Restaurants International Cuisine
Spanish, Italian, Mexican, Asian, and beyond, with a colonial city’s deep international roots.
International Cuisine in St. Augustine
Spanish, Italian, Mexican, Asian, and beyond, with a colonial city’s deep international roots.
St. Augustine has been an international city since 1565. Spanish founders, Minorcan settlers, British occupation, Greek immigrants, Italian craftsmen, and Cuban refugees have all left their mark on the city’s culture and food. Today the international dining scene reflects that history alongside more recent influences: Peruvian, Colombian, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, and a small but excellent group of Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants run by chefs who actually grew up cooking the food.
The Spanish heritage thread runs deepest. The Columbia Restaurant, founded in 1905 in Tampa’s Ybor City, has held down its St. Augustine outpost in a historic Aviles Street building for decades, serving the same 1905 salad and Cuban bread that Tampa Spanish-Cuban families have eaten for over a century. Smaller Spanish-influenced spots like Michael’s Tasting Room and the Spanish Bakery & Cafe carry the tradition forward in different ways. Italian shows up at family-owned spots and pizza places. Mexican and Latin American food is having a moment, with Casa Reina, Cantina Louie, Llama Restaurant, and Anejo all worth seeking out.
The international scene tends to be quieter than the seafood and waterfront spots, which means easier reservations, more relaxed pace, and food that often feels more personal. These are also the restaurants where you’ll find the best wine programs outside fine dining proper, especially Spanish, Italian, and Latin American wines that pair with the food. Below: the picks worth seeking out and the full directory.
Editor’s Picks: Worth the Trip
From Spanish heritage to Latin American specialties.
All International Restaurants
Browse every international cuisine spot in our directory.
What to Know About International Dining Here
Spanish Heritage
The city’s Spanish heritage runs through several restaurants. The Columbia is the most famous, but Michael’s Tasting Room, Spanish Bakery, and others all carry the influence. Try paella, gazpacho, and 1905 salad.
Authentic vs. Tex-Mex
The Mexican food scene has both authentic regional spots (Casa Reina, Llama, Anejo, Playa Chac-Mool) and Tex-Mex casual chains. Both have their place. Read menus carefully if authenticity matters.
Latin American
Llama Restaurant focuses on Peruvian. La Cocina International covers a broader Latin American menu. Asado Life serves Argentine-style steak. Lotus Noodle Bar handles Asian. The variety has expanded substantially over the past 5 years.
Wine Pairing
Spanish, Italian, and Latin American restaurants tend to have stronger wine programs than American casual spots. If wine matters to you, ask the server what’s on the list before ordering.
Lunch Specials
Many international spots offer lunch specials at substantial discounts. Casa Reina, the Columbia, and several others are easier on the budget at lunch than dinner with most of the same menu.
Group-Friendly
Spanish, Italian, and Latin American spots tend to be especially good for groups, with tapas-style sharing menus and large tables. Ask about pre-set group menus when booking.
Related Dining Categories