Sometimes Travel Blogs can be overwhelming so here is just a list of restaurants on Amelia Island we are recommending to our readers:
Salty Pelican: You can’t go wrong with this Amelia Island stable. This was our second time at this spot and both times the Pelican Sunset Punch did not disappoint. It is basically a rum runner. We ordered the hot crab dip with bread as an appetizer. Zach then ordered the fried shrimp wrap with homemade chips on the side. Stefanie picked the shrimp tacos with spicy salsa, slaw and fried sweet plantains. The food and service were great and we highly recommend this casual local restaurant by the marina. Pro Tip: Come during sunset!
Coquina: Since we were enjoying a Spa Day at the Ritz Carlton on Amelia Island, we decided to have lunch at one of their restaurants. What better way to start the day with Champagne, Tacos and Tortas. This is a hotel restaurant and you pay for the ambiance. Coquina gave us Tulum Vibes. Pro Tip: Plan a little more time so you can explore the hotel and enjoy all the decoration.
Salt Life Food Shack: This restaurant was walking distance to our Airbnb and we noticed the amazing outdoor seating areas. And yes, you may have noticed the stickers on cars over the recent years. Salt Life was a restaurant before it became a beach slogan. We ate at the upstairs patio, ordered the Queso Appetizer with Chorizo and then shared the Beach Boil which came with crab legs, shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn and onions. Pro Tip: Get there early since they usually have a wait. Grab a drink and enjoy the nightly live music.
España Restaurant and Tapas: If you want to dine at the same place where Mick Jagger and Fergie visited before then you came to the right place. España was probably the best dinner experience on the island. It is a mix of Spanish and Portuguese cuisine where Paella and fresh seafood taste as authentic as it can be. The service was outstanding and the atmosphere dreamy. Zach got the non-seafood paella which came in a cast iron skillet and Stefanie had the Snapper topped with shrimp and creamy poblano sauce. We both started off with the Garlic Lupini Beans. Everything was phenomenal and we will definitely be back. Pro Tip: You can sit outside in their beautiful lit garden year around.
Hola!: Hola is a Cuban cafe located in the historic district of Amelia Island. The cafe has a couple indoor table but the true star is the outdoor Garden in the back of the building. With Spanish music pumping through the speakers and a cafe con leche in your hand you can’t help but feel like you are in Cuba. We ordered Beef Empanadas, Croquettes, Pastelitos filled with cream cheese and Guava, a Cuban cheese sandwich and a Media Noche Sandwich. Everything deserved a five star rating. Pro Tip: If you want to enjoy an affordable lunch, this is the place to go!
Final Tip: If you are looking for a hangout spot by the Beach with a Rum Runner in your hand, we can highly recommend Sliders Tiki Bar. It is located directly on the beach and you get to experience some live music.
