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, and 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. Both are pretty heavy, but 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. His recipes draw on his native Puerto Rico, and include local favorites, like the indigenous datil pepper, used on appetizers like grilled oysters, and pinchos boricua (grilled pork skewers). Michael’s gets 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.
25 Cordova Street. 904.810.2400
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 (the freshest seafood ever, served on a platter with a small pitcher of lime juice, cilantro, and limo peppers–you pour it on 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
Costa Brava.
The Casa Monica is a beautiful hotel, and its dining room is a lavish-over-the-top bit of Moorish excess (which is just the way I like it). 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, so that often distracts me from the main course, but I vaguely remember loving the sweet corn & datil pepper soup (which went great with the bread).
95 Cordova Street. 904.810.6810
Preserved.
Preserved is in a (preserved) Victorian house in Lincolnville. Previously used as a local grocery, the renovated building was moved in 2016 and is now home to a lovely upscale restaurant. Enjoy their house made charcuterie board, or one of the farm fresh entrees, like the cheshire pork chop, served with braised cabbage, apple, fingerling potatoes and a pommery mustard cream.
102 Bridge Street. 904.679.4940
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 February 2021