Violas

4.2 (539 reviews)

ModerateSeafood, Italian

Closed • Closed

Updated 2 months ago

Add Review

Call

Directions

Website

Order Violas Takeout or Delivery

Order Takeout or Delivery

Violas Photos

Violas - Make your own pasta - vodka sauce, alfredo sauce. Devine!! Really good - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Violas - Check in/hallway to dining rooms - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Violas - Pizza margarita - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Violas - a plate of appetizers on a table - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Violas - Inside restaurant - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Violas - Caprese Towers - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Violas - Seafood Fra Diablo - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Violas - Made my spaghetti Al forno style bc CHEESE - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Violas - Entrance into restaurant - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Violas - Stromboli - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Violas - a plate of spaghetti and bread on a table - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

+288

Violas - Check in - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Violas Popular Dishes

8 Photos32 Reviews

2 Photos15 Reviews

6 Photos15 Reviews

Violas menu photos

See all

VIOLAS ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

20 Photos

Outside

3 Photos

Casual

Moderate noise

Good for kids

Good for groups

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Violas

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.

Start your review...

Browse more easily on the app

Reviews With Photos

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 :)

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!

We happened to find this gemon a Fri afternoon we were lucky to get two seats at the bar. We had to come back with our friends for dinner on Sun. The service is EXEMPLARY from the min you walk in to the moment you leave you get genuine smiles, warmth and care. Kudos to the owners/ mgrs for setting this kind of environment. Our server was w Lauren she was wonderful :)! Everything we ordered was delish, flavors robust and on point. We had lobster ravioli, shrimp and grits, clams w linguini and chicken Marsala (we also tried the veal picatta the Fri prior which was amazing). We love the ambiance, it's a small restaurant full of patrons but very cozy still. It's rocking full for a reason. Anyone who comes to St Augustine needs to come here!

See all

D E.

9 years ago

Great place, food and service...... The food was so fresh and taste wonderful!!!!!! Our server knew the menu along with the wine menu as well. Just overall a very pleasant meal and service. Thanks guys read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Andrew F.

11 years ago

Earlier this week we went looking for NY style pizza and decided to try Viola's. We've had pizza in NYC and this compares perfectly. Large slices with a thin crust that could be folded in half the way pizza should be eaten. The cheese and sauce had that taste of Italian seasoning and the pepperoni was spicy. Delicious! We liked Viola's so much we decided to try the dinner menu tonight. Got there at 5:00 and they weren't too busy yet. I tried the clam chowder to start. The cupful that I got was creamy, hot, with nice small pieces of clam, bacon chunks on top, and a steamed clam sitting on a slice of lemon on the side. Very tasty. For entrees I had the penne pasta, marinara sauce and Italian sausage and my wife had the chicken parmigiana. Cooked perfectly, delicious sauce, and servings so large we both took some back to have as snack or lunch tomorrow. Highly recommend Viola's, we'll be back again whenever we're in St. Augustine. read more

Violas - Cup of clam chowder - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Violas - Penne Pasta, marinara sauce with Italian sausage - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Violas - Chicken Parmigiana - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

See all

Helpful 3

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kay M.

5 years ago

We had the best ever experience here. From our arrival until our departure it was a 10! Waiter was knowledgeable, food was wonderful. We will be back. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Bobby D.

10 years ago

Apps: Meatball Duo...6 meatballs Mom's reg w/ marinara ..they were okay. Dad's 3...barbecue meatballs???? So we ate 1/2 of that disaster. BBQ at an Italian restaurant, really? Chicken Piccata was a piece of microwaved chicken drissled with lemon. We sent out a search party fot the capers. Seafood Fra Diovalo had 4 musslles, 3 shrimp, & 4 empty clam shells. The best part of the meal was the bread & chianti. Waitress was on the JV team. Nice perfume though...glad that it subdued the smell from her cigarette break. Definitely going to Dominicks in the Bronx or Carmine's in NYC when I head home in a few weeks. #TheRealThing read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Ashley S.

185

10 years ago

Hands down best pizza on the island with the most genuine, nicest staff! Even on one of their busiest Friday nights our called in take out order of 3 large pizzas was timed perfectly to under 30 minutes. Eggplant RollaTini was also an amazing lunch special. Keep it up! read more

Business owner information

Tyler B.

Hi Ashley - We understand that wearing a mask is a choice and we…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Paula H.

9 years ago

Delicious lunch! I had the wonderful eggplant parm!! Ate outside on the patio! Eric the waiter gave us great service and was very friendly! We are coming in November for a month so we will definitely be returning!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Amanda R.

5 years ago

We ordered the margarita pizza and it was delicious! Excellent customer service. The owners were on top of it and paid attention to every little detail. Highly recommend! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Brian M.

7 years ago

While on vacation I was searching yelp for some pizza. Decided to give Viola's a chance. What a great decision. Called in a to-go order of an 18" pepperoni pizza and was told it would be ready in 25 minutes. Arrived 5 minutes early and paid for it expecting to wait but they brought it right out. Staff was very friendly on the phone and in person. Upon eating it I discovered that it was very delicious. Nice brick oven baked with a nice thickness of crust and amazing marinara sauce. Plenty of pepperoni and cheese to compliment the overall experience. Would highly recommend to anyone. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kane R.

5 years ago

Outstanding. Had a large group celebrating a birthday. Lunch was excellent. Everyone's meal was great. (Mango blackened Redfish!). Service was great!!! Will be back read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Carrie B.

574

6 years ago

Family owned, friendly staff, excellent food in a great atmosphere! Owners are a delight and always there to greet you. Closed on Mon & Tue until Summer. read more

Business owner information

Tyler B.

Hi Carrie -…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Miguel S.

113

10 years ago

Must say. Was looking for a good pizzeria and this place did not disappoint. Really food and I'm big on pizza.. Would eat here definitely again.. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Whitney O.

Elite 26

372

11 years ago

My boyfriend and I were in the area headed to the beach and we stopped in. He got the chicken parm and I got the lasagna. Both meals were really good. We also ordered the bang bang shrimp as an appetizer. The appetizer was also really good and the shrimp was big. I'll be back the next time I'm in the area. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Neal M.

5 years ago

If I could give more than five stars I would. What an amazing welcoming staff. We felt like family. Their team work and overall cheeriness was awesome. We arrived late (hour before closing) and they took care of us from the second we opened the door till we walked out. If we hadn't asked what time they close we would never had known by their actions. We ate at the bar and the bartender (I didn't get her name, my bad) was awesome and helpful with everything. A joy to talk with. What an amazing place! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Cole B.

9 years ago

I visited Violas with my family for dinner on Tuesday evening. It was off the beaten path for us and seemed like it was in someone's house. The yelp reviews were solid so we gave it a shot. We ordered bruschetta for an appetizer and it was solid but $8 seemed a bit high. For dinner we ordered a pepperoni pizza and a BBQ chicken. Both were good but the BBQ chicken was excellent. Our waitress was fantastic and did a great job of taking care of our table. I assume she had kids based on her interactions with ours which I appreciated. I assume it was the owner or manager appeared busy visiting with tables. He didn't make it to ours but was nice to see. I'd recommend this place. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Charles F.

5 years ago

Perfect pizza, super friendly staff, great ambiance- I ordered take out, but look forward to dining in next time

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rebecca B.

10 years ago

Our family rented a house at the beach near Viola's. We ordered takeout pizzas and salads to eat at our beach house. The pizzas were thin and crisp, just how we like them. After a minute the slice folds perfectly so you can eat it like a New Yorker . We had a Margarita pizza and a custom with artichoke and spinach, both 12 inch. We like to order the small so the middle doesn't get weighed down and this strategy worked for the Viola pizza too. We also had three small salads: House, Greek and Ceasar- all good with their house made dressings. The restaurant is a neighborhood gem. Inside is cosy with a dining room, largish barroom and a private room up front behind the cash register. Out back is a small wood deck. There was a family of 6 or 8 at an umbrella table and one other small table. We will be back next time we are in the area. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Chris F.

9 years ago

Amazing food. Amazing outdoor area with hanging lights. Everything is house made here, and it shows. I had the Meatball Parmesan and the Caprese Towers (about the best caprese I've ever had)! Make a reservation as the place is small. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Julia B.

7 years ago

I was visiting from out of town and my family and I went here for dinner. The service was amazing. They were very attentive from the moment we walked in. The food was delicious! We got the bread knots as an appetizer and they were exactly what we hoped for. All of our dinner plates were very fresh and delicious as well! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ed H.

6 years ago

Food is top notch. Service is excellent and the staff is very accommodating. Took one star off because no one on the staff wears masks and as we left we saw the back deck was packed with people with no masks and there was no attempt to social distance. If you believe Covid 19 is a myth then ignore the missing star. Inside the restaurant they do socially distance except the waitresses when they take your order and deliver your food. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Vicki C.

7 years ago

Love this place. Awesome food and incredible service. Highly recommend. The owners and staff are great.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ginny M.

7 years ago

We visited Viola's while on vacation. The service was excellent, the pizza terrific. And my husband had the white fish grilled sandwich which was perfect! I would highly recommend this restaurant for lunch or dinner. We may visit again before we leave! Great choice! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Tiffany B.

5 years ago

Wonderful Italian food! Great atmosphere with friendly staff. It was extremely busy but everyone stayed cool and helpful and upfront about wait times and what the kitchen and staff could handle. Very professional. Wonderful meal!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Boston K.

8 years ago

Born and raised in NJ, I grew up eating delicious thin crust pizza. Violas was once the only decent pizza on Anastasia Island. New management has taken the pizza from decent to blaaahhhhhggggg. read more

Business owner information

Tyler B.

We're very sorry to hear about your experience with us. Please…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Christopher K.

138

8 years ago

Quite the quaint and fantastically delicious lil spot on A1A. We stopped on our way back from St Augustine after seeing the pix of The Godfather. Which by the way is ridiculously good as well the eggplant parmigiana. The staff was pleasant and operated in such a polite way. What I mean by that is the kitchen would request a runner and said please after each time....manners, imagine that! I'm already plotting my next visit back here! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Susan H.

11 years ago

We were there a week ago. We love Italian and I must admit some of the pasta dishes we saw being served gave us great hope. We were in a pizza mood though and that's what we ordered. VERY disappointing. Crust tasted like cardboard. Sauce tasted like it had just been made ... Flavored hadn't really developed. Overall such a disappointment. My hubby usually loves leftover pizza the next day. We tossed this. Service and facility fine. Music was nice but food a disappointment read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

P C.

5 years ago

Viola's is right near the beach on A1A. The food is excellent and the prices are great. Their pizza is excellent and so are their main courses. Parking is a bit tough but the food makes it all worth it! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Selina G.

7 years ago

Went there and loved the gluten free pizza and pasta! They have the best gluten free Italian food I ever had! It was such a treat! Place is very clean and the service is excellent! My new favorite place!! I do recommend. The place has a special vibe.... cozy and charming. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kelly P.

5 years ago

We ordered two XL pizzas and we had pizza for two days for our family. It was fresh and tasted amazing. The Hawaiian and the BBQ Chicken were great. Order dipping sauce for the crust. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Andrea F.

168

7 years ago

We had delicious pizzas at Viola's! Excellent service and nice little patio with comfy chairs. The view is the gravel parking lot but at sunset time that didn't matter with a gorgeous sun setting behind us, fresh air and nice weather. The garlic white pizza with prosciutto is what I ordered and it was absolutely delicious. My son and husband split a traditional large pie and enjoyed it. The tiramisu was wonderful too. We will definitely be back next time we are in town! read more

Violas - Large pie half cheese and half pepperoni for my husband and son. It was a hit with my 7 year old! - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Violas - Patio seating at sunset - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rick S.

548

8 years ago

Good food had steak sub, Italian sub and pizza all really good. Yelp got it right. It you are nearby give them a chance looks like a small business that should get customers. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Melissa W.

8 years ago

Amazing food. Friendly staff. Very welcoming to my 4-legged "kids". Jorge, the new owner, introduced himself to everyone. I'm very picky about my Italian food, I like it to be very tasty and fresh and they didn't disappoint. Don't let the outside fool you... great family place and wonderful food at reasonable prices. 2 words for dessert: Fried cheesecake. You'll be glad you did read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Anita G.

8 years ago

Bang bang shrimp tacos with their housemade fries do not disappoint. Neither does the pizza. Pair either with a cold Stella Artios draft and you cannot go wrong! Deliciousness! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kristi R.

7 years ago

We went in for a later lunch and arrived about 1pm. We were seated and told we would be served by a lady. We never saw her. After 15 minutes the same person that seated us came for our drink orders. Then 10 minutes later we ordered meals and an appetizer. The appetizer came out after we were already done eating. They did comp us for this after being accused that we had actually eaten it already. I heard the table behind us comment about how there was no appetizer on their bill but they got one anyway. The food came out in stages. My son go his soup, 3 minutes later I got my sandwich, then my husband got his tacos (he ordered fish, got shrimp) 3 minutes after and after 5 minutes my other son got his pizza. All the food was good which is the only reason for 2 stars. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mr Gee P.

10 years ago

Good food with friendly wait staff- the flavor of the lasagna was great - well worth trying out. Prices were good as well- good and clean. read more

Violas - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kathy D.

8 years ago

Great place, food is delicious, tough to get a table but worth the wait. New owner Jose, is personable & not only because of the great food and wait staff (they are so nice always) but because Jose took the time to come by the table and introduced himself it made it all the more palatable. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ryan B.

5 years ago

Awesome Italian! We had the chicken parm, and lobster ravioli.. bang shrimp and mussels as an app, my wife had the fried cheesecake with ice cream for dessert. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Maria J.

8 years ago

We sat out on the patio and it was perfect wit kids! Great food, and great family restaurant.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Lise M.

8 years ago

Meatballs are good as the appetizer. However I would not suggest fish and chips at this restaurant. The fries came out double fried and full of grease when we had them take them back the second batch wasn't much better and then they explained to us that they flash fry and hold them and then refry again right before they serve. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Robert C.

8 years ago

Still the best Italian Food on the beach and in town for that matter. Friendly, helpful service & owners always seem to be around, plenty of parking & outdoor deck in back, nice music as well, soft, nothing disagreeable goes well with the food, makes for a relaxed experience also in bar area which is separate from dining area big screen TV with sports on, nice selection of wine as well, comfortable seating read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mck D.

7 years ago

Great food, great service, totally recommend! I'll be back!! Had shrimp scampi light delicate very tasty. read more

Violas - Pizza!!! - Seafood Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 10 of 14

6149 S A1A St
St. Augustine, FL 32080
Directions
(904) 471-2981
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://www.eatviolas.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Violas open?

Violas opens at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Violas close?

Violas is closed on Monday and Tuesday.Violas closes at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Tue ClosedWed-Sun 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Violas take credit cards?

Yes, Violas takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Violas have catering options?

Yes, Violas does have catering options.

Does Violas have a drive thru?

No, Violas does not have a drive thru.

Does Violas have a happy hour?

No, Violas does not have a happy hour.

Does Violas serve alcohol?

Yes, Violas serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Violas allow dogs?

No, Violas does not allow dogs.

Does Violas have TVs?

Yes, Violas has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Violas have bike parking?

Yes, Violas has bike parking.

Does Violas have outdoor seating?

Yes, Violas has outdoor seating options.

Does Violas have parking?

Yes, Violas has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Violas wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Violas is wheelchair accessible.

Does Violas have free WiFi?

No, Violas does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Violas is a family owned and operated Italian & Fresh Seafood Restaurant. Serving authentic made from scratch Italian dishes, fresh seafood & NY style hand tossed, brick oven pizzas. Violas has an exclusively small batch wine list, 12 beers on tap featuring many local craft beer and the best sangria in town. Our third generation recipes originate from Long Island, NY. Our love for great Italian food shines through in our tasty, homemade traditional dishes in a family fun environment. Reservations highly recommended, including bar seating.

History

Established in 2014.

We serve NY Style hand tossed pizza and make our dough, fresh daily. Our lasagna & meatballs are the best in the city. Enjoy the largest selection of pastabilities & fresh local seafood. Reservations are available two weeks in advance.

Ask the Community - Violas

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

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

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

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

View All 3 Questions

You might also consider

Commander's Shellfish Camp

4.1(300 reviews)

2.2 mi

•$$

I've never had a bad time here. And now that they finally got their liquor license! game changer!…read moreThat was the only thing they were ever lacking lol

I am a local and have been coming to this restaurant for 5+ years…read more This used to be a great place, but it's turned into an overpriced tourist trap My last five visits in the last year have all been terrible. The food is smelly, not fresh, the service is at the horrid. The average servers at this restaurant are very entitled and don't know the basics of serving food. Some restaurants can survive. I'm just having good food, others because they've got special service, this restaurant has neither of them. Very sad with the rich heritage that they have and the fact that they can grow their own oysters. Unfortunately, 90% of the time when you go to commanders half the menu isn't even available. So if you like hush puppies and fried crap from China, this is your place. But if you want fresh seafood, there's a whole bunch of others in St Augustine and elsewhere. Not worth spending a couple hundred dollars on several day old fish.

Photos

A different shrimp and grits plate

See all

Nice view for sunset

Back 40 A1A

4.4(171 reviews)

0.1 mi

•$$

Beach like vibe, great service and awesome food at reasonable prices. Burger was really good and…read moremade to perfection. Chili soup was fantastic as well as the ruben sandwich. Will definitely return to try desert at a future visit.

Yay! to Back 40 A1A. What a great dining experience. I took my college attending grandson for…read moredinner here. I was able to give him an opportunity to experience delicious food (not chicken nuggets and fries) without breaking the bank. He chose the Teriyaki chicken bowl. It was a nice size portion for a growing young man. I had the Jamaican turkey. Super yummy! It sure brought on the heat. We were also pleasantly surprised to have a local musician playing while we ate. It just added the cherry on top to this cute Florida beachside restaurant. This was a fantastic gathering spot for friends and families!

Photos

Local art decorated walls

Wet burrito (minus the sauce)

See all

Stocked bar

Outer Banks Boil Company

4.9(14 reviews)

4.4 mi

We have been getting our seafood boils from this company for years. It's actually a holiday…read moretradition for us now. This year we got the fancy one with lobster tails, and it was amazing. They give you a pot, seasoning, butter, lemons, and really everything you need for a successful seafood boil! So easy peasy.

We ordered Outer Banks for our SuperBowl party! Delicious! Everyone raved about the food and made…read moreme look like a star! (Of course I gave credit where credit was due!). We ordered The Classic and added a pound of scallops and a pound of shrimp. The sausage is delicious and seafood is so fresh! Everyone ate until we were so stuffed we couldn't take another bite. Spiced perfectly, and the directions are so easy to follow! So so good! We added cornbread muffins and key lime pie to the order as well. The cornbread was so delicious my guests thought it tasted like desert! And I have to know who made the key lime pie! Best key lime that I've had locally! Both were such a fantastic compliment to our meal! I would give more than five stars if I could!

Photos

See all

Seafood Kitchen - St. Augustine

4.0(285 reviews)

2.6 mi

•$$

Great friendly service!…read more The order arrive fast and the shrimp were cooked just right. Also, the hush puppies were exceptional.

First let me say, we haven't had a bad meal since coming to Saint Augustine but I do want to say, I…read moremight have just had the best shrimp of my life. Our waitress was Jenny and she was absolutely wonderful. I got the fried shrimp and soft shell crab combo and Jenny informed me they had collards and claimed they were some of the best she'd ever tasted. I was skeptical at first. Not gonna lie. And you know who else didn't lie? Jenny. Those were undoubtedly the best restaurant collards I've ever had. Period. Jenny and I bonded over those greens. My husband had the soft shell crab and fried oyster combo and he was also very happy with his choices. Coleslaw was great. Fries were great. I cannot find one negative thing about this place and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants great seafood at a very affordable price. Portions were huge for the money also.

Photos

Inside Seating....almost closing time

Soft shell crab sandwich

See all

Blackened Mahi & Shrimp Special

Reel Deal Seafood

4.3(20 reviews)

0.4 mi

Best. Seafood. Market. St. Augustine. Hands down! Don't know which fresh fish to chose? No…read moreproblem, Mitchell (the owner) will answer all your questions. I'm from Ohio so I ALWAYS have questions about prep. Locally owned and as fresh as humanly possible IMHO. PS -- give him a couple hours notice and he will clean and cook fresh shrimp for your next get together too! Oh, and don't forget his in-house smoked salmon. Divine.

We found this Seafood Market and went for Shrimp, local shrimp. Got the "Mayport Shrimp" and were…read morenot disappointed. Had to peel and devein but worth the effort. Nice selection of other seafood items and the folks working there were helpful and polite.

Photos

The front door, set back from the street with ample parking out front.

Clean & Pleasant

See all

The Elk House Eatery

4.4(186 reviews)

0.3 mi

•$$

This spot is a hidden gem and you can tell every plate is made intentionally and with attention to…read moredetail. Highly recommend!

Service ok. Good wine selection. Mussels not good I complained to our server and he could care…read moreless. I looked forward based on the reviews sadly not up to expectations. The couple next to us also disappointed and they have been coming for years. Our first time and last time here. No offer for dessert or to make things right. We dine out a lot and this was extremely disappointing.

Photos

Langoustine lobster pasta.

See all

Scallop appetizer

Sunset Grille

4.1(1.8k reviews)

5.1 mi

•$$

Are you kidding me? We had a very little wait. I wasn't real hungry, so I ordered a cup of clam…read morechowder and a side salad with a key lime vinegarette dressing. I had that on the side, not only did I pour it all on, but I ordered a but more salad dressing, because it was sooooo goooood! Mark ordered some kind of pasta with shrimp. Not being a pasta person, I really don't know how the cavatoppi (sp?) tasted, but the shrimp. Now, I am not talking little popcorn Shrimp, I am talking big ole shrimp. I did try half of one, yes, I said half a piece of shrimp. That is how large they are. Our waitress, Diane took care of us like we were family. Actually, she appeared to treat everyone that way! I loved the decor, and did I mention how great the entire staff was?? Despite the long line, but little wait time, this restaurant ran like a well-oiled machine. I wanted to mention, there is upstairs seating also.

Oh man! What's happening Sunset grille?! He ordered the…read moregrouper sandwich and got sick. I got the blackened fish tacos which were way over seasoned! This is typically a delicious spot! Not sure what was going on this time around!!

Photos

Seating with view of the beach

Shrimp Salad w/all the yummies

See all

Havana Dream & Margarita

Beachcomber Restaurant

4.0(817 reviews)

4.4 mi

•$$

Great little beach cafe with a full bar. Lots of locals and touists. Some tasty sea food -…read moresomething for everyone. Family friendly. Just outside St Augustine. Short walk to the beach. .

Fun restaurant right by the beach! Food was delicious and very dog friendly. They provided a water…read moredish for our pup and they have two items on the kids menu for pups. Service was fast and friendly. We had the bohemian fish, angry crab sandwich, classic burger, and rum cake. All dishes were very well seasoned and yum.

Photos

Inside

See all

Inside Bar ‍

The Boathouse

3.9(590 reviews)

7.3 mi

•$$

Last dinner in St Augustine and it was good. They have parking onsite just outside the restaurant…read more 5 stars for service - very attentive and we had the entire back area to ourselves so the noise level was not bad. Food was good and large portions. Lobster roll, grouper, walnut and beet salad were some of the dishes we had and everyone said their food was delicious. They were accommodating in getting us separate checks which was nice.

I had the blackened red snapper sandwich with asparagus and it was pretty solid!…read more Service was super slow for some reason. Took a while to get a server, even longer for a drink from the bar and the entrees took quite a while too. Everyone enjoyed their food though.

Photos

Way back dining room

Chef Jason's Brussels Plate

See all

Low tide at 632 pm

Crabby's Beachside

3.9(372 reviews)

5.3 mi

•$$

Nykki is fantastic! She was super friendly and knowledgeable about the entire menu…read more The food - very, very tasty. I had the coconut shrimp (the house made pina colada sauce is out of this world!) and the cheesy grits (which were hands down, very tasty). My husband had the mahi, pair with garlic butter shrimp and conch fritters (he had the mac and cheese which was to die for). We enjoyed a nice view of the beach from the second floor deck! They offer breakfast daily in the morning which we will have to come back and try sometime!

First time back in many years after being a longtime patron of the old Palm Pavilion, and I have to…read moresay I was pleasantly surprised -- a true 5-star experience from start to finish. On a busy Friday night, we started at the bar for cocktails and were immediately welcomed by a friendly, upbeat bar staff. At prime dinner hour we put our name in for a table and, to our surprise, were seated on the outdoor patio with that spectacular beach view in about 15 minutes. Service was excellent throughout -- attentive without being intrusive -- and the food was terrific. Highlights for us: Fish spread -- outstanding and rivaled some of my longtime local favorites in both quality and flavor. Grilled buffalo wings -- cooked perfectly. Fried oysters -- excellent appetizer. (order two of the sauces) Cajun Fried Shrimp Po' Boy -- very tasty (my only small suggestion would be a little more remoulade sauce, it was nearly absent). Nashville Chicken Sandwich -- my wife loved it; spicy and delicious and not overcooked.. A fun surprise: this was the first day they had tables actually set up on the sand, which I think is a fantastic addition. It may make things a little tougher on the servers, but for beachgoers it's a wonderful option. The live music was very good -- this has always been a fun place to hear local musicians -- and the performers that evening did not disappoint. It was a touch loud for conversation on the patio and we were sitting quite aways away from the band, but many enjoy that energy. If you want a quieter meal, dining inside may be the better choice. A particularly nice touch was the manager stopping by our table to make sure everything was to our liking. That level of attention says a lot. The place feels professionally run. Prices are a little higher, but in my opinion the food quality is a step up from the old Palm Pavilion -- and frankly, what do you expect for a front-row seat on one of the nation's #1 beaches? Thank you, Crabby's Beachside -- we'll be back.

Photos

Our great bartenders Evan & Chelsea

See all

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

22 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Marcus W.

1163

26 days ago

Viola's Restaurant is an absolute gem in St. Augustine. From the moment we walked in, the place had that warm, welcoming neighborhood feel that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile. The food was excellent. Fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Everything came out hot, well-prepared, and satisfying, with generous portions and that perfect mix of comfort food and local charm. The service was just as good: friendly, attentive, and genuinely hospitable without feeling rushed. It is the kind of spot that works for almost any occasion, whether you are grabbing a relaxed meal after a day near the beach, meeting friends, or bringing family somewhere everyone can find something they will enjoy. Five stars all the way. Viola's has great food, great people, and the kind of easygoing St. Augustine atmosphere that keeps you coming back. read more

Viola R.

6 years ago

I had to go a restaurant that bore my first name...it was cute and authentic...just like me! And just NOT like it was very Italian! My NY born and bred was skeptical. I, born and bred in Chicago, was hopeful. No hope needed! It was delicious ..all of it, every bite. My husband ordered lasagna...brought out in a boat dish which I hardly ever see in this area and every single bite was delectable. My seafood pasta dish had more seafood than pasta...a delicious robust red sauce encasing every forkful. Fresh pizzas delivered to other tables looked so scrumptious we almost changed our order. Great food, great service. It's a bit small so you may need to wait but well worth it...this review is from December 2019 visit but all the recent closures have me longing for a visit. read more

Sharon S.

1 month ago

A business that does not care about local patrons who've spent thousands there, gives you a time limit to eat or you get the evil eye and the fake smile, and treats people like poop. Nope. 0 stars but that's not a choice. If you don't love people and just treat them badly to serve your own bizarre needs, you are not my people. This is the absolute only restaurant in St Augustine that is like this. I am a fan of every other restaurant. The Back 40, Black Molly, Black Fly, Hurricanes, Purple olive, Funkadelic Food Shack! So much classier in every way because their owners know how to treat people read more

raffaele p.

Elite 26

197

166

9 months ago

Violas in St. Augustine offers a wonderful dining experience with great gluten-free options. My wife enjoyed the gluten-free baked ziti, which she thought was excellent. I had the chicken parmesan, and it was perfectly crispy and flavorful. The cannoli for dessert was a delightful finish. It's often hard to find a great espresso in St. Augustine, but Violas serves a very good one, rounding out the meal nicely. Overall, the atmosphere is inviting, and the food quality is consistently impressive. This makes Violas a great choice for Italian cuisine with accommodating dietary options. read more

Carmine M.

11 years ago

A diamond in the ruff Mom & Pop place! The lasagna was just like we're back in NY! The food is authentic and they have the service to match, the staff is very friendly. The dining room is so quaint, excellent for a romantic evening, they also have outside pet friendly seating in the front and out back. They have a seperate bar area with a positive vibe and a great wine list. The owners are from L.I. N.Y. they are very passionate, they are always around making sure everyone is enjoying themselves. The place is most always packed at night so come early! read more

G T.

8 years ago

The new owners are not the nicest of people especially the wife she does just enough to push out the old employees so they don't have to fire them and don't have to pay unemployment she plays one roll on the floor in front of the guest and then her true colors come out behind closed doors I just hope they don't ruin the great Viola name because mom and pop deserve better for what they have built. read more

Jay K.

10 years ago

Still not that great overall. I haven't had a consistent experience since the new ownership. And, the food is very mediocre if you stray from pizza or Parmesan subs. I'd stick to takeout here. At least Napoli was consistently bad all around so I knew what I was getting with each visit. read more

Elzabeth B.

11 years ago

BEST ITALIAN FOOD IN ST. AUGUSTINE!!!! We came here for Fathers Day dinner and we were not disappointed. The pizza is to die for and the pasta dishes were amazing as well! We were also pleasantly surprised by the wine selection! We will be back! read more

Leigh Anne L.

2 months ago

Disappointed as I sat at the bar. Was dismissed by the owner and told to leave for no real reason was surprised that an owner would disrespect locals trying to support locally owned businesses I'm not a local and want to support small business. read more

Al G.

8 years ago

This place is great. Local. Must visit. The service is terrific. Andy and Helen are so welcoming. The staff is amazing. Food is some of the best I have had. Try everything. Great pizza, great pasta, great specials. read more

Marta H.

544

6 years ago

Delicious!!! A+ rating, Delicious!!! If you have not been here, definitely give it a try, you will not be disappointed. The servers are friendly and attentive, the place is clean and the food does not disappoint! read more

Crystal S.

10 years ago

Great place! Great food! wonderful atmosphere. Must try in the Crescent Beach area. Very friendly staff with a family vibe. Highly recommend! read more