Nestled along the serene Intracoastal Waterway in the Vilano Beach area, Cap's on the Water delivers an unforgettable waterfront dining experience that combines spectacular sunset views, exceptional coastal cuisine, and genuine Old Florida hospitality. This locally beloved restaurant has earned its reputation as one of St. Augustine's premier dining destinations, consistently voted "Best Outdoor Dining" by area residents and visitors alike. With its multi-level deck shaded by ancient live oak trees, intimate indoor dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a lively oyster bar, Cap's provides the perfect setting for everything from casual lunches to romantic anniversary dinners. The location alone makes Cap's on the Water worth the visit. Tucked away on a quiet residential street along the waterway, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of boats gliding past, dolphins playing in the channel, and magnificent sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks. The expansive outdoor deck features prime waterfront tables where diners can feel the gentle breeze while enjoying their meals, while the beach area below provides a natural playground that has been entertaining children for generations. The old cedar tree on the beach has become a cherished landmark, offering shade and climbing opportunities for youngsters while parents relax at their tables above. Cap's menu showcases new coastal cuisine that artfully blends fresh local seafood with traditional Southern flavors and Mediterranean influences. The culinary team takes pride in sourcing the freshest ingredients, with daily catch selections prepared to perfection using various cooking methods (herb-crusted, pan-seared, blackened, or grilled). Signature dishes include the Calamari Vilano (flash-fried calamari tossed with olives in spicy chili garlic sauce over fried spinach), sesame-seared tuna with plantains and fried spinach, and the blackened catch of the day served in a lemongrass-coconut curry broth over coconut rice. The seafood trio, featuring crab cake, fried cod, and fried shrimp, offers a delicious sampling of Cap's expertise. For appetizer enthusiasts, Cap's delivers exceptional small plates that showcase both creativity and quality. The smoked fish dip arrives with capers, pickles, roasted peppers, and flatbread for spreading. Fresh oysters can be enjoyed raw on the half shell, steamed, or baked at the bustling oyster bar. The tuna tartare combines fresh mango, avocado, ponzu, and soy caramel for a flavor explosion, while the cheese plate presents four artisan selections with fig bread, nuts, honey, and mustard. The she-crab soup and seafood gumbo both receive rave reviews, with the gumbo loaded with crawfish, shrimp, crab, onions, peppers, and okra in a rich roux-based broth. Beyond seafood, Cap's offers plenty of options for all palates. The jambalaya bursts with shrimp, crawfish, andouille sausage, and chicken over rice with corn muffins. Lobster ravioli