Exciting Changes to the Culinary Scene in St. Augustine, FL

by Kevin Howard

Here’s a fresh culinary update for St. Augustine's evolving food scene—a blend of brand-new arrivals, relocations, and innovative side ventures stirring up excitement for both locals and visitors.

Kingfish Grill

Closing its Yacht Club Drive location last month, Kingfish Grill is relocating to Cobblestone Plaza off SR‑312 taking over the former location of Black Molly Grill. To celebrate the move, customers are invited to bring a $25 coupon on their first visit to the new restaurant. The coupon can be found on their website.

The Floridian

After 15 years at 72 Spanish Street, this beloved farm-to-table eatery will cease operations at their downtown location on July 28, 2025, and will reopen at 485 Old Beach Road in St. Augustine Beach by late 2025 or early 2026. The owners, Jeff and Genie McNally, recently shared the latest designs of the highly-anticipated new restaurant (featured image for this blog). The building will be reminiscent of old Florida coastal cottages, with eclectic interior design and new infrastructure while still keeping The Floridian aesthetic, menu and vibes. The new design includes seating for 120, a wrap-around porch with outside tables, a side-yard garden space among the live oak hammock, and walk-up bar.

McNally Family’s Fresh Ventures

While The Floridian undergoes relocation, owners Genie and Jeff McNally are launching two new concepts this summer:

Bea’s Fine Foods + All Day Café at 9 Anastasia Blvd (former Gas Restaurant location)— Referred to as "The Floridian's little sister," Bea's will feature café-style breakfast, full-service lunch, coffee, supper and natural wines. Named after Genie's grandmother, Bea's will be a fun, fresh and inventive take on some of her favorite things.
Jefe’s Fish Wagon—inspired by the backroad fish camps and seafood shacks stretching along the southeast coast, Jefe's Fish Wagon features fully customizable burritos and sandwiches served up from their brand new food truck. Diners can choose their protein, setup (burrito, sandwich, salad or bowl), sides and extras. The food truck will be located at Hornski's Brewing Co., located at 100 Anastasia Blvd.

New Addition to Downtown

The French Pantry and Little Miss Ha have opened at 36 Grenada Street in downtown St. Augustine, which was the former location of Pot Belly's Movie Theater. Newly renovated, 36 Grenada Street is quickly becoming the go-to spot for French and Vietnamese cuisine.

The French Pantry, established in 1995 by culinary experts Tim and Barbara Felver, is renowned for its freshly baked breads, gourmet sandwiches, and decadent desserts. Unlike their Jacksonville location, the St. Augustine restaurant will serve lunch and dinner in addition to breakfast.

When deciding to open a location in St. Augustine, Barabara Felver partnered with her dear friend who owned Little Miss Ha in Charleston, SC, to create what is now a duel restaurant location at 36 Grenada Street. One side of the building is serving delicious French cuisine, while the other has fresh Vietnamese food originating from the owner's mom's kitchen. The building also features a dedicated space for private cooking classes and a speak easy serving unique cocktails and tapas.

Iconic Transition: Gypsy Cab → Purple Olive

After 42 years as a local institution, Gypsy Cab Co. closed its doors at 828 Anastasia Blvd on June 5, 2025, marking the end of a beloved era in St. Augustine’s dining scene. Another local favorite, Purple Olive will be taking over the restaurant space. Founded by former Gypsy Cab chef Peter Kenney, Purple Olive is set to relocate from its South A1A location (4255 A1A S) into this iconic address. The move is expected in late summer or early fall 2025, representing a full-circle moment for Kenney—returning to the spot where he once shaped his culinary identity.