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
Beef empanadas from the Spanish Bakery & Cafe- 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:
- Schooner’s Seafood House
- Catch 27
- O’Steen’s
- Hurricane Patty’s
- St. Augustine Seafood Company
- The Conch House
- Aunt Kate’s, and other restaurants.
MEXICAN / SPANISH / LATIN
Arepas from Odd Birds- 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 Bar, 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
Ceviche from Llama Restaurant- Llama, 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
High Tea Brunch at The Chatsworth Pub- 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
Greek Salad from Athena’s- 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.
