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21 delicious restaurants in Fernandina Beach, FL

A bowl of pasta topped with grated cheese and chopped herbs is surrounded by seared scallops in a light sauce at Joe's Second Street Bistro in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The dish is served on a white tablecloth with silverware and water glasses nearby.
From a casual lunch at a beachside restaurant to a fancy dinner in historic downtown, here are the best restaurants in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

From a casual lunch at a beachside restaurant to a fancy dinner in historic downtown, here are the best restaurants in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Fernandina Beach has a surprisingly great food scene for such a small coastal town. There are waterfront seafood restaurants, casual beachside lunches, cozy downtown spots, and plenty of places worth planning a meal around.

I tend to plan my trips around food, so I had high hopes for Fernandina Beach. After eating my way around town, I found everything from fresh seafood and laid-back local favorites to nicer restaurants in the historic downtown district.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for somewhere new to eat, these are the Fernandina Beach restaurants I recommend starting with.

Best Restaurants in Fernandina Beach

1. Ciao Italian Bistro

Italian, Pasta

Ciao Italian Bistro, Fernandina Beach, Florida
Spaghetti in tomato sauce is topped with grated cheese and chopped herbs and served with four large meatballs in a white bowl at Ciao Italian Bistro in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The hearty pasta dish sits on a red table with a fork and folded napkin beside it.

Ciao Italian Bistro is my favorite place to eat in Fernandina Beach! This upscale restaurant specializes in traditional and modern Italian cuisine.

I recommend the classic Spaghetti Con Polpette Di Carne or the Tortelloni Con Porcini.

614 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

2. Salt Life Food Shack

Seafood, Beachview

Salt Life Food Shack, Fernandina Beach, Florida
A hand holds an orange tropical drink with a spice coated rim and pineapple garnish on a rooftop patio at Salt Life Food Shack in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Palm trees buildings parked cars and the ocean appear softly blurred in the background.

Salt Life Food Shack is a great Fernandina Beach restaurant right by the beach. They have a breezy rooftop bar where you can look out at the ocean while you eat, but you have to be quick to score a table up there.

They have sushi, poke bowls, tacos, and burgers as well as a bunch of refreshing mixed drinks.

I recommend the Caliche’s Poke Bowl and the Pineapple Mojito.

17 N Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

3. Cafe Karibo

American, Bistro

A toasted sandwich cut in half is served on a white plate with a pile of golden French fries from Cafe Karibo in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Slices of meat and melted cheese are visible inside the crusty round roll.
A toasted sandwich cut in half is served on a white plate with a pile of golden French fries from Cafe Karibo in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Slices of meat and melted cheese are visible inside the crusty round roll.

You can enjoy eclectic dining at Cafe Karibo. Their creative menu includes salads, sandwiches, and pub grub with flavors ranging from Greek to Thai to Cajun.

I recommend the “Brie”zy Day sandwich and the Karibo Burger.

27 N 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

4. Salty Pelican Bar & Grill

Seafood, Harborview

A po boy sandwich filled with fried seafood and creamy sauce is topped with a lemon wedge and served beside a large pile of sweet potato fries. The meal sits on a white plate on a metal table at The Salty Pelican in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
A po boy sandwich filled with fried seafood and creamy sauce is topped with a lemon wedge and served beside a large pile of sweet potato fries. The meal sits on a white plate on a metal table at The Salty Pelican in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

The Salty Pelican Bar & Grill is located in the heart of Downtown Fernandina Beach with a great harbor view. This open-air restaurant is one of the best places on the island to catch the sunset over the river.

Their food is great too, from classic bar food to fresh seafood.

I recommend the Seared Tuna BLT and the Gator Po’boy.

12 N Front St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

5. Beach Diner

Diner, American

Beach Diner, Fernandina Beach, Florida
A pita sandwich filled with sliced chicken melted white cheese and red onion is served with seasoned fries pickle slices and ketchup. The meal sits on a square white plate on a wooden table at Beach Diner in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

If you’re looking for a meal that will stuff you silly, then Beach Diner is your place! They’re open for breakfast and lunch only, and they serve home-cooked breakfast, salad, and sandwiches.

I recommend the Chunky Chicken Melt filled with chicken salad, mushrooms, tomatoes, and onions, which was as big as my face!

2006 S 8th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

6. Down Under Restaurant

Seafood, Waterfront

A fried seafood sandwich on a toasted roll is topped with lettuce tomato and creamy sauce and served with a large pile of French fries from Down Under Restaurant in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The meal sits on a white plate on an outdoor table in bright sunlight.
A fried seafood sandwich on a toasted roll is topped with lettuce tomato and creamy sauce and served with a large pile of French fries from Down Under Restaurant in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The meal sits on a white plate on an outdoor table in bright sunlight.

Down Under is located down under the bridge to Amelia Island and it’s one of the best places to get seafood in Fernandina Beach.

Enjoy oysters, crab dip, shrimp, fresh fish, and more while you take in the waterfront view. Keep an eye out for marina wildlife like a variety of birds, alligators, manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles!

I recommend the Fried Catch Sandwich and the Fried Calamari.

Intracoastal Waterway, Florida A1A, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

7. Sliders Seaside Grill

Seafood, Beachfront

Fried Shrimp Basket, Sliders Seaside Grill, Fernandina Beach, Florida
A basket lined with newspaper print holds fried shrimp hush puppies and French fries with a cup of coleslaw on the side from Sliders Seaside Grill in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The casual seafood meal is served on a dark tabletop beside a drink.

Sliders Seaside Grill is the perfect beach-side restaurant. They have two levels of indoor and covered patio seating as well as expansive outdoor seating just off of Main Beach. Outside, they have a playground and sandbox for the kids and a tiki bar for the adults.

On the menu, you’ll find fresh seafood, burgers, tacos, and more.

I recommend their Fried Shrimp Platter and their Lobster Roll.

1998 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

8. Cantina Louie

Mexican, Tacos

Three tacos filled with chopped meat and shredded greens are topped with radish slices and served with lime wedges and a side of red salsa. The tacos sit in a lined basket on a colorful wooden table at Cantina Louie in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Three tacos filled with chopped meat and shredded greens are topped with radish slices and served with lime wedges and a side of red salsa. The tacos sit in a lined basket on a colorful wooden table at Cantina Louie in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Cantina Louie serves a diverse selection of Mexican street food. You can choose from a menu of specialty tacos, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, and more. They also have a great lunch menu available on weekdays.

I recommend the Mexican Street Tacos and a Tropical Mojito.

960062 Gateway Blvd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

9. Cucina South

Fine Dining, Italian

Spaghetti in tomato sauce is served with several large meatballs and topped with shaved cheese and fresh basil from Cucina South in Fernandina Beach, Florida. A piece of bread rests at the edge of the white plate.
Spaghetti in tomato sauce is served with several large meatballs and topped with shaved cheese and fresh basil from Cucina South in Fernandina Beach, Florida. A piece of bread rests at the edge of the white plate.

Cucina South is a fine dining Italian restaurant in Fernandina Beach with chef-driven creations that feature a mix of Italian-inspired cuisine.

They serve traditional Italian with Mediterranean accents and classics with a modern twist. Their cozy restaurant is perfect for an intimate date night.

I recommend the Cucina Caprese to start, the Marinara with Meatballs, or the Carbonara.

4828 1st Coast Hwy #1, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

10. Akari Sushi

Japanese, Sushi

A large bowl holds a colorful sushi bowl with avocado cucumber shredded carrots purple cabbage crispy pieces roe and spicy sauce from Akari Sushi in Fernandina Beach, Florida. A second plate behind it contains two rows of sushi rolls topped with orange sauce and served with ginger and wasabi.
A large bowl holds a colorful sushi bowl with avocado cucumber shredded carrots purple cabbage crispy pieces roe and spicy sauce from Akari Sushi in Fernandina Beach, Florida. A second plate behind it contains two rows of sushi rolls topped with orange sauce and served with ginger and wasabi.

Akari Sushi in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach has some of the best sushi on the island. On the menu, you can find both cooked and raw sushi rolls, sashimi, sushi burritos, poke bowls, and rice bowl dishes.

I recommend the Jaguar Roll and the Spicy Poke Bowl.

29 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

11. The Back Porch Southern Eats

BBQ, Southern

Barbecue platter with pulled pork from The Back Porch Southern Eats in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Smoked sausage. Two chicken leg quarters. Toast. Green beans. Macaroni and cheese. Potato salad. And sweet potato casserole served in small bowls on a metal tray.
Barbecue platter with pulled pork from The Back Porch Southern Eats in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Smoked sausage. Two chicken leg quarters. Toast. Green beans. Macaroni and cheese. Potato salad. And sweet potato casserole served in small bowls on a metal tray.

Fernandina Beach isn’t all about seafood; you can also get great barbecue at The Back Porch Southern Eats.

Formerly Captain Jack’s Smokehouse, The Back Porch specializes in southern classics with a twist, barbecue platters, and inventive cocktails.

I recommend getting The Trio to sample different meats, or their Shrimp & Grits.

960030 Gateway Blvd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

12. Mezcal Spirit of Oaxaca

Mexican, Margaritas

Pablo's Mexican Cuisine, Fernandina Beach, Florida
A glass pitcher and two large glasses hold pale yellow frozen drinks over ice at Mezcal Spirit of Oaxaca in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The glasses have red sugar rims and orange slices floating on top.

Mezcal Spirit of Oaxaca (formerly Pablo’s Mexican Cuisine, and now at a new location on Center Street) offers traditional Mexican favorites and some of the best margaritas in town. They also have a roomy patio for outdoor dining.

I recommend the Chimichanga and a pitcher of Mango Margaritas.

302 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

13. Wicked Bao

Asian Fusion, Street Food

Wicked Bao, Fernandina Beach, Florida
Three steamed bao buns sit in metal holders on a white plate at Wicked Bao in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The buns are filled with crispy chicken and creamy sauce. Spicy meat with orange pickled vegetables. And glazed meat topped with crushed peanuts and peppers.

Tucked away on the edge of Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, Wicked Bao specializes in Asian street food. Their popular dishes include bao, pork ramen, and kimchi fried rice.

I recommend trying the Bao Trio with Braised Pork Belly, Bulgogi Beef, and Buttermilk Fried Chicken Baos so you can try a variety.

232 N 2nd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

14. Tasty’s Fresh Burgers

Burgers, Milkshakes

A hand holds a chocolate milkshake in a clear cup labeled
A hand holds a chocolate milkshake in a clear cup labeled

Tasty’s Fresh Burgers opened in Fernandina Beach to provide the community with a budget, family-friendly dining spot. They’re known for their burgers, hot dogs, fries, and shakes.

I recommend the Tasty’s Melt and a Hershey’s Chocolate Milkshake.

710 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

15. Hana Sushi

Japanese, Sushi

Two black takeout trays hold fried dumplings with dipping sauce and assorted sushi rolls topped with orange sauce from Hana Sushi in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Pickled ginger wasabi shredded vegetables and parsley garnish fill the remaining space.
Two black takeout trays hold fried dumplings with dipping sauce and assorted sushi rolls topped with orange sauce from Hana Sushi in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Pickled ginger wasabi shredded vegetables and parsley garnish fill the remaining space.

Hana Sushi serves sushi and traditional Japanese dishes in this small, simple cafe. They also offer Bento Boxes, fried rice dishes, noodle dishes, and sushi bowls or sushi burritos.

I recommend their Spicy Tuna and Spicy Yellowtail rolls with their pan-friend Gyoza.

4465, 1930 S 14th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

16. The Sandbar & Kitchen

Seafood, Beachfront

Two cocktails sit on a wooden ledge overlooking a busy sports bar with multiple televisions and rows of bottles at The Sandbar & Kitchen in Fernandina Beach, Florida. One drink is pale with lime and orange slices and the other is pink with an orange wedge and cherry.
Two cocktails sit on a wooden ledge overlooking a busy sports bar with multiple televisions and rows of bottles at The Sandbar & Kitchen in Fernandina Beach, Florida. One drink is pale with lime and orange slices and the other is pink with an orange wedge and cherry.

Enjoy oceanfront dining at The Sandbar & Kitchen. The Sandbar menu offers plenty of seafood options, burgers, wood fire pizza, and more either indoors or out on their patio and beach seating.

Take advantage of their weekly lunch specials, happy hours, live music, and trivia events.

I recommend their Shrimp Platter and the Sandbar Hurricane or their house Sangria.

2910 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

17. T-Ray’s Burger Station

Burgers, Breakfast & Lunch

A cheeseburger on a sesame seed bun is served with thick cut potato wedges in a white foam takeout container from T-Ray's Burger Station in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Melted cheese and the beef patty are visible beneath the bun.
A cheeseburger on a sesame seed bun is served with thick cut potato wedges in a white foam takeout container from T-Ray's Burger Station in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Melted cheese and the beef patty are visible beneath the bun.

T-Ray’s Burger Station is a local favorite set in an old garage turned diner. It’s been listed by USA Today as one of the 50 Best Burger Joints in America.

Their menu is simple, offering only breakfast and lunch, and so are their burgers. But it’s probably the best burger you’ll find on Amelia Island.

I recommend their Big T Burger Combo with Cheese and Bacon added.

202 S 8th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

18. The Loop Restaurant

Burgers, Pizza

The Loop Restaurant, Fernandina Beach, Florida
A cheeseburger with melted white cheese sits in a metal basket beside lettuce tomato red onion and thick potato chips. The meal is served on teal and white checkered paper from The Loop Restaurant in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

The Loop Restaurant serves up delicious pizza, burgers, and shakes, but they are also dedicated to serving their community by supporting local charities, schools, and organizations.

I recommend splitting their Meat Market pizza, topped with sausage, pepperoni, beef, and bacon. Or getting literally any of their burgers. Finish off your meal with an Oreo milkshake.

869 Sadler Rd # 1, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

19. OPS Pizza Kitchen & Café

Italian, Pizza

One plate holds a baked pasta dish covered in tomato sauce and melted cheese with two slices of garlic bread from OPS Pizza Kitchen & Café in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Beside it a large golden calzone is served with a cup of marinara sauce.
One plate holds a baked pasta dish covered in tomato sauce and melted cheese with two slices of garlic bread from OPS Pizza Kitchen & Café in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Beside it a large golden calzone is served with a cup of marinara sauce.

OPS Pizza Kitchen & Café serves classic Italian dishes, gourmet thin crust pizza, New York style thin crust pizza, flatbreads, and absolutely huge calzones. Take advantage of their daily lunch specials and daily dinner specials.

I recommend their Meat Lovers Calzone and the OPS Baked Ziti.

2030 S 8th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

20. Moon River Pizza

Pizza, Italian

Two large pizza slices sit on round metal trays at Moon River Pizza in Fernandina Beach, Florida. One is topped with sausage and ham. The other is split between pepperoni and a dark herb covered topping.
Two large pizza slices sit on round metal trays at Moon River Pizza in Fernandina Beach, Florida. One is topped with sausage and ham. The other is split between pepperoni and a dark herb covered topping.

Moon River Pizza is a funky pizza place serving giant slices of fresh pizza made with hand-rolled dough, freshly cut veggies, and stone-baked fresh for you.

They have a great lunch deal for two slices of one-topping pizza, or you can choose from their eclectic specialty pizzas that are loaded with toppings.

I recommend playing with their broad offering of toppings like Sliced Meatballs and Pesto to create a pizza you wouldn’t get anywhere else.

925 S 14th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

21. 4th Street Deli & Salads

Sandwiches, Deli

A toasted sandwich filled with sliced turkey bacon lettuce and tomato sits open on foil in a metal basket at 4th St. Deli & Salads in Fernandina Beach, Florida. A second sandwich half rests behind it on a wooden table.
A toasted sandwich filled with sliced turkey bacon lettuce and tomato sits open on foil in a metal basket at 4th St. Deli & Salads in Fernandina Beach, Florida. A second sandwich half rests behind it on a wooden table.

4th Street Deli & Salads is Fernandina Beach’s original sandwich shop.

They have classic deli sandwiches stuffed with meats and cheeses as well as unique salads that you may not have tried before, like kale and mango, bok choy kimchi, or green beans and Portobello in soy dressing.

I recommend their Turkey & Bacon sandwich or the 4th Street Deli Club.

3 N 4th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Fernandina Beach Restaurants Map

Ready to explore all these delicious restaurants in Fernandina Beach, Florida? Use the map below to help plan out your next meal!

I hope you found this guide to the best restaurants in Fernandina Beach helpful! Have a great time eating your way around Amelia Island!

Where to Stay in Fernandina Beach, Florida

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Fernandina Beach, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.

More Things To Do in Fernandina Beach

Just can’t get enough of this coastal Florida town? Check out these other Fernandina Beach itineraries.

Ready to visit Fernandina Beach, Florida? Plan your trip with these tips.

Cheers!

Paige

Irresistible Restaurants in Fernandina Beach, Florida
Irresistible Restaurants in Fernandina Beach, Florida

What are your favorite restaurants in Fernandina Beach, Florida? Let me know in the comments!

The post 21 Delicious Restaurants in Fernandina Beach, FL appeared first on Paige Minds The Gap.

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