- Attraction: The Floridian
- Location: 72 Spanish Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: http://www.thefloridianstaug.com/
Hidden just off the bustling tourist corridors of historic St. Augustine, The Floridian has been quietly revolutionizing Southern cuisine since 2010. Founded by husband and wife team Jeff and Genie McNally, this farm-to-table restaurant serves “exciting, updated, creative Southern Food sourced from local farms, waters and artisans.”
What started as a passion project to feed the local community has blossomed into one of Florida’s most celebrated dining destinations, where traditional Southern comfort meets innovative culinary artistry.
This stylish eatery features “innovative Southern fare for omnivores, herbivores, and locavores” with ingredients sourced from local farms and producers. You’ll discover a menu that changes with the seasons, reflecting the restaurant’s deep commitment to sustainability and their belief that great food starts with exceptional ingredients.
Whether you’re a devoted carnivore, dedicated vegetarian, or passionate locavore, The Floridian crafts dishes that celebrate Florida’s diverse culinary heritage while pushing creative boundaries.
Signature Dishes & Menu Highlights
The Famous Biscuits: You haven’t truly experienced The Floridian until you’ve tried their legendary biscuits. Visitors literally “can’t stop dreaming about the biscuits,” describing them as “to die for” and “one of, if not THE best thing” they ate during their entire St. Augustine visit.
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Keep Exploring →These aren’t your grandmother’s biscuits – they’re fluffy, buttery masterpieces that arrive warm to your table and disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please.”
Pork Belly Appetizer: The pork belly appetizer has achieved legendary status among regulars and newcomers alike. Guests rave about this “belly appetizer” as an unforgettable experience that perfectly showcases the restaurant’s ability to elevate comfort food into something extraordinary.
The preparation balances rich, melt-in-your-mouth textures with bright, complementary flavors that awaken your palate.
Seasonal Entrees: The entrees are consistently described as “huge and incredibly flavorful,” reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to both generous portions and bold taste profiles.
The menu changes continuously with the seasons, reflecting their “sincere appreciation of traditional Southern cooking with an updated dedication to keeping it fresh—literally and figuratively.” You might find anything from locally-caught seafood preparations to creative takes on classic Southern proteins, all sourced from their network of trusted local partners.
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Discover MoreVegetarian & Vegan Options: The Floridian takes their “herbivore” commitment seriously, crafting plant-based dishes that never feel like afterthoughts.
Their seasonal vegetable preparations showcase the incredible produce available from local Florida farms, proving that vegetables can be just as satisfying and flavor-packed as any meat dish.
Small Plates & Mix-and-Match: The menu features “small plates, entrée salads, sandwiches and mains to mix and match,” giving you the freedom to create your own culinary adventure.
This approach works perfectly whether you’re dining solo and want to sample multiple flavors or sharing with a group where everyone can try something different.
Atmosphere & Ambiance
Historic Charm: Located on Spanish Street in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district, The Floridian occupies a space that feels both timeless and contemporary.
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Keep Exploring →The building itself whispers stories of the city’s rich past while the interior design creates a welcoming, modern atmosphere that never feels stuffy or overly formal.
Casual Sophistication: The restaurant provides “a comfortable and casual atmosphere” that strikes the perfect balance between relaxed dining and culinary excellence.
You’ll feel equally comfortable whether you’re wearing shorts and sandals after a day of sightseeing or dressed up for a special celebration.
Intimate Setting: The restaurant is described as “charming” and positioned “just off the main touristy streets,” creating an intimate escape from the crowds while remaining easily accessible.
The space feels cozy without being cramped, and the layout allows for both romantic dinners and lively group celebrations.
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Discover MoreOpen Kitchen Energy: The restaurant’s design allows you to catch glimpses of the culinary team at work, adding an element of theater to your dining experience. You can feel the passion and precision that goes into each dish as it emerges from the kitchen.
Other Considerations
Pricing & Value: The Floridian positions itself in the mid-to-upper tier of St. Augustine dining, with prices reflecting the quality of locally-sourced ingredients and skilled preparation.
Given that portions are consistently described as “huge” and “incredibly flavorful,” most diners find the pricing reasonable for the quality and quantity received. You’re paying for farm-fresh ingredients, creative preparation, and generous portions that often provide leftovers for later.
Reservations Recommended: The restaurant takes reservations through Resy and given their popularity among both locals and tourists, booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends. Walk-ins are possible but expect potential wait times during busy periods.
Local Following: The Floridian has built a strong base of “St. Augustine locals, friends, and family” while also becoming a “tourist destination, consistently ranking first on Yelp and Trip Advisor.”
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Keep Exploring →This dual appeal speaks to the restaurant’s ability to satisfy both discerning locals who could eat anywhere and visitors seeking an authentic taste of elevated Florida cuisine.
Hours & Availability: The restaurant operates Monday through Sunday from 11am to close, but remains “Closed Tuesdays.” This schedule gives the team time to source fresh ingredients and prepare for the week ahead while maximizing availability for diners.
Parking Considerations: Located in the historic district, parking can be challenging during peak tourist times. Street parking is available, but arriving early or using nearby parking garages might be necessary during busy periods.
The Floridian
📍 72 Spanish Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
