The best part of owning a bed and breakfast in St. Augustine is the opportunity to celebrate so many special occasions with our guests. (Well, that and the free Maringria every night!) Wedding anniversaries, birthdays, new promotions, holidays…We’re always happy to share a toast with our guests to the most important days in their lives.
Which is why the question that we answer the most from our guests is this: “What are the best restaurants in town?” I thought it would be nice to keep a list of our faves, and here it is:
Collage.
This is a small but wonderful restaurant. Everything about it screams “special occasion”–from the nice wine list to the small intimate tables, to the pleasant but not overbearing service. Our favorites are the fresh black grouper, and the lobster ravioli. It’s worth leaving a little room to try their homemade ice cream.
60 Hypolita. 904.829.0055
Michael’s.
Chef Michael Lugo serves up international food with a flair–and his new restaurant on Vilano Beach has flair for days (his downtown restaurant moved January 2025). His recipes draw on his native Puerto Rico, and include local favorites, as well as the best beef in St. Augustine–mouth watering wagyu beef is always on the menu. No matter what you order, ask about his extensive wine collection…he will recommend the perfect pairing.
117 Vilano Road. 904.810.2400
La Nouvelle.
Speaking of Michael Lugo, his downtown French restaurant on Bridge Street fills a special niche in St. Augustine–fine French dining in an upscale location. Enjoy the spectacular Bouillabaisse (served with a lobster sticking up right in the middle) . Make sure you order the crusty French bread to sop up the broth!
102 Bridge Street. 904.217.8551
Llama.
If you’re looking for a dining experience that you will remember long after you leave St. Augustine, I recommend Llama on Anastasia Island. Llama is just over the Bridge of Lions, and a short drive from our inn. Chef/Owner Marcel Vizcarra serves up delicious meals with a pinch of Peru and a dash of modernity. Last time I was there, I had the ceviche. It featured the freshest seafood ever, served on a platter with a small pitcher of lime juice, cilantro, and limo peppers. You pour the marinade in your bowl and pickle the ceviche yourself. Interesting drinks too–my favorite is the one with an orchid that slowly opens in the glass just before you drink it.
415 Anastasia Boulevard. 904.819.1760
Lotus.
This unique restaurant with the open kitchen and creative pairing of French and Japanese cuisines is a must for any food-loving couple. Chef Barry Honan brings his skills to each plate, creating a delightful surprise of flavors, textures, and visual composition. Located in an old house just off of Route 1–this is a restaurant worth driving to (and it’s less than 2 miles from the inn).
56 Grove Avenue. 904.342.7621
Cordova.
The Casa Monica is a beautiful hotel, and its dining room is a lavish-over-the-top bit of Moorish excess. This is a dark, romantic spot, with plush seats and hidden corners–perfect for a special anniversary. I could make a meal of the warm bread, dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I also loved the sweet corn & datil pepper soup (which went great with the bread). Their menu changes seasonally–so be sure to check online for current items!
95 Cordova Street. 904.810.6810
So happy engagement-babymoon-new job-anniversary to you!! And if you’re celebrating something special, please let us know–we’d love to celebrate with you at our favorite bed and breakfast in St. Augustine! :)
List updated April 2025.