If you want to know where locals actually eat in St. Augustine, Florida, look past the packed historic streets.
The city’s best meals are often found in small neighborhood restaurants near the beach, where flavor comes first and crowds come last.
These hidden St. Augustine restaurants are beloved for their authenticity, relaxed vibe, and unforgettable food.
A1A Burrito Works – Laid-Back Mexican Food Near St. Augustine Beach
A1A Burrito Works is one of those local St. Augustine Beach restaurants you discover after a long day in the sun and instantly crave again. Known for serving some of the best burritos and tacos in St. Augustine, this tiny spot blends Baja-style flavors with beach-town energy.
The UFO burrito is legendary—crispy, packed, and loaded with grilled carne asada, fresh toppings, and house-made sauces. Everything moves fast, feels friendly, and welcomes sandy feet. It’s casual, flavorful, and unmistakably local.
Address:
671 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
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Elkhouse Eatery – Cozy Comfort Food on Anastasia Island
Elkhouse Eatery is a quiet favorite among locals searching for hidden restaurants on Anastasia Island. The space feels warm and intimate, and the menu leans into hearty, thoughtfully prepared dishes featuring elk, buffalo, and fresh local seafood.
Each plate balances richness with care, offering comfort food that feels elevated without being fussy. This is the kind of place locals choose for relaxed dinners when they want quality without crowds.
Address:
6357 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Terra & Acqua – Rustic Italian Dining Near the Beach
For anyone craving authentic Italian food in St. Augustine Beach, Terra & Acqua delivers rustic flavors with coastal ease. Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and seasonal ingredients come together in a space that encourages you to slow down and savor.
The terrace glows at night with string lights, making it a favorite for locals seeking a romantic Italian restaurant away from downtown. Every dish feels simple, intentional, and deeply satisfying.
Address:
134 Sea Grove Main St, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080
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Paladar Cuban Eatery – Authentic Cuban Flavors Locals Love
Paladar Cuban Eatery is where locals go for real Cuban food in St. Augustine—no frills, just bold flavor and comfort. The pressed Cuban sandwich is crisp and buttery, layered with tender pork and tangy mustard, while yuca fries and pastelitos round out the experience.
Quick service and genuine hospitality make this a neighborhood staple for anyone craving the best Cuban sandwich near St. Augustine Beach.
Address:
5575 A1A South, Suite 112, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Beachcomber St. Augustine – Casual Oceanfront Dining
Beachcomber St. Augustine offers true beachfront dining in St. Augustine, where tables sit just steps from the sand and the ocean sets the soundtrack. Known for fresh seafood, cold drinks, and relaxed service, it’s a favorite for locals who want to eat with their toes in the sand.
Weekdays are especially popular with residents looking to enjoy the view without the weekend rush.
Address:
A Street & the Ocean, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080
The Kookaburra Coffee – Local Favorite Coffee Shop Near the Beach
The Kookaburra Coffee is one of the most loved coffee shops in St. Augustine Beach, known for Australian-style espresso and a strong local following. Flat whites are smooth, iced coffee is bright, and pastries sell out quickly.
The shop is small, sunlit, and buzzing with regulars—proof that great coffee builds community.
Address:
647 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080
The Floridian – Beloved Farm-to-Table Restaurant (Temporarily Closed)
Though The Floridian is currently closed as it prepares for a new location, it remains one of the most talked-about farm-to-table restaurants in St. Augustine. Locals still seek out its flavors through partner locations, drawn to its creative Southern comfort dishes and thoughtful use of local ingredients.
The Floridian has always been about food that feels familiar but inspired—comforting, colorful, and deeply rooted in place.
Former Address:
72 Spanish Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(New Anastasia Island location coming soon)
Final Thoughts
These small, locally owned restaurants in St. Augustine reflect the city at its best—welcoming, flavorful, and refreshingly unpretentious. If you want to eat like a local, skip the lines, follow the side streets, and let these hidden gems guide your appetite.