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    Violas

    4.2 (537 reviews)
    ModerateSeafood, Italian
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Order Violas Takeout or Delivery

    Violas Photos

    VIOLAS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Violas

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    Janice B.

    Delicious! Service was super friendly and very professional- almost formal. I do wish they cleared our table more often or quicker because our table wasn't large. The mussels were tiny but the flavors were good. Calamari was fried perfectly. The clam linguine was plentiful and delicious. The aperol spritz was not my favorite but the Pinot noir always works. Ambiance - it's dark and loud, lots of Italian decorations and very crowded.

    Steak with chimichurri & Greek salad with side of meatballs & bread.
    Amanda J.

    Always great food and service! Always make a reservation, as they are steadily busy. Their pizza, cannoli, and seafood are also great.

    Lobster bisque
    Bill B.

    Absolutely phenomenal dinner at Viola's Italian Restaurant - 5 stars aren't enough! We've been coming to the St. Augustine area for years and somehow never made it to Viola's until Friday afternoon, huge mistake on our part, because this place is a gem. From the moment we walked in, the cozy, family-run vibe wrapped around us like a warm hug. Our server (shout-out to Maria!) was an absolute delight - knowledgeable, funny, and perfectly attentive without hovering. Now, the food. Holy wow. Started with the **Lobster Bisque** and I'm still dreaming about it. Rich, velvety, loaded with lobster meat, and that perfect sherry finish that makes you close your eyes on the first spoonful. Hands-down one of the best bisques I've ever had, and I've chased lobster soup from Maine to Key West. For my entrée I went with the **Mango Blackened Redfish** and... are you kidding me?! Perfectly blackened crust with that signature Cajun kick, gorgeous flaky redfish underneath, and then this bright, tropical mango salsa that somehow ties the whole plate together like magic. The sweetness of the mango cuts through the heat in the most brilliant way. Came with garlicky green beans and the creamiest risotto I've had outside of Italy. I cleaned the plate and seriously considered licking it (I showed restraint... barely). Everything feels fresh, made-from-scratch, and served with genuine pride. Portions are generous, prices are shockingly fair for the quality, and the wine list has some lovely Italian selections by the glass. Viola's isn't just a restaurant - it's the kind of place you leave already planning your next visit. If you're anywhere near St. Augustine, do yourself a favor and go. We'll be back sooner than later (probably next weekend, let's be honest). Thank you, Viola's, for an unforgettable meal!

    Seafood with saffron risotto
    Mark M.

    Went to Violas on Sunday. Was able to make a last minute reservation. Stated with the bruschetta which was good and then ordered the special of seafood and saffron risotto. My wife ordered the cod in a Mediterranean sauce. They both were very good. Our server kept checking on us and did a great job.

    Three top setting
    TC B.

    Lauren was excellent! Great customer service. Even better food. Four of us had different meals. All were delicious. Plenty of food. Garlic bread was tasty! Lots of seafood and Italian food options. We were not disappointed on our first visit. This would be a regular spot if we lived in the area. Highly recommended! Fun little place. Friendly staff.

    Marisa D.

    Initially told a 45 minute wait but she'd get us a drink if we wanted to wait. We agreed... she brought us a drink and within 5 minutes said, there's a seat at the bar if you want to sit there! We took her up on that - and ended up paying for our drinks ourselves since we didn't wait. But the bartender was pleasant, the food was plentiful, and very good. We'd return.

    Chicken Piccata and Branzino fish special
    Katherine R.

    This restaurant is a hidden gem! We had a reservation and the hostess was quick to seat us. Our waitress was incredible and had a great attitude that immediately brought a smile to my face! Our food was amazing and very fresh, although a little lacking in seasoning for my taste but I just have different tasebuds. Nonetheless, the food was delicious and I was able to finish my chicken piccata in one sitting without feeling sick (as pasta usually makes me a bit tired). The fish was fresh and cooked to perfection however the vegetables were a bit plain tasting in comparison. The restaurant was small but had ample space with dim ambient lighting. The music was a tad louder than the average restaurant so I had to repeat myself a few times but it wasnt that much of an issue. If im ever in town, Id visit violas again :)

    Lobster Bisque
    Sam A.

    Violas is a hidden gem with great Italian food and friendly service. We stopped in for a late lunch/ early dinner yesterday after a day at the beach. We were impressed with the quality and flavor of the food, and service. For appetizers we had the mozzarella stick and toasted ravioli. Both were tasty and not greasy at all. Lobster bisques warmed us since we ran into Violas from a torrential FL afternoon downpour (we arrived a tad drenched from rain). For entrees, our table of 3 had Shrimps and Grits (grits were more like polenta, fried into triangle wedges and topped with a delicious sauce and shrimp), Lasagna, and Chicken Marsala. The wait staffs were attentive, removing plate and refilling our water glasses throughout our meal. Portions and price were extremely reasonable for what we ordered. We will be returning again given how memorable the meal. We were too full to enjoy their desserts on this visit but want to return to try their lava cake, tiramisu, and fried cheesecake. There is a lack of delicious offerings in the area based on our many experiences of "meh", so-so, meals that did not prompt repeat business to the other restaurants in the area. This is why Violas was such an unexpected find for us. I hesitate writing this reviews cause I did not want to spoil this hidden gem with crowds but it was because of the rating in Yelp and the previous reviews that made me want to share our Violas experience. See you at Violas soon!

    The best Moscato I've ever had in my life

    Everything about this place is amazing. We recommend it to everybody. The food is outstanding. The service is outstanding. It's just such a great Italian restaurant that you don't get a lot from being down in Florida. Love the owners also if you're thinking about going here and having dinner, do it, you will not be disappointed.

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    3 months ago

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    Love this! Place. The food is always great in the service is just as good. Love to go here and whenever we're visiting St. Augustine.

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    Page 1 of 14

    Ask the Community - Violas

    Didn't see it in the menu but so they have a cauliflower crust pizza?

    Hi, I'm wondering if you allow outside wine, and what your corkage fee would be?

    View All 3 Questions

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    Saint

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    My partner and I went here Just Because (and to use a Resy credit from AMEX), and it ended up being…read moreone of my favorite recent dining experiences. Arrival: There are parking lots nearby--expect to pay around $15-25. As we walked up, there was live jazz music playing in the courtyard, which set a really great vibe right away. Service: Our waiter was attentive and timely without being overbearing. Food: Everything was amazing. We started with the bread service--the truffle butter was definitely the highlight (we didn't care too much for the ricotta spread). FYI: the little cubes that look like white cheddar are *not* cheese...I learned that the hard way by biting into a square of butter. For dinner, I had the cacio e pepe and he ordered the 100 lasagna. Portions were a bit smaller than expected, but honestly fine after filling up on bread. For dessert, we shared an affogato--the espresso wasn't burnt (which is surprisingly rare), so that was a big win. Overall: After the Resy credit, parking ended up costing more than the meal, which is kind of wild. Only downside was that there are just two restrooms, and there was a line when we went. Great time overall--will definitely be back.

    We finally got to check out Saint which is a from scratch Italian spot that really focuses on house…read moremade ingredients, and it definitely left an impression. We started with the bread appetizer, which came with several types of fresh bread and an incredible lineup of spreads like whipped ricotta, truffle butter, regular butter, and honey. Every bread had its own distinct flavor and texture. Next up was the sausage appetizer featuring both a sweet sausage and a spicy sausage, all made in house. They were cooked perfectly and served in a flavorful sauce with peppers that tied everything together. The balance between the sweet and spicy was so good. For my entree, I ordered the lasagna, and it was pure comfort. It reminded me so much of the classic lasagna I grew up eating, layered with rich Bolognese and a creamy bechamel sauce that made it feel both nostalgic and elevated. My boyfriend went with the steak (I believe it's a New York strip) and swapped a few of the sides to his liking. The steak was absolutely cooked to perfection, a beautiful medium rare. I may or may not have stolen about four bites... and yes, it was worth it..... We were way too full for dessert, but we did enjoy a bottle of wine with dinner which made the whole experience feel like the perfect date night. The service was fantastic, the food was memorable, and it's definitely a place we'll be coming back to for many more dates!

    Nonna's Trattoria

    Nonna's Trattoria

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    We had Christmas dinner at Nonna's Trattoria, tucked away on a narrow cobblestone street near the…read moreSpanish Military Hospital--a lovely historic setting. The food was delicious. We enjoyed the House Salad, Fried Ravioli, Chicken Piccata, and Limoncello Cake. Service was slow, but it was Christmas evening, which is understandable. We appreciate the staff for working on the holiday. Note that a 20% service charge is automatically added (even for small parties), so we did not leave an additional tip. Other than that, no negative

    If you love great Italian food, do yourself a favor and keep driving -- preferably fast…read more Nonna's appears to specialize in "Italian-inspired disappointment." The cooked penne was sitting on the counter uncovered, just vibing at room temperature like it had officially given up. The sauce? Scooped from a container and reheated with all the passion of a microwave at 2 a.m. The complimentary bread arrived looking hopeful... until we realized it was a square dinner roll slathered in what tasted like imitation garlic and oil -- less Italian trattoria and more middle school cafeteria meets olive oil cosplay. The Chicken Marsala arrived undefeated in battle against any form of tenderizing. This chicken was not pounded thin -- it clearly lifts weights. I needed a steak knife, determination, and possibly a waiver to cut through it. We shared one entrée and a bottle of wine that tasted like grapes filed a formal complaint, and somehow the bill still hit $65. I checked twice to make sure we hadn't accidentally invested in the business. And just when you think the experience is complete, surprise! There's a debit card fee. Don't worry though -- the owner's son (also waiter, host, busboy, and possibly assistant regional manager) will loudly explain it from across the restaurant so the entire dining room can stay informed.

    Terra & Acqua - The board of your dreams

    Terra & Acqua

    (340 reviews)

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    Absolutely phenomenal experience from start to finish. The food and service were nothing short of…read moreoutstanding--easily some of the best Italian food I've ever had. The mozzarella was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the Capelli was perfection--balanced, rich, and clearly made with care and skill. We were visiting for Christmas, and the holiday specials took things to another level. The seafood lasagna was decadent without being heavy, and the seven fish stew was deep, comforting, and packed with flavor--exactly what you hope for during the holidays. Service was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, which made the entire experience even better. This place doesn't just serve great food--it delivers a memorable experience. Highly recommend. If you're even considering it, go.

    Ambiance: There is both indoor and outdoor seating available, making this a good option for larger…read moregroups or families with kids. The interior wasn't my favorite; the aesthetic didn't really read as Italian to me and leaned more modern. The tables and seating felt a bit on the cheaper side. We went on a Friday around 7:30 pm, and it was surprisingly quiet inside. Drinks: I ordered a sangria, which wasn't my favorite. It tasted on the weaker side. Food: I ordered the gnocchi. It was a bit rubbery and not as soft or potato-forward as I prefer. It reminded me more of store-bought gnocchi than homemade. That said, the portion size felt fair for the price. Location: The restaurant is located on the St. Augustine Beach barrier island, which is convenient if you're staying nearby and don't want to head into historic downtown for dinner. It was in a slightly odd spot within a business complex, with condos located above. Service: Good. Overall: It's fine for convenience, but not a place I'd suggest to someone visiting St. Augustine and looking for standout dinner spots.

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    Sogno Restaurant

    (70 reviews)

    This was our first visit, and while the ambiance and service were both pleasant, the food…read moreunfortunately did not live up to expectations, and we probably won't return based on this experience. The atmosphere felt inviting and our server was attentive, but the dishes themselves were underwhelming for the price point. The Arancini, crab cakes, and bolognese all lacked depth of flavor and seasoning, and none offered the layered, memorable taste you would expect from a restaurant in this price range. Presentation could also be improved to better match the upscale positioning. Based on the overall lack of flavor in the meal, we decided to skip the $12 dessert. The check was difficult to justify considering the disappointing food quality. Here is what we ordered: 2 glasses of prosecco - $12 ea Still bottled water - $9 Arancini - $16 Beet Salad - $18 Crab cakes with Orzo, kale and squash - $48 Bolognese with pancetta and prosciutto - $38 Total with tip: $200! The ambiance and service show potential, and we truly hope the food quality improves so this restaurant can reach the same level as the many wonderful dining options nearby: The Purple Olive, Llama, Blackfly, Bea's, and The Black Molly Grill.

    It saddens me to write this review of a restaurant with so many positive reviews, but sadly this…read morerestaurant missed on just about all of the food that we got. The service was pretty good, I can admit, however even that could've been better. We got started with our evening with a bottle of wine which was reasonably priced. The house arancini was chicken stuffed, which we were only told about after we ordered the dish. Sadly, the chicken pieces were large and there was just not enough cheese to really make this dish work - nor enough sauce. I even got a piece of bone in my arancini, which just ruined my appetite. We then had decided on the chicken parm for the main course (which later we realized was rather similar to the arancini). The first chicken parm piece that was got was rather large in size, however as we cut into the dish we noticed that half of the meat was still pink and cold to the touch. We showed our waiter, and instead of treating us with some empathy, we were told that "well its not our fault, but I've been trying to tell the guys in the back to pound the meat before cooking it." We were given another piece of chicken, and it was only slightly better than the first piece, but we ate a few bites and called it an evening. It's too bad, I'd be willing to try this place out for other dishes but I don't know if I'll choose this place again, knowing there are other options nearby. The best part of the evening was the ambiance and the wine, so maybe a happy hour in the future is in order.

    Violas - seafood - Updated May 2026

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