St. Augustine is among the most romantic towns in the country! As a result, our Ancient City recently ranked third on “140 Most Romantic Small Towns in America,” a list by New York Travel Guides. St. Augustine boasts breath-taking scenery, charming pastimes, and scrumptious restaurants. And since roughly one-third of lovers who celebrate Valentine’s Day do so with an evening out, it’s best to reserve a table ASAP!
Try one of these Cupid-approved St. Augustine Valentine’s Day restaurants.
St. Augustine Valentine’s Day Restaurants to Love
Collage
60 Hypolita St., St. Augustine | (904) 829-0055
Yelp recently named Collage as one of the Top 20 Most Romantic Places to Eat in Florida (No. 2). Open for dinner service with impressive wine pairings, Collage’s chef prepares original recipes using high-quality, local seafood, meat, and produce.
At this cozy place, start with the Burrata for Two, a housemade mozzarella stuffed with goat cheese mousse and accompanied by apricot confiture, raspberry gastrique, spiced walnuts and focaccia crostini. Main course selections include beef tenderloin, bison tenderloin, duck, lamb, short ribs, and veal, as well as grouper, scallops, and two pasta dishes.
Do share Collage’s signature dessert with your sweetie because it's divine. The Bougainvillea features strawberries sautéed in butter, black pepper, and cabernet vanilla sauce over vanilla bean ice cream, served in a crispy phyllo cup.
Note that Collage does not have a dedicated parking lot so allow additional time to secure parking. Also, Collage’s sibling site, Blackfly Restaurant, is a must-try too.
Hanger One Bistro
4900 U.S. 1 North, St. Augustine | (904) 602-6003
Featured image of this blog post: Hanger One Bistro
With Valentine’s Day falling mid-week, you may not be able to jet set off with your first-class mate. But you’ll have plenty of leg room dining at a table within Hanger One’s climate-controlled indoor patio with views of the main runways at North Florida Regional Airport, as well as airport taxiways, jet/aircraft parking areas and the Matanzas Water Inlet.
Hanger One Bistro allows wanderlusters to lust over each other while sharing an eclectic meal. Let your taste buds be transported with small plates like the Crawfish & Shrimp Sliders, topped with mayo, sweet corn, bell peppers and citrus juices; or Steak Skillet, cooked with garlic, onions and cherry tomatoes and served with Pico de gallo, spicy sauce and crostinis.
You can order a standard entrée like a burger or fresh catch but perhaps allow yourselves to veer from the norm with the Veal Schnitzel or Rabbit Pappardelle.
Llama Restaurant
415 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine | (904) 819-1760
Just seven Florida establishments made the cut for OpenTable’s list of America’s Top Restaurants 2023, including Llama Restaurant which, of course, means it's also among the best St. Augustine Valentine’s Day restaurants. Owned and operated by the talented Chef Marcel Vizcarra, this Peruvian eatery infuses authentic dishes with modern flavors.
The menu is somewhat petite compared to other eateries but that’s because Vizcarra chooses quality over quantity.
Llama serves impeccable fare, balancing beautiful presentation with bold tastes. Vizcarra is praised for his take on several fresh ceviche options, as well as the Pulpo dish, tender octopus carpaccio, red onions and key lime, drizzled with Alfonso olives aioli and garnished with Peruvian peppers.
Lotus Noodle Bar
56 Grove Ave., St. Augustine | (904) 325-0613
Highly committed to supporting American food culture, equity, and sustainability, Chef Barry Honan is a member of the James Beard Foundation Patron Program. At Lotus, he delights diners with an “elevated ramen concept that integrates modern Japanese cuisine with French techniques.”
Divine ramen bowls are topped with Bacon and Egg, Sweet Soy Braised Brisket, Cashew Tonkotsu and other delicious options. Expect luxurious touches like edible flowers and truffles. Complement your meal with saké, Japanese beer, or wine. And save room for the chocolate miso crumble cake.
Valentine’s Day or otherwise, Lotus is a reservation-only restaurant with designated time windows.
Michael’s
25 Cuna St., St. Augustine | (904) 810-2400
With a decorative fountain and plethora of green plants, the quaint courtyard at Michael’s is a romantic al fresco spot. Run by award-winning Chef Michael Lugo, who has been featured on The Food Network, expect pops of Puerto Rican influence, as with the Criollo Shrimp Mofongo. However, Michael’s is the go-to place for tender premium steaks, wet-aged for 60 days and dry-aged for 45 days.
Vino enthusiasts should consider reviewing the extensive wine list beforehand. The Wine Spectator awarded Michael’s with its Award of Excellence. FYI, a future date night can be had at Lugo’s other restaurant, Pesca, serving fresh seafood in Vilano Beach.
Raintree Restaurant
102 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine | (904) 824-7211
If you and your honey don’t always want the same fare, know that Raintree’s intercontinental menu offers a diverse blend of Mediterranean, American, and Asian cuisine. There’s really something for everyone with soups, sandwiches, steaks, pasta, fish and more. The Beef Wellington is a stand-out!
Pssst… Raintree also hosts weddings so you know this St. Augustine Valentine’s Day restaurant is Cupid approved.
The Drunken Horse
56 Charlotte St., St. Augustine | (904) 679-5858
If wine and cheese is your jam (like it's ours), race to The Drunken Horse. The charcuterie boards are masterpieces that’ll please all your senses. This is a great place for either light bites and drinks or a full course dinner.
Either way, the homemade Crème Brulée is the perfect conclusion to Valentine’s Day.
