David's Restaurant & Lounge

This was an exceptionally delicious meal, surpassing any other dining experience I have had, including at fine restaurants in Italy, Portugal, Peru, and elsewhere. Our party sampled a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Each dish was prepared to perfection, showcasing artistic detail, and served with the same care and passion evident in its preparation. My sincere compliments to the owner/chef and the entire staff for providing such a remarkable culinary experience.

The perfect spot for amazing food and outstanding service! Every dish is crafted to perfection, and the staff go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Whether you’re in for a romantic dinner or just drinks with friends, this place never disappoints. Highly recommend!

Second time attending the private Menu Tasting event (held only once a month for 12 people in the wine room). This time was to bring a young friend who plans to go to culinary school (and currently taking courses in high school and competing) and wanted to inspire him with Chef David’s and his teams creations. The personal attention given to us was wonderful. The six courses and paired wine tastings fantastic. And the memories made will last a lifetime. Thank you for the wonderful experience. We’ve actually never been to the open side of the restaurant and will have to go back to experience that.

Restaurants like this are few and far between. Extraordinary food, extraordinary service, extraordinary atmosphere all in one package. This is fine dining at its zenith. Not only does the owner and executive chef David and crew strive for perfection they have achieved it because they understand what it takes to get total satisfaction from their customers and what it takes to keep them coming back. It really has that WOW!! Factor that must be experienced when you want a meal that really counts. BRAVO David!!!!!

I had a wonderful birthday dinner here ~ everything from the beef carpaccio to the king crab legs were spectacular, and the oxtail gnocchi was out of this world. Topped off with a creamy Madagascar vanilla crème brûlée . Great staff and excellent service. A+++

*note* My review is from October 2024. OMG! This is the best kept secret in Northeast Florida. At the time, I wanted to find a great place to celebrate my honey's 40th birthday....and David's did not disappoint! This was our first time here so we had no clue about what to expect. I researched Google reviews and saw that several people enjoyed the food and atmosphere, so I thought that I would give the place a shot. The experience was great from the moment we walked in the door. We were seated in a comfortable area and was provided great service! Our server was attentive to our needs. The food and drinks were absolutely delicious. The serving size is fair, however the taste and freshness of the food was amazing. I requested to have birthday cheesecake (my honey's favorite) to be brought to our table soon after we completed our delicious meal. He was so excited and surprised that I requested this for him. They made our night beautiful and it will be an unforgettable 40th birthday. We plan to visit again soon. 😊

My recent dining experience at David’s was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we walked in, the service was impeccable, setting the tone for an unforgettable birthday evening. The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the chef's tasting menu. Crafted with precision and creativity, the five-course meal was a culinary journey that showcased the chef's exceptional talent. Each course was a masterpiece of flavors starting with a arepa and caviar, a perfect ceviche with colombian gooseberrys and a real leche de tigre, the best octopus my wife and I ever had! The dessert, a passionfruit tart, a stunning finale to our meal, was both visually stunning and delectably delicious. The mezcal cocktail with lyche was expertly mixed, providing a delightful balance of smokiness, citrus and sweetness that was refreshing and unique. It was the perfect start to our dining adventure. And the espresso martini with tequila? Simply the best I've ever had. The fusion of rich espresso and smooth tequila was an unexpected but delightful twist that left a lasting impression. Overall, the combination of top-notch service, an innovative chef, and outstanding food and drinks makes David’s a must-visit for any foody enthusiast. I can't wait to return and experience more of what this exceptional restaurant has to offer. Thank you Chef!

This is by far one of the best dining experiences I have ever had at an upscale establishment! From the hot bread to the mini tasters and palate cleansers, everything was well organized and thought out. My mother had not received her potatoes but the waitress quickly noticed and corrected the error! We had the steak and lobster for our entrees as well as the escargot, risotto, and french onion soup for our appetizers. All of which were delicious! We will definitely be back.

The bartender, Sebastian, is absolutely incredible! He’s attentive, detail-oriented, and has a great energy that makes you feel instantly at ease. His service truly elevates the entire experience. I can’t recommend this restaurant enough—and whatever you do, make sure to stop by the bar and meet Sebastian. He’s a standout!

Simply stated this restaurant delivers on all levels;, food is amazing and the service is impeccable. They care, a lot. From the welcoming greeting to the care they take to describe the multiple delicious options in every category. Whether cocktails or wine, or main courses and desserts. The servers are well informed, kind, and they really love their job…or simply understand what professionalism is. Either way, I was totally impressed. The food was amazing and I hated to leave. If I was able to eat anymore, I probably would have stayed til close, but I enjoyed so much, I literally couldn’t eat another bite. Thanks to Oliver and Sebastian for making the experience amazingly enjoyable while traveling; eating alone is always a hassle, but at David’s, even dining alone is dining with friends; and I watched so many couples celebrating special occasions. I was so impressed with the special care and celebration each guest received and authentic attention to detail to make it a memorable event. Fine dining is alive and well at David’s Restaurant . Bravo!!

We had dined at Salt the previous night (supposed to be the best restaurant on the island) but our b&b innkeeper had suggested David’s. We had given it a try the next day and my wife and I were in for a pleasant surprise! The food was fantastic, we had the lobster bisque, Chilean sea bass. I’m a steak guy and even I had to switch to seafood that night. Our server Javier was also fantastic, had wonderful recommendations. My only critique was regarding the duck, it’s supposed to be crispy but it definitely was not, but other than that everything was fantastic. David’s >Salt in my humble opinion.

Absolutely divine! David's Restaurant & Lounge is a culinary gem on Amelia Island. From start to finish, our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. We began with the escargot, which was prepared to perfection – buttery, garlicky, and simply irresistible. For our main course, the fresh sea bass was cooked flawlessly, and the accompanying asparagus and truffle mashed potatoes were exquisite. The flavors and textures complemented each other beautifully. To top it off, the creme brulee was a decadent delight with its perfectly caramelized sugar crust and creamy custard. David's provides a refined and upscale ambiance, making it the perfect destination for a special occasion or a romantic evening. The service was impeccable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who catered to our every need. If you're seeking a memorable fine dining experience on Amelia Island, David's Restaurant & Lounge is an absolute must-visit. Five stars without a doubt!

Our server was amazing and my wife's filet oscar was fantastic. The Chilean sea bass was a 5 star fish stick for $58. Wasn't horrible but definitely had better. My lobster tail was perfect. Overall would recommend. Maybe not the sea bass.

It was amazing everything 20/10!!! It was my husband birthday and the place was perfect for a date we love the food and how plates were served. The chef came to the tables to see how everything was going, he was very aware of everything, that was cool.

David's absolutely deserves 5 stars, and I don't give out many. The food was amazing, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the staff was very professional. When it comes to food, do not skip out on the escargot. It was fantastic! And the scallops in truffle butter were still to this day my favorite food I have ever eaten. It is absolutely worth every penny and every mile put on your car to go eat there.

Fantastic experience. I will say there might be something off with their OpenTable system. It showed a 7:45pm as the only remaining reservation, I called and adjusted it to 5:00pm. I finished eating by 7:00pm and the restaurant was still mostly empty. Service: 10/10 I ate at the bar, Sebastien was fantastic. Super friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and his drinks. The staff that brought my dishes were polite and quick. The Meal --- Osetra Caviar : 10/10 Treat yourself, you only live once. It was delicious. Smooth, buttery, silky, just the right amount of brine. Ooooh yeah.. Octopus : 8/10 Very nice pairing with the croquettes and sauces. The octopus was just a tiny bit rubbery. Nothing to take back or really complain, but I have had better at a few other locations that had better mouth feel. That being said, I've had dozens that were much more rubbery or mushy. This was delicious and I'd still order again without question. I'm just being picky. Aged NY Strip: 9/10 Cooked beautifully. Flavorful and juicy. A really wonderful cut of beef. The mushroom risotto I was looking forward to. The flavor was there, the texture was, I hate to say, less than good. There were undercooked grains that were hard sprinkled throughout. I really don't know how that snuck by, but it was enough that every second or third bite I had a few crunches. The asparagus was cooked well and seasoned nicely. Key Lime Tart: 9/10 Refreshing, citrusy, sweet, and just the right size. This was a perfect cap to a large, somewhat heavy meal. David's is a wonderful restaurant, and not just for the area. This was one of the best meals out I've had in quite awhile. Don't take my nit picking as a dig not to go here. I was holding them to a high standard for the price and the place they seem to want to be. Go here, your tastebuds won't be upset.

Beautiful, delicious & an Excellent Dinning experience We decided to finish out our Spring Break vacation by eating at Davids, and we were blown away. The setting was fantastic, beautiful artwork in the building, comfortable chairs, well dressed servers. Dress code was “Resort Casual” but I wouldn’t recommend wearing shorts. Gentleman should wear long pants and ladies in dresses. Our server brought our bread in a wooden box, something I’ve never experienced before, with fine butter and a coconut red snapped spread. I had the special, which was a New York strip that was phenomenal with white truffle mashed potato’s, my wife enjoyed the Dover Sole which was the best fish I’ve ever eaten. We both enjoyed our dessert and were pleasantly surprised when our waitress brought us Chocolate Covered strawberries with the check. I love laid back beach restaurants but it was nice to step into a place of elegance for our final evening on Amelia Island, this place is a MUST

The food and service at David's are easily 5 star. The caviar is a must try. I would pass on the brie en croute. It was good, but not great compared to everything else. I highly recommend this place. We will definitely return. My only criticism is not taking reservations close to when the kitchen closes. I called ahead and asked if the kitchen closes at 9 because my reservation was at 8:45. I was told it doesn't close at 9 on the phone, but the waiter did tell me it closes at 9. He was able to get the kitchen to work with us, but we did feel slightly rushed. Especially toward the end when we were the last customers in the restaurant and we were there for barely over an hour. I shouldn't feel rushed at a restaurant this nice and this pricey. I would suggest taking the last reservation at 8 or 8:15 if kitchen closes at 9, so the last reservation can fully enjoy their dinner. Just a thought. Everything else was perfect though, especially the food and service.

Awesome! I was in Amelia Island for a conference and wanted to get away from the resort for a quiet dinner with my wife. I am so glad we chose David’s. We started with the French Onion soup and a tuna sashimi appetizer. Both perfection. For dinner, I had the Seafood Bouillabaisse with gnocchi. Wow! My wife had the Dover Sole which she loved. Too full for dessert, we left. But, if we’re ever back in the part of the world, we’ll return.

David’s is truly a Diamond in Fernandina Beach. It have rave reviews which, after eating there,I believe it deserves. First when walking in you notice the muted lighting which adds to its romantic atmosphere. We are in the bar because we could not get a reservation in the main dining room. Even though we are in the bar it was still very elegant and quiet. You can actually carry on a conversation without have to scream like most other places we have eaten. Our server, Eve, was attentive without being intrusive. She was very gracious and helpful in ordering. My wife asked a modification be made to our meals and Eve made that happen. My wife had the shrimp bisque, which she loved! For dinner my wife had the Chilean Sea Base and I had Dover Soul, my favorite seafood. I included pictures of each dish. The fish on both dishes was expertly prepared and beautifully presented! After dinner we were offered cucumber sorbet to cleanse our palettes. We ordered crème brûlée. We had told them we were celebrating our anniversary and they stuck a candle in the brûlée and gave us a card signed by the staff. See pics After dessert they offered us coffee flavored mini macarons. What a perfect way to end a memorable experience! This is a perfect restaurant for a romantic dinner or just a nice, relaxing night out and enjoying wonderfully prepared food! David’s isn’t inexpensive but you do get what you pay for. I give David’s 5 well deserved but very rare Chef Hats👨‍🍳👨‍🍳👨‍🍳👨‍🍳👨‍🍳

We love going to David’s for a special occasion. They have delicious food at reasonable prices. The main selections are set up as ice, earth, fire and water. The staff is always professional and the environment is relaxing. I prefer the booths because they are fancy but also have pillows for comfort. My husbands favorite was the appetizer pictured below. It was some kind of fish crab cake. Our main courses were made to order perfectly, Out of all three desserts my family enjoyed the apple pie the best!

Made a reservation for my wife's birthday and she was extremely happy to celebrate her special day here. The ambience was perfect for the occasion and our server was quite friendly and attentive. We will definitely come back to celebrate special occasions in the future.

Excellent restaurant! Food was prepared perfectly and service was top notch. Filet and lobster was amazing and cooked just right! The mushroom ravioli was terrific! The bread and spreads was scrumptious! The staff were pleasant and extremely attentive. Celebrated a special occasion and the experience couldn’t have been better. Highly recommend visiting David’s for a nice dinner and wonderful atmosphere!

David's Restaurant and Lounge in Fernandina Beach is the epitome of elegance and sophistication, a haven where every detail speaks of refined taste and luxury. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of opulence that set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. Sebastian, the bartender extraordinaire, was not just a mixologist, but a maestro orchestrating a symphony of flavors and ambiance. His presence alone elevated the entire evening to a whole new level of chic indulgence. The cohesion of the staff's training was evident in the seamless flow of service, each member moving with the precision of a well-rehearsed ballet. It was a testament to the commitment to excellence that permeates every aspect of David's. For my nightcap, I indulged in the rotating ice cream flavors and enjoyed a salted caramel pretzel, a divine creation that was not only plated with simple beauty but exploded with flavor on every layer and element. Accompanied by a couple of local micro-cold brews, the evening was a delightful dance of flavors and fun. I left with the anticipation of returning to David's to explore more of the tantalizing offerings that await. Thank you, David, for an experience that exceeded all expectations.

Had a wonderful experience celebrating our 37th wedding anniversary last evening. The food was delicious, the service was efficient, and the atmosphere was very well done. We had the ceviche (wish the portion was larger), gnocchi with an oxtail ragu, and dover sole (it was butter). Javier in the bar was very friendly and professional. All in all, it could not have been much better.

David’s helped created one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime ! My fiance took me to David’s after proposing to me and they were overly accommodating from the moment I walked into the restaurant. I came in absolutely bawling and they immediately got me napkins. They also had reserved a booth for us and designed personalized menus saying congratulations and let us take our time to order. The thing that I was most appreciative was they allowed us to FaceTime our family and friends to share the news making it such a memorable place. Not to mention the food was amazing !!!

David's is one of the fanciest places I've been to. I've been to a few fancy, multi-course restaurants and this one has been the best. Don't let the outside of the building fool you. Inside it is like a totally different world of extravagance. The lighting is dimly lit in a romantic way. The stone walls have a glow that illuminates to the ceiling tiles as beautiful music plays to what seems like the perfect volume. I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and that is NOT something I've ever cared for. The wait staff was extremely attentive to every detail of the table. They came often to refill glasses and clear plates without being distracting. The bread came in treasure chests that I thought was interesting. We had the Valentine's day 3 course meal, but also ordered multiple alcoholic beverages, sparkling water, and their Picanha Wagyu. All of it was phenomenal. Delicious, rich, aromatic, aesthetically pleasing. We were actually STUFFED by the end of the night. Now.. we racked up a bill that was higher than anything I've ever paid at a restaurant, but I don't regret the experience and I would certainly go again to experience the rest of the menu.

My husband & I LOVEEEE Davids! From the moment you walk in, this upscale restaurant delivered an exceptional dining experience in every way. The ambiance alone sets it apart — elegant, intimate, and thoughtfully designed. The dim lighting creates the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed evening, whether you’re celebrating something special or simply enjoying a refined night out. The food was nothing short of outstanding. Each dish arrived at the perfect temperature, which is a detail that truly elevates a meal. The steaks were cooked precisely as ordered — beautifully seared on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside. Every bite was rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying. My steak is always perfect. The sides deserve just as much praise as the main course. They weren’t afterthoughts; they were carefully prepared, well-seasoned, and complemented the steak perfectly. From the first course to the last, everything felt intentional and expertly executed. And the desserts — absolutely wonderful. Decadent without being overwhelming, beautifully presented, and the perfect ending to an already impressive meal. Between the sophisticated atmosphere, impeccable food execution, and attention to detail throughout the experience, this steakhouse truly delivers on every level. It’s the kind of place that turns dinner into an occasion, and we always can’t wait to return.

Took my bride out to David's. How you spent 20 years in the Navy and having been everywhere this was some of the best food I've ever eaten anywhere. Especially the octopus seasoned perfectly so tender absolutely awesome. The lamb was again season perfectly and was so tender I cuddled with a fork didn't need a knife. And I would have to say Not only was the food superb but the service was even better. Our server Jorge treated us as if we were family and he knew us all his life. I highly recommend David's restaurant in fernandina. You won't find a better place to eat for miles.

An unforgettable Thanksgiving experience. We chose David’s for our Thanksgiving dinner this year, and it was truly exceptional from start to finish. The atmosphere was warm, elegant, and welcoming — the kind of place where you can relax immediately and feel well taken care of. The service was absolutely outstanding. Every member of the staff — from the hosts, to our server, to the kitchen team — treated us with genuine kindness and professionalism. They made us feel like valued guests, not just another table on a busy holiday. The food was phenomenal. Each course was beautifully prepared with thoughtful portioning and incredible flavor. The dishes were refined without being pretentious, and everything arrived perfectly timed. We especially appreciated the small, personal touches the kitchen added for us — it made the experience feel special and memorable. A highlight of the evening was when the sous chef came out to greet our son. It meant so much to him and truly set this restaurant apart in terms of hospitality and heart. That level of care is rare, and we are extremely grateful for it. We left with full hearts, full stomachs, and a wonderful memory that we’ll cherish. Thank you, David’s, for giving us a Thanksgiving dinner we’ll be talking about for years to come. We will absolutely be returning.

Made a last-minute reservation, got a romantic table in a corner booth. Andres, Naomi, and the sommelier were all very personable. The bread is delicious, as was the French onion soup. The Caesar salad was a bit odd, with the shredded lettuce, though tasted fine. Just very simple and plain. My husband got the bouillabaisse; he LOVED it. I enjoyed my soup, beet salad, and mashed potatoes A LOT. There was a vegetarian entree, but I just wasn’t hungry enough to get it. We truly enjoyed our experience at David’s and would definitely return when in the area. We were too full for dessert.

We recently chose David’s Restaurant for a long-overdue reunion, and it could not have been more perfect. The atmosphere was warm, intimate, and elegant — ideal for catching up over a great meal. The pan-seared scallops were incredible — perfectly golden, tender inside, and paired beautifully with creamy corn risotto. The rack of lamb was equally outstanding, cooked flawlessly and full of rich, savory flavor. Every plate looked like a work of art and tasted even better. Our server was attentive and genuine, and the staff surprised us with a complimentary dessert board to celebrate the occasion — such a thoughtful touch! Even more impressive, Chef David came by our table to personally welcome us, which made the evening feel extra special. If you’re looking for a restaurant that delivers both exceptional food and heartfelt hospitality, David’s is it. Truly one of the best dining experiences on the island. We’ll absolutely be back!

Highly recommend David's!! We had an amazing dinner on Christmas. Exceptional in every aspect. Both entrees were delicious, sides were spot on and dessert was perfect way to end the occasion. Definitely will return when passing through Amelia again!

Food and service was amazing. Server Hayley and her co server did a wonderful job accommodating allergies and making sure everything was safe to eat! Super important. The food itself - chefs kisses. Espresso cheesecake to die for. Had the seabass and fiancé had the filet Oscar. Delicious food and great night

Lovely restaurant in Amelia Island. Be sure to try the escargot ; prepared to perfection. I ordered the seafood special for my main course which consisted of middle neck clams, lobster and scallops. It was a decent choice but a tad salty. My colleagues enjoyed their meals. Service was excellent.

The food was all incredible here. There was some difficult communicating with the waiter here, but overall it was good service. Pretty nice experience overall!

Had reservations for New Year's day evening with friends. I was he s itant as they have a limited menu. Apps and cocktails were pretty good. Ordered the ribeye, which was sent back due to being undercooked and of course didn't come until everyone else was halfway done with their meals. Asked to have it comped, which they did. I guess I was expecting to be blown away with the whole experience based on recent reviews, but honestly had a better overall dinner and experience (and for much less), at an Italian restaurant in town the night before.

The atmosphere was very nice, relaxing, and romantic. The food was good, but not worth the price in my mind. There are other restaurants in Jacksonville I would recommend for the food before David’s, albeit I know that’s not in the Fernandina area. My main gripe is that at a fine dining restaurant like this I should NEVER have to ask to have my water refilled. Especially since there are 2 servers tending to the table. It wasn’t a bad experience but for the amount you pay for 2 entrees and a couple drinks I expect much better quality, hence the average rating

David's is an average restaurant pretending to be fine dining. They served an old fashioned, with about 2 cups of crushed ice. They forgot to fire one of the appetizers and didn't realize it until they had already fired our entrees. Held the entrees and sent out the appetizer. All three of our appetizers were cold as ice. The sauce on the steak and lobster dish was literally dried to the plate. The mashed potatoes had large lumps in them, mashed potatoes on the other dish had so much truffle oil in them you could see an oil slick on your plate. The plating on the Brie is atrocious. The sorbet that they sent out in between appetizer and dinner had so many seeds in it. It was inedible, strain your sorbet base. The food could have been pretty average had it not come out Ice cold. definitely not worth the money, Drive to Jacksonville and have a real fine dining experience.

Wife and daughter both had the sea bass. It was clearly undercooked and lacked flavor. I had the filet and lobster tail. The tail was very small but good. The filet however was terrible. First filet I've ever had that was tough. The bearnaise sauce was watery and tasted nothing like a traditional bearnaise. Waiter was efficient but lacked any indication that he wanted to serve us. Overall very disappointing especially for $320 (including tip)!