5 of Our Favorite Waterfront Restaurants Near Amelia Island

Located in Nassau County, Amelia Island is a true Florida gem. With a rich history and an abundance of shorelines, there is no shortage of waterfront dining options. Hit the beach and grab a bite to eat or plan an unforgettable dinner date. Here are five local, waterfront restaurants that combine great flavor with beautiful views.

1. Salty Pelican Bar & Grill

This highly rated casual-American restaurant located in Fernandina Beach boasts some of the best quick-bite seafood options in town. From peel and eat shrimp to fresh fish tacos, the menu has an endless selection of tasty nautical cuisine. The waterfront views give life to a wonderful outdoor atmosphere. Meet up with friends to watch your favorite sports teams on the overhead TVs at the indoor bar.

2. Down Under Restaurant

Another seafood staple, Down Under Restaurant is a unique establishment with over 80 feet of floating dock and a large outdoor deck. Located right off Highway A1A and the Amelia River waterway, this island gem is a must-visit. The restaurant features a Tiki Bar that serves a variety of handcrafted cocktails, such as their infamous Wave Runner. The raw and fried oysters are also fan-favorites here.

3. Dockside Seafood Restaurant

Located on the east side of the intracoastal waterway, Dockside Seafood Restaurant offers quick-service seafood fresh from the inside market. The casual outdoor seating boasts a great view of the marsh and nearby bridge! Have you ever tried authentic Florida gator tail? At Dockside, this distinctive dish is served lightly battered with special dipping sauce.

4. Brett’s Waterway Cafe

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a Key Lime Tart or indulge in a crisp, cold lager while taking in the view at Brett’s Waterway Cafe. This quaint, waterfront cafe offers a large menu with a variety of seafood and American casual cuisine to choose from. Brett’s is great for anyone looking to enjoy breathtaking views and delicious food on Amelia Island.

5. Salt Life Food Shack

With two stories to explore, Salt Life Food Shack is a beautiful waterfront restaurant on the Atlantic coast of Fernandina Beach just north of Amelia Island. This Main Beach Park restaurant has an eclectic menu with something for everyone to enjoy. Try the mouth-watering poke tuna tacos (sourced sustainably from the Wishbones of Costa Rica) or the renowned Boca Style Grouper Sandwich. Family and large group friendly seating is readily available, and the outdoor views of the coastline are simply stunning.

Only a short drive west of these beautiful waterfront restaurants is Tributary, Nassau County’s newest master-planned community. Tributary residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to one-of-a-kind dining with waterfront views. This community offers an impressive selection of new, single-family homes from the $300’s by the area’s top builders. Dream Finders Homes, Lennar and Richmond American Homes are bringing their own unique style and designs that create a truly special and diverse place to live. Tributary’s Model Home Village features 6 designer-decorated models and is open daily for tours, these models can also be virtually toured here.

Tributary is located just north of Jacksonville, Florida and spans across 1,550 acres of land. State-protected land borders the west side of the community and provides many outdoor adventures for the residents. Only 15 minutes to the south, you’ll find the Jacksonville International Airport and River City Marketplace, a major regional shopping, dining and entertainment destination. The Lookout lakefront resident clubhouse is underway and will feature amenities such as a fitness studio, resort-inspired pool, pickleball courts, a playground, dog park and more. The new amenity center is scheduled to be open to residents next spring.

Additionally, Tributary announced the addition of Lakeview 55+, Nassau County’s newest active-adult neighborhood within the community. Be sure to download the Digital Brochure which will give you an overview of the community and surrounding area. You can also connect with Tributary on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on the latest progress within the community. To learn more, you can visit TributaryLiving.com or contact the Tributary team at 904.299.6124.