About
Since 2004, España Restaurant & Tapas has been delighting diners with its innovative tapas, fresh seafood, and Spanish-Portuguese-inspired paella!
Located in the Fernandina Beach Historic District, Chef Roberto Pestana and his wife, Marina, combined passion and heritage to make España a household name. You'll savor authentic flavors of Spain and Portugal using family-inspired recipes and time-honored cooking techniques.
A standout feature of the restaurant is an expansive garden patio framed by vines and shaded by red umbrellas. Add this with its cozy main dining room, and you have a relaxed yet refined option for every occasion.
Roberto's menu and cooking techniques draw on traditional tools, such as paella pans imported from Spain. Also paramount is using the freshest ingredients, ensuring that every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
An addition is the adjoining Salvador House, offering intimate gatherings for special occasions and elevated evening experiences. Additionally, the restaurant's central location makes it easy to combine your sightseeing with a meal. For example, after an exhilarating trip with Amelia River Cruises & Charters, celebrate at España.
When your vacation needs Spanish flavors, only one restaurant in Amelia Island will do, and that's España Restaurant & Tapas.
Vibe
The exterior, sporting a bright yellow façade trimmed in red, pays homage to Spain and prepares your senses for a fantastic meal. Its quaint architecture and vine-covered walls add an inviting touch.
The interior décor features rustic Spanish accents, earthy tones, and soft lighting. The main dining room is cozy, showcasing artwork and traditional details that reflect the restaurant's roots.
The atmosphere is casual yet refined. It's the kind of place where families, couples, and friends feel comfortable, whether celebrating a day at Amelia River Golf Club or simply enjoying a night out.
A standout feature of the dining area is the garden patio. With its greenery, red chairs, and shaded tables, it's the ideal setting for alfresco dining. The bar area offers a laid-back experience to enjoy drinks or savor a casual meal.
With its vibrant colors, elegant yet relaxed décor, and laid-back comfort, the ambiance captures the essence of an Amelia Island vacation—welcoming, memorable, and unmistakably full of life.
España Restaurant & Tapas: Menu & Drinks
With so many options to choose from, your biggest challenge will be deciding where to begin!
The Gambas Mozambique receives frequent praise, with shrimp in a spicy coconut-milk sauce with cilantro that delivers a balance of heat and creaminess.
Patrons also fall for Scallops Ole that showcases crisp-coated scallops resting atop a roasted poblano cream sauce, where the crunch meets subtle peppery richness in every bite.
The Calderada de Mariscos is a hearty seafood stew that will satisfy your hunger after a ride with Amelia Island Horseback Riding. The dish features clams, shrimp, scallops, mussels, calamari, and fresh fish in a light bouillabaisse-style sauce. The dynamic textures and fragrant broth make it a standout seafood entrée.
Not to be missed are any of the Spanish classics, such as the Paella Rustica. This all-meat version features chicken, pork tenderloin, chorizo, white beans, and seasoned rice. With its moist meats and savory spices, it's a soul-satisfying meal.
On the drink side, the homemade sangria is essential. This pitcher of vibrant, fruit-laced red wine strikes the perfect chord between refreshing and flavorful. Wine lovers also appreciate selections from an expertly curated list of international and Californian wines. Each glass pairs with the cuisine's spices and sauces. Beer lovers find local and international options as well.
For a taste of Spain and Portugal without boarding a plane, visit España Restaurant & Tapas. Dining here transforms a meal into a journey, where every sip and bite resonates with tradition, warmth, and Mediterranean flair.
Local Tips
- Check its social media pages for specials and updates.
- Reserve a table ahead to avoid waiting during busy evenings.
- When the weather permits, dine on the shaded patio.
- Don't skip the desserts! There's something for everyone!
- Tapas are designed to share, so order several.
