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29 South
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
29 S 3rd StFernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 277-7919
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
38 reviews for 29 South
Review Highlights
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"Fried green tomatoes - AWESOME." In 7 reviews -
"For dessert, we shared the coffee and doughnuts." In 6 reviews -
"I ordered the shrimp & grits - amazing." In 7 reviews
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38 reviews in English
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Review from Lisa C.
Tallahassee, FL
2/7/2012 Seated via OpenTable
The grilled romaine salad was sooo good as was the fried green tomatoes.
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Review from Mike W.
5/20/2012
29 South is an innovative restaurant in Fernandina Beach that takes the all-fresh, locally-sourced, approach that Alice Waters pioneered and adapts it to a Florida setting and emphasis on seafood and other local goods. The chef even has a rather large garden behind the restaurant and what he doesn't source from his own garden comes from local farms (in some cases, small suppliers outside our region)--be it the lettuce, the potatoes, or the beef or pork. As I've only had brunch here, I cannot comment directly on their dinner menu however, my parents have had dinner here and said it was quite good.
For brunch, I found my waffles (as that's all I ordered) quite good and the service also fine. The setting is an engaging atmosphere with ample indoor and porch seating alike. The brunch menu is varied and the selections look interesting. It was clear this establishment is popular with both locals and tourists and I would certainly come back. The dedication to fresh and local foods is clear in every aspect of how running a restaurant is approached here and I admire that greatly. -
Review from Peg C.
Houston, TX
1/3/2012
Great food. Enjoyed the crab cakes. Loved their "coffee and doughnuts" dessert, which is coffee ice cream and doughnut bread pudding. The first time we had coffee and doughnuts the bread pudding came out more of a custard - so good. The second time it was more like bread pudding. I prefer the more custard version but both were seriously good and was perfect with the coffee ice cream.
Bonus: They allowed my dogs on the patio and even brought them a bowl of water. -
Review from lisa w.
Needham, MA
3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
We sat on the deck and had wine/beer and apps. The fried green tomatoes, and crawfish cakes were yummy. Good service.
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Review from Hanan D.
Lake Oswego, OR
4/19/2012
Based on reviews stopped for lunch. Wait staff friendly and accommodating. Ordered the fried green tomato &bacon sandwich, while the tomatoes were lovely there were only two small ones on a large raft of a bread plus the chef forgot the mayo & fries were boring enough to ignore. The coffee & donut dessert was exceptional and saved the day
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Review from D Y.
Pittsburgh, PA
8/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I don't give out 5's often...but for 29 South, how can I not?
The DelKat pulled pork Cobb salad was AWESOME!
The Eggs Benedict a la South with two poached eggs on top of a fluffy homemade buttermilk biscuit topped with DelKat pulled pork~~Slap yo' momma good!
We'll be going back for Sunday brunch for sure! -
Review from Rick V.
Naples, FL
8/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
One o the best meals we've ever had!!
Fried green tomatoes - AWESOME!!
Lobster corn dog - AWESOME!!!
Pork chop - INCREDIBLE!!!!
Fried Shrimp & Grits - INCREDIBLE!!!!
And whatever you do, do not miss the coffee & donuts dessert!!!!
Stellar meal!!!! -
Review from dave j.
Fernandina Beach, FL
Updated - 10/1/2011 Seated via OpenTable 2 Check-ins Here
Great place.
Fresh, southern with a twist.1 Previous Review:
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12/31/2010
Finally got to the fried chicken this time.
Amazing!!
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Review from Natalie B.
Jacksonville, FL
3/6/2011
I had heard amazing things about 29 South. I was very excited to have a birthday lunch there to enjoy their locally sourced ingredients and new Southern cuisine. I was especially looking forward to the lobster corndog.
The restored home that houses 29 South is charming. We opted to enjoy the beautiful day and sit on the patio. The table and chairs were a little rough, but hey, we were outside and were there to eat, not lounge!
Upon reviewing the menu, I was sad to not find the lobster corndog. However, the pulled pork spring rolls sounded great. They were--spicy, meaty and tasty!
For my entree, I opted for the Southern Cobb Salad. This salad was really a celebration of all things southern: pulled pork, fried green tomatoes, cornbread croutons, deviled eggs and more. The pulled pork was tasty, which I expected since I had just devoured the spring rolls! The fried green tomatoes were pretty tasty, but really needed some kind of sauce on therm. However the deviled egg was not fresh--it definitely looked like it had been sitting for a while. The tomatoes had an odd taste to them, too much vinegar? The cornbread croutons were dry and tasteless. But I was hungry and I did eat my dish in its entirety.
My husband had the roasted tomato panini and he liked it. The fries were seasoned well and crispy. My friend enjoyed her catch of the day sandwich too.
The service was good--no complaints!
I would like to try 29 South for their dinner menu. But for lunch? It was just okay. I would probably opt to try other places for lunch next time I'm in Amelia. -
Review from jen r.
9/30/2011
what a lunch!!!!
we rode bicycles over so we had worked up an appetite. we decided to split the pulled pork salad which honestly was thee best salad i have ever had. seriously!! pulled pork, fried green tomatoes, goat cheese, eggs, etcetec.. it was perfection on a plate.
the shrimp and grits were just ok, i guess i had built them up too much in my head and was a little let down.
the falafel burger and fries were really good.
the service was excellent. and the portions were so big we were able to pack up our leftovers and had dinner for later that night.
this is a must while visiting amelia island!! -
Review from Theodore B.
San Mateo, CA
I really liked this restaurant. I'll definitely go back here next time I'm staying in Amelia Island.
It's in an old house a block off of Amelia Island's main street. It's got a real classic, old-fashioned feel to it. I had the Sweet Tea Braised Pork Chop, which I believe was a special for that night. It was very moist and flavorful and I would certainly recommend it. A lot of items on the regular menu looked appetizing as well. For wine, I tried the Joel Gott cab which I thought went really well with the pork chop. -
Review from Cecile R.
Fernandina Beach, FL
1/2/2012 Seated via OpenTable
You must make a reservation, but it was worth it. We loved the pork chop and the shrimp and grits!
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Review from Lisa R.
Fernandina Beach, FL
12/30/2011 Seated via OpenTable
We had steak, shrimp and grits, coffee and donuts, wine and brownie and ice cream. Last year we ate here and loved it,but this year it was just OK. The shrimp and grits were pretty basic and the steak was tough.
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Review from Sharlyn L.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1/4/2011
My husband and I absolutely loved 29 South. It's in a converted house, so the ambiance is very casual. The staff was awesome and made terrific recommendations.
We started with the lobster corn dog and pulled pork spring roll. Both delish. My husband had the sweet tea brined pork chop - very tasty and not too sweet. I had the Waygu burger - what can I say, it was a burger.
For dessert, we shared the coffee and doughnuts. Glazed donut bread pudding with butterscotch drizzle and mocha ice cream. Let me just say, I can die now because that dessert is killer.
If you're in the area, I'd put this on my 'must try' list. And save room for dessert. -
Review from Brian B.
Atlanta, GA
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of our favorites at Fernandina. We keep coming back.
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Review from David F.
Boise, ID
7/31/2010 1 Check-in Here
It's cool to find a locovore outpost in North Florida. We had a nice evening here. Sitting on the porch was a little downscale. A garden setting would have been nicer.
The Flounder catch-o-day was delightful. Scallop appetizer had a bunch of sauces that left me wanting more. Crab cake was awesomely rich. Shrimp corn bisque very umamish. The salads come in a high glass not a bowl do it is not very easy to eat. Ditch the glass and use something normal like a plate.
Turkey Flat rose was dry and perfect pair for all this seafood.
I will be back again. -
Review from Charles B.
Pensacola, FL
I can sum up my brunch experience at 29 South with three letters - wow! My wife ordered the stuffed french toast...the inside was a sweet blend of peach compote & sweet cream cheese, surrounded by fresh berries, and topped with powdered sugar.
I ordered the shrimp & grits - amazing! The unexpected surprises with this dish - fresh tomatoes throughout, and a large fresh biscuit.
Overall, an incredible culinary experience. -
Review from Matthew C.
Lutherville-Timonium, MD
12/23/2010
Very good. Everything about this restaurant looks casual and simple, but the food is anything but. The menu is full of inventive dishes and well-known, simple favorites moved to another level by subtle, playful twists. I enjoyed my experience at 29 South tremendously.
We had the fried green tomatoes, which were very good, but what really set them off was the roasted red pepper sauce that accompanied them. We also had a fun... lobster corndog (!).
For an appetizer, I had the shrimp & grits. They were outstanding (again, simple dishes that go above and beyond). They were loaded with shrip (both grilled and fried), tomatoes, and some sausage. I've had shrimp & grits many times, but never quite like this. Other well-liked dishes at our table included the mahi-mahi, and quail.
For dessert, I enjoyed the "coffee and doughnuts," which is their combination of bread pudding, custard, and mocha ice cream. I'm not a big dessert person, but this dish was great. It was fun, inventive, and tasted great.
Attire is casual, service is excellent, and the prices are not cheap, but reasonable. -
Review from Eric L.
Atlanta, GA
7/17/2010
Farm to table place that is in a nice house by dowtown fernandina. This is one of the best restaurants Ive been to. My brother had the foie gras burger which he said was the best burger he ever had. The meat was like candy it just melted when you ate it. I had the regular burger and it was definitely top 5. They have a lot of unique items on the menu, but everything we had was top notch. Sister in law cleaned her plate which Ive never seen her do.
The food is a little pricey but its well worth it. Make a reservation because this place is supposedly packed every night. -
Review from Matt C.
7/5/2011
tried this place last weekend while in town for a quick vacation. easily the most impressive meal we've had in amelia/fernandina over the years. though their slogan is 'extraordinary casual dining', the food is anything but casual.
we ate outside and were the last seating for the night, at 9pm. our server never made us feel rushed, though, and did a fantastic job throughout the night. everything we tried was great (fried green tomato appetizer, shrimp & grits, pork chop) but the standout was definitely the pork chop.
brined in sweet tea for 48 hours, this was the most flavorful pork chop i've ever tasted. the macaroni gratin and blackberry ignited an amazing flavor combination of salty, savory, sweet.. so delicious. as another reviewer pointed out, the only criticism i can give is that the seeds of the blackberry aren't strained out. had several bites with the unexpected crunch of seeds. other than that, a STELLAR dish. it was a massive piece of meat, too.
we will definitely be back. -
Review from Alan S.
St Augustine, FL
5/31/2010
Sit outside if you can. We didn't but it was still great.
Fried green tomatoes were wonderful as was the crab cake sandwich.
We drove up from St A and it was worth the drive. Walk around town, stop for lunch, walk around some more, stop by for drinks, walk some more, more drinks, stumble around town, and on and on... -
Review from Emme E.
There were aspects of the meals that were good but add that to wait staff in their own worlds, bad...bad decor meal was ok but $24 porkchop was dry & blackberry sauce good (couldn't taste ginger) but strain the seeds out! Nothing special. Two tables walked out before they had even looked at the menu. I am getting the sense that eating in Fernandina Beach proper is an exercise in futility. Oh well, tomorrow if another night!
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Review from Ben H.
Fernandina Beach, FL
6/4/2011
Best dining experience on Amelia Island--great chef, great ingredients, creative menu.
29 South is a staple of my family's dining out--whether it be for a birthday, taking out-of-towners out for a nice, locally sourced meal, or if we just feel like going out on a weekday night. The food is such high quality that dining at 29 South is the place to go to celebrate a special event, and the prices are so reasonable that we eat here frequently. 29 South is the one restaurant you MUST eat at if you're visiting from out of town. -
Review from Eddy S.
Dallas, TX
9/20/2009
I was really excited to go here after reading good internet reviews, but we were sadly disappointed. The menu was so tantalizing that we both had a really hard time deciding. All sounded so good. We started with the fried green tomato appetizer as recommended by everyone around us. They were definitely inventive, the goat cheese was actually fried in with the green tomato, but the tomatoes were so thin I could barely taste them and the cheese was over-powering. We also had the cream of caramelized onion soup, which fell short of creaminess, more like wateriness.
I decided on the special- coconut-crusted grouper over millground grits, sauteed spinach and carrot-ginger puree. Sounds great, right? It was so flavorless I could hardly believe it. I was afraid the grits were going to be too rich, but I am pretty sure they were cooked in just water with no seasoning at all. And instead of spinach I got green beans, which I am glad because at least they were crisp. The coconut crust on the grouper tasted like cardboard, no seasoning at all and the fish was so fishy I didn't even eat it. It was truly a disappointment. I did catch a glimpse of the filet on someones plate and that may have been a better choice.
Hubby had the salmon which someone next to him raved about but it was bland also. Cardboard crust and over fingerling potatoes that could have used some more seasoning and some sort of flavor!!!
Usually I give restaurants a second try, but we don't live in FL so we will not be back. Sorry to say this was not a hit. One positive was that the waitress (who was very flustered, sweaty and disappeared for long periods of time-like 20 min) did recommend a good wine that we will try a -
Review from Yoda S.
Miami, FL
11/17/2011
We couldn't get into Salt at the Ritz Carlton and the front desk at the hotel suggested we try this place. I am almost glad there was no room at Salt. The service was great. The food was delicious, and it cost a fraction of what we would have spent at the Ritz. I had the short ribs...delicious. My husband had the fried chicken. We topped off the whole evening with the coffee dessert. One word...ok, three letters...OMG
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Review from Amanda G.
Jacksonville Beach, FL
5/10/2011
I have been to 29 South twice, once for lunch and went back again recently for appetizers and drinks. The food is always delicious and the servers are friendly and helpful! I love how fresh and creative their food is! I wish they had a liquor stocked bar. I would be very interested in seeing them add their creativity into cocktials!
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Review from Roger P.
Nanuet, NY
3/29/2010
This was a great restaurant the food was really good and enjoyed the
Dessert: "Coffee and Doughnuts" which is a Bread pudding made from doughnuts with coffee ice cream, Was Great. I would definitely come back again -
Review from R D.
Jacksonville, FL
4/7/2011
Definitely one of the best (if not the best) in Fernandina. Good for casual lunch or special occasion. Patio seating is nice too.
Pros: great food, a few 'different' items on the menu, it's "slow food" (food is from local farmers), decent wine selection and price ranges- you can spend $12 or $50. Service is usually good (with the rare bad server)
Cons: small, loud (but you won't be talking you'll be busy eating!)
Must haves: lobster corn dog, spring roll, Pulled pork cobb salad with fried green tomatoes & deviled egg, and the mac & cheese with blackberries (sounds odd- but you'll love it) -
Review from a c.
Fernandina Beach, FL
7/3/2011
I've just possibly had the worst meal I've ever had at 29 South. Eaten there many times....but no more. Too many new and better restaurants on our wonderful little island. Had the veal "chop" ($28) which was a 1/16" thick veal scallopini (not a chop) with absolutely no seasoning, more breading than veal, tasteless sauce, and no sides. Did I mention the chairs are dirty, ugly and uncomfortable?. I sense there is a complacency and arrogance that may ruin this place.
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Review from Marianne R.
Hilton Head Island, SC
9/12/2009
After reading reviews on the Internet, we decided to try this restaurant. It really lived up to expectations. We started with barbeque pork filled Spring Rolls which were excellent and different. The grilled Romaine salad was wonderful. Shrimp and Grits also excellent (just a tab salty tho). Fish Tacos were good but the delicate flavor of the filling was overwhelmed by the crispy flour taco shell. Much better without the shell. Dessert: "Coffee and Doughnuts" which is a Bread pudding made from doughnuts with coffee ice cream. Light and delicious. Enough for 2 to share. My husband says one of the best restaurants he has ever eaten in. Specializes in organic ingredients and original recipes.
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Review from Kim M.
Atlanta, GA
6/24/2011
Oh, the memories. That is all I have from my last dinner in 2008 at this quaint little house in historic Fernandina. I had hoped to recreate the fantastic dinner from way back but what a difference two years makes. Gone is the attentive and pleasant server (she was surly, rushed, and clearly aggravated); gone are the tasty appetizers and entrees. Although this little house is still always crowded, I wonder why. Our foie gras burger was not up to its hefty price tag. Our appetizers were ordinary (crab cake same as everyone; mussels were just okay in an bland broth; and the lobster was ruined in a cord meal mush!). The roasted romaine salad looked tastier on someone else's table. They must be regulars because our experience here left us longing for the old 29 South. We ate at a better new place down the street and that is where we shall go for the rest of the vacation. So sorry. 29 South No More!
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Review from Lisa T.
Florida, NY
9/4/2010
I agree with Cari from Jacksonville. We vacationed on Fernandina Beach for a week and were very pleased with all of the independently -owned, quaint, courtyard restaurants we dined at all week. We read about 29 South and were told by locals we met during the week that it was an excellent restaurant. We went there on our last night and were looking forward to yet another fine dining experience in Fernandina. This was only half so.
Our server was the biggest problem. She greeted us fine and made nice small talk, but it was down hill from there. It took 10 minutes to get bottled waters and another 10 to take our order. She did a good job explaining the food.
We ordered the scallop appetizer. It was a big let down. The presentation was nice but the scallops were so small and there were only 2. My husband and I both looked at each other in shock when it was placed on the table. They were between a bay and a sea scallop in size. We are both in the food business and I can tell you for $10, 2 more scallops would have made it an OK appetizer. I asked the server if she knew the size of the scallops, but she didn't.
Back in the day, when I was a server, I would have, for sure, steered my customer's away from that appetizer. The taste was good, but ridiculous because the scallops were so small.
When our server delivered the appetizer, she did not bring us any side plates, bread or silverware roll ups. So, on top of the puny appetizer, it was pretty cold by the time she came back with our needed utensils.
I, too, had the pork chop. But, I did ask for the sauce on the side. It was a nice thick cut pork chop cooked to a medium rare. It was delicious. The macaroni au gratin was a small serving compared to the size of the chop. I love when Macaroni and cheese has crispy bread crumbs on top. That would have been a nice compliment and added texture to the cheesy, somewhat bland side. I am glad I got the blackberry sauce on the side. The Chop was very juicy and with the macaroni and cheese as the base it would have been a pool of sauces!
My husband had the Mediterranean Shrimp Salad. He liked it a lot. It came with 6 extra large shrimp on a generous portion of lettuce and other sald ingredients.
We were never asked how our meals were, never asked if we wanted another glass of wine and we were never asked if we wanted coffee or dessert. We actually didn't give our server the chance to present dessert because it took forever for her to notice we were finished. We thought it best to get the check as she was passing by to another table. Once the server took our order, we really didn't see her for the balance of our meal there.
Maybe the restaurant has to work out the "newness bugs". Our server definitely did not warrant the nice tip my husband left. Our bill was $84 plus the tip. That is a lot of money for a disappointing last supper! -
Review from TruthSpeaker I.
Boston, MA
3/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lots of breading and frying, but very little flavor in either of my dishes. My husband wasn't impressed with his meal, either. The food is seriously overpriced. The staff is very nice, though.
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Review from Paul N.
Winston-Salem, NC
10/8/2009
I've read reviews for this restaurant that have suggested the food is either fantastic or bland. I went ther for brunch and was quite pleased. My wife had shrimp and grits (a near staple for her on this trip) and they were among the best that I tasted. I went for the fish tacos which, while not being as good as those that I've had in SoCal, were very good.
We ate outside which was quite pleasant. Service was good, and we could overhear another table asking for something that was not on the brunch menu. The kitchen was accomodating and they got the off-menu brunch that they requested. Prices were fairly reasonable for the area ($34 w/ tip for two for brunch). I strongly considered coming back for a business dinner but opted for trying something different. I would strongly consider trying lunch or dinner here if I'm ever back this way again. -
Review from Adam E.
Orlando, FL
11/7/2009 1 photo
29 South was recommended by the concierge at our hotel and after looking at some other places along Centre St. we decided this would be our place.
The good: The food was excellent! I had the fried chicken drizzles with honey and mashed potatoes. It was very fresh and the batter was sweet and flavorful and I could have eaten the rest of the chicken because it was soo good. My wife had the pizza of the day, which happened to be pulled pork with pepper jelly and pepper Jack cheese. I consider myself an expert on barbecue pizzas and this was among the best. All of the food is natural or organic from local farms and it definately shows. The chef at 29 South is seriously good at adding a gourmet flair to southern cooking.
The Meh: Originally, while looking at the menu before deciding to eat there, I saw that they had a Kobe beef burger, which I rarely find and love it when I do. When we were seated, however, we learned that they were out already. We also heard from other tables that the filet mignon was also running low on supply. So, even though I loved the fried chicken, it began with heartbreak caused by poor demand forecasting. Likewise at dessert time, there was a chocolate flourless cake that sounded good, but there was no more vanilla ice cream to substitute for the standard butter pecan.
The bad: The place was a little busy, and I'm pretty sure there were only two servers, so I went for most of my meal with no water. Plenty of runners came by, none with water. I drink fast so I understand, but it seemed like no one was paying attention to beverages. Also, we sat outside and the chairs were clean but you wouldn't know it by looking at them. They weren't very comfortable and were definately worse for the wear. This may seem nitpicky, but if it weren't for them, I would have no hesitation giving five stars.
In summary: the food is great and you should definately try it. This is definately something you don't have at home (unless you live here). But, show up early so they don't run out of your favorite option, and try to sit inside. -
Review from Tara M.
Fernandina Beach, FL
2/11/2010
By far, one of the best places on Amelia Island. The food is inventive, yummy, and locally produced. They have an organic garden growing out back where they source much of their produce, and have partnerships with local farms for everything else.
The best things on the menu: The Southern Cobb Salad (pulled pork, deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, tomato chutney), the Fried Green Tomatoes (with goat cheese and chutney), the Fish Tacos (unbelievably fresh and delicious), the Pork Chop and Mac&Cheese, the Fried Chicken, the Corned Beef Sandwich (done in-house and rivals my Irish grandmother's unbelievably good corned beef) and definitely - definitely - the "Coffee & Doughnuts" dessert. I have sent lots and lots of people here - and all have raved about it. -
Review from Andrew W.
Fernandina Beach, FL
12/12/2010
My wife and I were hesitant about returning to 29 South, following a four -out- of -four entree strikeout a few years ago, our only other visit. Last night, we decided to give it another trying, taking a guest as well. It was absolutely superb! All three of our entrees (all we had, plus wine) were notably scrumptious, and generously-portioned. Even more, there were about 5-6 other entrees that sounded and looked as good! We'll be returning for sure. The chef must have been out sick a few years ago.
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Review from Tinktrace P.
Washington, DC
10/17/2010
My husband and I recently visited Amelia Island and this restaurant was by FAR the best eats we had on our long weekend. We ended up coming here for brunch our first day and had such a great experience we came back the next night for dinner! The staff was very friendly and the establishment itself just feels like such a quaint place. For dinner, my husband had the steamed mussels and I had the Thai Bouillabaisse which were both spectacular. Then to top it off for dessert we had the coffee and doughnuts which was a delectable unique desert! Never had anything like it but it was amazing! Definitely can't wait for our next visit so we can go there again!
