Eats

Restaurants outside of property, on southern part of island 

On the south part of the island – within 5-10 minutes drive 

Baxters – for steak dinners.  We like to do take-out here. Try the steak tips! 

Cucina South – Italian menu with many pasta options. Something for everyone! 

Lagniappe – innovative menu inspired by flavors of New Orleans: fish, meat, vegetarian. Usually crowded during busy seasons. Outdoor seating is available. 

Omni-operated – on AIP Property

Most are walkable from the property with the exception of the Veranda, which is a bit further. Most take reservations on Open Table or the Omni website. More here: Amelia Island Restaurants | Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa 

• Marché Burette for breakfast and lunch. This restaurant is affectionately referred to as the Cracker Barrel in our family!
  • Saturday and Sunday there is often live music on the deck for breakfast and lunch. 
  • Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights are “Steak Outs” from 5pm-9pm for eat-in or takeaway, sometimes with live music. Offered seasonally, so check the Omni website. Typically April-October. 
  • There are seasonal specials around holidays for takeout turkey dinners, for example, so check the website! 
• Falcon’s Nest – sports bar vibe with burgers and beer. Is typically a crowd-pleaser! 
• Oceanside – in the Omni next to the pool with indoor and outdoor seating. Yummy Poke Bowls, oysters, shrimp and lobsters. Shellfish is the specialty, but other options are available! 
• Verandah – elegant, country club setting near the Tennis Club for a fancy dinner! Flounder dish is a specialty! 
• FloraBelle (formerly Sunrise Café) – yummy breakfast buffet at the Omni. Walk along the beach to get there and don’t miss the fresh squeezed OJ!  

In downtown Fernandina Beach: 

Amelia Island Brewing Company – crowd pleasing menu and locally brewed beer. Sweety potato fries are delicious! 

Espana  – Spanish tapas with great variety of land and sea.  Very tasty and fun with a group to try lots of delicious treats! We almost never make it to AI without a visit to Espana. Excellent sangria too – reservations recommended. 

Burlingame – Understated restaurant with amazing dishes. This is our new favorite: the spin on Caeser salad + Steak Frites dishes are our favorite. A little pricey but our favorite splurge for a meal! 

Salty Pelican Bar & Grill – Burgers and fish tacos – sunset views. Kind of a tourist location and often busy, but worth a visit. Especially if you can get a water view while dining. 

Timoti’s Seafood Shak – order at the window and eat outside.  Fish tacos and fish/chicken bowls served in paper containers. Very casual and delicious! 

Decantery Wine & Dessert – Beautiful setting – go for a drink before dinner or after + dessert. The  One of the few places you can find an espresso shot after dinner:-) 

The Principal’s Office bar – fun bar in a bed & breakfast that is a renovated schoolhouse. The craft cocktails are amazing.  Try the homemade almond-infused Tequila if it’s there!  

Other Locations: 

The Down Under – An old fish camp turned restaurant in the early ’80’s where you can get some of the best fried shrimp on the island. Also available blackened fish, hush puppies, cole slaw – you know the fare! Located “down under” the bridge connecting Yulee to Amelia Island where I have fond memories of sitting on the deck on a sunny winter day. 

For cooking at home: 

Harris Teeter is closest grocery store – about a 10 minute drive.  You may check their weekly specials – sometimes they have specials like a prime rib carving station on Wednesdays! 

Publix is about a 20 minute drive closer and closer to the downtown. I find the produce is better and there is a bigger variety. Also it is being renovated in 2025, so I can’t wait to see the new store! 

If you’re looking for fresh caught fish or shrimp, visit Atlantic Seafood in downtown Fernandina near the water.  This area is known for its shrimp, but there is also flounder, grouper, red snapper, etc.