Dining With Dylan

Savor the Island: Highlights from Amelia Island Restaurant Week 2025

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Another year, another incredible Amelia Island Restaurant Week! From Jan. 17 through 26, the island indulged in a 10-day feast highlighting the best of over 20 restaurants. If you missed it, you missed out on something truly special – an event celebrating Amelia Island’s vibrant culinary scene with creativity, community and flavors to remember.

This year’s event featured signature dishes and specialty cocktails crafted by the island’s award-winning and beloved restaurants. Each establishment brought its unique style to the table, making it an exciting opportunity to explore the diverse dining options Amelia Island has to offer. What truly made this year stand out, however, were the opening and closing dinners – two exclusive events that bookended the week with style and flair.

The opening dinner, hosted by The Verandah, was a vibrant citrus celebration. Each course embraced bold, refreshing flavors of the season and was paired with handcrafted cocktails that enhanced the dining experience. At $129 per person (not including gratuity), this meal wasn’t just dinner – it was an event. The attention to detail in every dish made it a bright and flavorful kickoff, setting the tone for the week.

The closing dinner, hosted by The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, took indulgence to a new level. Guests dined in the newly renovated SALT dining room and lounge, savoring a decadent three-course menu. The evening began with a delicate lobster salad drizzled with truffle vinaigrette, followed by a perfectly roasted tenderloin topped with Champagne hollandaise. For dessert, guests enjoyed a baklava that was nothing short of heavenly. At $150 per person, this final experience was undeniably high-end, showcasing the pinnacle of fine dining on Amelia Island.

While the exclusive dinners drew attention, this year’s Restaurant Week also emphasized accessibility, offering fantastic options for every budget. One standout was 1928 Cuban Bistro, where $15 bought a Cuban sandwich paired with a Cuban pastry and a Latin soda. The sandwich itself was a masterpiece. The crunch of the bread was satisfying, but the true magic lies​ in the combination of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, a surprisingly thick pickle, and mustard. These flavors blended so perfectly that I couldn’t put it down – a meal that was both delicious and a tremendous value.

Another highlight was Hofbrau Amelia, which leaned into its German roots with a $45 “Tour of Germany” plate designed to share. The plate included schnitzel, a choice of German sausage, sauerbraten, and three hearty sides. Complemented by two drinks (I opted for the beer, of course), the experience felt like stepping into a traditional Bavarian feast. The warm, lively atmosphere made it a perfect spot to enjoy these heavy, meaty delights.

My personal favorite? Cantina Louie. Their $15.99 special featured four mini street tacos (I tried birria, carne asada, and chicken – all fantastic), along with churros and chocolate dipping sauce, plus a side of chips and salsa. This vibrant, affordable offering captures everything that makes Restaurant Week so enjoyable. It was simple to enjoy – no reservations or pomp required. Just show up, dig in, and savor the experience.

Overall, 2025’s Restaurant Week excelled at casting a wide net. Whether you spent $15 or $150, there was something to savor, and the mix of price points and flavors made this year’s event one of the best yet.

As we look forward to 2026, it’s clear that Amelia Island will continue to up the ante. This year’s event celebrated not just food, but community – a place where longtime residents and new visitors alike could come together and experience the best the island has to offer. Until next year, I’ll be reminiscing about tacos, schnitzel, and citrusy cocktails, counting down the days until we can do it all again.