Amelia Island, Florida: A Culinary Guide for Families, Solo Travelers, and Food Enthusiasts

This month we’re exploring Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida—an ocean town that offers more than just seafood shacks and flip‑flops. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway or simply craving local flavor, our curated list of six standout eateries showcases the region’s culinary diversity—from nostalgic burgers to high‑end seafood.

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Best Restaurant for Families: T‑Rays Burger Station

Old‑school diners are a comfort food staple, and T‑Rays Burger Station delivers with a menu of classic burgers topped with everything from classic cheese to creative options. The highlight? An unforgettable side of crispy onion rings. The shop is tucked inside a historic Exxon gas station, so you’ll need to look closely to find it—once you do, it’s well worth the detour.

T‑Rays Burger Station Must‑Have: Big‑T Burger and Onion Rings

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Best Restaurant for Adults: Area 51 BBQ

Area 51 BBQ fuses Southern comfort with Korean flair, offering a unique menu that highlights both worlds. Their weekend specialty, the tabletop grill ribeye bulgogi, is a shared feast featuring thinly sliced beef, fresh noodles, and broth—perfect for a memorable dining experience.

Area 51 BBQ Must‑Have: Dolsot for Two

Best Restaurant for Solo Travelers: Hola! Cuban Café

For a quick bite on the go, Hola! Cuban Café serves up Cuban classics with a twist. Open only for breakfast and lunch, the café is just off the main downtown road and is ideal for solo diners. Their croqueta preparada sandwich—packed with chicken, ham, or cheese croquetas, ham, pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard—has become a personal favorite.

Hola! Cuban Café Must‑Have: Croqueta Preparada Sandwich

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Best Splurge Restaurant: Salt

Located in the Ritz‑Carlton Amelia Island, Salt offers a refined dining experience with panoramic ocean views. The menu showcases seafood delicacies enhanced by a selection of over 40 world‑class salts. Expect impeccable service and an unforgettable meal.

Salt Must‑Have: Sea Bass with Leek Bread Pudding

Best Mid‑Day Snack: Wicked Bao

Wicked Bao brings the comfort of steamed bao buns to the beach. Their small, shareable plates—like the braised pork belly bao and bulgogi beef bao—make the perfect mid‑day snack for travelers on the move.

Wicked Bao Must‑Have: Bulgogi Beef Bao and Crispy Rice Tots

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Best Amelia Island Brewery: Amelia Island Brewing Co.

Amelia Island Brewing Co. crafts a rotating lineup of IPAs, blondes, pale ales, and lagers, and their brew is featured in local venues like Amelia Tavern and The Alley. A knowledgeable server can help you find the beer that matches your palate.

Amelia Island Brewing Co. Must‑Have: Whatever beer you love most

More About Delicious Destinations

Whether you plan your vacation around a specific culinary experience or simply want a broad taste of local flavors, FamilyVacationist’s Delicious Destinations column is your go‑to guide. Each month we spotlight the best family‑friendly spots, solo‑traveler favorites, and must‑try snacks in cities across the U.S.—this month’s focus: Anaheim, California.

My name is Megan duBois, a full‑time food and drink writer who lives for forks and ice cream cones alike. Join me on a culinary journey through new cities every month, where I’ll recommend the top restaurants, bars, bakeries, and hidden gems for families, solo travelers, and food enthusiasts.