Photo Credit Above: Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro

There’s something magical about dining al fresco. Does it somehow enhance the flavors of the food? Perhaps it’s just the allure of dining with a beautiful view or the ambiance created by lights strung across a cozy courtyard that we enjoy. Or quiet simply, it might be feeling the warm air as you sit in the shade of an oak tree as opposed to a cold, air-conditioned restaurant (although we do appreciate that AC on a hot summer day). Whatever it is that makes outdoor dining so appealing, Amelia Island offers you a wide variety of al fresco dining options.

Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro

If you’re looking for romance, look no further than Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro, where Chef Ricky serves fresh seafood and savory entrées in his private brick courtyard. Maybe you can even snag a seat on the 2nd floor balcony with a sunset view over the harbor.

Lagniappe

Lagniappe (A little something extra) combines the traditions of the French Creole with unique twists on Southern culinary staples using only the freshest local ingredients. Dine outdoors in their bricked courtyard for a special romantic evening.

The Down Under

Way back in the early 80’s, an old fish camp was remodeled into a restaurant Down Under the bridge. Dine on iconic southern seafood entrees with an ice cold beer or cocktail outside on the oversized deck and watch for dolphin, sea turtles, manatee and the sunset.

Kitchen 251

Located at the Amelia Island Marina, Kitchen 251 specializes in down home food with a cajun twist and offers up amazing waterfront views of the marsh and marina all in an open-air atmosphere.

Le Clos

Bon vivants will delight in the flavors of Provençal France at Le Clos. The charming cottage with quaint ambiance and outdoor dining boasts the perfect vichyssoise, a cool, creamy delight on a sultry night.

Salt Life

Enjoy a wide array of specialty menu items including poke bowls, fried shrimp, authentic street tacos and yummy burgers. Make sure you ask to sit upstairs on the rooftop deck where the ocean views are nothing short of spectacular. Get Salty!

The Boat House

The Boat House is a relaxed and playful dining environment with live entertainment outside on the patio, which is where you should sit. Share some shrimp nachos to start and sip on a glass of wine or one of their signature cocktails.

Brett’s Waterway Cafe

Dine on creative land or sea dishes served in a casual dining atmosphere at Brett’s. Enjoy the view from inside or outside as you overlook the Fernandina Harbor and marina on the Amelia River.

Coquina

Located poolside and oceanfront at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Coquina is a dynamic restaurant focusing on seafood and coastal dishes inspired by the island’s Eight Flags Spanish heritage.

Slider’s Seaside Grill

Slider’s Seaside Grill is the perfect place for multi-generational parties. With a gorgeous ocean view, a can’t-miss tiki bar and a children’s outdoor playground, there’s something for every age.

Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina

Hidden away behind the main restaurant, Pablo’s has a large brick courtyard where you can cool off with a refreshing margarita under the shade of umbrellas as well as the magnificent oak trees dripping in Spanish moss.

Burlingame Restaurant

Burlingame offers fine dining al fresco. Chef Chad creates seasonally inspired, modern American food with a twist and the option of dining on the back deck takes this upscale restaurant to the top of our list.

The Happy Tomato

Tucked into a small courtyard off South 3rd Street is one of Amelia Island’s best lunch spots. Don’t let the name Happy Tomato fool you – they serve up some of the island’s tastiest BBQ. (And be sure to save room for a delicious homemade cookie for dessert!)

Bar Zin

Located in the Palmetto Walk Shopping Center on the south end of the island, Bar Zin is a quaint little neighborhood American bistro offering both porch and patio seating with some of the tastiest food around.

España Restaurant & Tapas

If the lush, outdoor garden seating isn’t enough to win you over, then the traditional Spanish and Portuguese flavors at España will have you coming back for more. It’s hard to resist a pitcher of sangria and a table full of shareable tapas from Chef Roberto.

Café Karibo

A restaurant with decor as eclectic as its menu, the ambiance of Café Karibo’s large garden courtyard will have you order dessert just so you can linger longer. And next door, you can extend your meal with a cocktail on Karibrew’s back patio.

The Patio at 5th and Ash

With a name like The Patio at 5th and Ash, there’s no doubt this is a laid-back outdoor dining spot on Amelia Island. With an eclectic menu of seafood, chicken and pasta dishes, this patio was created for long chats with good company.

Leddy’s Porch

The Florida House, a historic bed and breakfast in downtown Fernandina Beach, is also home to Leddy’s Porch. Indulge on southern specialties like fried chicken or enjoy a lazy Sunday brunch in their picturesque courtyard complete with a mermaid fountain

Marche Burette

Located at The Shops of Omni Amelia Island Resort, Marché Burette is a French-inspired market and deli. Dine on freshly made salads, sandwiches or wraps on the outdoor patio or covered porch overlooking the lake.

The Surf Restaurant & Bar

The Surf has served up tasty seafood with a side of ocean breezes and live music on their deck since 1957. If you’ve been to Amelia Island before, you’ve most likely dined at The Surf!

Hofbrau Amelia

If you are looking for a cute place to sit outside and dine on authentic German food, Hofbrau Amelia is the place for you. Their German beer and sausages are lecker (delicious).

Explore the full list of Amelia Island’s dining options.