You’re walking down King Street in St. Augustine. The humidity is thick, the tourists are everywhere, and honestly, you’re probably starving. You see the Casa Monica Resort & Spa—that big, imposing Moorish Revival building that looks like it belongs in 19th-century Spain rather than North Florida. Inside that fortress is Costa Brava Restaurant St Augustine, and if you’re like most people, you might assume it’s just another overpriced hotel dining room designed to catch weary travelers.
I used to think that too.
But here’s the thing about Costa Brava: it’s actually one of the few places in the historic district that manages to balance high-end Mediterranean flavor with that weird, soulful antiquity St. Augustine is known for. It’s not just about the food. It’s about the massive chandeliers, the gilded columns, and the fact that you can sit there for two hours and nobody tries to rush you out the door.
The Vibe is Half the Battle
Most people visiting the nation's oldest city fall into the "Old Burger and Fries" trap. They go to the tourist traps on St. George Street. Don't do that. When you step into Costa Brava, the atmosphere shifts instantly. It’s dark, it’s moody, and the artwork on the walls—part of the Kessler Collection—is worth several million dollars.
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Basically, it feels expensive. But is it?
Well, yeah, it's not a diner. But for the quality of the "Coastal Empire" cuisine they're serving, the price point actually makes sense. They lean heavily into the Mediterranean influence that defined St. Augustine's early history. Think olives, heavy spices, fresh seafood, and a lot of fire-roasted textures.
What’s with the "Coastal Empire" Label?
The restaurant often uses this term to describe its menu. It’s a bit of marketing fluff, sure, but it refers to the blending of traditional Spanish flavors with local Floridian ingredients. You aren't just getting a paella; you're getting a paella that uses seafood caught just a few miles away in the Atlantic.
What You Should Actually Order (And What to Skip)
Let's get real for a second. Every restaurant has its hits and misses. At Costa Brava Restaurant St Augustine, the menu changes seasonally, but there are some staples that define the experience.
The Octopus. If it’s on the menu when you visit, get it. Charred properly. It’s usually served with some kind of spicy chorizo or a smoky romesco sauce. Most places overcook octopus until it feels like eating a rubber band, but the kitchen here seems to have the wood-fire grill timing down to a science.
The Seafood Paella. This is the big one. It’s the dish everyone posts on Instagram. It’s massive. It’s colorful. It’s filled with mussels, clams, shrimp, and saffron rice. Honestly? It’s great for sharing. If you’re eating alone, it’s a lot. The socarrat—that crispy, caramelized layer of rice at the bottom of the pan—is usually perfect here. If your server brings it out and the bottom isn't crunchy, you have every right to be a little disappointed.
The Cocktails. The bar at Costa Brava is legendary for a reason. They do a lot of gin-based drinks that play well with the Mediterranean theme. If you want something classic, their Old Fashioned is solid, but look for the seasonal infusions. They use a lot of herbs like rosemary and thyme, which sounds pretentious but tastes like a garden in a glass.
On the flip side, some people find the steaks a bit "standard." If you’re at a high-end Mediterranean spot in a coastal town, why are you ordering a New York Strip? Go for the snapper. Go for the sea bass. Lean into the water.
Why the Location Matters More Than You Think
The Casa Monica is a piece of history. Built by Franklin W. Smith in 1888 and later bought by Henry Flagler, the building has seen some things. Dining at Costa Brava Restaurant St Augustine gives you a "hall pass" to explore the hotel lobby and the Bohemian Art Gallery without feeling like an intruder.
You’re sitting in a spot that was once the height of Gilded Age luxury.
It’s right across the street from Flagler College (the old Ponce de Leon Hotel) and the Lightner Museum. This makes it the perfect "anchor" for a day of walking. You can do the museum tour, get hit with a wall of Florida heat, and then retreat into the air-conditioned, dim-lit sanctuary of the restaurant.
Addressing the "Hotel Restaurant" Stigma
There is a segment of the "foodie" population that avoids hotel restaurants at all costs. They think the food will be bland to satisfy the lowest common denominator of traveler.
Costa Brava fights this.
They don’t play it safe with seasoning. You’ll taste the cumin. You’ll taste the saffron. You’ll definitely taste the garlic. The chefs here, under the Kessler umbrella, have a decent amount of creative freedom. They aren't just cranking out club sandwiches and Caesar salads for people who are too tired to leave their rooms.
The Service Factor
Service here is... interesting. It’s professional, but it’s "St. Augustine professional." That means it’s a bit slower than what you’d find in New York or Miami. Don’t go here if you’re in a rush to catch a ghost tour in 45 minutes. It’s a place for lingering. If you embrace the slow pace, you’ll have a great time. If you’re checking your watch every five minutes, you’re going to get frustrated.
Breakfast and Brunch: The Secret Move
Most people talk about dinner, but the breakfast at Costa Brava is a sleeper hit.
The dining room looks different in the morning. The light hits those stained-glass accents, and it’s much quieter. They do a Shakshuka that will change your perspective on morning eggs. It’s spicy, tomato-heavy, and served with crusty bread that’s perfect for dipping.
It's also way easier to get a table. While everyone else is waiting in a two-hour line at the local pancake house, you can usually walk right into the Casa Monica and sit down.
Common Misconceptions and Troubleshooting
- Is there a dress code? Officially, it's "resort casual." This means you don't need a tuxedo, but maybe leave the flip-flops and wet swimsuits at the beach. You'll see people in sundresses and collared shirts.
- Do I need a reservation? During the "Nights of Lights" (November through January), yes. Absolutely. If you don't have one, you're not getting in. During the off-season, you can often snag a spot at the bar or a high-top table without much trouble.
- Is it kid-friendly? Kinda. They have high chairs, and the staff is nice, but the menu isn't exactly built for picky toddlers. If your kid only eats chicken nuggets, they might be bored. If your kid is an adventurous eater, they’ll love the bread service and the pasta options.
- Where do I park? This is the hardest part. Parking in downtown St. Augustine is a nightmare. The hotel offers valet, but it’s pricey. Your best bet is the public parking garage a few blocks away, or if you're lucky, a metered spot on a side street. Honestly, just pay for the valet if you're splurge-mode; it saves the headache.
The Verdict on Costa Brava
St. Augustine is a city of layers. You have the cheap fudge shops and the pirate museums, and then you have the genuine architectural marvels. Costa Brava Restaurant St Augustine sits firmly in the latter category.
It’s a place that respects the history of the building it occupies. It doesn't try to be a modern, minimalist bistro. It embraces the maximalism of the 1880s.
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Is it the cheapest meal in town? No. Is it the most "authentic" Spanish food you'll ever have? Maybe not if you’ve spent a month in Madrid. But for a meal that feels like an event, it’s hard to beat.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Book the "Nights of Lights" Window: if you’re visiting in December, try to get a table near the window. The view of the city lit up is incredible, but these tables go months in advance.
- Check the Art Gallery First: Show up 20 minutes early. Walk through the Bohemian Gallery connected to the lobby. The Kessler collection is eccentric and weird and beautiful.
- Order the Shareables: Don't just get an entree. The tapas-style appetizers are where the kitchen really shows off. The "Artisan Cheese & Charcuterie" board is a safe bet, but look for the seasonal vegetable small plates.
- Ask About the Wine: They have an extensive list of Spanish and South American wines that you won't find at the grocery store. The servers usually know their stuff—ask for a pairing for the seafood.
- Walk it Off: After dinner, walk two blocks East to the bayfront. The breeze off the Matanzas River is the perfect way to end the night.
Skip the tourist traps. Sit under a massive chandelier. Eat the octopus. You'll thank me later.