Discover Amelia Island, a beautiful destination known for its stunning waterfront dining options. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, exploring the best waterfront restaurants in Amelia Island is an absolute must. With its scenic views and delicious cuisine, the island offers a diverse selection of eateries that cater to all tastes. So, if you’re looking for a memorable dining experience, you’ve come to the right place.
After experiencing some of the most beautiful waterfront restaurants that this island has to offer, retreat back to your own private oasis with Amelia Vacations. We have a wide range of rentals, from cozy condos for couples to spacious homes for large families! Let’s go through some of the top choices on the island, ensuring you leave with a satisfied palate and memories to cherish.
Sandbar
Our journey begins at Sandbar, an Amelia Island waterfront restaurant that has perfected the art of culinary indulgence. Start your meal with their irresistible coconut shrimp appetizer, served with a sweet chili sauce that will leave your taste buds craving for more. For the main course, we highly recommend their crispy mahi sandwich. Made with mahi breaded in panko and topped with lettuce, tomato, and American cheese, all nestled on a brioche bun. To complement your meal, Sandbar boasts an extensive collection of over 1,200 whiskey and bourbon options that are sure to warm the heart of any whiskey lover. With live music playing frequently, Sandbar offers a complete dining experience that is hard to resist.
Brett’s Waterway Cafe
Next on our list is Brett’s Waterway Cafe, one of the best places to eat in Amelia Island for those seeking a sophisticated dining experience accompanied by breathtaking waterfront views. Brett’s is undoubtedly one of the most romantic Amelia Island restaurants, making it the perfect spot for a date or anniversary dinner. Begin your culinary journey here with their fried green tomato, generously topped with bearnaise and goat cheese. The combination of flavors is simply divine. For the main course, indulge in their pan-seared scallops, served with creamy Yukon gold mashed potatoes, paired with southern succotash, and enhanced by a flavorful ham hock broth. It’s a dish that will have you savoring every bite and leave you wanting more.
Salty Pelican Bar & Grill
If you’re searching for a laid-back atmosphere and scrumptious food, look no further than Salty Pelican Bar & Grill. Begin your experience with their fried gator bites, expertly hand-breaded and served with a zesty remoulade sauce that perfectly complements the meat. Feeling adventurous? Try “The Cuban,” a mouthwatering creation featuring Mojo oven-roasted pork loin, sweet honey ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, chardonnay mustard, and a bacon onion jam that adds a delightful twist. Finish your meal with a decadent slice of turtle cheesecake, drizzled with caramel for the perfect sweet ending to your dining experience.
Sliders Seaside Grill
Sliders Seaside Grill is a waterfront restaurant that combines stunning ocean views with an impressive menu. Start your meal with their seared sea scallops, served on a bed of creamy smoked gouda grits and topped with a New Orleans-style BBQ sauce that adds a hint of tanginess. For the main dish, try their bangin shrimp tacos, featuring lightly breaded and fried Atlantic white shrimp tossed in a tantalizing bangin sauce and topped with Napa cabbage and seaweed salad for an explosion of textures. To truly end your dining experience on a high note, indulge in their famous key lime pie – a refreshing dessert that perfectly captures the essence of Amelia Island.
Salt Life Food Shack
Salt Life Food Shack is a waterfront restaurant that offers an eclectic menu bursting with flavors. Begin your culinary adventure here with their shrimp & chorizo nachos, featuring grilled shrimp and chorizo, topped with a medley of corn, black beans, jack and cheddar cheese, and pico, all drizzled with a cilantro lime cream sauce. If you’re looking for an entree that will transport you to the tropics, try their Hawaiian shrimp bowl. Made with fresh shrimp, squash, zucchini, peppers, and pineapple sautéed in a delightful ginger-soy glaze, this dish is served over sticky rice and spinach, then topped with avocado, green onions, and sesame seeds for the perfect finishing touch.
Down Under Restaurant
Located on the waterfront, Down Under Restaurant offers a comforting ambiance paired with an enticing menu. Begin your culinary journey here with their jalapeno poppers, stuffed with creamy cheese and served with a tangy raspberry soy dipping sauce that adds a vibrant twist to this classic appetizer. For the main course, indulge in their grouper Monterey, featuring broiled fresh grouper topped with Monterey Jack cheese, caramelized onions, and seared grape vine tomatoes. Every bite will take you on a flavor-filled adventure, leaving you craving more.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to try these incredible waterfront restaurants for yourself? Browse our entire inventory of Amelia Island condo rentals and vacation homes to find your perfect accommodations!
Shucker’s Oyster Bar & Grill
At Shucker’s Oyster Bar & Grill, seafood lovers will find their paradise. Start your meal here with their queso crab dip, a creamy concoction served with crispy wonton chips that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. For the main course, try their famous shrimp & grits, made with juicy shrimp and savory andouille sausage perfectly complemented by scallions, bell pepper, and a rich cream sauce, all served over a bed of flavorful grits. The combination of flavors will leave you reminiscing about this meal long after you’ve left the island.
Cafe Karibo
Cafe Karibo is a cozy waterfront restaurant that prides itself on offering a unique dining experience. Begin your culinary adventure with their sweet potato & Idaho fry basket, a perfect blend of sweet and savory that will leave you craving more. Their Calypso chicken sandwich is a must-try. The grilled jerk-spiced chicken breast is paired with succulent grilled pineapple, crispy bacon, pepper-jack cheese, and spicy aioli, all served on a toasted brioche roll. The explosion of flavors and textures in this dish makes it a true masterpiece. Complete your meal with their house fries, and you’ll leave with a satisfied palate and a smile on your face.
Stay with Amelia Vacations
After indulging in the best waterfront dining Amelia Island has to offer, make the most of your visit by staying in one of our luxurious Amelia Island vacation rentals. With a wide range of options, including condos, homes, and rentals with private pools, our Amelia Island rentals provide the perfect base for exploring the island. Whether you’re looking for a cozy retreat or a luxurious getaway, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the island, relax, and create wonderful memories during your stay. Contact Amelia Vacations today and let us help you get started on the vacation of a lifetime!
