Where should we eat? It is the ultimate vacation question and the one that pops up three times a day like clockwork. Fortunately, you would be hard-pressed to run out of possible places to eat on Amelia Island.
Below are four lunch café locations focused on affordability and convenience, without having to resort to fast food or cooking from your Amelia Island vacation rental when you don’t have the time.
Happy Tomato Café
Location: 7 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Fernandina Beach is a historic island hub, and one of the best places to dig up some grand eating. For lunch restaurants near Fernandina Beach, look no further than the Happy Tomato Café.
Its subdued atmosphere and private outside deck seating is an excellent match for the season. The café is locally known for its savory and sweet barbeque. The pulled pork and smoked turkey sandwiches fly out of the order counter every day.
Overall, the Happy Tomato Café’s clear affordability and casual atmosphere make for a lovely afternoon pit stop in Fernandina Beach. The café is open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day (closed Sundays).
Sabbia Mediterranean Street
Location: 11 N 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL
Sabbia is almost, without objection, the most authentic Amelia Island place to eat for Mediterranean and Greek. The cool-and-collected interior is fitted with some colorful plants and a cozy attitude. The menu encompasses gyros, salads, pitas, and some classic Greek-inspired small bites.
Vegans and vegetarians will also find plenty to enjoy while stopping by for a quick lunch. Salads, including the kale and mista mixes, are welcome menu additions.
Sabbia Mediterranean Street has mixed hours. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays to Sundays, the café closes early at 3:30 p.m. during weekdays (closed Tuesdays).
Moon River Pizza
925 S 14th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Pizza is pure joy, and you couldn’t do casual much better than with Moon River Pizza. Moon River Pizza is a north Florida standard and a special treat for visitors.
You can snag a pizza here for less than $10. The options include any topping you could ask, though stripping it down and keeping it simple with the white pizza is one of the most popular options. You can also order from the modestly-priced draft menu in a pitcher or glass. Call ahead for takeout.
Moon River Pizza lets the piles of gooey mozzarella and lofty dough speak for itself. The pizza shop is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day and closed Sundays.
4th Street Deli and Salads
Location: 3 North 4th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
4th Street Deli is the quintessential deli café experience. The menu seems to vary by the day. You can walk in on Tuesday and stop by Thursday to see the window completely changed up.
Staples include pasta salad, signature fish salads, green beans, and mushroom mixes, crab cake, fresh vegetables, and more. One of the most popular items is the Cuban sandwich, which comes in different arrangements based on how you want your special Cuban prepared.
This accomplished café also makes sure you have plenty of sweet options, including bold pastries and muffins. You can easily get a drink, dish, and side for less than $15 per person.
Service is counter-based, so walk on up to the window, order, and take a seat with a number.
4th Street is closed on Sundays, but open all other days from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Catering is available if you want to spring a big family event on everyone for the vacation getaway.
You have so many Amelia Island restaurants to choose from, including high-end cuisine, local seafood favorites, and some of the best Mediterranean cafes. It is all surrounded by a rustic Old Florida ambiance that you can never get enough of.