Amelia Island Living eMagazine: TRAVEL GUIDE. Dining, Restaurants, Wine.

The Ritz-Carlton is one of only 18 hotels in the entire U.S. to receive two AAA Five Diamond awards -- one for the resort itself, and one for its fine dining restaurant, The Grill. (Note that in 2006, The Grill was replaced by the Ritz's new restaurant, "Salt.") Contact the Ritz at 904-277-1100 for dining reservations.

Enjoy oceanfront dining at the Ocean Grill in the Amelia Inn, Amelia Island Plantation resort, (open Tuesday to Saturday, 6 to 10 pm) -- it will be an elegant evening to remember. For dinner reservations, call 904-261-6161. With a menu of the finest steaks, chops, chef’s specials, a bountiful wine list and lavish selection of desserts, AIP's chefs will amaze you with exotic cuisine.

Also located on Amelia Island Plantation is the Verandah restaurant. Call (904)321-5050 for reservations, located at 3000 First Coast Highway (A1A). The Verandah is one of the best restaurants on Amelia Island, with an excellent selection of fresh seafood. Dress is resort, casual. Also located on Amelia Island Plantation is another excellent restaurant, PLAE (People Laughing and Eating), located in the Spa & Shops off First Coast Highway, with views of the golf course.

HISTORIC DISTRICT, FERNANDINA RESTAURANTS

For a gourmet dining experience in the historic district of downtown Fernandina Beach, try Joe's 2nd Street Bistro, located in a quaint 1903 home with lovely courtyard for cocktails. Joe's has been on Jacksonville Magazine's top-25 restaurant list in the past. Fresh seafood, game and specialty dishes, extensive wine list -- reservations recommended (904)-321-2558.

Another option for a fine dining experience and excellent wine list, in historic Fernandina, is the Beech Street Grill.

Le Clos, is located in a quaint circa 1906 cottage, French Provencal). 20 S. Second St. near Hampton Inn, in the historic district of Fernandina Beach. Reservations recommended (904)261-8100.

More Casual Eateries and Beach Bites

SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL

An Amelia Island landmark, Sliders Seaside Grill, is well known to both locals and visitors, having a presence on Amelia Island for over 50 years (initially as an Inn). Sliders is a brick structure located on the beach at the corner of Sadler Rd. and South Fletcher Ave. near Seaside Park beach access (just across from the Amelia Hotel and Suites).

Sliders has an "island style" flair, offering a pleasant atmosphere. The menu offers a wide variety to please most diners, including a children's menu with the required "staples" that kids can't live without: chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, hot dogs and burgers.

As noted above, Sliders is located on oceanfront property -- one of only two restaurant/bars on Amelia Island (non-resort property), that are actually right on the beach (the other located at Main Beach Park). Interestingly, Sliders has installed some playground equipment off its rear covered porch, adjacent to the beach, for patrons with kids. (Parents can now have a cocktail and bite to eat while keeping an eye on the playground that is fenced.) For further information, call Slider's at 904-277-6652.

"Lite Bites," Lunch, Kid-Friendly dining:

Loop Pizza Grill -- burgers, chicken, salads, pizza (Sadler Rd. and 14th Street), Zaxby's Chicken, good quality chicken fingers and wings for wing lovers (14th St.), Pizza Hut (A1A over Shave Bridge), Dairy Queen -- burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream (Sadler Rd. near South Fletcher intersection), Shoney's (very noteworthy is Shoney's "breakfast for dinner on Thursday nights" -- omelets made-to-order, excellent made-to-order Bavarian waffles, lots of booths plus large buffet).

Gourmet delis with nice lunch menus: Gourmet, Gourmet on A1A (south-end of island), Carolyn's Fine Foods, located downtown on Centre Street, Old South Yankee on 8th Street.

Where to enjoy Cocktails? See Nightlife & Entertainment.