Eating Scene
 
  Amelia Island has many dining establishments featuring everything from world cuisine to casual dining fare to local seafood.  
29 South ~ This eclectic bistro has it all; great ambiance, fantastic food, an extensive wine list and reasonable prices. The menu can best be described as traditional world cuisine with modern, whimsical twist, where award-winning executive chef and owner Scotty Schwartz paints a playground for the palette. Choose from entrees including: lobster corn dogs with spicy horseradish ketchup spiked with ketel one vodka, seared scallops on green tea smoked thai curry nage topped with crispy calamari straws, and sweet tea brined smithfield farm pork chop on macaroni gratin with warm blackberry preserves. 29 South also features grilled pizzas, sandwiches, and nightly specials. 29 South Third Street, Historic Downtown, 277-7919, www.29southrestaurant.com • Read a review!

Beech Street Grill ~ This restaurant has won awards for its wine list and has been selected often as one of the 25 best restaurants in the area. It features an outstanding seafood selection including seared tuna, herb roasted sea bass and swordfish piccata prepared in New American style. 277-3662. 801 Beech Street. Open seven days. www.beechstreetgrill.com • Read a review!

Bonito Grill and Sushi ~ Bonito Grill & Sushi offers guests a unique dining experience with an “East meets West” fusion cooking style. Enjoy miso-rubbed Chilean Sea Bass, black bean & garlic Maine lobster, hoisin citrus glazed salmon, or one of our chef's daily fusion specials. Dine in the casual sushi bar area, or for a more elegant evening, select from our extensive wine list and indulge in the experience of our warm, contemporary dining room. Monday through Saturday, join us for lunch, and try Bonito’s popular Bento lunch box. Our full bar, eclectic menu, and unique atmosphere will provide a new twist to your normal lunch or dinner routine. 614 Centre St. 261-0508. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, Sat. 12:00-2:30pm, Dinner: 7 days, 5:30-9:30pm V/MC/AE. www.bonitogrillandsushi.com • Read a review!

Brett’s Waterway Cafe ~ The only restaurant on the island where you can dine overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, Brett’s offers a wide choice of seafood, chicken and beef with daily specials both at lunch and dinner. The view of the water, the impeccable service and the refined ambiance will enhance your dining pleasure. The large rectangular bar overlooking the Fernandina Harbor Marina is a pleasant place to enjoy a drink. Open seven days. At the marina on Front Street. 261-2660. Open 7 days, Mon-Sat. www.brettswaterwaycafe.com • Read a review!

Le Clos ~ Located in Fernandina’s Historic District, Le Clos serves delicious Provençal dishes, by candlelight and music, in a charming, intimate, 1906 cottage. Patio garden seating available, weather permitting. Eclectic wine list. Monday-Saturday 5:30-9:00 PM. Reservations recommended. 30 South Second Street. (904)261.8100. www.leclos.com. D, $$$, B/W. Read a review!

Crab Trap ~ Nautical decor and friendly service makes for a casual, relaxing atmosphere. Dinner daily offers seafood—fried, grilled, broiled, or blackened—as well as steaks, chicken and oysters year round. Entrees $8.95 - $18.95. Call for seasonal hours. Beer, wine, and cocktails. Family owned and operated since 1979. 31 N 2nd Street, 261-4749. V/MC/D. Read a review!

España ~ Featuring Old World cuisine from Portugal and Spain, España offers an intriguing menu in a comfortably elegant atmosphere in downtown Fernandina Beach. Owner/chef Roberto Pestana serves mouthwatering tapas like Grouper Ceviche, Portobello al La España, and Shrimp with Garlic, all served with España’s homemade bread. Entrees include a classic Seafood Paella, and a variety of fresh local seafood and meats. España also features an extensive wine list and an excellent homemade sangria. Available for private parties. Reservations recommended. All major credit cards. Open 7 days. 261-7700. 22 South 4th Street. www.espanadowntown.com • Read a review!

Espressos Cafe ~ Food offerings at Espressos are simple and light, refined over many years by discriminating palates and freshly prepared in the best Tuscan tradition. Enjoy Old-World wines from the star vineyards of Europe and coffees and teas chosen from the finest estates in the world. Espressos boasts an elegant ambience that mirrors Europe’s finest bistros and cafés. Located in Gateway to Amelia. Open Mon. to Wed., 8 a.m to 5 p.m; Thurs. to Sat., from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Available for private events at other times. (904) 491-9800. Major credit cards. B,L,D. $$

Gennaro's Ristorante Italiano and Pizzeria ~ Authentic Italian cuisine at its finest! Start with our Antipasto or our mussels with white wine or marinara sauce. Accent with luscious wine from our extensive selection.  Try our signature dishes, such as Chicken Marsala, Veal Cacciatore with fresh mushrooms, Shrimp Fra' Diavolo or Veal Piccata with lemon, butter, capers and white wine sauce. Complete your meal with "Chianti Classico" from Banfi.  Our delicious desserts include Caramel Fudge Pecan Cake and Raspberry White Chocolate Key Lime Cheese Cake. It's a dining experience to remember and relive often. Hours: Mon-Fri 4:30-9:30; Sat 11:30-9:30; Sun 3:00-9:30. 5 S. 2nd Street, Downtown Historic Fernandina Beach (904) 261-9400.

Gourmet Gourmet ~ Gourmet Gourmet is located between The Ritz-Carlton and AIP at the historical American Beach entrance, on the corner of Lewis Street and A1A. In addition to our fabulous selections of baked goods, appetizers, salads, & entrées to go, we also serve gourmet coffees/cappuccino/espresso with continental breakfast items & lunch everyday. A bistro-style dinner menu is served Wed-Sat 5-9 pm, with a full brunch menu on Sundays 9am-6pm. AE/MC/ V/DISC 261-8973. Mon-Sat 8am-9pm & Sun 9pm-6pm. Read a review!

Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro ~ Located in historic downtown Fernandina, Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro serves innovative cuisine in a relaxed, island atmosphere. Enjoy fresh seafood, game, and specialty dishes in a charming 1903 home, or outside in a New Orleans-inspired courtyard. Jacksonville Magazine Top 25. Extensive wine list available. Reservations recommended. Major credit cards. 321-2558. Open 7 days. www.joesbistro.com • Read a review!

Kabuki Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar ~ Enjoy the show as your chef, a master of the ancient art of Teppanyaki cookery, prepares your meal in front of you. Entrees of certified Angus beef, chicken or seafood include soup, salad, shrimp appetizer, vegetables, rice and tea. All entrees MSG free. Dinners from $9.95. Open Tues-Sun at 5:30pm. Closed Monday. 37-item sushi bar. Children’s menu. Beer and wine. Waiting list accepted. Amelia Plaza. 277-8782. Read a review!

Karibrew ~ Located on North 3rd St. just off Centre Street in the historic downtown district. It has a cozy interior with a funky, laid-back setting. It’s most striking feature is its naturally shaded outdoor dining patio. Great selection of sandwiches, salads, and soups for lunch. Tasty nightly fresh fish specials, theme nights (Wed: pad thai, Thur: curry), and live music in the patio most Friday and Saturday nights. Kid friendly. Vegetarian items on the menu. Open: 11- 9 Tue thru Sat; Sunday Brunch 10:30-2; Mon 11-3. Fresh-brewed beer available in the Cafe and in the brew pub—The Karibrew—located next door. Food prices are relatively low- lunch average $10 pp/ dinner $20 pp (generous portions). Read a review!

O’Kane’s ~ Whether you’re Irish or not, you’re sure to enjoy this pub. Genuine Irish cheer on tap with a wide selection including ales, bitters and stout, plus single malt Scotches, of course Irish Whiskey and just the right food to go with it–Irish Steak and Guinness Pie or Shepherd's Pie. O'Kane's has a lively pub in front and a spacious brick-walled dining room in the back. 318 Centre St. 261-1000, Open 7 days. Read a review!

Old South Yankee Gourmet Grocery Store ~ Whether you’re headed out to the beach or on your lunch break, Old South Yankee offers a variety of sandwiches including authentic Cubans, turkey club melts, chicken & tuna salads and Karen’s famous hummus & veggies. Lunches are served with cole slaw, pickles & chips every day from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. And while you’re waiting, enjoy samples of Old South Yankee seafood dips & cheese spreads, blueberry lemonade and a taste of our award-winning pies. 277-5609. Located at 1667 South 8th Street, across from the Island Carwash. Read a review!

PLAE ~ PLAE has just opened here on Amelia Island to rave reviews from the local clientele and visitors alike. PLAE raises dining on Amelia Island to new levels. PLAE (People Laughing and Eating) has crossed into unknown territory with a brilliant and seductive atmosphere that accompanies an incomparable menu. Both the menu and the lounge are classic, with exciting twists and unexpected elements that tantalize all appetites. Make PLAE a must on your “to do” list. Located at The Spa & Shops at Amelia Island Plantation. 277-2132. www.plaefl.net • Read a review!

Sliders Seaside Grill ~ The Caribbean has come to Amelia Island! Slider's offers fun dining for the whole family! Exotic seafood and steaks served to order are the specials of the house. Enjoy a beautiful oceanfront view inside, or on the patio, located steps from the beach. Open daily for lunch and dinner. 1998 S. Fletcher Ave. at Sadler Rd. (next to the roundabout). 277-6652. Read a review!

The Surf ~ Dine indoors or out on the huge, oceanview deck. The extensive menu features delicious steaks, fresh fish, oysters, shrimp and nightly specials. Also featuring sandwiches, burgers, seafood baskets and our famous all-you-can-eat wing specials (Wed. & Sun.). Take out available. Open daily from 11am until late. 29 TVs throughout. Full service bar. Live entertainment every night and weekend afternoons. 3199 S. Fletcher Ave. 261-5711. www.thesurfonline.com • Read a review!

The Verandah ~ Charmingly casual with today’s freshest seafood…The Verandah alone is worth a trip to Amelia. Sample specially prepared delicacies from the sea as well as grilled New York strip, pan-roasted free-range chicken, grilled pork tenderloin and more! Set among the live oaks of Racquet Park, views are splendid and the service is even better. Dinner nightly, 5:30pm-9pm. Amelia Island Plantation, 6800 First Coast Hwy. Reservations, 321-5050. www.aipfl.com • Read a review!
 
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