455+ Years of Food Diversity in Saint Augustine, Florida
Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine's food culture has a rich and diverse history — with Spanish, French, Italian, Greek, Minorcan, and other influences over the past 455 years. The culinary scene today…
By sjcadmin
Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine’s food culture has a rich and diverse history — with Spanish, French, Italian, Greek, Minorcan, and other influences over the past 455 years. The culinary scene today includes those cultural influences and so many more — from Cuban, Mexican, African, Peruvian, Argentinian, British, Cajun/Creole, Polish, Indian, and Asian food.
To sample some of each, here’s a list of some of our favorite eateries on Florida’s historic coast:
CUBAN / SPANISH / MINORCAN
The Spanish Bakery & Cafe, 42 Saint George St. – Serving picadillo (a Latin-style comfort food) with beef, tomato, onions, peppers, and spices. Also on the menu, empanadas, Minorcan Sausage Pilau with datil peppers, and a Cuban sandwich.
Minorcan Clam Chowder (a tomato-based concoction of clams, datil peppers, onions, and potatoes) can be found at these locations:
Casa Maya, 17 Hypolita St. – Serving tacos, tortas, a full Mexican menu, and Seafood Paella — a rice dish with oysters, mussels, fish, and more.
Odd Birds Kitchen & Lounge, 200 Anastasia Blvd. – Latin food with a southern twist featuring charcoal-cooked meats, and arepas (chicken, carnitas, beef, gyro, or veggie).
FRENCH
The Drunken Horse, 56 Charlotte St. – Serving French wine, cheeses, and entrees such as duck confit, scallops, and fish.
PERUVIAN
Llama Restaurant, 415 Anastasia Blvd. – Peruvian dishes such as ceviche, octopus, Amazonian arapaima (fish), squash medley stew, and pork belly.
THAI
Libby’s Thai Bistro, 525 State Road 16 – Serving Thai specialties such as pad Thai, Tom Kha Gai soup, curries, and other spicy dishes.
AFRICAN
African Love Kitchen Food Truck, various locations from day to day – Sambusa (beef, chicken, or vegetable), plantains, yucca fries, jerk chicken, curry chicken, vegetable curry, and other items with African influences.
BRITISH
The Chatsworth, 10 Marine St. – A Pub & Tea Room serving Brunch & High Tea parties, craft cocktails, 30+ drafts beers, and other English-inspired fares.
GREEK
Gaufre’s & Goods, 212 Charlotte Street – Find authentic Polish and Greek fare in the heart of the historic district. Homemade pastries, entrees, soups, and more, made from fresh local ingredients.
Athena Restaurant, 14 Cathedral Place – Authentic Greek recipes such as gyro and souvlaki sandwiches, saganaki (flaming cheese), stuffed grape leaves, Greek salads, and spanikopita.
ARGENTINIAN
Urban Asado, 150 Riberia St. – Sunday Asado dinners (on certain dates) feature food by local chefs cooked on Argentinian-style wood-burning BBQ grills.