Sunset Surprise

Talya
Nov 10
3 min read

I love the city of St Augustine. There is quite the variety of things to see and do there. With its unique character and the allure of its old-world beauty, it is no wonder this old city is the gem of Northeast Florida. It is a water lover’s playground with its miles of beaches, intracoastal waterway, rivers, and inlets. It has a diverse and vibrant food scene that is growing in recognition. Located in Villano Beach, Cap’s on the Water is one of the many St Augustine hotspots for fresh seafood cuisine. Open only for dinner service during the week, but both lunch and dinner on the weekends. While the east coast of Florida is naturally popular for its beautiful sunrises, Cap’s on the Water is most recognized for its stunning sunsets. On a wide bend of the intracoastal waterway, this restaurant is in a prime location to capture boats cruising through the Tolomato River, while jets take to the skies from the Northeast Florida Regional Airport across the way. At sunset, you can capture all the activity in an array of spectacular yellows, oranges and reds that paint the sky. While the restaurant is not much to look at from the outside entrance, it does have a large outdoor waterfront deck that is a touch of upscale with a laid-back vibe. Canopied by beautiful trees and canvas with open air drapes that can be closed to shield from the hot sun, the décor allows for flexible but still an immersive experience with the beautiful coastal views. Other dining options include an outdoor covered pavilion, indoor dining rooms, and several bars inside and out. The menu includes a mix of Southern and Mediterranean flavors. We dined for dinner midweek with temperatures in the 70s and gentle breezes. I ordered the Pan-Seared Red Snapper served with a citrus brown-butter sauce. It was accompanied by mashed potatoes and roasted carrots. The snapper was seared for just the right amount of time to maintain its flavorful moisture and soft texture. The brown-butter sauce paired with the fish and the perfectly whipped mashed potatoes was a mouthful of southern comfort. The carrots were roasted just enough to be tender but still have a slightly firm consistency with a subtle sweetness. My beloved ordered the Fish and Chips. This classic dish typically includes fried cod, fries, and coleslaw, but he substituted the sides for creamed spinach and fried plantains. The cod was lightly breaded and seasoned well. There was a consistent crunch all around. The creamed spinach was very creamy and topped with a delightful parmesan breadcrumb topping. The fried plantains were at the right stage of ripeness to shine with its tropical sweet banana flavor. To complete our meal, we opted for the Chocolate Lava Cake. While most of their desserts are made in house, the chocolate lava cake is not. It was your typical chocolatey rich cake oozing with a hot liquid center. However, the chef does do a good job of dressing it up with slices of strawberry, a sprig of mint, and a decadent drizzle of a sweet and tangy raspberry sauce. If you are looking for fresh local fish with a unique sunset view in eastern Florida, Cap’s on the Water has you covered. The staff was friendly and offered great tips on the local favorites. The ambiance was relaxing, warm and inviting. While the cost is a little on the pricey side, the quality of the meal is definitely there. Between the atmosphere and the food, Cap’s on the Water is worth the sunset experience.

Summary

Restaurant Name: Cap’s on the Water

Address: 4325 Myrtle St, St Augustine, FL 32084

Service –Very Good

Food – Very Good

Portion Size – Average

Menu Selection – Large

Dietary Options – Gluten Free, Approximately 65% Biblically Clean

Cost/Value – Upscale

Ambiance – Outdoor Coastal Casual

Parking – Free Valet

Reservations/Waitlist – Waitlist