Gorgeous views of a shimmering ocean, the salt breeze along the bayfront, overhanging Magnolia trees, brick roads, and stunning historic buildings – it comes as no surprise to locals that St. Augustine is a pretty romantic city. It’s difficult not to get caught up in the beauty and romance of an ocean-adjacent city set firmly in the past. Combine that with St. Augustine’s incredible culinary culture, and you’ll get a long list of gorgeous, romantic restaurants for an unforgettable date night. Romantic restaurants in St. Augustine abound, and it’s a difficult task to narrow down the best date night restaurants in St. Augustine. But book a table at any one of these local spots, and you’re certainly set for divinely-creative food, a refined atmosphere, and impeccable service.
Image by Brian Miller
Michael’s
25 Cuna Street
Michael’s has become famous for its coastal Spanish-inspired cuisine and unpretentiously elegant ambiance. Located in the heart of downtown St. Augustine in the Buchanti House (that dates back to 1764), you become a part of history while you dine on Salmon “Steak Au Poivre,” Veal Chop Milanese, and a selection of dry-aged steaks.
www.michaelssa.com
La Cocina International
530 A1A Beach Boulevard
Elegant and refined, the atmosphere at La Cocina International invites you to linger over your glass of wine and Pomodoro Picante. From the mind of a talented chef, the menu features the flavors of internationally-inspired cuisine with a diverse selection of dishes like Pork Osso Bucco, Crab-Stuffed Grouper, and New Zealand Rack of Lamb.
www.lacocinarestaurants.com
Image by Brian Miller
Collage
60 Hypolita Street
Regularly recognized as one of Open Table’s Most Romantic Restaurants, Collage’s place on the list is a no-brainer. An intimate atmosphere, eclectic menu, and first-class service all contribute to a stunning fine dining experience – full of incredible wine and international flavors.
www.collagestaug.com
Hangar One Bistro
4900 US 1 North
New to St. Augustine, Hangar One Bistro lets you enjoy Latin American and European-inspired flavors while you watch the arrivals and departures at the Northeast Florida Regional Airport. As you watch the sunset and runway lights, you and your partner can dream of future travels in between cocktails and courses of Prime Filet Tartare, Lobster Carbonara, and Amarena Amaretti Gelato.
www.hangaronebistro.com
Image by Steve Parr
Preserved
102 Bridge Street
Authentically and elegantly Southern, Preserved sits in the restored Jefferson House at the corner of Bridge Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard. Take in the gentle hum of historic Lincolnville from the porch or feel the hospitality inside the home as you and your partner share a bottle of wine and some deliciously creative dishes.
www.striverestaurant.com/preserved-restaurant
Forgotten Tonic
6 Aviles Street
Formerly Cellar 6, one of the things that makes this little restaurant so appealing is its spot on the gorgeous and historic Aviles Street – a beautiful place to spend a quiet moment. You’ll also be drawn in with a full bar of craft cocktails, extensive wines by the glass and bottle, and plenty of beers as well as selections like Étouffée and Filet Mignon.
www.forgottentonic.com
Image by Brian Miller
Catch 27
40 Charlotte Street
Along the historic streets of downtown St. Augustine, Catch 27 is creating fresh, seasonal, locally-inspired food in an elevated casual atmosphere. The dishes are intentional and welcoming, and the restaurant’s small size makes dining an intimate experience. The menu features speciality cocktails and creative Florida flavors.
www.catchtwentyseven.com
Raintree Restaurant
102 San Marco Avenue
A little bit of history always adds to the romance, so Raintree Restaurant is the perfect date night spot. It’s located in a beautiful Colonial Victorian-style home on San Marco with a large courtyard. You can enjoy the evening air outside or situate yourself at an intimate table indoors while you dine on pasta, steak, and seafood.
www.raintreerestaurant.com
Image by Brian Miller
Terra & Acqua
134 Sea Grove Main Street
Both richly authentic and pleasingly modern, the Italian cuisine at Terra & Acqua will call you back again and again. The restaurant’s subtle sophistication offers you a chance to satisfy both a casual date night and an elegant night on the town. Peruse the wine menu before you explore Tagliatelle Boscaiola, Fiochetti Pera Robiola, Pappardelle Cernia, and so much more.
www.terraacquarestaurant.com
Nonna’s Trattoria
2 Aviles Street
Tucked away in an intimate spot on the beautiful, quiet Aviles Street, Nonna’s Trattoria will introduce you to some delicious and authentic Italian. What’s more romantic than that? You can cozy up at a small corner table inside or settled into a sidewalk seat to enjoy Penne a la Bolognese, Chicken Parmiggiana, or Frutti Di Mari. Bellissimo!
www.nonnasfl.us
Image by Kate Gardiner
Llama
415 Anastasia Boulevard
Llama is intimate and innovative. The restaurant has only a few small tables, making it perfect for a peaceful, cozy date night with a partner who wants to experience something culinarily divine. Surprising combinations of Peruvian flavors lead to dishes that are both delicious and visually-captivating. Resist Instagramming for the sake of romance.
www.llamarestaurant.com
The Floridian
72 Spanish Street
Just off the main St. George Street drag, The Floridian will surround you with lush greenery, kitschy Florida decor, and enticing smells coming from the kitchen. Its elevated casual atmosphere and creative cocktail selection are perfect for a St. Augustine date night that feels a little more laid-back. And its locally-inspired (and vegan/vegetarian-friendly) menu will keep you coming back.
www.thefloridianstaug.com
Photo by Ed Taylor
Harvest & Reel
300 A1A Beach Boulevard
Harvest & Reel’s elevated nautical decor and sparkling open kitchen are perfect for a beachside dining experience. You can sip on a glass of wine while you watch the team expertly prepare your risotto, scallops, steak – and once dinner is done, there’s nothing better than relaxing fireside or taking a romantic walk on the moonlit sand.
www.harvestandreel.com
Cap’s on the Water
4325 Myrtle Street
As Cap’s on the Water features a waterfront location and an Old Florida-style pavilion, we suggest making a reservation around sunset. As the air grows a little cooler and the breeze drifts off the river, you’ll be treated to an array of colors that only a Florida sunset can provide. Then you can turn your attention to a delicious seafood-focused menu and a large drinks selection.
www.capsonthewater.com
Culinary Outfitters
173 Shipyard Way
This gorgeous newcomer to the St. Augustine culinary scene is already making a name for itself with a creative menu of gourmet dishes like Lacquered Lobster and Vegan Mushroom Bolognese. Located at the St. Augustine Shipyard – with a beautiful view and clean, classic decor – it’s an ideal spot to raise a romantic glass while gazing out over the water.
www.culinaryoutfitters.org
Costa Brava
95 Cordova Street
A step inside the Casa Monica will envelop you in elegance and invite you to experience the culinary creations of Costa Brava. Begin with a bottle of wine then taste coastal Mediterranean dishes with a Bohemian twist. You’ll feel the romance all the way to dessert.
www.kesslercollection.com/costa-brava-restaurant
Featured image by Kate Gardiner
