The Surf Restaurant & Bar (3199 S. Fletcher Ave., 904/261-5711, www.thesurfonline.com [1], 11 a.m.–midnight daily, main courses from $8) is a large multibuilding complex across the street from the beach. Despite its size, it always seems full. Live music, 23 televisions, and a drink while you wait on the outside deck that has a view of the Atlantic eases the pain of the seemingly eternal wait for a table. Once you finally get seated, you probably won’t mind that the steak and seafood that the Surf dishes up aren’t exactly anything to write home about; just sitting and eating is rewarding enough.
For a less grueling wait and a similar beach-grill atmosphere, head to the north end of the island and Sandy Bottoms (2910 Atlantic Ave., 904/277-0814, main courses from $9). A standard selection of sandwiches and seafood baskets are complemented by an outdoor deck that sits atop the sand.
More upscale dining experiences can be found in downtown Fernandina Beach [2]. The Beech Street Grill (801 Beech St., 904/277-3662, www.beechstreetgrill.com [3], 6–10 p.m. daily, main courses from $17) is located in a home built in 1889, with a menu that’s steeped in the classics—grilled beef tenderloin, roasted salmon, spit-roasted chicken, sautéed lobster and linguine—but prepared with a contemporary flair.
Espana Restaurant & Tapas (22 S. 4th St., 904/261-7700, www.espanadowntown.com [4], 5–10 p.m. daily, tapas from $7, main courses from $19) features Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, with a wide selection of tapas plates and a full dinner menu as well. Dinner is served in one of two comfortable dining rooms and on a verdant outdoor patio.
Links:
[1] http://www.thesurfonline.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/florida/north-atlantic-coast/amelia-island/sights/downtown-fernandina-beach
[3] http://www.beechstreetgrill.com
[4] http://www.espanadowntown.com