You might be visiting Amelia Island on business, to attend the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) Summer Meeting July 29 -- August 1. But let's face it -- a trip to Amelia Island is a vacation.
I think there are two parts to any good vacation -- 1) Activities you can't do at home and 2) food. A few weeks ago, I posted an article on some of the vacation-mode activities you can enjoy on Amelia Island. Below you'll find some recommendations to eating establishments on Amelia Island.
Close to home
If you're staying at the CFA's conference host hotel, Amelia Island Plantation, you'll find several restaurants close enough to smell. In the "casual dining" category there's the Beach Club Grill, The Verandah and PLaE, to name a few. Check out all the casual dining options at this webpage which lists restaurants and links to their menus.
The Amelia Island Plantation's fine dining option is the Ocean Grill. Here you'll find a variety of mouth-watering seafood and meat options. The Plantation also offers a couple lounges where you can find an adult beverage! And of course there's room service.
Exploring the island's culinary options
If you want to get out and see more of the island, there are many eating destinations to choose from. The Amelia Island Tourist Development Council lists dozens of restaurants on its webpage. A few options include:
- The Frisky Mermaid, which serves a mix of classic burgers and sandwiches, Southern favorites like fried chicken, seafood, pasta, pizza and breakfast.
- Salt in the Ritz-Carlton has dishes you'd expect -- Hawaiian blue prawns cocktail, bison strip loin and Maine lobster. For the diner who likes surprises, the restaurant also offers a Chef's Adventure Menu, either 4 courses or 7 courses.
- If French food is your thing, try Le Clos in Fernandina Beach's historic district.
- Pablo's Mexican Restaurant in downtown Fernandina Beach offers up margaritas, fajitas and all the classics in addition to a number of seafood options.
- T-Ray's Burger Station, at 202 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach on the north end of the island, is a restaurant inside a gas station. It's motto is "eat here, get gas," but it's a local favorite, with Internet reviews raving about their burgers and breakfasts.
