Best Southern American Restaurants in Fernandina Beach

We were very impressed. The menu gave us a good variety and the server was most helpful explaining everything to us. We originally selected this restaurant after seeing it on Diners, Drive-in’s and Dives. What we didn’t expect was for it to be more than that. It was the best Chicken Marsala I had ever had (including my wife’s) and her skirt steak was the best steak she had had in years. Not only was the server fantastic, but the young man who cleared our dishes was the most considerate and respectful 17 year old I had ever met. This is a definite must do whenever we are in the area. We can’t wait to try more on the menu.

4 of us had 4 different entrees , we were all more than pleased . Our server was sweet and efficient . So happy to have upscale dining right in my neighborhood …

It was awesome! The food was espectacular! We ordered papás bravas and shrimp and grits, it was really good. Serving size was perfect. Not too little not too much!

If you're looking for an extraordinary dining experience on St. Simons Island, look no further than Grounded at Ocean Lodge Resort! From the exceptional service to the incredible cuisine and outstanding wine selection, this restaurant truly delivers an experience that rivals some of the finest restaurants we've visited. First, I have to recognize our server, Ryan, who was absolutely wonderful! His knowledge of the menu, attention to detail, professionalism, and genuine hospitality made our evening even more special. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the dishes and made us feel welcomed and valued throughout our entire dining experience. It's rare to find service this exceptional! Now, let's talk about the food WOW! We started with the smoked duck breast appetizer, and it was absolutely incredible. The depth of flavor, beautiful presentation, and attention to detail were outstanding. It was the perfect introduction to what would become an unforgettable meal. For my entree, I ordered the elk, and I can honestly say it was phenomenal! Perfectly executed, bursting with flavor, and prepared with the level of skill and creativity you would expect from a truly talented chef. Every bite was an experience of its own. My wife ordered the shrimp and grits, and she absolutely loved it! After tasting the dish, it's easy to understand why it's award-winning. The flavors were perfectly balanced, rich, and absolutely delicious. This is southern cuisine elevated to an entirely different level! To complement our dinner, we enjoyed a bottle of Caymus wine, which was simply to die for! An absolutely beautiful wine that made an already exceptional evening even more memorable. What makes Grounded so special is that it isn't simply a place to eat it's a true culinary experience. You can taste the passion, creativity, and dedication that go into every dish.

Restaurant is under construction, but the food was incredible as always.