own kitchen, they regularly host food trucks on Saturday afternoons, ensuring there’s always something to satisfy their clients’ hunger on the busiest of days.

14. St. Augustine Distillery

Just steps away from the Ice Plant, you’ll find the St. Augustine Distillery, a fully operational distillery offering specialized tours and tastings. They have both a free tour and tasting as well as an extended tasting for $10 with their more premium spirits. Grab a group of your friends or family and learn about the spirit-making process from knowledgeable guides. Don’t worry about having to leave kids behind either, as the guides are known to offer enduring glasses of grape juice to kids.

If you’re looking for more of a sit-down experience, head up to the rooftop bar, where you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views and a unique ambiance, perfect for a romantic date or a catch-up with an old friend.

15. Forgotten Tonic

Forgotten Tonic is a stylish bistro offering a delightful mix of small plates, main courses, and expertly crafted cocktails. With a sophisticated atmosphere, upbeat live music offerings, and unique decor, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic date night, a casual gathering with friends, or even a trendy lunch hangout.

For those who won’t be drinking alcohol, Forgotten Tonic also offers a selection of thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic beverages that are equally as innovative as their other drinks, so don’t worry about missing out on flavor!

Sweets in St Augustine

16. Parlor Donuts

Opened in early 2023 by three local owners, Parlor Donuts is located on A1A just south of St. Augustine Beach. Although primarily visited by locals, this donut shop should be visited by more travelers as they make their donuts fresh, all day every day.

We shared the French Toast Donut and loved its moist dough, sweet exterior, and good flavor. The donut was a layered donut, which is different than the typical cake or yeast-based donut, which we loved! Parlor Donuts also offers vegan, keto, and gluten-free options as well as doggie donuts for our four-legged friends.

17. Peace Pie

Peace Pie is an ice cream lover’s paradise, offering artisan ice cream sandwiches, as well as other ice cream concoctions, in an array of delightful flavors. A must-visit for both kids and adults, this charming shop is located just a short stroll from both Harbormaster Park and Plaza de la Constitución.

When we went, Elliot ordered a classic ice cream sandwich, and on a second visit, we shared a THICK banana split ice cream. Both of these treats were the perfect post-lunch treat! The workers were lovely, and we appreciated how generous they were with the portion of the banana split, which was the perfect size for us to share. Although they offer some seating inside as well as in the front of the shop, there’s also the option to enjoy your sweet treats a short walk away on a bench in Plaza de la Constitución or by the water in Harbormaster Park.

Bakeries in St. Augustine

18. Les Petits Pleasures French Bakery and Patisserie

Les Petits Pleasures is a quaint French bakery with a European feel, serving up mouthwatering pastries and sandwiches. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted with the most perfect-looking case full of classic croissants, chocolate-glazed eclairs, and blueberry tarts—it almost feels like you’ve been transported straight to Paris. Their baked goods are phenomenal and are truly the best in St. Augustine.

Their shop offers ample indoor seating, making it easy to order at the bar and then find a comfortable spot to enjoy your sweet treats, coffees, or even savory sandwiches. Before heading out, we also recommend grabbing one of Les Petits Pleasures’ sourdough bread to go, in true European style.

19. Luli’s Cupcakes

Indulge your sweet tooth at Luli’s Cupcakes, a charming bakery nestled in a quaint yellow house in downtown St. Augustine. Known for their generously sized, moist, and flavorful cupcakes topped with luscious icing, Luli’s is a must-visit for any dessert lover.

In addition to their signature cupcakes, they also offer a tempting array of brownies, cookies, and Tiramisus. And if you’re in the mood for something savory, Luli’s Cupcakes serves English muffins, bagel sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and avocado toasts, among other delicious breakfast items!

🗺️ Map of St Augustine Restaurants

How to use this map: We have saved the locations from this guide on this map. You can save this map to your Google Maps by pressing the star icon. In your Google Maps, click the menu icon and then Saved Maps, where this map will appear.

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