Restaurant recommendations

Question

I need 3 or 4 ideas for restaurants in St A that are can’t miss. I am a very light eater, so smaller portions are a plus. I also LOVE seafood. This will be lunch/brunch or dinner meals. Not a picky eater and love trying new things. No set food budget, so just give me the place you consider a “not to miss”. Thank you again for everyone’s help!

Answer

St. Augustine has a fantastic culinary scene, especially for seafood lovers, and there are several spots that consistently receive rave reviews for both quality and atmosphere. Since you’re a light eater, I’ve focused on places where you can get fresh, flavorful seafood without feeling overwhelmed by portions.

Here are some top “not to miss” restaurant options in St. Augustine:

Oceanside Seafood Shack: A casual, highly recommended spot known for fresh, locally caught seafood. Portions are generous but you can often order smaller plates or share items. Their fish tacos, clam chowder, and shrimp baskets are favorites.
Catch 27: This is a charming, slightly upscale restaurant focusing on fresh, local seafood. They emphasize sustainable catches and have small plates and tapas-style options perfect for light eaters. The lobster risotto and daily catch specials are highly praised.
Columbia Restaurant: While not exclusively seafood, their Spanish-Cuban cuisine is iconic to St. Augustine. They offer seafood paellas and smaller tapas, so you can enjoy a variety of flavors without committing to a huge meal.
The Floridian: A modern Southern-style restaurant with a focus on local ingredients. Their seafood offerings change seasonally, but the shrimp and grits and fresh fish dishes are excellent. Portions are reasonable and often customizable.

Additional tips:

Lunch or brunch is often a better option if you want smaller portions and lighter meals.
Many of these restaurants offer daily specials; ask the server for smaller portions or half-orders.
Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner, as St. Augustine can be busy, particularly on weekends and holidays.

Overall, for fresh, delicious seafood in St. Augustine with manageable portions, these spots are considered must-visits by locals and repeat visitors alike. Enjoy your culinary exploration!