Insider Guides to Five NE Florida Neighborhoods

Kiara enjoys Address Coffee's sage blossom cold brew along with Bar Citra's caesar salad and cardamom bun. Photo by Cole LoCurto.

ST. AUGUSTINE

Kiara Nicolette, Endless Summer Realty

I’m a local realtor and professional foodie and I love helping people find cool homes by the beach. I love St. Augustine for its mix of laid-back charm and vibrant local flavor. There’s always something happening, but it never feels rushed. Whether I’m riding my bike to the beach or grabbing coffee with friends, this place just feels like home. I love nothing more than coming home from a trip to my little beach town, I'd have it no other way!

Coffee

Address Coffee and Bar Citra, 3676 N Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine

Sharing a space with Bar Citra, this is a coffee shop by day and a wine bar in the evening, serving brunch, pastries and quick bites. My favorite drink is the sage blossom cold brew. It’s smooth, slightly floral and offers just the right kick to start my day.

Breakfast

Sunday Gathering Table, 73 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine

This café in the heart of uptown St. Augustine is great for breakfast and lunch, with patio and indoor seating. Housemade sourdough bread is the star of their menu. Try the eggs benedict and a warm cinnamon roll — it’s indulgent but so worth it.

Lunch

Crave, 135 King St B, St. Augustine

Started as a food truck, this fast-casual restaurant serves up salads, wraps and smoothies at three brick-and-mortar locations. Select from one of the gourmet wraps and salads or create a custom meal. I always go for the chicken salad wrap. It’s fresh, flavorful and always hits the spot.

Drinks/Happy Hour

Boat Drinks, 123 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine

Recently moved to San Marco Ave., Boat Drinks’ expanded space includes indoor and outdoor bars and a large covered patio, perfect for hanging out with friends and puppies alike. Their menu features frozen adult beverages, raw bar options and small bites. A must on a warm day, their margaritas are refreshing and bright, and they always nail a classic martini.

Dinner

Catch 27, 40 Charlotte St, St. Augustine

This cozy seafood restaurant is nestled in the historic district, and it’s worth the hunt for parking (check the parking garage first, a short walk from the restaurant). Fresh local seafood is their specialty, and the rich and creamy risotto is my favorite way to enjoy the daily catch.

Emily's lunch spot in Riverside is Taqueria Cinco, and includes rajas, street corn and agua fresca. Photo by Cole LoCurto.

RIVERSIDE & AVONDALE

Emily Hall, Root Realty

I’ve called Jacksonville home for over 15 years and I’m a passionate advocate for Jacksonville’s historic neighborhoods. I thrive on the charm, character and close-knit community of Riverside and Avondale. I’m especially drawn to the historic homes, scenic river views, vibrant parks and the thriving local food scene that make these districts truly special.

Coffee

Bold Bean Coffee Roasters, 869 Stockton St, Jacksonville

This café in Riverside is the perfect place to start your day with an espresso or matcha drink prepared by the experts — Bold Bean has been roasting coffee since 2007 and they always have an interesting selection of coffees from around the world. My go-to beverage is the iced pistachio rose latte.

Breakfast

Brew Five Points, 1024 Park St., Jacksonville

A mainstay in the Five Points business district, this coffee shop serves tacos all day and their pastry case is seasonally driven, such as peach kolaches in the summer. Their toast creations are super flavorful. My favorite is Don't Call It A Comeback Toast — goat cheese, pepper jelly (a little spicy!), arugula and local

honey on housemade olive oil bread.

Lunch

Taqueria Cinco, 809 Lomax St, Jacksonville

This cozy spot in Five Points is where I head for Mexican street food. I love the décor both indoors and on the backyard patio. If I stop by on Friday or Saturday, I’ll order the tacos al pastor. Otherwise the rajas with refried black beans, corn, potato, poblano, caramelized onion, cabbage, cilantro and queso fresco is the perfect pairing with esquites (Mexican street corn) and a strawberry lemonade agua fresca.

Happy Hour

Orsay, 3630 Park St, Jacksonville

I love having the Southern version of a French bistro in Avondale. Orsay’s happy hour food and drink specials are a great way to unwind after a busy day. The cocktail that always has my name on it is the Hey Jealousy, featuring their house-infused cucumber gin, elderflower liqueur, Aperol and sparkling wine.

Dinner

Josephine, 3563 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville

This Italian restaurant has been a great addition to the Avondale neighborhood. It’s such a fun and delicious dining experience. I recommend the sourdough focaccia, Caesar salad, Josephine rigatoni with Calabrian vodka sauce and a house negroni.

Megan's mornings often include Urban Bean's homemade triple chocolate gluten-free donut and smoked salmon on an everything bagel. Photo by Amanda Rosenblatt.

FLEMING ISLAND

Megan Atkin, Entwine Real Estate

I launched Entwine, a lifestyle and retail-focused commercial real estate company, to cultivate connection, creativity and collaborative opportunities. While I work in many cities across the Southeast, Fleming Island’s natural beauty offers families and professionals a nice blend of convenience and a relaxed "island" lifestyle that provides for a calming escape in a growing city. You are away from it all once you are on the "island" and there's something to be said for that in today's environment.

Coffee/Breakfast

The Urban Bean Coffeehouse & Café, 2023 Park Ave, Orange Park

A husband-and-wife duo opened this local staple that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a wonderful wine list. It’s a great place to connect and have meetings on the patio. Their dessert case is filled with delicious treats and hard to resist! I love their homemade triple chocolate gluten-free donut and smoked

salmon on an everything bagel.

Lunch

Saigon Wok, 1810 Town Center Blvd, Fleming Island

If you love Vietnamese food, this place is not to be missed. Its no-frills atmosphere belies the flavorful authentic dishes from the kitchen. Everything from spring rolls and pho to stir fries and bun bowls, your taste buds will thank you. The combo bun bowl and lemongrass stir fry are always a hit, while the pho broth is memorable and comforting.

Dinner

Santioni’s Italian Ristorante, 3535 Highway 17, Fleming Island

If you want a true Italian experience on Fleming Island, this is it. A reservation is recommended on Friday and Saturday nights, when you can dine while listening to live music. The menu is family-style, which will have you bringing home leftovers. From the pizzas to pastas and everything in between, a meal there is absolutely yummy.

Happy Hour

The Sunset Tiki Bar, 3108 U.S. 17, Fleming Island

A hidden gem on the island located inside the Doctors Lake Marina, this is a great place to wind down, whether from a long day at work or on the water. This little tropical hut offers spectacular sunset views, live music, ice-cold beer, wine and tiki cocktails.

Late Night

Corks & Barrels, 1824 Town Center Blvd, Fleming Island

Veteran-owned and operated, Corks & Barrels is a tasting-style wine and whiskey bar and lounge. The owner’s appreciation and extensive knowledge of regional whiskeys and wine is evident and their monthly rotating menu features regional wine and whiskey tastings, pairings and charcuterie boards. The laid-back, rustic atmosphere is a great place to catch up with friends, have a date night or enjoy a night cap on the island.

Jen recommends happy hour at The Principal's Office Bar in Fernandina Beach. Photo by Stephanie Woods.

FERNANDINA BEACH/AMELIA ISLAND

Jen Edgington, Summer House Realty

I’m a local realtor in Fernandina Beach who truly loves where she lives. When I’m not helping buyers and sellers find their dream homes on Amelia Island, I’m creating content that highlights the charm and beauty of this incredible place I call home. You can follow along on Instagram @ameliaislandlife. What I love most about our island is its small-town warmth, stunning architecture, rich natural surroundings, amazing food and of course our beautiful beaches.

Breakfast

Garden Street Bistro, 105 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach

Located in an old house in downtown Fernandina Beach, this is the spot for breakfast. I’m a sucker for a breakfast burrito or avocado toast but you can’t go wrong by exploring the menu. Top it off with bottomless mimosas on the weekend.

Brunch

Pogo’s Kitchen, 1408 Lewis St, Fernandina Beach

This is the place to go for Sunday brunch. Located on the southern end of Amelia Island, the prices are reasonable and the food is amazing. A glass of complimentary champagne tops it all off. Make reservations for a seat out on the patio lined with lush vegetation and a soothing stream.

Coffee

Amelia Island Coffee, 207 Centre St, Fernandina Beach

They have many different combinations to choose from and even some small bites. I am basic so my sugar free vanilla latte is my go-to unless I get a wild hair and get an iced chai latte on a steamy day. Located downtown on Centre Street, it’s the perfect stop before strolling the many stops downtown.

Lunch

Mezcal Spirit of Oaxaca, 302 Centre St, Fernandina Beach

This is a must stop — the energy is contagious, and the authentic Mexican food is chef's kiss! My go-to meal is the carne con mole or the chicken chimichanga — so yummy. Try the ceviche of the day — it's always so pretty — while enjoying one of the handcrafted margaritas or mezcalitas.

Happy Hour

The Principal's Office Bar at Amelia Schoolhouse Inn, 914 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach

The first schoolhouse on Amelia Island has been reimagined into a 17-room inn with an upscale lobby bar known as the Principal's Office Bar. This will be the only time you want to be sent to the principal's office. The menu offers small bites and changes seasonally, but my current favorite is The Bee’s Knees. They have live music Thursday through Saturday.

Dinner

Burlingame, 20 South 5th St, Fernandina Beach

This is a must try. The atmosphere is so quaint and cozy, with several dining options: at the bar, in the dining room or on the covered patio. My rule for a meal here: always order the short ribs if they’re on the menu. The oysters are a fan favorite, and be sure to include an order of Brussels sprouts.

Dessert

Lagniappe Restaurant, 4810 1st Coast Highway, Amelia Island

Save room for dessert and try the peanut butter pie at Lagniappe. Consider yourself lucky if you snag a piece of this cold, creamy, peanut butter deliciousness. Go earlier in the evening and always ask if they have any, as quantities are limited.

Ari's special order at Ellen's Kitchen includes bacon pancakes and orange juice. Photo by Lauren Titus.

THE BEACHES

Ari Pinto, Fluid Realty

My background is in marketing and art. I began my real estate journey in August of 2023, and I am grateful to have been welcomed into such a great real estate family at Fluid. I firmly believe that success in real estate is a byproduct of your commitment to your clients and your community. I love the Beaches; there’s something special about the area. You can smell it in the air and you can see it in the colors at sunrise and sunset. The Beaches are home to so many unique people and places.

Coffee

Zap Cat Espresso Bar, 751 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach

Start your morning off right with a slow, salty breeze and a perfect cup of coffee at Zap Cat. This cozy neighborhood spot blends minimalist style with seriously good brews — smooth, rich espresso, pour-overs done right and just the right amount of beach-town charm. Whether you're grabbing a cortado to go or sipping a matcha while chatting with locals outside, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a regular after one visit.

Breakfast

Ellen’s Kitchen, 241 3rd St, Neptune Beach

Head to this no-frills diner for a classic breakfast with a menu that hits the spot every time. Go for the fluffy pancakes, grits done right and bacon that’s crispy enough to earn applause. The local crowd is part of the charm, and you’ll leave feeling full in all the best ways.

Lunch

Abstrakt Filipino Essence, 1500 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach

Head to Beach Blvd for something completely different at Abstrakt Filipino Essence, where Chef JoJo delivers bold, creative takes on traditional Filipino flavors. From perfectly crisp lumpia and turon to unexpected fusion dishes like pork belly sisig tacos, this is where street food meets art form.

Happy Hour

Casa Marina Hotel, 691 1st Street N, Jacksonville Beach

Perched right on the dunes, the historic Casa Marina Hotel turns 100 this year. This iconic spot offers ocean views, classic cocktails and the kind of timeless glamour that makes every drink feel like a toast to the good life. Try the Hot Donna martini, featuring Bacardi dragonberry infused rum paired with fresh strawberry and citrus.

Dinner

Doro, 106 First St, Neptune Beach

For a real showstopper of a meal, head to Doro. Thanks to Chef Chris Polidoro, it’s more than a restaurant: it’s an experience. Known for seasonal tasting menus and locally sourced ingredients, Doro walks the line between inventive and approachable with ease. Honestly, you couldn’t have a bad meal at Doro if you tried. Be sure to save room for the Doro-made sorbet of the day.