Where Can I Eat With a View in the Nation’s Oldest City?!

It’s no secret—we’re absolute suckers for local, fresh seafood. So you can imagine our excitement when a friend let us in on a hidden gem tucked just off the beaten path from St. Augustine’s bustling historic district. 

Picture this: a dreamy dockside restaurant with waterfront views, unique coastal flavors, and serious Old Florida vibes. Yes, please!

If you’re anything like us, Google is your trusty sidekick when you’re chasing down the next great foodie find. And let’s be real—these questions have probably popped up in your search history at some point:

• Where to eat in the heart of St. Augustine with a water view?
• Best hidden restaurants near Vilano Beach?
• Waterfront seafood restaurants in St. Augustine?
• Local restaurants in St. Augustine that aren’t tourist traps?

Good news, fellow flavor chasers: your quest ends at Caps on the Water—a laid-back, locals-loved dining spot nestled beneath moss-draped oaks and swaying palm trees on the Intracoastal Waterway. Unless you’re one of the lucky locals already in the know, you might completely miss it. 

Caps is seriously tucked away—we’re talking down a blink-and-you-miss-it street off A1A in Vilano Beach. But trust us, what waits at the end of that road is pure coastal magic: one of the best waterfront restaurants in town, with killer sunsets and a unique atmosphere that feels like Old Florida wrapped in a sea breeze.

From Dock to Dish: The Seafood Here Is Ridiculous (In the Best Way).

Let’s talk great food. Caps isn’t playing around, and they will have your taste buds begging for mercy. 

The menu is a beautiful marriage between Southern coastal and Mediterranean flair. You can expect unique dishes with fresh-caught fish, oysters so fresh they practically introduce themselves, and daily specials that make choosing a real emotional struggle.

From small plates to a dedicated lunch and dinner menu, this St. Augustine hidden gem it’s the perfect place to experience true Florida intimate dining experiences.

Must-try dishes:

• Datil Pepper Grilled Oysters – A spicy local twist on a Southern staple.
• Cap’s Famous Vanilla Grouper – Horseradish Wasabi crusted perfection flash fried with a delightful Vanilla Rum Sauce.
• Florida Gumbo  – Say no more.
• Gator Tail – Crispy, creamy Orange Marmalade Cream Sauce, and Instagram-worthy.

Pro tip: Save room for their EPIC desserts and do yourself a favor and say yes. What’s our go-to?! So glad you asked! Hands down…the Amaretti Chocolate Pie! You’re welcome.

Sunset Sips: The Bar Is Just as Stellar as the View.

Yes, the food is fab—but those craft cocktails are a Chef’s kiss! Grab a cocktail from the outdoor oyster bar and wander to the dock while you wait for your table. The It’s a Tai and The Dirty Datil Martini are crowd-pleasers, and the wine list is curated with serious intention.

GREAT THINGS: If you find yourself fortunate enough to be in the heart of St. Augustine during the week, Monday-Friday, come early for Cap’s Golden Happy Hour! Enjoy stellar prices and adult-only menu items in a great atmosphere! 

Timing Is Everything.

If this is your first visit, here are a few notable features and tips to ensure your fine dining experience is a great time. 

Best time to go: Just before sunset. Not only will you beat the dinner rush, but you’ll also score golden-hour views that make you look like a pro photographer with a cracked iPhone.

Seating tip: Ask for a table on the back deck. Trust us.

Parking: There’s a small lot, but it fills up fast. ALL PARKING is valet parking. Remember…this St. Augustine hidden gem is tucked in a neighborhood. Ride-sharing or coming early = solid moves.

Plan to Linger: This culinary scene is one of the most romantic restaurants we’ve ever been to, so take your time and savor the moment.

Where Is This Hidden Waterfront Restaurant in St. Augustine You’ll Love?!

Caps on the Water
4325 Myrtle Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Right across the bridge from downtown, in a quiet neighborhood that whispers, “Locals only, please.”

The drive feels like you’re being let in on a secret, winding through palm-lined streets before opening up to the tranquil Intracoastal. When you see the giant oak tree and the low-key sign, you’ll know you’ve made it.

A Little History: St. Augustine’s Flavor Runs Deep.

You’re not just eating fresh local seafood—you’re tasting centuries of rich history and coastal culture. St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers. 

The area around Vilano Beach and the Tolomato River has been home to generations of fishermen, oyster harvesters, and good old-fashioned Florida charm.

Caps embraces that legacy by staying true to its roots—no flashy neon signs, no mass-market menus. Just a laid-back vibe that locals have loved for over two decades.

Is Caps on the Water Worth the Drive from Downtown?

Absolutely. It’s only about 10 minutes from the heart of historic St. Augustine—but it feels like a world away. If you’ve been navigating St. George Street like a pinball between ice cream shops and pirate museums, Caps offers a welcome breath of salt-kissed serenity.

Bring your appetite. Bring your camera. Bring your stretchy pants.

Tips for the ‘Gram (Because Yes, It’s That Pretty)!

• Golden hour = best lighting. Capture that perfect clink of glasses with the sun dipping into the water behind you.
• Snap your seafood. That fresh conch ceviche deserves a close-up.
• Behind-the-scenes: A shot from the dock looking back at the restaurant gives serious “hidden Florida paradise” vibes.

Use hashtags like #CapsOnTheWater, #StAugustineEats, and #FloridaFoodie to get in on the local foodie love.

Make a Day of It: Nearby Hidden Gems.

Pair your Caps experience with a full day of low-key local adventure:

• Vilano Beach Pier – A scenic spot just minutes away, perfect for dolphin-spotting.
• Castle Otttis – Yes, a legit Irish castle in Florida. Wild.
• Rent a Kayak or a Paddleboard on the Intracoastal: Several outfitters nearby (like North Guana Outpost or St. Augustine Paddle Sports) offer rentals if you want to explore the calm waters around the Tolomato River. Bonus: You’ll probably spot manatees or dolphins!
• Guana Tolomato Mantanzas National Estuary Research Reserve (GTM Reserve): Say that three times fast! This protected preserve offers trails, bird-watching, and quiet nature walks. It’s just a 15-minute drive north and perfect if you want to walk off dinner surrounded by natural Florida beauty. 

Why This Spot Deserves a Place on Your St. Augustine Bucket List.

Caps on the Water isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a full-on coastal escape. It’s where flavors, history, and Florida charm meet for a sunset-laced dinner you’ll still be dreaming about when you’re back home scrolling through photos and wondering why your seafood doesn’t taste that good.

Whether you’re a local looking to impress out-of-town guests or a road-tripper with a seafood craving and a love of hidden gems, Caps checks all the boxes: water view, wild-caught goodness, and the kind of laid-back, toes-in-the-sand vibe that reminds you why you fell in love with Florida in the first place.

Ready to eat like a local legend? Caps on the Water is calling. Just don’t tell too many people… We’d like to keep the secret going a little longer. HAPPY WANDERING!