With gorgeous beaches and lots of activities, Amelia Island is a beautiful place to vacation. It also has a vibrant restaurant seafood scene with many different tastes and flavors to offer! Here’s our list of the best seafood restaurants on Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach.
Salty Pelican Bar And Grill $$
12 N Front St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
*Dine-in *Curbside Pickup *No Delivery
The Salty Pelican has something for every taste. The menu includes a variety of seafood delicacies, like gator po’boys and crab dip, as well as the classics like surf and turf, crab cakes, and more.
The Salty Pelican is also a draw for local bands and individual artists. Make sure to catch these live music sets, which are on multiple nights a week.
If you have the chance, get a seat upstairs. This place has a great view of the beach from the second floor. However, be warned – this is a popular spot, and there might be a little bit of a wait.
Must-try dish: Get the broiled oysters, which are juicy and amazing! Or, opt for the smooth and delicious creamy crab dip.
The Salty Pelican Is open to serve from 11 AM – 11 PM daily.
Verandah $$$$
142 Racquet Park Drive, Amelia Island, Florida 32034
*Dine-in *No Delivery
Verandah has made a name for itself in Amelia island through the years and has become one of its best restaurants.
Enjoy house-made pasta and traditional Southern seafood at this elegant spot. Verandah serves fresh seafood, steak, and more southern cuisine – all of it cooked to perfection and plated like a work of art. You’ll want to whip out your phone and take a photo of every dish!
Don’t worry too much about dressing up here. While Verandah is a fine dining establishment, it still maintains a laid-back vibe that makes it the ideal place for a special occasion.
Must-try dish: The crab cakes here are some of the best south of Maryland. The grouper is also a stand-out favorite, known for being flaky and delicious with a sauce that compliments it perfectly.
Verandah Is open Monday to Sunday from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Joe’s Second Street Bistro $$
14 S 2nd St #4202, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
*Dine-in *Takeout
Joe’s Second Street Bistro is a fine dining restaurant with excellent food and eclectic dishes from a wide range of cuisines. The bistro serves continental European cuisine and American staples, blending them together for a truly unique experience. The wine list is also curated by one of the co-owners who is a level 1 sommelier.
Must-try dishes: Try the grouper wrapped in corn husk – it’s tender and delicious, and there is nothing like it anywhere else. Joe’s also has excellent bouillabaisse.
Joe’s Second Street Bistro is open to serve you Wednesday to Sunday from 5:30 PM to 9 PM.
Down Under Restaurant $$
96106 Wade’s Pl, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
*Dine-in *Takeout *No Delivery
Looking for something casual? Down Under Restaurant is the place for you! Bring the whole family, as there is plenty of space for group gatherings.
Down Under is right over the water, so it’s not unusual to see a manatee or two floating by. On top of the unique ambiance, the food at Down Under is delicious – its seafood is always fresh and perfectly seasoned.
Must-try dishes: The orange blossom honey glazed salmon is delicious and the she-crab soup has lots of crab chunks, but the real winner here is the signature grouper Monterey. This broiled fresh grouper comes with jack cheese, onions, and seared tomatoes. It’s what put Down Under on the map!
Down Under Restaurant is open Monday to Sunday from 11 AM – 9 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM – 10 PM.
Salt $$$$
4750 Amelia Island Pkwy, Amelia Island, FL 32034-5501
*Dine-in *Takeout *No Delivery
Do you have an occasion coming up? Celebrate at Salt at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island. This gorgeous restaurant serves delicious, inspired dishes and provides world-class service.
Because it promises the ultimate fine-dining experience, expect the price range to be a little higher than the other restaurants on this list. That said, you’re sure to leave stuffed and satisfied – be sure to save room for a big meal, as Salt’s appetizers and desserts are to-die-for.
There is a dress code at this spot – closed-toed shoes and long pants are required. Be sure to plan accordingly.
Must-try dish: Everything on the menu is life-changing, but the halibut is particularly exquisite.
Salt is open Wednesday to Sunday from 5 PM – 10 PM.
Verandah
142 Racquet Park Drive, Amelia Island, Florida 32034
Verandah has made a name for itself in Amelia island through the years and has become one of its best restaurants.
Enjoy house-made pasta and traditional Southern seafood at this elegant spot. Verandah serves fresh seafood, steak, and more southern cuisine – all of it cooked to perfection and plated like a work of art. You’ll want to whip out your phone and take a photo of every dish!
Don’t worry too much about dressing up here. While Verandah is a fine dining establishment, it still maintains a laid-back vibe that makes it the ideal place for a special occasion.
Must-try dish: The crab cakes here are some of the best south of Maryland. The grouper is also a stand-out favorite, known for being flaky and delicious with a sauce that compliments it perfectly.
Verandah Is open Monday to Sunday from 5 PM to 10 PM.
España $$
22 S 4th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034-4272
*Dine-in *Takeout *No Delivery
España is a little bit different from the rest of the restaurants on this list. While it also has exceptionally good seafood, it is served Spanish and Portuguese-style. So, instead of shrimp po’boys and blackened fish, expect seafood paella and gambas on the menu. This spot is also known for its tapas or small plates, so be sure to get a few of those to share.
Must-try dish: Order a paella marinara for a dish jam-packed with all your favorite seafood. It’s perfectly seasoned and sure to satisfy!
España is open Monday to Sunday from 5 PM – 10 PM.
Burlingame Restaurant $$
20 S 5th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
*Dine-in *No Delivery
The chef at Burlingame Restaurant honed his skills at Salt, one of the best restaurants to get seafood on Amelia Island. In this concept, Chef Chad Livingston shines as he creates new and delectable dishes for every season.
Must-try dish: Start with the cold water oysters if they are available. And then order the perfectly seared diver scallop or the catch of the day! Save room for dessert as the deconstructed lemon pie is to die for as well!
Burlingame’s operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 5:30 onwards.
David’s Restaurant And Lounge $$$
802 Ash St Corner of 8th & Ash Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
*Dine-in *Takeout *No Delivery
A classic steakhouse and seafood joint, David’s Restaurant and Lounge serves up classics like surf and turf, but they also have new creative dishes. They also pamper their guests with 5-star touches, like sorbet before entrees and complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries. They even offer to grate truffles on anything you want.
Get your camera ready – this is the type of Instagrammable establishment that makes you want to stop and take a picture of your dinner.
Must-try dish: If it’s on the specials, try to get the black grouper, a rare delicious fish that can be hard to find. If it’s not, order the Chilean sea bass which is delectable, delicate, and flavorful.
David’s Restaurant And Lounge is open Sunday to Thursday from 5 PM – 10 PM and Friday to Saturday from 6 PM – 10 PM. It’s closed on Tuesdays.
Final Thoughts
While it might seem like a small community, there are so many options for seafood on Amelia Beach. If you are looking for a family place with large portions and affordable prices, try the Salty Pelican or Down Under. There are also fancier fine dining establishments, like Salt, in case you’re celebrating a special occasion on Amelia Island. Whatever your reason for dining out, we hope this guide helps you try some seriously delicious seafood spots!
For more information on where to eat and what to do in Amelia Island, check out this Amelia Island Travel Guide.