We Found the 5 Best International Restaurants in St. Augustine Right Now

St. Augustine isn’t just about history and beaches — it’s also home to some seriously delicious international food. From Colombian arepas to Peruvian ceviche, this charming city offers flavors from around the globe that’ll make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re craving Mediterranean treats or classic Spanish paella, these restaurants bring authentic international cuisine right to Florida’s oldest city.

Get ready to explore five spots that prove you don’t need a passport to enjoy world-class dining.

1. De Leon Latin Cocina

Stepping into De Leon Latin Cocina feels like getting a warm hug from your Colombian abuela. This beloved spot has earned its reputation by serving up hearty, soul-satisfying Latin dishes that pack a punch of vibrant flavor. The arepas here are legendary — golden, crispy on the outside, and perfectly soft inside, stuffed with everything from shredded beef to black beans and cheese.

Empanadas fly out of the kitchen faster than you can order them, and for good reason. Each one is hand-folded and fried to crispy perfection, bursting with savory fillings that change daily based on what’s fresh. The menu also features bandeja paisa, a traditional Colombian platter loaded with rice, beans, plantains, chorizo, and a fried egg that’ll fuel you for hours.

Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the flavors transport you straight to the streets of Bogotá. If you’re hunting for genuine Latin American comfort food in St. Augustine, De Leon Latin Cocina delivers every single time.

2. Llama Restaurant

Peruvian cuisine has been taking the culinary world by storm, and Llama Restaurant proves exactly why. Elegantly plated dishes arrive at your table looking like edible art, but the taste is where the real magic happens. Their ceviche is a showstopper — fresh fish marinated in tangy lime juice with red onions, cilantro, and a kick of aji pepper that wakes up every sense.

Lomo saltado, a classic Peruvian stir-fry, combines tender beef strips with tomatoes, onions, and crispy fries in a way that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Every bite balances savory, sweet, and umami notes that keep you coming back for more.

Top ratings don’t just appear out of nowhere, and Llama has earned every star through consistent quality and attention to detail. The presentation alone makes you want to snap a photo before digging in, but trust us — you won’t want to wait.

Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself to an amazing meal, Llama Restaurant delivers an unforgettable dining experience that showcases the best of Peru’s culinary traditions.

3. Gaufres and Goods

Who knew Greek waffles and Polish pierogi could coexist so beautifully under one roof? Gaufres and Goods is that quirky neighborhood gem where Mediterranean sunshine meets Eastern European comfort, and somehow it all makes perfect sense. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, the kind of place where you can show up in shorts and flip-flops and feel right at home.

Greek waffles here aren’t your typical breakfast fare — they’re crispy, golden creations topped with honey, nuts, and fresh fruit that transport you straight to a sunny Athens café. But then you spot the Polish specialties on the menu, and suddenly you’re torn between kielbasa and spanakopita. The beauty is you don’t have to choose just one; mix and match your international favorites for a truly unique meal.

What makes this spot so beloved is its unpretentious approach to global flavors. Locals pack the place on weekend mornings, and tourists stumble upon it and immediately text their friends about their discovery.

The portions are generous, the prices won’t break the bank, and everything tastes like it was made by someone who genuinely loves cooking. Gaufres and Goods proves that international flavor doesn’t require white tablecloths or fancy surroundings.

4. Columbia Restaurant

History practically seeps from the walls of Columbia Restaurant, a legendary establishment that’s been serving Spanish and Cuban cuisine since 1905. Walking through the doors feels like stepping back in time, with tile floors, wrought-iron details, and an old-world elegance that modern restaurants just can’t replicate. This isn’t just a meal — it’s a journey through generations of culinary tradition.

The paella here is the stuff of legend, arriving at your table in a massive pan filled with saffron-infused rice, succulent seafood, chorizo, and chicken. Each spoonful delivers layers of flavor built through careful preparation and time-honored techniques. Tapas platters let you sample multiple Spanish classics, from garlicky shrimp to stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, perfect for sharing or not.

Cuban influences shine through in dishes like ropa vieja and Cuban sandwiches that pay homage to Florida’s rich cultural heritage. The 1905 Salad, tossed tableside with a secret dressing recipe, has become as iconic as the restaurant itself. Service is professional yet warm, with servers who know the menu inside and out and take pride in guiding guests through their dining experience.

Columbia Restaurant isn’t just one of St. Augustine’s best international spots — it’s a living piece of Florida history that continues to serve exceptional food with timeless style.

5. Saint

Old World Italian technique meets fresh Florida ingredients at Saint, a stylish restaurant that reimagines classic Italian cuisine for modern palates. The ambiance strikes that perfect balance between upscale and approachable — you’ll feel special without feeling stuffy. Soft lighting, contemporary decor, and an open kitchen create an atmosphere that’s both intimate and energetic.

Handmade pasta is the star here, with each noodle rolled and cut with care before being tossed with seasonal sauces that change based on what’s freshest. The seafood dishes showcase the best of coastal Florida, prepared with Italian sensibilities that let the natural flavors shine through. Think pan-seared scallops over creamy risotto or whole fish roasted with herbs and lemon that tastes like the Mediterranean crashed into the Atlantic.

Chefs here understand that great Italian food isn’t about drowning everything in sauce — it’s about balance, simplicity, and letting quality ingredients speak for themselves. The wine list features Italian bottles alongside local selections, and knowledgeable staff can guide you to perfect pairings.

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just craving exceptional pasta, Saint delivers a refined Italian experience that feels both authentic and refreshingly original.