25 Irresistible Restaurants in Fernandina Beach, Florida (2024)

From a casual lunch at a beachside restaurant to a fancy dinner in the historic downtown district, here are all the best places to eat in Fernandina Beach, Florida. These irresistible Fernandina Beach restaurants will keep you coming back for more.

The Most Delicious Restaurants in Fernandina Beach, Florida

Indulge in these mouth-watering Fernandina Beach restaurants and bars.

1. Ciao Italian Bistro

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. Joe’s Second Street Bistro

Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro is an upscale restaurant located in a beautifully restored 1900’s home in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach. Their menu features fresh, local seafood, certified angus beef, and a unique wine list.

I recommend the Linguine With Shrimp and Scallops or the Roasted Rack of Lamb.

14 S 2nd St #4202, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

3. Beech Street Grill

Beech Street Grill is a fine dining restaurant that recently reopened in Fernandina Beach. They serve incredible seafood dishes and contemporary American cuisine.

I recommend the scallops with a mushroom risotto, and the three-layer chocolate cake for dessert.

801 Beech St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

4. Cantina Louie

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

5. Akari Sushi

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

6. Salty Pelican Bar & Grill

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

7. Captain Jack’s Smokehouse

Fernandina Beach isn’t all about seafood; you can also get great barbecue at Captain Jack’s Smokehouse. “Captain” Jack and his wife Sandi have competed against the best in the Pro BBQ Circuit, and they’ve brought their high quality, slow smoked meats to Amelia Island.

I recommend getting the Captain’s Platter to sample different meats and their Buffalo Chicken Wrap.

960030 Gateway Blvd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

8. Salt Life Food Shack

Salt Life Food Shack is a great restaurant 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

9. Cafe Karibo

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

10. Mezcal Spirit of Oaxaca

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

11. Wicked Bao

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

12. Down Under Restaurant

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

13. Tasty’s Fresh Burgers

Tasty’s Fresh Burgers opened in Fernandina Beach in 2011 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

14. Hana Sushi

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

15. The Sandbar & Kitchen

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

16. T-Ray’s Burger Station

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

17. Cedar River Seafood

Cedar River Seafood is a casual restaurant that’s been serving fresh seafood at its six family-owned beach locations for over 40 years. This is a great place to go when you want no-fuss seafood plates, and large portions of it!

I recommend trying all the standards: fried gator tail, fried shrimp, fried scallops, and fried clam strips.

2728 Sadler Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

18. The Loop Restaurant

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. Beach Diner

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

20. Area 51 BBQ and Grill

Area 51 BBQ and Grill is the only place in Fernandina Beach where you can try a unique combination of Southern BBQ and Korean BBQ.

I recommend trying the savory Beef Bulgogi or the Bulgogi Burrito with beef and chicken bulgogi, fries, kimchi, coleslaw, tomato, cilantro, and three different sauces.

510 S 8th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

21. OPS Pizza Kitchen & Café

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

22. The Palace Saloon

The Palace Saloon is the oldest continually operating drinking establishment in Florida. The building dates back to 1878 and the bar dates back to 1903. Local lore says that it was the last bar in Florida to close on the eve of Prohibition. The Palace Saloon now serves food — indulge in delicious bar food like burgers, wings, nachos, hot dogs, and sandwiches while you drink. They also have bottomless mimosa for brunch all day on Sundays!

I recommend trying their famous Pirate’s Punch.

117 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

23. Moon River Pizza

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

24. 4th Street Deli & Salads

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

25. Sliders Seaside Grill

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

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!

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

• Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
• Find Accommodation: You can find top beach rentals in Fernandina Beach on VRBO.
• Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.

Cheers!

Paige

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