The Tasting Room in St. Augustine is recommended.

Here are my St. Augustine restaurant recommendations, based solely on my personal preferences... and 20 years of enjoying their cuisine:

For Lunch

Caf� Alcazar (25 Granada St, Saint Augustine, FL 32084-4387) is a true hidden gem�and is definitely off the main tourist path. It is a small restaurant located in what was once the deep end of the world's largest indoor swimming pool, now the Lightener Museum building. The food is quite good (I love their curried chicken salad.) and the atmosphere is absolutely unique and very conducive to conversation. They don't take reservations and only serve lunch. If you have trouble finding them, you can phone them at 904-825-9948. http://www.thecafealcazar.com

For Dinner

Old City House http://www.oldcityhouse.com/
Outstanding breakfasts and dinners. Located just steps away from the Casa Monica.

The Raintree http://www.raintreerestaurant.com/

Purple Olive
http://www.purple-olive.com

The Reef http://www.thereefstaugustine.com/index.html?
The food is very good, and the ocean views are even better. Be sure to arrive before sunset (or for Sunday brunch) for best views. Their Sunday brunch is the best in town, IMO. Request a window table when making your reservation.

Saltwater Cowboys
(My personal favorite for ambiance and value combined)
http://www.saltwatercowboys.com/

Gypsy Cab Co. http://www.gypsycab.com/

Creekside Dinery http://www.creeksidedinery.com/rest.html

Le Pavillion http://www.lepav.com/

And, for a special treat...you should try Collage http://www.collagestaug.com/ It is strictly a special occasion restaurant, but if you like good service, warm & relaxing ambiance and a creative, eclectic menu, this restaurant is a wonderful experience. They do everything right!


Honorable Mention

O'Steens
(Perhaps the best shrimp in town. ZERO ambiance, no reservations, reasonable prices)

http://tinyurl.com/2qtxgd

Barnacle Bill's
(Very good shrimp, reasonable prices, family atmosphere)
http://www.barnaclebillsonline.com/


You'll notice that I did not mention the Columbia restaurant. IMO, their food is good, but not as good as any of the other restaurants I have mentioned.

Also, it is somewhat of a tourist trap and one of about 6-8 other Columbia's around the state. This may qualify them as a chain restaurant. I know a lot of people eat there, but the other restaurants I have given you are all better.

The new Salt Life restuarant in Jax Beach is good for seafood.

Where will you be staying? It's a huge area geographically. Some places are worth a 30-40 minute drive - most aren't. Robyn

Based on one dinner there earlier this month, I'd say the wine list is excellent, the food good-but-not-great.

We liked Bistro de Leon, a few blocks further south in the historic district, just east of the cathedral. Gets crowded. Make a reservation.

What do you like about Bistro?

The restaurant is reputed to be very good but the family of the chef has a bit of a history.

I want my visit to be for the food not because of morbid curiosity.

Also, if you want to go here, I have seen certificates available on restaurant.com

You are correct about the Restaurant.com certificates.

FWIW, I have been to Bistro de Leon twice and I have not been impressed. There are other restaurants in St. Augustine I like far better. Old City House is one of these.

Any recommendations for the Jacksonville Beach/Atlantic Beach area? I'm going to be down there for work next month and looking for good places for dinner.

Salt Life on A1A about 9th.

Will check on the ones in Atlantic Beach and get you a recommendation or two. Can't remember the names right now.

Any preferences for type of food - price range? Robyn