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    Violas

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

    Order Violas Takeout or Delivery

    Violas Photos

    VIOLAS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    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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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

    Absolutely one of our favorites! Wonderful customer service and food every visit! Great wine list too!

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    $21 for 4 raviolis that tasted like not so fresh fish (lobster). But besides that 4??? How is that acceptable?

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Food & Service were outstanding. Portions enormous. Being able to make reservations two weeks in advance a great feature.

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    1 year ago

    Violas is a quaint hidden treasure. The food is excellent along with the service. I would highly recommend giving this place a try!

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great people and great food. It's our annual tradition when we visit St Augustine. The owner is wonderful.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    A must stop when we are in St. Augustine! Great food, service and atmosphere. I've never had a bad meal!

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    1 year ago

    Great food and service. Sat at the bar both times we've eaten there since reservations fill up fast.

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    1 year ago

    The food was prepared properly. I had my dinner delivered, and I ate it all. I will have food delivered again!

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    2 years ago

    Food is always good. Can't go wrong with viola. We stay in the area once a yr and always eat here on our way home.

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    Page 3 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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    (363 reviews)

    $$

    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.

    Ended up coming to Crabby's after a long day of athletic competition. Tired and hungry and in need…read moreof a beer(s) (uhhh and tequila shot). Walked upstairs and sat ourselves at the bar. The bartender (Mike) was the host that every worn out and weary group could ever hope for. He's personable, funny, kind, and quick to take care of you. We got some beers... can't remember the name of the beer but it was Crabby's own IPA. Legit great and we ended up actually tapping it out. Calamari and conch are really well made. It's not next level but it's fried apps so what would you expect? One of us got crab and we shared it a bit. Excellent excellent. And the grits are good. Overall, the next time we are nearby, Crabbys will be at the very top of our list for this kind of beach bar style restaurant. And we will be looking to see if Mikes behind the bar.

    Violas - seafood - Updated May 2026

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