The long history and settlement of Amelia Island from several different nations has created a wonderful and vibrant historic district. These top-tier Amelia Island restaurants in the historic district offer a mix of unique American fusion dishes, impeccable service, and some dazzling settings.
You can enjoy your meal in a fine-dining hall, a casual outdoor patio garden, and other comfortable atmospheres while exploring the nearby historical attractions. Below are three of the most rewarding restaurants in Amelia Island’s acclaimed historic district.
The Salty Pelican
Location: 12 N Front St, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, FL 32034-4109
The Salty Pelican is your traditional American bar, with plenty of seafood added in for good measure. A few of the most talked about dishes include the crab dip and the oyster trio. The oyster trio is an assorted mix of parmesan cheese-crusted, smoked bacon and blue cheese, and creamed spinach oysters all together on a single plate.
The oysters and shrimp are worth the visit alone, but the Salty Pelican also offers an array of tacos and some classic American sandwiches all to your liking. The restaurant also offers a splendid view of the Amelia River, with a classic beach pub décor. The restaurant is open from 11 am to 11 pm every day.
Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro
Location: 14 S 2nd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Walk just one block back from the Salty Pelican and you’ll end up right at the doorstep of Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro. This is a casual, though elegant, dining experience, teetering on fine dining. The cozy atmosphere is usually rather reserved, which is a nice escape from the sometimes-bustling streets of the historic district.
The Shrimp and Grits is the restaurant’s choice selection. Start your dinner with the shrimp cocktail and make your way to the fresh local seafood, including the Sweet Pepper Salmon and the Risotto Milanese, a mix of shrimp, calamari, and scallops bathed in a saffron broth.
Joe’s is billed as “fine dining in a family atmosphere.” It’s the cozy aesthetic and laid-back charm with a fine dining menu is part of its stellar appeal for visitors on their family vacation on Amelia Island.
Joe’s opens at 11 am and closes at 9:30 pm (closed on Tuesday). The restaurant closes from 3 pm to 5:30 pm for dinner preparations.
Hola! Cuban Café
Location: 117 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Hola! Cuban Café offers some stunning Cuban sandwiches on a cozy outdoor patio. This Cuban café is only open for breakfast and lunch, but that is enough to bring the line out the door. It’s all about the authentic Cuban sandwiches, including the Pan con Lechon, shredded roasted pork soaked in garlic mojo sauce, and the Medianoche, a Cuban staple of pickles, mustard, fresh swiss, ham, and pork.
The Hola! Cuban Café is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, but open Thursday through to the following Monday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (10:30 am opening on Sunday).
Each of the above Amelia Island restaurants offers a different style and cuisine option to try out as you explore the nearby historic sites. You can get a lot out of your next family vacation by experience we have to offer in both things to do and fine eating.
Contact our team at (800) 741-4011 to plan an exciting vacation to Amelia Island and to get more information about accommodations and some of the other excellent dining options we offer.
Learn about the beaches of Amelia Island, the rich culture of the historic district in Fernandina Beach, and the wonderful memories you can create by staying at one of our comfortable Amelia island vacation rentals.