The flavors of Italian cuisine are delectable and delicious. Soaked in thick cheeses and stuffed with the finest bread and pasta in all the world, Italians know how to prepare a meal.
Authentic Italian food may not hard to come by in any old Florida vacation destination, but not on Amelia Island. We have not one, not two, but three dazzling, epic, and authentic Italian restaurants worth visiting when staying at our Amelia Island vacation homes. Each one offers its own signature spin and atmosphere on the flavor profiles of Italy.
Four Seasons Bistro
What are the best Italian meals? If you asked the menu designers and chefs behind Four Seasons Bistro, you are likely to get an answer from Chef’s Summer Seasonal Dishes menu. It includes the Pan Seared Mahi Mahi with a summery citrus ginger sauce, served with creamed spinach garlic mash potatoes, as well as the Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna, breaded eggplant layered with lasagna noodles, marinara, and a variety of authentic Italian cheeses.
The restaurant also features a number of the most classic Italian dishes. What are some authentic Italian dishes? The most obvious is, of course, spaghetti, and Four Seasons plays with the convention of the classic dish with the American Style Spaghetti Carbonara, covered in creamy white sauce and topped with bacon and fresh parmesan cheese.
The restaurant rests right behind Lowe’s and next to Woody’s BBQ.
Four Seasons has recently opened up for brunch, Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This also includes a fantastic 2-for-1 mimosa special.
Cucina South Italian Bistro
Cucina South is a mesmerizing blend between casual and high-end, borrowing elements from both dining worlds for a real quality Italian dining experience. Cucina has plenty of ambitious dinner dishes. But they also have brick oven pizza.
Without any hesitation, executive chef Brett Henry prioritizes the customer experience. With strictly fresh ingredients, Cucina South carries on the spirit of quality Italian cuisine with splashes of American south influence. The menu encompasses Pan Seared Salmon, Linguine and Clams, Shrimp Scampi, Braised beef Short Rib, and Ciopinno, a mix of salmon, mussels, and clams in a light broth.
Many of the menu items here are simple, deceptively so. You have all the classic Italian staples (spaghetti, goat cheese ravioli, pizza) with stripped-down ingredients. The focus is on using classic spices and blends. So what are Italian flavors and seasonings? These are often considered the big three: basil, oregano, and thyme. These dishes are coated in them.
Cucina South is open from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The restaurant is closed on Monday.
Ciao Bistro
Northern and Southern Italy are actually rather distinct cultural entities. Though both regions are part of Italy, they have varying tastes and styles-, particularly with the food. What food is northern Italy known for?
One of the most common answers is antipasti, and boy does Ciao Bistro deliver. You see at least four major types of antipasti, including calamari, mussels, and fried mozzarella dazzled in pesto aioli.
Ciao Bistro is a fine dining establishment with a very cozy and intimate main dining hall. The tables are disbursed quite far apart to maximize intimacy and comfort. But don’t expect to walk right in and grab a seat. Reservations are highly recommended, especially if you want to indulge in their fabulous outdoor seating area. With a rotating roulette of five specials any given evening, Ciao Bistro continues to keep it fresh and exciting.
It is open daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and to 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The bistro is closed on Tuesday.
Italian eating, from the fine to the casual, rests right in the heart of Amelia Island near our condo rentals. Don’t miss out on these three distinct iterations of Italy