Locals’ Favorite Restaurants in St. Augustine: Where to Eat Right Now

by Kevin Howard

Here’s a freshly curated guide to locals’ favorite restaurants in St. Augustine, FL (2025 edition)—your trusted guide to where folks who live here actually eat, from laid‑back lunches to view‑enhanced dinners and fresh arrivals this year:

1. Best Casual Lunch Spots

Prohibition Kitchen – A downtown favorite for lunch, known for standout burgers like the Bootlegger with pimento cheese, boiled peanuts, hearty Southern comfort fare, and a lively atmosphere perfect for casual midday dining.
The Blue Hen Café – Southern biscuits, shrimp & grits, and lunch sandwiches served with generous portions and genuine welcoming vibes from locals.
O’Steen’s – A St. Augustine institution for fried shrimp, clam chowder, crab cakes, and classic Southern seafood sides. Note: cash-only place, but a local ritual for many.

2. Favorite Places with a View

St. Augustine Fish Camp – Upscale coastal seafood with modern nautical decor, waterfront seating, and craft cocktails. Locals love shrimp & grits and creative daily specials.
Caps on the Water – A longtime local favorite located between Vilano and Ponte Vedra, Caps offers fine dining in a rustic waterfront setting with massive oak trees, romantic lights, and unbeatable sunset views over the Intracoastal. Don’t miss the sesame-seared tuna or the grilled oysters.
Asado Life – A true hidden gem locals love for a unique experience: live-fire, wood-grilled meats and seafood served in a sleek riverfront space. Part fine dining, part outdoor adventure—it's one of the most memorable meals in town. Located along the San Sebastian River with a dockside patio that feels like a private retreat.

3. Top Date Night Restaurants

Collage Restaurant – A polished fine‑dining pick with an international menu and one of the highest guest ratings in town—perfect for special occasions.
Llama Restaurant – Creative Peruvian‑inspired cuisine in an elegant setting. Locals rave about ceviche, lamb chops, and the inventive presentation—ideal for memorable nights out.
River & Fort – Located across from Castillo de San Marcos with views of the river and fort, this steak‑and‑seafood venue offers refined cocktails and seasonal menus in a romantic, intimate setting.

4. Where the Locals Really Go for Seafood

Catch 27 – A local gem for fresh, locally sourced seafood served simply but exceptionally. Frequently cited by long‑time residents as a go‑to for fish tacos and sustainable dishes.
The Floridian – Casual comfort food with a Southern‑fresh flair, many dishes using St. Augustine’s famed datil pepper. Creative menus and a true local vibe. The Floridian closed it's downtown location this week, but will be reopening next year at a brand new restaurant they are building on Anastasia Island!
Blackfly The Restaurant – Upscale bistro‑style steak and seafood. Locals go weekly—dishes like scallops, shrimp and fries, and refined preparations make it a standout.

5. Up‑and‑Coming New Openings in 2025

Bea’s All Day Café – This charming new café on Anastasia Island offers modern comfort food with a touch of Southern hospitality. From fluffy biscuits to inventive salads and fresh juices, Bea’s is destined to become a favorite spot among locals.
Purple Olive (New Location) – A long-standing favorite known for upscale casual dining and daily specials, Purple Olive is settling into a fresh new location in 2025—giving loyal fans a new space to enjoy their signature seafood pasta, filet mignon, and decadent desserts.
Saint Restaurant – Opened earlier this year, Saint brings an elevated dining experience to downtown. With moody lighting, craft cocktails, and chef-driven Italian dishes, it’s quickly becoming a date night favorite for locals.

Sidebar: Taste of St. Augustine - The Datil Pepper

Many local establishments incorporate St. Augustine’s own datil pepper, a spicy ingredient unique to the city, into dishes and cocktails. This regional flavor sets local menus apart and gives a true taste of place.