The Raintree Restaurant

The Raintree Restaurant has been a cherished St. Augustine institution for over 43 years, offering locals and visitors an extraordinary fine dining experience in the romantic setting of a meticulously restored 1879 Victorian mansion. Located just north of the bustling historic downtown district on San Marco Avenue, this nationally and internationally recognized destination restaurant combines elegant atmosphere, award-winning cuisine, and warm hospitality to create unforgettable dining memories that have spanned multiple generations of satisfied guests. The restaurant's remarkable origin story is as captivating as the dining experience itself. In 1979, the MacDonald family (parents and two young children) made the bold decision to sell all their belongings in England, board a 45-foot sailing yacht, and embark on an adventurous 16-day journey from the Canary Islands to the Florida coast. After arriving in St. Augustine, they discovered and fell in love with the historic Victorian home at 102 San Marco Avenue. Two years later, in 1981, the Raintree Restaurant opened its doors, and it continues to be operated today by the founder's daughter Lorna, her husband Chris, and their son Zach, maintaining the same commitment to excellence that has defined the restaurant for over four decades. The Victorian mansion that houses The Raintree is one of the last remaining post-Civil War Victorian residences in the neighborhood, and its historic charm permeates every corner of the dining experience. The home is surrounded by a beautiful brick courtyard featuring gazebos perfect for outdoor dining under the stars, while the interior offers multiple distinct dining environments. Guests can choose to dine in the traditional Victorian dining room complete with a working fireplace, the charming interior garden atrium with natural light and lush greenery, or the serene outdoor courtyard where the ambiance of old St. Augustine comes alive. The Raintree's menu is a sophisticated blend of Mediterranean, American, and Asian influences, creating what the restaurant proudly calls an intercontinental cuisine experience. For more than 40 years, the culinary team has offered a consistently excellent menu featuring prime steaks, fresh seafood, lamb, poultry, and veal, all prepared with meticulous attention to quality and presentation. Every dish reflects the restaurant's commitment to using the finest ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques that have made The Raintree a destination for discerning diners. Among the most celebrated dishes on the menu is the beef Wellington, a classic preparation that showcases the kitchen's technical expertise and dedication to traditional fine dining. The filet mignon, cooked to perfection and served with complementary sauces and sides, has become a signature favorite among regular patrons. Fresh Canadian lobster, Chilean sea bass, and paella with Argentinean chorizo represent the restaurant's international flavor profiles, wh