So let's just say that everything was perfect. Make sure you plan ahead to come here because they get booked with reservations. I called the same day to get a reservation for our party of 5. At this place, getting a table before 8:00 without a reservation seems almost unheard of, but the hostess was exceptional in trying to finagle the tables around in order to make sure we could get seated on our last night of vacation. I couldn't believe how committed she was to getting us seated. We got our table. The service was exceptional and so was everything we got. Everything had an amazing flavor and was cooked to perfection. I am not a huge seafood lover, but the snapper and shrimp I got were absolutely amazing. Would definitely be back! Save room for the bread to dip up all the sauce!!
(5)
John T.
Reservations absolutely! This is one of the most popular and best restaurants on Amelia Island. We almost didn't get a table but there was a last minute no show so we got the last outdoor table for two. The tapas selections we made after suggestions from a very helpful waiter were delicious! Try the ceviche made with red snapper- awesome and fresh and served in lettuce bowl. The empanadas were served hot and very good. We had a shrimp dish made with a red coconut curry sauce that was outstandingly good. If you like flan you will like theirs. Good service. Good time!
(5)
Debbie D.
My sister and I went to Amelia Island for a beach get away we were looking for a seafood restaurant, but ended up having the best seafood stew ever at a Spanish restaurant. It was spicy, but had the most flavor. I forgot my sweater on the way out. Since I was leaving the next day, I called and asked if they could possibly mail it to me. A big thanks to Marina for sending it back my way. Great food, great service!! We'll go back on our next visit!!!
(5)
Wei J.
This was just one of the great restaurants, at which we had the pleasure of dining. Who knew that there would be so many culinary gems hidden away in an oasis in Amelia Island. The seafood cannot be any more fresh. And the seasoning is simply fantastic. I would actually skip the paella and go for some of the other seafood dishes. The scallops and rock shrimp at this place are to die for. If a dish features these items, be sure to get it. The seafood here is so fresh that they still carry the sweetness of the sea. I was in bliss with every heavenly bite. Our waiter was also fantastic and knowledgeable. He knew the menu inside and out. We would have dined at this place on two consecutive nights if we didn't already have previous dinner arrangements. Oh well. On our next visit then. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Jim N.
First visit, referred by our host and the Yelp reviews. Very attractive place; friendly; we were quickly seated & attended. Outstanding house Sangria. Good salads. The grouper special had wonderful grilled shrimp & scallops, plus excellent saffron rice; however, the special sauce was very bland to my taste. My wife's Grouper was broiled but not quite as done as she prefers (probably done just right for many other diners). Lots to select from & we hope to return to try other dishes. Very busy place; make a reservation (they were turning people away on a Tuesday evening).
(3)
Buckhead Laser L.
Four of us ate several tapas dishes and shared a seafood paella. Oh! And 2 pitchers of amazing sangria. Absolutely everything was excellent. Highly recommend.
(5)
Harry A.
If you want authentic Spanish food, this is the place to go. Cozy restaurant with an intimate atmosphere, fantastic flavors and a great wine selection. Wife and I both have been to Spain and we love tapas and Spanish food. We were not disappointed. Service - Excellent. Originally had a reservation for 9pm. Called to see if they had anything available earlier. They gladly changed our reservation to 8:45. Then they called 20 minutes later when they had an open table at 7pm. When we arrived we were seated immediately. Our waiter was friendly with a great smile and was glad to answer our questions and talk about the menu. He gave us time to enjoy our meal without disappearing. Food - Fresh ingredients, fantastic menu and authentic ingredients. I observed the head chef make a couple rounds checking on customers and even brought a fresh fish to a table that ordered it just to show what they were getting. Shrimp ceviche and beef empanadas were excellent. Atmosphere - Lovely restaurant that feels cozy but not cramped. Perfect date location. I wouldn't wear anything less than slacks and a polo shirt. Deserts were decent. Flan was great. My tres lece had a caramel mousse and drizzle. After scrapping it off, the tres lece was good. Drinks - Unless you like wine or beer, you're out of luck. No drink menu but good selection on the wind list. There are several bars within walking distance if you want an after dinner drink. Sangria was good. Crisp and refreshing. Price - You're going to spend money. Two appetizers, pitcher of sangria, split thesis course, two deserts and one cup of coffee, and a %15 tip = $100 flat. The pitcher was $25. Did not ask if they offered military discount. We won't be eating here once a week but we will definitely come back.
(5)
Jaime G.
Wow! This restaurant was magnificent! The food was delicious, the service was impeccable and the atmosphere was welcoming. We drove over for the weekend and didn't make it to the restaurant until 9:45pm but they welcomed us with open arms. The dining rooms were dim light with rustic features throughout. We ordered the chorizo, drunken clams, garlic shrimp, meat board, and paella. They start you out with fresh bread and a dipping sauce that led us into the meat board with prosciutto, cheese, olives, salami, and was the perfect start to a delicious meal. The shrimp were not overcooked and were served in the pool of olive oil and garlic and the chorizo served with sauteed onions. The clams were cooked in a savory light broth covered with fresh flat leaf parsley. And finally, the paella was filled with oysters, clams and cooked to perfection. We had to order dessert of course! I had the tres leches which was the best I've ever had. I loved the caramel drizzle and frosting. We also had the flan which was very traditional and light. This was by far my favorite dining experience in Fernandina and I would highly recommend all of the items we ordered and compliment the staff on their superb service. Whoever trained them should offer their services as a consultant for hire!
(5)
Patrick W.
Wonderful food and great staff. Exceeded high expectations! Go there!
(5)
Brittany M.
Me gusta/encantan las tapas espanolas! Translation, I love spanish tapas! Espana has earned their five star rating of the course of only two visits! This cute spanish-tapas restaurant is nestled between local shops and buisnesses in downtown Fernandina. Espana offers intimate outdoor and indoor seating as well as a friendly waitstaff to ensure you enjoy every moment of your visit! Upon arrival, we were promptly seated in a cozy corner and the server was very knowledgable about the daily specials. The tapas vary from seafood to traditonal style spanish cheeses as well as meats. I highly reccomend the Seafood Scallops or the Traditional Paella! Each entree was excellent and offered an exciting rollercoaster ride for my tastebuds! Dont leave yet! The Tres Leches dessert was an amazing way to end dinner on a sugary high note! I highly reccomend this spanish flavor the island has to offer!!!
(5)
David C.
This was not my first visit to Espana. The atmosphere and staff are amazing and the food superb. I try to never order the same thing because everything is incredible. Sadly I am allergic to shellfish so the most amazing looking dishes I have to stay away from. Easier to get seated when you make a reservation! If you are in the area Espana is a must!
(5)
Rob S.
What a pleasant and delicious dinner. We ate in the courtyard and there was a nice breeze. Scott was our waiter and he had a young and enthusiastic helper with him. We had a glass of wine and a simple but very good house salad. They served bread with a nice spice and dressing dip which was good. The bread could have been better. We ordered the Seafood Paella and Mero a Costa Brava which were both really delicious. The Paella had wonderful flavors and delicious seafood perfectly cooked. The only thing lacking was the socarrat (the crust on the bottom). The Mero a Costs Brava is a Grouper filet in a spicy brown sauce topped with panko crusted scallops. The sauce is started with a pepper base and is unique and delicious (and not too hot). We ended with an esspresso and coffee and we split a flan. The esspresso was perfect and the flan was wonderful without being gooey sweet like most. The service was excellent as was the food and atmosphere. And considering the quality, the meal was a very good value. Bravo.
(4)
Ashley J.
Bottom line- Disappointed by the service & Beware of the specials!!! It's their way of rebranding spoiled food. I was visiting Amelia Island on vacation with friends and Espana was recommended by the B&B. We ordered a few tapas: Calamares Fritos, Caracoles, Chorizo Encebollado and Picadinho were good; but much to my bewilderment the "mussels special" was AWFUL, as some of them had clearly spoiled! This situation was worsened by slow service and the fact that the mussels began to emit a rotten fish smell as they sat on the table. Eventually, the waiter came and took the plate away, but no apology was offer from the waiter or anyone else; which I believe was the least they could have done.
(1)
Jim C.
Don't miss this authentic Spanish restaurant when you are on Amelia. Service is outstanding and the food is stunning. The snapper with poblano creme sauce is outstanding
(5)
Teri K.
The owner made a point to walk around to several tables and talk to the people there for a few minutes which is great customer service.
(5)
David K.
Wonderful Tapas. The specials were truly special and it was well worth the drive. Best enpenadas that I've ever had, here or in Spain.
(5)
Max I.
Good option for upper scale dining in Amelia . Good atmosphere family run biz. The owners are there with the staff paying attention to your experience. Would do it again.
(5)
Justin T.
After being majorly hooked up by the hostess (nicest hostess I have ever talked too), my group of five was able to get a last minute reservation around 5:45. The waiter was very nice and the bus boy had our bread and waters refilled every time we were in need. We had two tapas; the spicy shrimp and the drunken clams. Both were out of this world. The spicy shrimp surprised me. I was expecting more a "bang bang" or "firecracker" sauce, but was presently surprises with a fresh, garden looking broth in which six succulent shrimp were delicately laid. The drunken clams were large in charge! They were dressed with a lemon garlic sauce that had generous portions of onions that complimented the clams well. I ordered the spicy grouper entree. With each bite of grouper, I debated more and more of buying an apartment in Amelia Island so I could eat at this establishment for every meal. The scallops on top of the grouper were flaky and cooked perfectly. The vegetables were incredibly flavorful. It was a Spanish culinary heaven. Two other people in my group got the fisherman's stew for two. I had to comment on their dish because when it was brought out, it created quite the spectacle. A massive cast iron bowl, bubbling broth, and a plethora of various sea creatures. I was lucky enough to try some of their food and it blew me away. I tasted flavors that I never tasted before. Next time I come, I will be sure to get this dish to myself. Service was absolutely impeccable. Hostess, server, and waiter were all incredibly polite and respectful. They aided is like we were their first priorities. Best experience at a Spanish restaurant in my life. I will make it a personal objective to come back to Amelia island, even if it is only for an evening of fine dining at Espana.
(5)
Jason L.
Great prices and fabulous food! Low key places that is not stuffy but still quaint. Blue cheese tenderloin was wonderful for my wife. I had the Portugeouse stew which was unbelievably good. Best restaurant find in Fernandina yet after about 8 restaurant visits.
(4)
Lauren D.
I was visiting Amelia Island for business, and of course I relied on Yelp to determine where I would eat dinner. I wanted good seafood, and Espana fulfilled that want! The restaurant is located in what they consider the "historic district," and the building looks/feels like a renovated home. It was full on a Monday night, and we did not have reservations, but luckily a reservation had just cancelled, so we were able to get a table in the main dining area. (I recommend making a reservation even if you are planning to dine here during the week.) Nonetheless, the hostess was very accommodating and helpful! Our server was equally friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. They have a couple of your typical beers on a tap and a wine list, but they also offer some various Florida IPAs and brown ales in a can, so if that is what you want, just ask! Our group ordered a variety of tapas: Gambas al Ajillo, Calamari a la Plancha, and Almejas Borrachas. I'm a sucker for shrimp, so I would say the Gambas al Ajillo were my favorite, but all of the tapas were tasty. There were no leftovers. For my meal, I ordered the Paella Marinera (my first traditional paella), and it was amazing!! They served the paella in the traditional skillet, and it was topped with fresh fish, clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, and calamari. This is a great comfort dish that is full of flavor; if you are a fan of seafood, it will not disappoint!
(5)
Kaitlin C.
Yes, yes, yes. By far my favorite dinner during my husband and I's recent trip to Amelia Island. Great ambiance and DELICIOUS food from start to finish. It was busy and we had to wait a while for a table (make a reservation!), but totally worth it. Definitely give it a try!
(5)
Rob C.
Recommended by the concierge and did not disappoint. We shared the shrimp ceviche, mozzarella salad, and then the snapper special with shrimp, scallop, rice, zucchini and onion and other goodness. :) Shrimp and mozzarella salad was very good and the special was excellent! Our server was very nice and helpful. The only reason we are not given 5 stars was that the hostess was not very friendly, and that seating us seemed an inconvenience to her. Definitely recommend and they should make the snapper a permanent menu item!
(4)
Alcy M.
Impeccable service from all of the staff here at Espana. Our server Jeremiah was one of the best servers my mother and I have ever had. He was extremely knowledgeable of the menu and definitely did his research on Spanish cuisine. We were very impressed before the food even arrived.
(5)
Tim G.
Amazing. Do not miss this place. The fisherman's stew is wonderful. Staff is great. Service is great. Wine was affordable and fit dinner perfectly.
(5)
George H.
This restaurant was recommended by the owner of one of the shops. He is a foodie, and he said it was his favorite place. We were not disappointed. The service was very good and knowledgeable. My wife and I had shrimp Mozambique and shrimp Costa Brava. Both were excellent. Next we had the mussels and the special empanadas. Empanadas were stuffed with pork the chef had roasted on the green egg out back. Both also very good. Decent wine selections by the glass. We would highly recommend this place for food, service and ambience. The only negative note for us was the bread. Both of us love bread, but we didn't like the crumb. It was too soft. But, a tiny complaint considering the rest of the meal.
(5)
Michelle M.
Had the antipasto to start; amazing meats cheeses and olives. Yum. Then shared the Fishermans Stew for two. Badass. The best seafood stew either of us has ever had. Super fresh, spicy, and boiling upon arrival. Had the Evodia Granache bottle to go with; paired perfectly. Our server also surprised us with a champagne split for our anniversary. Sweet!
(5)
Ken L.
The grouper was fresh. The only issue was that my wife and I had the grouper and the cuts were very different. It wasn't an issue for us but with some of the people who comment and have no clue what it actually takes to operate it may be an issue for some of these yahoos. Sangria was great as well
(5)
Mary L.
I come to Espana every year for my birthday and it never disappoints. Last night we decided to get tapas and basically sampled almost every appetizer they have. Everything, as usual, was delicious. They have recently upgraded the interior and it is beautiful. The owners are very nice and will do everything they can to make your experience memorable. It's just so good!
(5)
Elisha R.
I dined here with a group of 12, which included 6 kids. They did have a children's menu although it isn't a paper menu, they do offer meals such as chicken tenders and fries, spaghetti with marinara sauce, and fried shrimp and fries for the kids. I had the tapas offerings of the coconut shrimp in a sweet and spicy sauce, their house side salad, and the potato, crust less quiche. My shrimp were delicious and the coconut Thai styled sauce was so good I ate the sauce even after my 6 shrimp were history. If those shrimp was all I would have eaten then this place would get a 4.5 star rating, but...the advertised crust less potatoes, cheese, and veggie quiche left much to be desired. It was very bland and probably could use a buttery crust, more cheese, and salt. The asparagus in the quiche was overcooked and I would have preferred them less mushy and with more sea salt! The salad was a salad. For this to be a "fine dining" establishment, I didn't feel like my $30 was well spent.
(3)
Viv S.
Espana is the best restaurant on the island hands down. The food is so fresh, so tasty and the staff could not be more pleasant & professional. The ambiance is as fun as you want it to be, or as romantic as you wish. Order the Shrimp Mozambique, and don't forget to dip your bread in the sauce. My favorite entree is the Tenderloin with blue cheese. My husband's favorite is the Paella. Great wine list, or order the Sangria, which is delicious. Seriously, if you are looking for a perfect dining evening, look no further.
(5)
Reed R.
For our first dinner at Espana we chose from the hot and cold tapas selections. Our choices were recommended by our waiter, 4 of the 5 were seafood, all were spectacular. The empanada was admittedly my first, but definately not my last. It's crust was a a baked delight with beef and goat cheese filling. We skipped desserts as the above and a bottle of Gascon Malbec rounded out our meal completely. For our next trip we will most certainly try the Fisherman's Stew. A bowl for two was delivered next to us, and it looked and smelled like an interesting choice.
(5)
Sarah E.
We have been to Espana twice - once two years ago and once this past week. Both times we really really enjoyed it. The paella is delicious! The atmosphere is really sweet and cozy as well and the service was excellent. Definitely a must-visit when staying on Amelia.
(4)
BenjamÃn S.
It's been long enough since I dined at Espana that the only thing that jumps out about the meal was the Gambas Mozambique - far and away the best dish (out of four) that I sampled, and based on other reviews a dish that should absolutely be ordered if dining here. The other dishes were okay - not great. One was too salty, and one had only mild flavor. Fun fact - the restaurant's acoustics trend towards the loud, and I overheard not one but *two* blatantly and offensively racist conversations at neighboring tables. Yay northern Florida?
(3)
Meredith W.
Loved the food and the ambiance. Gamba appetizer was the best part of the meal. The paella was a little burned on the bottom. Otherwise we loved it
(4)
Denise L.
Amazing dinner! Looks lile it is a local favorite. Make a reservation! We had the fisherman's stew, so good. It was better than any meal we had in Barcelona. Presentation was good. A relaxing 2 hour meal. Off the main street.
(5)
Bee L.
Just incredible. Hospitable chef was in the front of the house making sure everyone was happy. We were impressed with the half pitcher of sangria, meats and cheeses, shrimp in coconut, salad Andalusia.
(5)
Kathy C.
I am definitely a fan of Espana. Our party of 7 made a reservation for 9 PM on a Saturday. We did that for two reasons: one, we had some other commitment, so had to do a late dinner, and two, being a large party, we wanted good service and dining experience. So we figure to beat the dinner crowd. Well, good plan, BUT didn't turn out as expected. When we arrived around 8:45, the restaurant was still pretty packed. We were led to the small room to the right, where the bar is. The restaurant is pretty small, but really nice. The garden, which after dinner, we took a quick stroll, was charming. At any rate, we sat down, drooled over the menu items and quickly place our order. We were there specifically to try their paella. So between the 7 of us, we were able to order all three types of paella to share. We also tried their appetizer special, which I forgot the name, but it essentially were grilled tater tots and were delicious. We also ordered a meat and cheese tray, also delicious. The paellas were excellent. I am not an expert on paella, but I've had paellas numerous times and can honest say that these were the best I've ever had. The two-person seafood paella I shared with my sister was cooked perfectly. The portion was generous. Clams and mussels still in shell and were fresh and tasty. Every bite of the rice was mixed with some kind of seafood. I've also tried the other two types of paella and they were all great. We ordered desserts to share. They were good, but not outstanding. So I wouldn't save room for dessert the next time I go... all tummy space will be allocated to paellas....
(4)
Deena B.
I had dinner here with my ten and eleven year old kids last night. Not exactly a kid friendly menu, but the point was for my kids to explore new favors. They loved it! My son had their lemon garlic chicken. It was delicious and more than he could eat. We were happy to take it home though. Their paella is always wonderful and it did not disappoint my daughter. She ordered the seafood paella. I had their grouper special. It had a creamy sauce with a kick an was served with shrimp and scallops. Delicious! We also shared their ceviche and chorizo appetizer, which were also great. Our service was great as well. This place never disappoints. Fresh ingredients and lots of flavor are in everything they make. They always have a warm and inviting atmosphere. We are lucky to be less than twenty minutes away from this gem, but if you're here on vacation this place is worth the trip for a cozy, romantic dinner with some of this island's finest cuisine.
(5)
Natalie R.
Yelp led us to this gem. I have never had traditional spanish cuisine so this was a real adventure for me. The menu was pretty big and had so many things I wanted to try. After calming down and starting off right with a pitcher of sangria we selected the escargot to start. The sauce was great. I have never tried escargot out of the shell, I am not sure I liked it this way but it was by no means horrible. I believe it was preference thing. This may be easier for those who have never tried them to give it a whirl. I felt it made them too chewy or tender. Onto dinner: chicken and seafood paella. They serve it in the traditional pan. When the meal arrived, you could smell the saffron and spanish sausage. The pan was piled high with mussles, shrimp, seasoned chicken, beans, and veggies. I happily dug in over and over. I was sharing the meal as it was rather large. The prices are higher here but the portions are larger than most fine dining restaurants. For dessert we had a cream white cake. This was very different. It is a white cake with a white icing on top sitting in a bowl of sweet cream. I have to admit the texture was odd at first but when you mixed the cake with sweet cream it was amazing. Stepping away from the traditional desserts led me to something new and delcious.
(4)
Elise L.
I've been coming to Amelia island for years and I am not sure how I missed this place. All around great experience. My meal was delicious, the wine selection was good and our server was fantastic. I ordered paella and they offered to mix two types if paella for me when I mentioned my shrimp allergy. Really appreciate them accommodating me! Would definitely recommend this place and look forward to going back when it's warm enough to sit outside!
(5)
Anita K.
Great service, ambiance and food was amazing!
(5)
Marc W.
Dinner with friends turned into a night of paella and sangria that I still daydream about.
(5)
Holly W.
I finally have my Husband trying and tasting new favors! We ate at Espana lat night with an open mind after reading fellow Yelpers reviews. We are Not disappointed! We ordered a 1/2 pitcher of the sangria-yum. Not too sweet or dry, very smooth. As a happytizer(I know I know, its a Hollyism-according to my husband) we ordered the escargot. I didn't dare tell my mate that I was scared, I had my game face on. Much to my surprise IT WAS AHMAZING!
(5)
Richard N.
We've been to Espana twice now. The food is very good - not great though. It's better than most places and I would rank Espana in the top 10% of all the various places we've eaten. All of the seafood dishes we've had are good. I would though try to be seated in the dining area that overlooks the garden. Something was missing on this visit though. The quality of the food wasn't what we remembered. While not a bad place there are better choices in Fernandina Beach.
(3)
Joy C.
We visted Espana on our first night in Amelia Island for dinner. I was excited, I love Spanish food. We called ahead to make seservation since we were a group 10. The staff was friendly and the food was wonderful. My husband and I ordered Tapas. We had Entrementes, Anceitunas, Calamares Fritos, and Caracoles. It was delicious, but the Caracoles was by far the best dish. I could have had a few more plates full of them. Everyone at our table enjoyed their meals. The Grouper and Snapper were big hits. The only thing I did not care for was the dippimg sauce for the bread. It was oil with a creamy ranch like sauce. To each their own. We asked for olive oil and balsamic instead, and they quickly brought to us. Before I forget, the Sangria was very tasty. Even the non-drinkers at our table enjoyed it. It was a great meal and I would highly recommend Espana.
(4)
Jim L.
This restaurant always delivers on consistent quality and service. I always make it a point to go to Espana when in Fernandina 3-4 times per year and have never been let down. The food is outstanding, the wine list very nice and the service is fabulous. You will not go wrong on a visit to Espana.
(5)
Therese G.
This restaurant was AMAZING! The food was delicious, that atmosphere was warm and cozy. The chef, Roberto, came out and talked with us and even recommended a good place to go for brunch the following day. We are in town for the weekend and would definitely recommend this place!
(5)
Toni M.
We started with the Fried Calamari and Shrimp Mozambiquie. It was amazing. The Mozanbique sauce was divine and we kept the leftover to mop every last drop with our bread!! Our entree was the spicy Grouper (Mero A Costa Brava) WONDERFUL!!!
(5)
Christina S.
Saw the reviews from others to avoid Mosquitos. Glad we sat inside...sort of. The patio is so quaint and pretty...the inside (on weekends) is a full out zoo. They had no less than 5 parties while we were there for a romantic dinner. The ceilings are super low and the rooms very small, so we were part of the party, whether we liked it or not. The food was great. We had the paella, and the clams were the best I have ever had. Amazing. If you want a crazy fun night, go here on weekends. If you want a quiet night, go Monday thru Thursday. I might venture outside in nice weather, but scared of the Mosquitos.
(4)
Lauren S.
Rather mediocre. The salads were not good. Weird dressing and blah leaves. The shrimp Mozambique was good, the sauce was excellent. The pork, calamari, and polenta were edible but not especially good. The tiramisu was ok. Yawn.
(3)
Jill L.
We were very satisfied with our experience at Espana. Everyone loved the broiled calamari steak appetizer. Our large group was accommodated with excellent and friendly service. My entree, the grouper, was fresh, cooked to perfection with a lightly spiced sauce that complimented it in a delectable way. You will not regret coming here!
(5)
Aleida S.
I was astonished by the great service. Roberto delivered the paella and tapas to my home and I wasn't able to pay him because I had forgotten my check book. He said don't worry pay me later. I'm still in shocked. The food was great but Roberto's kindness was beyond believe. My girlfriends and I will be fans forever.
(5)
Tonya A.
Last night we received a recommendation to try Espana. We have just returned from a trip to Barcelona and were missing the tapas. What a lovely surprise to not only satisfy our cravings but to have one of the best Spanish meals ever! We started our meal with the panko crusted eggplant special appetizer along with the Mozambique shrimp. Both were excellent tapas with high quality ingredients and a beautifully plated presentation. We then had the meat paella which was outstanding. The service excellent, the staff was professional and the chef even came out of the kitchen to check on the customers....all in all ...this is a must when visiting Amelia Island.
(5)
Iryna S.
Absolutely loved it! From food to interior and service - all reminded us of Europe... The owner was wonderful, and although we didn't make a reservation, he got us seated within 15 minutes on a very busy night. And 15 minutes is nothing when you are enjoying a glass of Italian Pinot Grigio at the bar... We tried Calamari a la Plancha for start - fantastic! Spanish Paella was all one can with in paella and more! Service was fantastic - very pleasant and all for making you a happy customer. Great all around!
(5)
Michael P.
This place is everything all the good reviews say and then some!Seafood was as fresh as can be and spices were amazing.service was excellent and although I got there around closing time I was told that there was no rush and advised to relax and enjoy my meal. I would highly recommend this place if you have a true passion for authentic portugese food.
(5)
B V.
We were in town for the weekend and I found this restaurant. I am so happy we ate there. The food is unbelievable! We will be back. Tip: call for reservations because it is a popular place. I wish there was a restaurant like this in my area!
(5)
John A.
We traveled from St. Augustine to Amelia Island just to eat here . We weren't disappointed. Service was excellent only topped by the food. Try the drunkin clams, they are a must.
(5)
Andy H.
AMAZING! We had the mussels with chorizo tapas as an app and the Portuguese fishermans stew. Both well exceeded our high expectations. Enjoyed it so much we're bringing friends back next weekend.
(5)
Morgan B.
Definitely recommend if you're in the mood for some yummy Spanish-style seafood!! All the seafood I've had here is fresh (I expect nothing less from Florida!) and served with extremely flavorful sauces. Every visit I've ordered the spicy shrimp appetizer. It's so amazing that I can't pass it up! I've also had the garlic shrimp, which is equally amazing. There are pictures of both listed on this site...just looking at it makes my mouth water!! It also has really great service. My only complaint, it's a bit on the pricey side. The quaint restaurant is set in the beautiful and scenic Fernandina Beach- perfect location to explore town after dinner. You can't go wrong with Espana!
(5)
B S.
Hands down the best restaurant on Amelia Island. I've probably eaten here 20 times and have never been disappointed the service and food are excellent. Whatever is on special seems to be good I believe the owner buys as much local fish as he can and this is usually turned into the special. A pitcher of Sangria wine is a must and you can't really go wrong with anything on the menu. Enjoy!!!
(5)
Eyecant S.
A terrific place. The food was so delicious. I live in Charleston which has many great restaurants but this one is now in my top 10. Terrific service.
(5)
Melanie G.
Ordered Paella Marinero for two ($45) for take out. Got ONE tin that you usually get from Mexican restaurants when you get take out and you get one tin per order. There were 5 shrimp, a few bay scallops ( thought we were getting sea scallops), a couple of clams and a couple of mussels. Not sure on what planet or place that would serve 2. Maybe a third world country. VERY disappointed, considering they came highly recommended and it's supposedly the #1 restaurant on the island. Maybe it's better and you get more "in house". I only got a couple bites after my husband finished most of it off.
(2)
Jenna P.
My boyfriend and I decided to take a random trip to Amelia Island for the first time and to our luck, it was restaurant week. We decided to try Espana Restaurant as their menu looked delicious online. From start to finish, the service was fantastic. Wendy the hostess was helpful and accommodating as we waited for a table. We ordered a pitcher of red sangria that was absolutely delicious. Once seated, we ordered off of the restaurant week menu and our waiter Cory was extremely helpful, attentive, and had great customer service. The shrimp bisque was some of the best I've ever had. The empanadas and tamales were absolutely amazing. For the main entree, we ordered the ahi tune and the seafood medley. The tuna steak we received was the biggest I have ever gotten in a restaurant and was cooked to rare perfection, and the seafood medley was filled with different delicious seafood. From the customer service to the food, this restaurant is a 10/10. I will be recommending this restaurant to everyone we know!
(5)
Rebecca D.
Very much enjoyed this restaurant and thought it made for a great place to celebrate a special occasion. My family ordered: paella, portabella mushroom tapa, caprese style salad, wine, sangria, steak, escargot, and blue cheese salad. Everything was fantastic. Seriously. Paella was made to order, and as tasty as any. The escargot was probably my favorite, it came in some absolutely delicious sauce which I mopped up with their generous portions of bread provided. The sangria was rich and sweet, but not too sweet, and was just delicious. The seating was comfortable and you might even sit with a lovely view of the garden. Not a cheap place, but worth it for a special occasion. I think that's my reason for it not being 5 stars. Service was excellent as well, could not have asked for better. Will go back one day, and I don't live there.
(4)
Caroline K.
Beautiful dinner! Great service. We very much enjoyed the delicious meal and charming ambience. Buen provecho!
(4)
Kristin H.
We're visiting the island from NYC for several days and our first dinner out decided to try España. Very glad we did. We love great food and even enjoy discussing how we would make a dish better. No place is perfect, but this was a great meal.There were only a few minor food issues we had. Tapas: The pork tenderloin in brown sauce was so tender and flavorful. It had some middle eastern influence in the sauce we couldn't name but found delicious. I don't even know how you get chunks of pork that tender. Portabello mushroom with serrano ham and cheese. Lovely and very rich. The saltiness of the ham was a great pairing with the earthy mushroom. Shrimp with garlic was wonderful. I ate the sauce with a spoon. Potato tortilla was ok. I liked it more than my husband who thought it was dry. The moisture didn't bother me but it did have a lack of salt. However, since I don't eat wheat (allergy), it was a great source for soaking up the sauce around the shrimp. Salad: We shared a salad with oranges, apples, raisins, almonds, on a bed of romaine, with grated manchego on top and a raspberry vinaigrette. We didn't love it. The dressing was overly sweet to us and the salad was too heavily dressed. The manchego was a nice salty flavor, but not enough of it to cut through the sweet. In my perfect world there would be more cheese, less dressing (or even a different, more tart and less sweet dressing....maybe lemon or balsamic?) more almonds, more fruit and less romaine. Entrees: Husband had the beef tenderloin with spanish bleu cheese and bleu cheese sauce. Served with saffron rice and sort of a cold spanish slaw. He cleaned his entire plate. He said all he needed to cut through the tenderloin was gravity. It was so tender and the meat had a wonderful flavor on it's own. Paired with the cheese, it was heavenly. Desserts: I have spent my entire life wanting to like flan. On paper, it looks like something I would enjoy but up until tonight, I have never liked it. Their flan is extraordinary. My husband loves flan and was floored by this dish. Our wonderful server explained to us that it's his grandmother's recipe (he is related to the chef), and he was touched that her recipe won me over. We talked about how temperamental flan can be and how hard it is to get right. We enjoyed his honesty in regards to how they make it and on rare nights, it's just not quite as good but usually, it's this rich deliciousness we savored. The flourless chocolate cake was also wonderful. Not made on site, but smooth and like eating a truffle. Ultra rich, which I love. This is a minor thing but one that always impresses me: I am a tea drinker. When a place brings me water that is ACTUALLY almost boiling, I am happy. This is lost on a ton of restaurants. Most tea should be brewed just off the boil, rather than the slightly hot water most place bring you. When this can happen, it makes for a lovely experience. Overall, thrilled. Would go again in a heartbreat.
(4)
Andrew F.
Tonight was a culinary highlight. The Portuguese Fisherman's Stew may be one of the finest meals I have had in my life. The seafood was fresh and the broth was an incredible blend if flavors, with just the right amount spice. You owe it yourself to try this at least once in your life!
(5)
Robin S.
Two great salads. Excellent tenderloin with cabbage/squash/whatever veggies and Spanish rice. Great mushroom sauce. Spicy shrimp awesome. Beer list limited and you have to ask for it.
(4)
Tony W.
MAKE RESERVATIONS! Do not sit in the garden when the mosquitos are biting, around dusk. we had to leave and take or food to go, $100 worth. With that said the food was delicious! Two different paellas, one garlic shrimp tapas, one mozzarella and tomato tapas and the had the nerve to charge me$15 corkage fee! I will go back next year with the family, sit inside and split paella with my wife. Our son will have garlic shrimp tapas. That should keep the bill under $50 which is a very decent deal for their yummy food...
(3)
Diana M.
We sat outside in the garden area which was very peaceful and nice. We didn't order full dinners, just a few Tapas. The portabella mushroom was ok, nothing too special but the Sangria was a bit disappointing. My hubby had the mussels and he said they were really good, he loved the sauce. The service and the view were great, but I would say the food was average.
(3)
P J.
Walked to Espana this morning to check their hours and see if they were open Labor Day. No sign stating anything other than normal hours. Left a message to reserve a table tonight (9/3/12). No recording stating they're closed. I called the restaurant at 4:30 only to find out the recording is now stating they are closed until 9/17/12. No courtesy of calling to state they have now decided to close for two weeks!!! Bad way to operate a business folks!
(2)
S E.
Very good tapas. Great back porch and good service. Spicy garlic shrimp was fantastic...but hot. Chorizo was also very good Kids beef tips were a steal for the little ones. ..my son was gettting ticked I kept snaking them off his plate!
(4)
Perry H.
Espana is a wonderful Spanish / Portuguese restaurant located in downtown Fernandina Beach. They have many wonderful entrees and tapas dishes, and their paella is superb! My wife and I also love their sangria. The owners are very nice, and the service is always attentive. The only possible downside is that the main dining room can get noisy. There are many great restaurants at Fernandina Beach / Amelia Island, and Espana ranks at the top of our list. We look forward to eating there later this month on our next visit to Amelia Island.
(5)
LuLu M.
a definite if you're in Amelia.
(4)
Emily S.
I would like very much to give four and a half stars--four stars for dinner and five stars for dessert. The meal (pork tenderloin, goat cheese caprese and local snapper) was very good, and the service was friendly and fast. But the DESSERTS...oh goodness. I am a "eat dessert first" kind of girl, and have had desserts in hundreds of resturants but this is the first time I felt compelled to write about them on Yelp. We had the flan and the flourless chocolate cake. I am not normally a flan person, but after reading about it on Yelp decided to give it a try. This flan was rich, sweet, flavorful and absolutely decadent. Ditto for the chocolate torte. Come for dinner but DO NOT MISS dessert--take it in a to-go box if you have to! (That's what we did.)
(5)
Laura B.
Wow! Superb Service & great atmosphere! We didn't love the dipping sauce for the bread, but everything else was soooo good. We ordered the paella (the non-seafood one) & the tenderloin w/ blue cheese sauce. Oh my! We got our reservations easily through here and had practically no wait.
(5)
Kevin H.
Very good experience. The Shrimp Paella was fantastic, which had clams & scallops, also we had the Chorizo & onions and Tortilla tapas, both excellent. Good wine selection, and excellent service. Tucked away on a small side street down in the historic district of Fernandina. We will be back!
(4)
Mike T.
Excellent!!!! The first is still the best. Roberto is a superb chef and the menu is exemplary.
(5)
T.H. J.
I have no hesitation in sending you to Espana. It is authentic tapas, clearly prepared by people who love what they are doing. Two tapas an one single seafood paella (along with sangria) fit the bill nicely.
(5)
Allison T.
Espana is a quaint Spanish/Portuguese restaurant nestled off off of Centre Street (4th Street) in Fernandina Beach. They specialize in Tapas, Sangria, Paellas and Seafood. Yes, they have meat too, but I happen to find the tapas and the seafood the best main courses and the Sangria very satisfying! To access the door you have to walk around the side of the building in which the aroma of the orange blossoms lightly coats the air. Further back is a garden dining area. On this particular occasion our group chose this lovely area. (Please be aware that we are going into noseem season and the bugs can be more substantial right around dusk, although they did have several citronella candles to address the issue-although still a few pesky bugs). There is also 2 quaint dining areas inside as well as a very small bar. The side to the left feels larger and more airy and the side to the right is less lit but abounds in color. The tapas are larger than the traditional size and all were tasty. We ordered: "Tortilla Espanola" A potato crustless quiche made up of layers of potatoes, vegetables, and cheese. "Mediterraneo" A delightful mix of herbs with mozzarella slices served with sliced tomato and roasted peppers drizzled with basil infused Olive oil and a balsamic glaze. We also adventured with two of their nightly specials: One was a delicious grilled eggplant and mushroom dish- although I could have seen the dish with a tad less sauce. Second was a muscles, sausage and onions dish. Although I did not partake in this dish, my other party members enjoyed it. As I mentioned the Sangria by itself, was worth the trip! They offer homemade sangria by the glass, half pitcher, or full pitcher. It maintains the traditional healthy balance of fruit (in this case apple, orange and berry) and wine. The dessert was a delectable and rich caramel flan--- simply yummy! The restaurant opens at 5pm (dinner only) and does take reservations which I recommend if you want a particular seating area. Despite our lack of reservations we were seated quickly on a Thursday evening. Although a few items on the menu are on the moderate to high side, I would comfortably recommend this restaurant to my friends and family with a rating of 4 stars. For further information the website is espanadowntown.com
(4)
Evan W.
Great meal! Mussels were amazing. We were on the island for our honeymoon, we went to a bunch of restaurants for the five days we were there. Espana was the only one that we went to twice.
Don't let the simple building deter you. The service is excellent, and the food is fabulous!
(5)
Kate S.
My boyfriend and I spent a lovely evening here. We split a 1/2 pitcher of sangria and a handful of tapas. The shrimp in garlic and escargot tapas were phenomenal! You must order extra bread to dip in the sauce of both of these dishes. We also ordered the shrimp ceviche, but were not wild about it. It was very vinegary. We ended our meal with the tres de leches for dessert, which was a perfect choice! Overall, a very lovely and delicious evening! We would highly recommend Espana.
(4)
Caralyn B.
To start, this is a Spanish restaurant that served weak bread with rancid olive oil "seasoned" with creamy Italian dressing... That should tell you all you need to know. Sadly our meal continued at that level. The shrimp was fresh but otherwise they clearly shop at Costco...many dishes tasted microwaved, and the paella was absolutely the worst cooked most unflavored paella I have ever eaten. There could not be saffron in this kitchen. The service was very pleasant, nice wait staff. shining star of the evening, because the food appalling. Anyone who thinks this food acceptable Spanish food I question if they have eaten outside a food court. So disappointing,
(1)
Alayne G.
By far my favorite place to have dinner on the island. I have been going since it opened and the owners and staff have always been gracious and attentive. Have a seat inside or outside with a view of the garden. Have a little bread order some wine and some tapas to start off right then wait for your waiter to tempt you with the night's specials. I always go with the special it's a guaranteed homerun especially if its the lamb The menu does have it's own little gems like the paella. After all the delicious tapas and the main course you still have to find room for dessert. The tiramisu is AMAZING! Ok I will not lie all the food served here is Amazing. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Kara N.
Pargo Ole is the way to go! I went to Espana with a couple of friends one evening when I was down in Fernandina for work. I had heard great things about it, and of course my expectations were quite high. Coming from Boston, I am used to seeing this price point on menus but I am always cautious. One friend of mine ordered the Calderada de Mariscos and LOVED IT. My other friend and I didn't even get a chance to try it! He sopped up any left over liquid with bread. My other friend (who recommended we go to Espana) ordered the Vieras en Salsa Verde. He has tried almost everything on the menu but this dish so he figured he would give it a whirl. He was very pleased with his dish. I tried it and it was great. I ordered Pargo Ole and almost licked my plate. It had a great kick to it but it didn't over power the flavors of the fish. I LOVED it and would go back specifically for that dish. Service was great and I loved the local/ casual feel of the restaurant. Worth every cent!
(5)
Allix B.
We ordered the seafood paella and a few small plates to split between 3 of us. The paella has massive mussels and clams and were generally delicious. The pan was absolutely full of rice and seafood and we ended up taking enough for another serving home with us. The sangria wasn't my favorite, but everything else we had was great!
(4)
Krysten P.
Great food though it was a bit pricey for me. I've been to Spain and adore tapas but the paella is overpriced!
(4)
Kate F.
My husband and I are world travelers and foodies so we frequent numerous restaurants. We were so pleased to find this gem, Espana, and have been back twice in one week! Located in a quaint, ivy covered building with a lovely patio, they offer a fine selection of authentic Spanish tapas, entrees and a marvelous wine list. The service is more professional and personable than other local restaurants. This place beats the rest!!!
(5)
John S.
We had three selections from the tapas menu. All were good, but none great. The sangria was good enough to have again.
(3)
Paul S.
My wife and I were in Amelia Island for a little weekend getaway and decided to try Espana. We tried to make reservations but it was booked but since the town is so small we thought we could walk in and maybe try to sneak a seat. Unfortunately they were sill all booked up. About a minute from walking away the owner chased us down and gave us a table, as something fell through. My wife had the Snapper w/ Spinach and I had the Paella Valencia. Both were outstanding, we also had the Fried Polenta to start it was very good. Great Location, Great Service And Great Food. Would recommend.
(4)
Melissa R.
I ordered a few tapas each randomly consisting of some type of potatoes, chorizo, and other things I can't recall. My brother had paella which was amazing. I had the leftovers the next day and it was just as good if not better. :P
(4)
VT P.
We had a wonderful time at Espana. We sat next to the garden which was was a great diversion for my 10-year old nephew. The garden room was very bright and cheerful. The food was very tasty. We started with a few tapas. The pork tapas was savory and had a yummy sauce that my dad was scooping up with his bread. My sister and I really liked the tortilla (Spanish style quiche) which came with a tangy aoili sauce. We also had a salad with serano ham and manchego cheese which was fresh tasting. The highlight of the meal was the Portuguese fisherman stew for two (which easily fed our family of five). It was served in a clay cauldron - bubbling and hissing. On top, there were floating slices of tomatoes. It was full of seafood - clams, mussels, calamari rings (normally, I hate calamari rings as they tend to be overcooked and plasticky but these were so tender), scallops, fish, and shrimp. The stew was fragrant with a slight kick of heat. It was served with Spanish rice. We also requested more bread to dunk into the delicious stew. My nephew proclaimed that the stew was divine (high praise indeed from a particularly picky eater!). My mom who is also a picky eater and adverse to trying new things also loved the meal!
(4)
David S.
This is some of the best Spanish food I've had since living in Spain in 2001. The chorizo encebollado, ceviche, and gambas mozamique were unforgettable, as was the sangria. If I had been with others, I would have had the paella, as well. The owner, my waitress Mandy, and one other staff member talked with me for a while, as I was their last customer of the evening. I will be coming back every time I return to Amelia Island.
Best Ceviche Ever! Felt like familly when i dined, returned two nights later and loved it even more.. A True Win!
(5)
Hunter B.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner here and think Espana deserves a five-star rating. It really is the total package. We had reservations and were seated immediately. The interior has a nice, casual but classy vibe with two dining rooms and a veranda out back. Our server wasn't the best ever, but was efficient and overall did a fine job. Of course, the highlights were the food and wine. Espana has a solid wine list that focuses on quality over quantity, yet still offers a number of domestic and international choices from mid-range (e.g., Sebastiani) to upscale (e.g., Stag's Leap). We had an excellent bottle of Spanish Albarino. Terrific tapas (marinated olives, mozzarella/tomato/basil salad, and a shrimp ceviche) paved the way for exceptional entrees (grouper stuffed with crabmeat, and vegetarian paella). No room for dessert this time, but we overheard raving about the tres leches. All in all, there's plenty to like about Espana, and it's a great place to take visiting friends. Highly recommended.
(5)
Mike D.
The paella was fantastic. We had several of the tapas offerings as well. They were delicious as well. We were unfamiliar with Spanish wine and were offered a fine suggestion by one of the waters. I would definitely return.
(4)
Brenda M.
Fabulous seafood! Great service and cute ambiance.
(5)
Peter O.
I probably can't add much to the previous reviews.....however, the paella was "OK", but not knock your socks off....short on the seafood and dry. The grouper, however, was awesome. We came back a second night for the grouper.....but served with the spinach. A little expensive on the wine by the glass, but ok. Service was excellent. Overall....yes
(4)
Tom W.
excellent meal. the tapas were all very good. everyone enjoyed their entree, each was well prepared and the servings were large. dont leave without having the flan and tres leches.
(5)
Marsha L.
Charming atmosphere. Great service. Really good food. Ask the locals for the best restaurant in Fernandina and you will hear this Espana almost every time.
(5)
Raegen S.
i found the food very good. I really enjoyed the steak... they have a few tapas dishes but mostly just for apps... they have some very good spanish reds on the wine menu and the sangria is pretty good. the staff made them a 4 star over the food...
(4)
Hilary L.
I've got some mixed feelings about Espana. On the one hand, its a beautiful, cozy restaurant in a wonderful location. On the other hand, the quality of the food, service, and general vibe doesn't seem in line with the prices. When we first walked in we saw the lovely back garden and asked if we could sit outside. We were informed that they weren't seating people outside that evening, which, you know, maybe they're a little short handed or something, no problem. Then we asked to sit inside by the beautiful windows looking out on the garden. We were informed that they were not seating on that side of the restaurant [except for the large table full of people already seated there? just wait, its weirder than that]. The hostess was a little stiff about the whole thing and guided us to our table on the other side of this tiny restaurant--possibly 30 feet at most from the table we wanted to sit at but around a corner blocking the view! It was very odd, and we were joking about how slow a server would have to be to not be able to handle the distance... that is, until we actually started being served. [Slow.] It was probably a wise move to sit everyone so closely together on their part [if that's all they can handle], but still pretty annoying for a place that's this expensive. As for the food, its not bad at all [actually the paella was great, generous seafood and nice spices!], but it all seems slightly like they just decided to become a tapas restaurant as a business move. There is a really limited supply of tapas offerings and a huge selection of entrees. Again, not bad, just kind of okay. My husband was pretty disappointed in the beer list [domestic light beers mainly, with one Spanish beer--the Spanish aren't good at making beer btw] but I found the wine list to be pretty good. Like I said at the beginning, I have really mixed feelings about this place. It is cozy and fun--we had a great evening here. And the food is good, not great, but definitely good. I guess that for the price and the location I was hoping for a bit more. Although, if you're in Fernandina, I'd recommend it.
(3)
L. A. C.
We've dined at Espana about 4 times a year and were somewhat taken aback in the increased price of the entrees. Typically we order from the menu, but my guest ordered both specials which were repeated by our very apt server who did not relate the up charge for the specials. They averaged an additional $8 over their standard $20 per plate fare. My date had the Tesoro & Ensalada Queso, while I had the Sangria Salad (excellent) & the Snapper Seville. About 1/2 way into the Snapper which was obviously overly rich in butter, I began to feel queasy. We asked for the meal to go & prepared to leave after only being in the restaurant for about 20 minutes. We did not have drinks as we live 65 miles away. The total for our bill with tax was $60 + $4 in tax which seemed quite high. When I checked out bank account the next day, I noticed a 20% surcharge. Curiously enough, if you check their brochure there is nothing about a 20% gratuity & in these tough economic times 20% seems excessive for occupying a seat for 20 minutes. Checking their online website there is a note at the bottom of the menu stating "In order to support our staff, we suggest you add an additional 20% gratuity to your final bill. " CUSTOMER BEWARE, YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TIP ACCORDING TO SERVICE BUT ARE CHARGED A MANDATORY 20%. I felt so soured over the mandatory 20%, I fed the fish to my cat & the rice to my Pyrenees. Will we return? Would YOU?
(3)
TruthSpeaker I.
The bread they served tasted freezer-burned. Our salads were great - fried goat cheese over baby greens. I was surprised by the entree... but not in a good way. I wanted the beef with blue cheese, but I ordered the scallops in white wine sauce because I thought it would be less fattening. Little did I know that the scallops would be literally drenched in butter (swimming in it). I was not impressed by the dish and I wish I had known about the butter beforehand because I would have ordered the beef instead. I do not recommend the scallops. The tiramisu was not good, either. The coconut flan was good, but it was served ice cold. I would have preferred to have it warm. It was also loud in the dining room. Overall, we were pretty disappointed. I don't think I would recommend this restaurant.
(3)
Taylor W.
Espana is one of those restaurants that isn't an American adaption of a type of cuisine (Spanish in this case). I could imagine this place being in Madrid. Given this, the food is very unique to many people, and some things you might not be used to (for example... their coffee is d-a-r-k!). I think all of this makes it all the better, seeing as it is great food. It stays true to the experience.
(5)
Justin T.
After being majorly hooked up by the hostess (nicest hostess I have ever talked too), my group of five was able to get a last minute reservation around 5:45. The waiter was very nice and the bus boy had our bread and waters refilled every time we were in need. We had two tapas; the spicy shrimp and the drunken clams. Both were out of this world. The spicy shrimp surprised me. I was expecting more a "bang bang" or "firecracker" sauce, but was presently surprises with a fresh, garden looking broth in which six succulent shrimp were delicately laid. The drunken clams were large in charge! They were dressed with a lemon garlic sauce that had generous portions of onions that complimented the clams well. I ordered the spicy grouper entree. With each bite of grouper, I debated more and more of buying an apartment in Amelia Island so I could eat at this establishment for every meal. The scallops on top of the grouper were flaky and cooked perfectly. The vegetables were incredibly flavorful. It was a Spanish culinary heaven. Two other people in my group got the fisherman's stew for two. I had to comment on their dish because when it was brought out, it created quite the spectacle. A massive cast iron bowl, bubbling broth, and a plethora of various sea creatures. I was lucky enough to try some of their food and it blew me away. I tasted flavors that I never tasted before. Next time I come, I will be sure to get this dish to myself. Service was absolutely impeccable. Hostess, server, and waiter were all incredibly polite and respectful. They aided is like we were their first priorities. Best experience at a Spanish restaurant in my life. I will make it a personal objective to come back to Amelia island, even if it is only for an evening of fine dining at Espana.
(5)
Jason L.
Great prices and fabulous food! Low key places that is not stuffy but still quaint. Blue cheese tenderloin was wonderful for my wife. I had the Portugeouse stew which was unbelievably good. Best restaurant find in Fernandina yet after about 8 restaurant visits.
(4)
Lauren D.
I was visiting Amelia Island for business, and of course I relied on Yelp to determine where I would eat dinner. I wanted good seafood, and Espana fulfilled that want! The restaurant is located in what they consider the "historic district," and the building looks/feels like a renovated home. It was full on a Monday night, and we did not have reservations, but luckily a reservation had just cancelled, so we were able to get a table in the main dining area. (I recommend making a reservation even if you are planning to dine here during the week.) Nonetheless, the hostess was very accommodating and helpful! Our server was equally friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. They have a couple of your typical beers on a tap and a wine list, but they also offer some various Florida IPAs and brown ales in a can, so if that is what you want, just ask! Our group ordered a variety of tapas: Gambas al Ajillo, Calamari a la Plancha, and Almejas Borrachas. I'm a sucker for shrimp, so I would say the Gambas al Ajillo were my favorite, but all of the tapas were tasty. There were no leftovers. For my meal, I ordered the Paella Marinera (my first traditional paella), and it was amazing!! They served the paella in the traditional skillet, and it was topped with fresh fish, clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, and calamari. This is a great comfort dish that is full of flavor; if you are a fan of seafood, it will not disappoint!
(5)
Kasey O.
So let's just say that everything was perfect. Make sure you plan ahead to come here because they get booked with reservations. I called the same day to get a reservation for our party of 5. At this place, getting a table before 8:00 without a reservation seems almost unheard of, but the hostess was exceptional in trying to finagle the tables around in order to make sure we could get seated on our last night of vacation. I couldn't believe how committed she was to getting us seated. We got our table. The service was exceptional and so was everything we got. Everything had an amazing flavor and was cooked to perfection. I am not a huge seafood lover, but the snapper and shrimp I got were absolutely amazing. Would definitely be back! Save room for the bread to dip up all the sauce!!
(5)
John T.
Reservations absolutely! This is one of the most popular and best restaurants on Amelia Island. We almost didn't get a table but there was a last minute no show so we got the last outdoor table for two. The tapas selections we made after suggestions from a very helpful waiter were delicious! Try the ceviche made with red snapper- awesome and fresh and served in lettuce bowl. The empanadas were served hot and very good. We had a shrimp dish made with a red coconut curry sauce that was outstandingly good. If you like flan you will like theirs. Good service. Good time!
(5)
Debbie D.
My sister and I went to Amelia Island for a beach get away we were looking for a seafood restaurant, but ended up having the best seafood stew ever at a Spanish restaurant. It was spicy, but had the most flavor. I forgot my sweater on the way out. Since I was leaving the next day, I called and asked if they could possibly mail it to me. A big thanks to Marina for sending it back my way. Great food, great service!! We'll go back on our next visit!!!
(5)
Wei J.
This was just one of the great restaurants, at which we had the pleasure of dining. Who knew that there would be so many culinary gems hidden away in an oasis in Amelia Island. The seafood cannot be any more fresh. And the seasoning is simply fantastic. I would actually skip the paella and go for some of the other seafood dishes. The scallops and rock shrimp at this place are to die for. If a dish features these items, be sure to get it. The seafood here is so fresh that they still carry the sweetness of the sea. I was in bliss with every heavenly bite. Our waiter was also fantastic and knowledgeable. He knew the menu inside and out. We would have dined at this place on two consecutive nights if we didn't already have previous dinner arrangements. Oh well. On our next visit then. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Jim N.
First visit, referred by our host and the Yelp reviews. Very attractive place; friendly; we were quickly seated & attended. Outstanding house Sangria. Good salads. The grouper special had wonderful grilled shrimp & scallops, plus excellent saffron rice; however, the special sauce was very bland to my taste. My wife's Grouper was broiled but not quite as done as she prefers (probably done just right for many other diners). Lots to select from & we hope to return to try other dishes. Very busy place; make a reservation (they were turning people away on a Tuesday evening).
(3)
Buckhead Laser L.
Four of us ate several tapas dishes and shared a seafood paella. Oh! And 2 pitchers of amazing sangria. Absolutely everything was excellent. Highly recommend.
(5)
Teri K.
The owner made a point to walk around to several tables and talk to the people there for a few minutes which is great customer service.
(5)
David K.
Wonderful Tapas. The specials were truly special and it was well worth the drive. Best enpenadas that I've ever had, here or in Spain.
(5)
Max I.
Good option for upper scale dining in Amelia . Good atmosphere family run biz. The owners are there with the staff paying attention to your experience. Would do it again.
(5)
Harry A.
If you want authentic Spanish food, this is the place to go. Cozy restaurant with an intimate atmosphere, fantastic flavors and a great wine selection. Wife and I both have been to Spain and we love tapas and Spanish food. We were not disappointed. Service - Excellent. Originally had a reservation for 9pm. Called to see if they had anything available earlier. They gladly changed our reservation to 8:45. Then they called 20 minutes later when they had an open table at 7pm. When we arrived we were seated immediately. Our waiter was friendly with a great smile and was glad to answer our questions and talk about the menu. He gave us time to enjoy our meal without disappearing. Food - Fresh ingredients, fantastic menu and authentic ingredients. I observed the head chef make a couple rounds checking on customers and even brought a fresh fish to a table that ordered it just to show what they were getting. Shrimp ceviche and beef empanadas were excellent. Atmosphere - Lovely restaurant that feels cozy but not cramped. Perfect date location. I wouldn't wear anything less than slacks and a polo shirt. Deserts were decent. Flan was great. My tres lece had a caramel mousse and drizzle. After scrapping it off, the tres lece was good. Drinks - Unless you like wine or beer, you're out of luck. No drink menu but good selection on the wind list. There are several bars within walking distance if you want an after dinner drink. Sangria was good. Crisp and refreshing. Price - You're going to spend money. Two appetizers, pitcher of sangria, split thesis course, two deserts and one cup of coffee, and a %15 tip = $100 flat. The pitcher was $25. Did not ask if they offered military discount. We won't be eating here once a week but we will definitely come back.
(5)
BenjamÃn S.
It's been long enough since I dined at Espana that the only thing that jumps out about the meal was the Gambas Mozambique - far and away the best dish (out of four) that I sampled, and based on other reviews a dish that should absolutely be ordered if dining here. The other dishes were okay - not great. One was too salty, and one had only mild flavor. Fun fact - the restaurant's acoustics trend towards the loud, and I overheard not one but *two* blatantly and offensively racist conversations at neighboring tables. Yay northern Florida?
(3)
Meredith W.
Loved the food and the ambiance. Gamba appetizer was the best part of the meal. The paella was a little burned on the bottom. Otherwise we loved it
(4)
Ken L.
The grouper was fresh. The only issue was that my wife and I had the grouper and the cuts were very different. It wasn't an issue for us but with some of the people who comment and have no clue what it actually takes to operate it may be an issue for some of these yahoos. Sangria was great as well
(5)
Jaime G.
Wow! This restaurant was magnificent! The food was delicious, the service was impeccable and the atmosphere was welcoming. We drove over for the weekend and didn't make it to the restaurant until 9:45pm but they welcomed us with open arms. The dining rooms were dim light with rustic features throughout. We ordered the chorizo, drunken clams, garlic shrimp, meat board, and paella. They start you out with fresh bread and a dipping sauce that led us into the meat board with prosciutto, cheese, olives, salami, and was the perfect start to a delicious meal. The shrimp were not overcooked and were served in the pool of olive oil and garlic and the chorizo served with sauteed onions. The clams were cooked in a savory light broth covered with fresh flat leaf parsley. And finally, the paella was filled with oysters, clams and cooked to perfection. We had to order dessert of course! I had the tres leches which was the best I've ever had. I loved the caramel drizzle and frosting. We also had the flan which was very traditional and light. This was by far my favorite dining experience in Fernandina and I would highly recommend all of the items we ordered and compliment the staff on their superb service. Whoever trained them should offer their services as a consultant for hire!
(5)
Patrick W.
Wonderful food and great staff. Exceeded high expectations! Go there!
(5)
Brittany M.
Me gusta/encantan las tapas espanolas! Translation, I love spanish tapas! Espana has earned their five star rating of the course of only two visits! This cute spanish-tapas restaurant is nestled between local shops and buisnesses in downtown Fernandina. Espana offers intimate outdoor and indoor seating as well as a friendly waitstaff to ensure you enjoy every moment of your visit! Upon arrival, we were promptly seated in a cozy corner and the server was very knowledgable about the daily specials. The tapas vary from seafood to traditonal style spanish cheeses as well as meats. I highly reccomend the Seafood Scallops or the Traditional Paella! Each entree was excellent and offered an exciting rollercoaster ride for my tastebuds! Dont leave yet! The Tres Leches dessert was an amazing way to end dinner on a sugary high note! I highly reccomend this spanish flavor the island has to offer!!!
(5)
David C.
This was not my first visit to Espana. The atmosphere and staff are amazing and the food superb. I try to never order the same thing because everything is incredible. Sadly I am allergic to shellfish so the most amazing looking dishes I have to stay away from. Easier to get seated when you make a reservation! If you are in the area Espana is a must!
(5)
Sarah E.
We have been to Espana twice - once two years ago and once this past week. Both times we really really enjoyed it. The paella is delicious! The atmosphere is really sweet and cozy as well and the service was excellent. Definitely a must-visit when staying on Amelia.
(4)
Rob S.
What a pleasant and delicious dinner. We ate in the courtyard and there was a nice breeze. Scott was our waiter and he had a young and enthusiastic helper with him. We had a glass of wine and a simple but very good house salad. They served bread with a nice spice and dressing dip which was good. The bread could have been better. We ordered the Seafood Paella and Mero a Costa Brava which were both really delicious. The Paella had wonderful flavors and delicious seafood perfectly cooked. The only thing lacking was the socarrat (the crust on the bottom). The Mero a Costs Brava is a Grouper filet in a spicy brown sauce topped with panko crusted scallops. The sauce is started with a pepper base and is unique and delicious (and not too hot). We ended with an esspresso and coffee and we split a flan. The esspresso was perfect and the flan was wonderful without being gooey sweet like most. The service was excellent as was the food and atmosphere. And considering the quality, the meal was a very good value. Bravo.
(4)
Ashley J.
Bottom line- Disappointed by the service & Beware of the specials!!! It's their way of rebranding spoiled food. I was visiting Amelia Island on vacation with friends and Espana was recommended by the B&B. We ordered a few tapas: Calamares Fritos, Caracoles, Chorizo Encebollado and Picadinho were good; but much to my bewilderment the "mussels special" was AWFUL, as some of them had clearly spoiled! This situation was worsened by slow service and the fact that the mussels began to emit a rotten fish smell as they sat on the table. Eventually, the waiter came and took the plate away, but no apology was offer from the waiter or anyone else; which I believe was the least they could have done.
(1)
Jim C.
Don't miss this authentic Spanish restaurant when you are on Amelia. Service is outstanding and the food is stunning. The snapper with poblano creme sauce is outstanding
(5)
Kaitlin C.
Yes, yes, yes. By far my favorite dinner during my husband and I's recent trip to Amelia Island. Great ambiance and DELICIOUS food from start to finish. It was busy and we had to wait a while for a table (make a reservation!), but totally worth it. Definitely give it a try!
(5)
Rob C.
Recommended by the concierge and did not disappoint. We shared the shrimp ceviche, mozzarella salad, and then the snapper special with shrimp, scallop, rice, zucchini and onion and other goodness. :) Shrimp and mozzarella salad was very good and the special was excellent! Our server was very nice and helpful. The only reason we are not given 5 stars was that the hostess was not very friendly, and that seating us seemed an inconvenience to her. Definitely recommend and they should make the snapper a permanent menu item!
(4)
Alcy M.
Impeccable service from all of the staff here at Espana. Our server Jeremiah was one of the best servers my mother and I have ever had. He was extremely knowledgeable of the menu and definitely did his research on Spanish cuisine. We were very impressed before the food even arrived.
(5)
Tim G.
Amazing. Do not miss this place. The fisherman's stew is wonderful. Staff is great. Service is great. Wine was affordable and fit dinner perfectly.
(5)
George H.
This restaurant was recommended by the owner of one of the shops. He is a foodie, and he said it was his favorite place. We were not disappointed. The service was very good and knowledgeable. My wife and I had shrimp Mozambique and shrimp Costa Brava. Both were excellent. Next we had the mussels and the special empanadas. Empanadas were stuffed with pork the chef had roasted on the green egg out back. Both also very good. Decent wine selections by the glass. We would highly recommend this place for food, service and ambience. The only negative note for us was the bread. Both of us love bread, but we didn't like the crumb. It was too soft. But, a tiny complaint considering the rest of the meal.
(5)
Michelle M.
Had the antipasto to start; amazing meats cheeses and olives. Yum. Then shared the Fishermans Stew for two. Badass. The best seafood stew either of us has ever had. Super fresh, spicy, and boiling upon arrival. Had the Evodia Granache bottle to go with; paired perfectly. Our server also surprised us with a champagne split for our anniversary. Sweet!
(5)
Elisha R.
I dined here with a group of 12, which included 6 kids. They did have a children's menu although it isn't a paper menu, they do offer meals such as chicken tenders and fries, spaghetti with marinara sauce, and fried shrimp and fries for the kids. I had the tapas offerings of the coconut shrimp in a sweet and spicy sauce, their house side salad, and the potato, crust less quiche. My shrimp were delicious and the coconut Thai styled sauce was so good I ate the sauce even after my 6 shrimp were history. If those shrimp was all I would have eaten then this place would get a 4.5 star rating, but...the advertised crust less potatoes, cheese, and veggie quiche left much to be desired. It was very bland and probably could use a buttery crust, more cheese, and salt. The asparagus in the quiche was overcooked and I would have preferred them less mushy and with more sea salt! The salad was a salad. For this to be a "fine dining" establishment, I didn't feel like my $30 was well spent.
(3)
Viv S.
Espana is the best restaurant on the island hands down. The food is so fresh, so tasty and the staff could not be more pleasant & professional. The ambiance is as fun as you want it to be, or as romantic as you wish. Order the Shrimp Mozambique, and don't forget to dip your bread in the sauce. My favorite entree is the Tenderloin with blue cheese. My husband's favorite is the Paella. Great wine list, or order the Sangria, which is delicious. Seriously, if you are looking for a perfect dining evening, look no further.
(5)
Reed R.
For our first dinner at Espana we chose from the hot and cold tapas selections. Our choices were recommended by our waiter, 4 of the 5 were seafood, all were spectacular. The empanada was admittedly my first, but definately not my last. It's crust was a a baked delight with beef and goat cheese filling. We skipped desserts as the above and a bottle of Gascon Malbec rounded out our meal completely. For our next trip we will most certainly try the Fisherman's Stew. A bowl for two was delivered next to us, and it looked and smelled like an interesting choice.
(5)
Mary L.
I come to Espana every year for my birthday and it never disappoints. Last night we decided to get tapas and basically sampled almost every appetizer they have. Everything, as usual, was delicious. They have recently upgraded the interior and it is beautiful. The owners are very nice and will do everything they can to make your experience memorable. It's just so good!
(5)
Denise L.
Amazing dinner! Looks lile it is a local favorite. Make a reservation! We had the fisherman's stew, so good. It was better than any meal we had in Barcelona. Presentation was good. A relaxing 2 hour meal. Off the main street.
(5)
Bee L.
Just incredible. Hospitable chef was in the front of the house making sure everyone was happy. We were impressed with the half pitcher of sangria, meats and cheeses, shrimp in coconut, salad Andalusia.
(5)
Kathy C.
I am definitely a fan of Espana. Our party of 7 made a reservation for 9 PM on a Saturday. We did that for two reasons: one, we had some other commitment, so had to do a late dinner, and two, being a large party, we wanted good service and dining experience. So we figure to beat the dinner crowd. Well, good plan, BUT didn't turn out as expected. When we arrived around 8:45, the restaurant was still pretty packed. We were led to the small room to the right, where the bar is. The restaurant is pretty small, but really nice. The garden, which after dinner, we took a quick stroll, was charming. At any rate, we sat down, drooled over the menu items and quickly place our order. We were there specifically to try their paella. So between the 7 of us, we were able to order all three types of paella to share. We also tried their appetizer special, which I forgot the name, but it essentially were grilled tater tots and were delicious. We also ordered a meat and cheese tray, also delicious. The paellas were excellent. I am not an expert on paella, but I've had paellas numerous times and can honest say that these were the best I've ever had. The two-person seafood paella I shared with my sister was cooked perfectly. The portion was generous. Clams and mussels still in shell and were fresh and tasty. Every bite of the rice was mixed with some kind of seafood. I've also tried the other two types of paella and they were all great. We ordered desserts to share. They were good, but not outstanding. So I wouldn't save room for dessert the next time I go... all tummy space will be allocated to paellas....
(4)
Deena B.
I had dinner here with my ten and eleven year old kids last night. Not exactly a kid friendly menu, but the point was for my kids to explore new favors. They loved it! My son had their lemon garlic chicken. It was delicious and more than he could eat. We were happy to take it home though. Their paella is always wonderful and it did not disappoint my daughter. She ordered the seafood paella. I had their grouper special. It had a creamy sauce with a kick an was served with shrimp and scallops. Delicious! We also shared their ceviche and chorizo appetizer, which were also great. Our service was great as well. This place never disappoints. Fresh ingredients and lots of flavor are in everything they make. They always have a warm and inviting atmosphere. We are lucky to be less than twenty minutes away from this gem, but if you're here on vacation this place is worth the trip for a cozy, romantic dinner with some of this island's finest cuisine.
(5)
Natalie R.
Yelp led us to this gem. I have never had traditional spanish cuisine so this was a real adventure for me. The menu was pretty big and had so many things I wanted to try. After calming down and starting off right with a pitcher of sangria we selected the escargot to start. The sauce was great. I have never tried escargot out of the shell, I am not sure I liked it this way but it was by no means horrible. I believe it was preference thing. This may be easier for those who have never tried them to give it a whirl. I felt it made them too chewy or tender. Onto dinner: chicken and seafood paella. They serve it in the traditional pan. When the meal arrived, you could smell the saffron and spanish sausage. The pan was piled high with mussles, shrimp, seasoned chicken, beans, and veggies. I happily dug in over and over. I was sharing the meal as it was rather large. The prices are higher here but the portions are larger than most fine dining restaurants. For dessert we had a cream white cake. This was very different. It is a white cake with a white icing on top sitting in a bowl of sweet cream. I have to admit the texture was odd at first but when you mixed the cake with sweet cream it was amazing. Stepping away from the traditional desserts led me to something new and delcious.
(4)
Elise L.
I've been coming to Amelia island for years and I am not sure how I missed this place. All around great experience. My meal was delicious, the wine selection was good and our server was fantastic. I ordered paella and they offered to mix two types if paella for me when I mentioned my shrimp allergy. Really appreciate them accommodating me! Would definitely recommend this place and look forward to going back when it's warm enough to sit outside!
(5)
Anita K.
Great service, ambiance and food was amazing!
(5)
Marc W.
Dinner with friends turned into a night of paella and sangria that I still daydream about.
(5)
Holly W.
I finally have my Husband trying and tasting new favors! We ate at Espana lat night with an open mind after reading fellow Yelpers reviews. We are Not disappointed! We ordered a 1/2 pitcher of the sangria-yum. Not too sweet or dry, very smooth. As a happytizer(I know I know, its a Hollyism-according to my husband) we ordered the escargot. I didn't dare tell my mate that I was scared, I had my game face on. Much to my surprise IT WAS AHMAZING!
(5)
Richard N.
We've been to Espana twice now. The food is very good - not great though. It's better than most places and I would rank Espana in the top 10% of all the various places we've eaten. All of the seafood dishes we've had are good. I would though try to be seated in the dining area that overlooks the garden. Something was missing on this visit though. The quality of the food wasn't what we remembered. While not a bad place there are better choices in Fernandina Beach.
(3)
Joy C.
We visted Espana on our first night in Amelia Island for dinner. I was excited, I love Spanish food. We called ahead to make seservation since we were a group 10. The staff was friendly and the food was wonderful. My husband and I ordered Tapas. We had Entrementes, Anceitunas, Calamares Fritos, and Caracoles. It was delicious, but the Caracoles was by far the best dish. I could have had a few more plates full of them. Everyone at our table enjoyed their meals. The Grouper and Snapper were big hits. The only thing I did not care for was the dippimg sauce for the bread. It was oil with a creamy ranch like sauce. To each their own. We asked for olive oil and balsamic instead, and they quickly brought to us. Before I forget, the Sangria was very tasty. Even the non-drinkers at our table enjoyed it. It was a great meal and I would highly recommend Espana.
(4)
Jim L.
This restaurant always delivers on consistent quality and service. I always make it a point to go to Espana when in Fernandina 3-4 times per year and have never been let down. The food is outstanding, the wine list very nice and the service is fabulous. You will not go wrong on a visit to Espana.
(5)
Therese G.
This restaurant was AMAZING! The food was delicious, that atmosphere was warm and cozy. The chef, Roberto, came out and talked with us and even recommended a good place to go for brunch the following day. We are in town for the weekend and would definitely recommend this place!
(5)
Toni M.
We started with the Fried Calamari and Shrimp Mozambiquie. It was amazing. The Mozanbique sauce was divine and we kept the leftover to mop every last drop with our bread!! Our entree was the spicy Grouper (Mero A Costa Brava) WONDERFUL!!!
(5)
Christina S.
Saw the reviews from others to avoid Mosquitos. Glad we sat inside...sort of. The patio is so quaint and pretty...the inside (on weekends) is a full out zoo. They had no less than 5 parties while we were there for a romantic dinner. The ceilings are super low and the rooms very small, so we were part of the party, whether we liked it or not. The food was great. We had the paella, and the clams were the best I have ever had. Amazing. If you want a crazy fun night, go here on weekends. If you want a quiet night, go Monday thru Thursday. I might venture outside in nice weather, but scared of the Mosquitos.
(4)
Lauren S.
Rather mediocre. The salads were not good. Weird dressing and blah leaves. The shrimp Mozambique was good, the sauce was excellent. The pork, calamari, and polenta were edible but not especially good. The tiramisu was ok. Yawn.
(3)
Jill L.
We were very satisfied with our experience at Espana. Everyone loved the broiled calamari steak appetizer. Our large group was accommodated with excellent and friendly service. My entree, the grouper, was fresh, cooked to perfection with a lightly spiced sauce that complimented it in a delectable way. You will not regret coming here!
(5)
Aleida S.
I was astonished by the great service. Roberto delivered the paella and tapas to my home and I wasn't able to pay him because I had forgotten my check book. He said don't worry pay me later. I'm still in shocked. The food was great but Roberto's kindness was beyond believe. My girlfriends and I will be fans forever.
(5)
Tonya A.
Last night we received a recommendation to try Espana. We have just returned from a trip to Barcelona and were missing the tapas. What a lovely surprise to not only satisfy our cravings but to have one of the best Spanish meals ever! We started our meal with the panko crusted eggplant special appetizer along with the Mozambique shrimp. Both were excellent tapas with high quality ingredients and a beautifully plated presentation. We then had the meat paella which was outstanding. The service excellent, the staff was professional and the chef even came out of the kitchen to check on the customers....all in all ...this is a must when visiting Amelia Island.
(5)
Iryna S.
Absolutely loved it! From food to interior and service - all reminded us of Europe... The owner was wonderful, and although we didn't make a reservation, he got us seated within 15 minutes on a very busy night. And 15 minutes is nothing when you are enjoying a glass of Italian Pinot Grigio at the bar... We tried Calamari a la Plancha for start - fantastic! Spanish Paella was all one can with in paella and more! Service was fantastic - very pleasant and all for making you a happy customer. Great all around!
(5)
Michael P.
This place is everything all the good reviews say and then some!Seafood was as fresh as can be and spices were amazing.service was excellent and although I got there around closing time I was told that there was no rush and advised to relax and enjoy my meal. I would highly recommend this place if you have a true passion for authentic portugese food.
(5)
B V.
We were in town for the weekend and I found this restaurant. I am so happy we ate there. The food is unbelievable! We will be back. Tip: call for reservations because it is a popular place. I wish there was a restaurant like this in my area!
(5)
John A.
We traveled from St. Augustine to Amelia Island just to eat here . We weren't disappointed. Service was excellent only topped by the food. Try the drunkin clams, they are a must.
(5)
Andy H.
AMAZING! We had the mussels with chorizo tapas as an app and the Portuguese fishermans stew. Both well exceeded our high expectations. Enjoyed it so much we're bringing friends back next weekend.
(5)
Morgan B.
Definitely recommend if you're in the mood for some yummy Spanish-style seafood!! All the seafood I've had here is fresh (I expect nothing less from Florida!) and served with extremely flavorful sauces. Every visit I've ordered the spicy shrimp appetizer. It's so amazing that I can't pass it up! I've also had the garlic shrimp, which is equally amazing. There are pictures of both listed on this site...just looking at it makes my mouth water!! It also has really great service. My only complaint, it's a bit on the pricey side. The quaint restaurant is set in the beautiful and scenic Fernandina Beach- perfect location to explore town after dinner. You can't go wrong with Espana!
(5)
B S.
Hands down the best restaurant on Amelia Island. I've probably eaten here 20 times and have never been disappointed the service and food are excellent. Whatever is on special seems to be good I believe the owner buys as much local fish as he can and this is usually turned into the special. A pitcher of Sangria wine is a must and you can't really go wrong with anything on the menu. Enjoy!!!
(5)
Eyecant S.
A terrific place. The food was so delicious. I live in Charleston which has many great restaurants but this one is now in my top 10. Terrific service.
(5)
Melanie G.
Ordered Paella Marinero for two ($45) for take out. Got ONE tin that you usually get from Mexican restaurants when you get take out and you get one tin per order. There were 5 shrimp, a few bay scallops ( thought we were getting sea scallops), a couple of clams and a couple of mussels. Not sure on what planet or place that would serve 2. Maybe a third world country. VERY disappointed, considering they came highly recommended and it's supposedly the #1 restaurant on the island. Maybe it's better and you get more "in house". I only got a couple bites after my husband finished most of it off.
(2)
Jenna P.
My boyfriend and I decided to take a random trip to Amelia Island for the first time and to our luck, it was restaurant week. We decided to try Espana Restaurant as their menu looked delicious online. From start to finish, the service was fantastic. Wendy the hostess was helpful and accommodating as we waited for a table. We ordered a pitcher of red sangria that was absolutely delicious. Once seated, we ordered off of the restaurant week menu and our waiter Cory was extremely helpful, attentive, and had great customer service. The shrimp bisque was some of the best I've ever had. The empanadas and tamales were absolutely amazing. For the main entree, we ordered the ahi tune and the seafood medley. The tuna steak we received was the biggest I have ever gotten in a restaurant and was cooked to rare perfection, and the seafood medley was filled with different delicious seafood. From the customer service to the food, this restaurant is a 10/10. I will be recommending this restaurant to everyone we know!
(5)
Rebecca D.
Very much enjoyed this restaurant and thought it made for a great place to celebrate a special occasion. My family ordered: paella, portabella mushroom tapa, caprese style salad, wine, sangria, steak, escargot, and blue cheese salad. Everything was fantastic. Seriously. Paella was made to order, and as tasty as any. The escargot was probably my favorite, it came in some absolutely delicious sauce which I mopped up with their generous portions of bread provided. The sangria was rich and sweet, but not too sweet, and was just delicious. The seating was comfortable and you might even sit with a lovely view of the garden. Not a cheap place, but worth it for a special occasion. I think that's my reason for it not being 5 stars. Service was excellent as well, could not have asked for better. Will go back one day, and I don't live there.
(4)
Caroline K.
Beautiful dinner! Great service. We very much enjoyed the delicious meal and charming ambience. Buen provecho!
(4)
Kristin H.
We're visiting the island from NYC for several days and our first dinner out decided to try España. Very glad we did. We love great food and even enjoy discussing how we would make a dish better. No place is perfect, but this was a great meal.There were only a few minor food issues we had. Tapas: The pork tenderloin in brown sauce was so tender and flavorful. It had some middle eastern influence in the sauce we couldn't name but found delicious. I don't even know how you get chunks of pork that tender. Portabello mushroom with serrano ham and cheese. Lovely and very rich. The saltiness of the ham was a great pairing with the earthy mushroom. Shrimp with garlic was wonderful. I ate the sauce with a spoon. Potato tortilla was ok. I liked it more than my husband who thought it was dry. The moisture didn't bother me but it did have a lack of salt. However, since I don't eat wheat (allergy), it was a great source for soaking up the sauce around the shrimp. Salad: We shared a salad with oranges, apples, raisins, almonds, on a bed of romaine, with grated manchego on top and a raspberry vinaigrette. We didn't love it. The dressing was overly sweet to us and the salad was too heavily dressed. The manchego was a nice salty flavor, but not enough of it to cut through the sweet. In my perfect world there would be more cheese, less dressing (or even a different, more tart and less sweet dressing....maybe lemon or balsamic?) more almonds, more fruit and less romaine. Entrees: Husband had the beef tenderloin with spanish bleu cheese and bleu cheese sauce. Served with saffron rice and sort of a cold spanish slaw. He cleaned his entire plate. He said all he needed to cut through the tenderloin was gravity. It was so tender and the meat had a wonderful flavor on it's own. Paired with the cheese, it was heavenly. Desserts: I have spent my entire life wanting to like flan. On paper, it looks like something I would enjoy but up until tonight, I have never liked it. Their flan is extraordinary. My husband loves flan and was floored by this dish. Our wonderful server explained to us that it's his grandmother's recipe (he is related to the chef), and he was touched that her recipe won me over. We talked about how temperamental flan can be and how hard it is to get right. We enjoyed his honesty in regards to how they make it and on rare nights, it's just not quite as good but usually, it's this rich deliciousness we savored. The flourless chocolate cake was also wonderful. Not made on site, but smooth and like eating a truffle. Ultra rich, which I love. This is a minor thing but one that always impresses me: I am a tea drinker. When a place brings me water that is ACTUALLY almost boiling, I am happy. This is lost on a ton of restaurants. Most tea should be brewed just off the boil, rather than the slightly hot water most place bring you. When this can happen, it makes for a lovely experience. Overall, thrilled. Would go again in a heartbreat.
(4)
Andrew F.
Tonight was a culinary highlight. The Portuguese Fisherman's Stew may be one of the finest meals I have had in my life. The seafood was fresh and the broth was an incredible blend if flavors, with just the right amount spice. You owe it yourself to try this at least once in your life!
(5)
Robin S.
Two great salads. Excellent tenderloin with cabbage/squash/whatever veggies and Spanish rice. Great mushroom sauce. Spicy shrimp awesome. Beer list limited and you have to ask for it.
(4)
Tony W.
MAKE RESERVATIONS! Do not sit in the garden when the mosquitos are biting, around dusk. we had to leave and take or food to go, $100 worth. With that said the food was delicious! Two different paellas, one garlic shrimp tapas, one mozzarella and tomato tapas and the had the nerve to charge me$15 corkage fee! I will go back next year with the family, sit inside and split paella with my wife. Our son will have garlic shrimp tapas. That should keep the bill under $50 which is a very decent deal for their yummy food...
(3)
Diana M.
We sat outside in the garden area which was very peaceful and nice. We didn't order full dinners, just a few Tapas. The portabella mushroom was ok, nothing too special but the Sangria was a bit disappointing. My hubby had the mussels and he said they were really good, he loved the sauce. The service and the view were great, but I would say the food was average.
(3)
P J.
Walked to Espana this morning to check their hours and see if they were open Labor Day. No sign stating anything other than normal hours. Left a message to reserve a table tonight (9/3/12). No recording stating they're closed. I called the restaurant at 4:30 only to find out the recording is now stating they are closed until 9/17/12. No courtesy of calling to state they have now decided to close for two weeks!!! Bad way to operate a business folks!
(2)
S E.
Very good tapas. Great back porch and good service. Spicy garlic shrimp was fantastic...but hot. Chorizo was also very good Kids beef tips were a steal for the little ones. ..my son was gettting ticked I kept snaking them off his plate!
(4)
Perry H.
Espana is a wonderful Spanish / Portuguese restaurant located in downtown Fernandina Beach. They have many wonderful entrees and tapas dishes, and their paella is superb! My wife and I also love their sangria. The owners are very nice, and the service is always attentive. The only possible downside is that the main dining room can get noisy. There are many great restaurants at Fernandina Beach / Amelia Island, and Espana ranks at the top of our list. We look forward to eating there later this month on our next visit to Amelia Island.
(5)
LuLu M.
a definite if you're in Amelia.
(4)
Emily S.
I would like very much to give four and a half stars--four stars for dinner and five stars for dessert. The meal (pork tenderloin, goat cheese caprese and local snapper) was very good, and the service was friendly and fast. But the DESSERTS...oh goodness. I am a "eat dessert first" kind of girl, and have had desserts in hundreds of resturants but this is the first time I felt compelled to write about them on Yelp. We had the flan and the flourless chocolate cake. I am not normally a flan person, but after reading about it on Yelp decided to give it a try. This flan was rich, sweet, flavorful and absolutely decadent. Ditto for the chocolate torte. Come for dinner but DO NOT MISS dessert--take it in a to-go box if you have to! (That's what we did.)
(5)
Laura B.
Wow! Superb Service & great atmosphere! We didn't love the dipping sauce for the bread, but everything else was soooo good. We ordered the paella (the non-seafood one) & the tenderloin w/ blue cheese sauce. Oh my! We got our reservations easily through here and had practically no wait.
(5)
Kevin H.
Very good experience. The Shrimp Paella was fantastic, which had clams & scallops, also we had the Chorizo & onions and Tortilla tapas, both excellent. Good wine selection, and excellent service. Tucked away on a small side street down in the historic district of Fernandina. We will be back!
(4)
Mike T.
Excellent!!!! The first is still the best. Roberto is a superb chef and the menu is exemplary.
(5)
T.H. J.
I have no hesitation in sending you to Espana. It is authentic tapas, clearly prepared by people who love what they are doing. Two tapas an one single seafood paella (along with sangria) fit the bill nicely.
(5)
Allison T.
Espana is a quaint Spanish/Portuguese restaurant nestled off off of Centre Street (4th Street) in Fernandina Beach. They specialize in Tapas, Sangria, Paellas and Seafood. Yes, they have meat too, but I happen to find the tapas and the seafood the best main courses and the Sangria very satisfying! To access the door you have to walk around the side of the building in which the aroma of the orange blossoms lightly coats the air. Further back is a garden dining area. On this particular occasion our group chose this lovely area. (Please be aware that we are going into noseem season and the bugs can be more substantial right around dusk, although they did have several citronella candles to address the issue-although still a few pesky bugs). There is also 2 quaint dining areas inside as well as a very small bar. The side to the left feels larger and more airy and the side to the right is less lit but abounds in color. The tapas are larger than the traditional size and all were tasty. We ordered: "Tortilla Espanola" A potato crustless quiche made up of layers of potatoes, vegetables, and cheese. "Mediterraneo" A delightful mix of herbs with mozzarella slices served with sliced tomato and roasted peppers drizzled with basil infused Olive oil and a balsamic glaze. We also adventured with two of their nightly specials: One was a delicious grilled eggplant and mushroom dish- although I could have seen the dish with a tad less sauce. Second was a muscles, sausage and onions dish. Although I did not partake in this dish, my other party members enjoyed it. As I mentioned the Sangria by itself, was worth the trip! They offer homemade sangria by the glass, half pitcher, or full pitcher. It maintains the traditional healthy balance of fruit (in this case apple, orange and berry) and wine. The dessert was a delectable and rich caramel flan--- simply yummy! The restaurant opens at 5pm (dinner only) and does take reservations which I recommend if you want a particular seating area. Despite our lack of reservations we were seated quickly on a Thursday evening. Although a few items on the menu are on the moderate to high side, I would comfortably recommend this restaurant to my friends and family with a rating of 4 stars. For further information the website is espanadowntown.com
(4)
Evan W.
Great meal! Mussels were amazing. We were on the island for our honeymoon, we went to a bunch of restaurants for the five days we were there. Espana was the only one that we went to twice.
Don't let the simple building deter you. The service is excellent, and the food is fabulous!
(5)
Kate S.
My boyfriend and I spent a lovely evening here. We split a 1/2 pitcher of sangria and a handful of tapas. The shrimp in garlic and escargot tapas were phenomenal! You must order extra bread to dip in the sauce of both of these dishes. We also ordered the shrimp ceviche, but were not wild about it. It was very vinegary. We ended our meal with the tres de leches for dessert, which was a perfect choice! Overall, a very lovely and delicious evening! We would highly recommend Espana.
(4)
Caralyn B.
To start, this is a Spanish restaurant that served weak bread with rancid olive oil "seasoned" with creamy Italian dressing... That should tell you all you need to know. Sadly our meal continued at that level. The shrimp was fresh but otherwise they clearly shop at Costco...many dishes tasted microwaved, and the paella was absolutely the worst cooked most unflavored paella I have ever eaten. There could not be saffron in this kitchen. The service was very pleasant, nice wait staff. shining star of the evening, because the food appalling. Anyone who thinks this food acceptable Spanish food I question if they have eaten outside a food court. So disappointing,
(1)
Alayne G.
By far my favorite place to have dinner on the island. I have been going since it opened and the owners and staff have always been gracious and attentive. Have a seat inside or outside with a view of the garden. Have a little bread order some wine and some tapas to start off right then wait for your waiter to tempt you with the night's specials. I always go with the special it's a guaranteed homerun especially if its the lamb The menu does have it's own little gems like the paella. After all the delicious tapas and the main course you still have to find room for dessert. The tiramisu is AMAZING! Ok I will not lie all the food served here is Amazing. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Kara N.
Pargo Ole is the way to go! I went to Espana with a couple of friends one evening when I was down in Fernandina for work. I had heard great things about it, and of course my expectations were quite high. Coming from Boston, I am used to seeing this price point on menus but I am always cautious. One friend of mine ordered the Calderada de Mariscos and LOVED IT. My other friend and I didn't even get a chance to try it! He sopped up any left over liquid with bread. My other friend (who recommended we go to Espana) ordered the Vieras en Salsa Verde. He has tried almost everything on the menu but this dish so he figured he would give it a whirl. He was very pleased with his dish. I tried it and it was great. I ordered Pargo Ole and almost licked my plate. It had a great kick to it but it didn't over power the flavors of the fish. I LOVED it and would go back specifically for that dish. Service was great and I loved the local/ casual feel of the restaurant. Worth every cent!
(5)
Allix B.
We ordered the seafood paella and a few small plates to split between 3 of us. The paella has massive mussels and clams and were generally delicious. The pan was absolutely full of rice and seafood and we ended up taking enough for another serving home with us. The sangria wasn't my favorite, but everything else we had was great!
(4)
Krysten P.
Great food though it was a bit pricey for me. I've been to Spain and adore tapas but the paella is overpriced!
(4)
Kate F.
My husband and I are world travelers and foodies so we frequent numerous restaurants. We were so pleased to find this gem, Espana, and have been back twice in one week! Located in a quaint, ivy covered building with a lovely patio, they offer a fine selection of authentic Spanish tapas, entrees and a marvelous wine list. The service is more professional and personable than other local restaurants. This place beats the rest!!!
(5)
John S.
We had three selections from the tapas menu. All were good, but none great. The sangria was good enough to have again.
(3)
Paul S.
My wife and I were in Amelia Island for a little weekend getaway and decided to try Espana. We tried to make reservations but it was booked but since the town is so small we thought we could walk in and maybe try to sneak a seat. Unfortunately they were sill all booked up. About a minute from walking away the owner chased us down and gave us a table, as something fell through. My wife had the Snapper w/ Spinach and I had the Paella Valencia. Both were outstanding, we also had the Fried Polenta to start it was very good. Great Location, Great Service And Great Food. Would recommend.
(4)
Melissa R.
I ordered a few tapas each randomly consisting of some type of potatoes, chorizo, and other things I can't recall. My brother had paella which was amazing. I had the leftovers the next day and it was just as good if not better. :P
(4)
VT P.
We had a wonderful time at Espana. We sat next to the garden which was was a great diversion for my 10-year old nephew. The garden room was very bright and cheerful. The food was very tasty. We started with a few tapas. The pork tapas was savory and had a yummy sauce that my dad was scooping up with his bread. My sister and I really liked the tortilla (Spanish style quiche) which came with a tangy aoili sauce. We also had a salad with serano ham and manchego cheese which was fresh tasting. The highlight of the meal was the Portuguese fisherman stew for two (which easily fed our family of five). It was served in a clay cauldron - bubbling and hissing. On top, there were floating slices of tomatoes. It was full of seafood - clams, mussels, calamari rings (normally, I hate calamari rings as they tend to be overcooked and plasticky but these were so tender), scallops, fish, and shrimp. The stew was fragrant with a slight kick of heat. It was served with Spanish rice. We also requested more bread to dunk into the delicious stew. My nephew proclaimed that the stew was divine (high praise indeed from a particularly picky eater!). My mom who is also a picky eater and adverse to trying new things also loved the meal!
(4)
David S.
This is some of the best Spanish food I've had since living in Spain in 2001. The chorizo encebollado, ceviche, and gambas mozamique were unforgettable, as was the sangria. If I had been with others, I would have had the paella, as well. The owner, my waitress Mandy, and one other staff member talked with me for a while, as I was their last customer of the evening. I will be coming back every time I return to Amelia Island.
Best Ceviche Ever! Felt like familly when i dined, returned two nights later and loved it even more.. A True Win!
(5)
Hunter B.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner here and think Espana deserves a five-star rating. It really is the total package. We had reservations and were seated immediately. The interior has a nice, casual but classy vibe with two dining rooms and a veranda out back. Our server wasn't the best ever, but was efficient and overall did a fine job. Of course, the highlights were the food and wine. Espana has a solid wine list that focuses on quality over quantity, yet still offers a number of domestic and international choices from mid-range (e.g., Sebastiani) to upscale (e.g., Stag's Leap). We had an excellent bottle of Spanish Albarino. Terrific tapas (marinated olives, mozzarella/tomato/basil salad, and a shrimp ceviche) paved the way for exceptional entrees (grouper stuffed with crabmeat, and vegetarian paella). No room for dessert this time, but we overheard raving about the tres leches. All in all, there's plenty to like about Espana, and it's a great place to take visiting friends. Highly recommended.
(5)
Mike D.
The paella was fantastic. We had several of the tapas offerings as well. They were delicious as well. We were unfamiliar with Spanish wine and were offered a fine suggestion by one of the waters. I would definitely return.
(4)
Brenda M.
Fabulous seafood! Great service and cute ambiance.
(5)
Peter O.
I probably can't add much to the previous reviews.....however, the paella was "OK", but not knock your socks off....short on the seafood and dry. The grouper, however, was awesome. We came back a second night for the grouper.....but served with the spinach. A little expensive on the wine by the glass, but ok. Service was excellent. Overall....yes
(4)
Tom W.
excellent meal. the tapas were all very good. everyone enjoyed their entree, each was well prepared and the servings were large. dont leave without having the flan and tres leches.
(5)
Marsha L.
Charming atmosphere. Great service. Really good food. Ask the locals for the best restaurant in Fernandina and you will hear this Espana almost every time.
(5)
Raegen S.
i found the food very good. I really enjoyed the steak... they have a few tapas dishes but mostly just for apps... they have some very good spanish reds on the wine menu and the sangria is pretty good. the staff made them a 4 star over the food...
(4)
Hilary L.
I've got some mixed feelings about Espana. On the one hand, its a beautiful, cozy restaurant in a wonderful location. On the other hand, the quality of the food, service, and general vibe doesn't seem in line with the prices. When we first walked in we saw the lovely back garden and asked if we could sit outside. We were informed that they weren't seating people outside that evening, which, you know, maybe they're a little short handed or something, no problem. Then we asked to sit inside by the beautiful windows looking out on the garden. We were informed that they were not seating on that side of the restaurant [except for the large table full of people already seated there? just wait, its weirder than that]. The hostess was a little stiff about the whole thing and guided us to our table on the other side of this tiny restaurant--possibly 30 feet at most from the table we wanted to sit at but around a corner blocking the view! It was very odd, and we were joking about how slow a server would have to be to not be able to handle the distance... that is, until we actually started being served. [Slow.] It was probably a wise move to sit everyone so closely together on their part [if that's all they can handle], but still pretty annoying for a place that's this expensive. As for the food, its not bad at all [actually the paella was great, generous seafood and nice spices!], but it all seems slightly like they just decided to become a tapas restaurant as a business move. There is a really limited supply of tapas offerings and a huge selection of entrees. Again, not bad, just kind of okay. My husband was pretty disappointed in the beer list [domestic light beers mainly, with one Spanish beer--the Spanish aren't good at making beer btw] but I found the wine list to be pretty good. Like I said at the beginning, I have really mixed feelings about this place. It is cozy and fun--we had a great evening here. And the food is good, not great, but definitely good. I guess that for the price and the location I was hoping for a bit more. Although, if you're in Fernandina, I'd recommend it.
(3)
L. A. C.
We've dined at Espana about 4 times a year and were somewhat taken aback in the increased price of the entrees. Typically we order from the menu, but my guest ordered both specials which were repeated by our very apt server who did not relate the up charge for the specials. They averaged an additional $8 over their standard $20 per plate fare. My date had the Tesoro & Ensalada Queso, while I had the Sangria Salad (excellent) & the Snapper Seville. About 1/2 way into the Snapper which was obviously overly rich in butter, I began to feel queasy. We asked for the meal to go & prepared to leave after only being in the restaurant for about 20 minutes. We did not have drinks as we live 65 miles away. The total for our bill with tax was $60 + $4 in tax which seemed quite high. When I checked out bank account the next day, I noticed a 20% surcharge. Curiously enough, if you check their brochure there is nothing about a 20% gratuity & in these tough economic times 20% seems excessive for occupying a seat for 20 minutes. Checking their online website there is a note at the bottom of the menu stating "In order to support our staff, we suggest you add an additional 20% gratuity to your final bill. " CUSTOMER BEWARE, YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TIP ACCORDING TO SERVICE BUT ARE CHARGED A MANDATORY 20%. I felt so soured over the mandatory 20%, I fed the fish to my cat & the rice to my Pyrenees. Will we return? Would YOU?
(3)
TruthSpeaker I.
The bread they served tasted freezer-burned. Our salads were great - fried goat cheese over baby greens. I was surprised by the entree... but not in a good way. I wanted the beef with blue cheese, but I ordered the scallops in white wine sauce because I thought it would be less fattening. Little did I know that the scallops would be literally drenched in butter (swimming in it). I was not impressed by the dish and I wish I had known about the butter beforehand because I would have ordered the beef instead. I do not recommend the scallops. The tiramisu was not good, either. The coconut flan was good, but it was served ice cold. I would have preferred to have it warm. It was also loud in the dining room. Overall, we were pretty disappointed. I don't think I would recommend this restaurant.
(3)
Taylor W.
Espana is one of those restaurants that isn't an American adaption of a type of cuisine (Spanish in this case). I could imagine this place being in Madrid. Given this, the food is very unique to many people, and some things you might not be used to (for example... their coffee is d-a-r-k!). I think all of this makes it all the better, seeing as it is great food. It stays true to the experience.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Kasey O.
So let's just say that everything was perfect. Make sure you plan ahead to come here because they get booked with reservations. I called the same day to get a reservation for our party of 5. At this place, getting a table before 8:00 without a reservation seems almost unheard of, but the hostess was exceptional in trying to finagle the tables around in order to make sure we could get seated on our last night of vacation. I couldn't believe how committed she was to getting us seated. We got our table. The service was exceptional and so was everything we got. Everything had an amazing flavor and was cooked to perfection. I am not a huge seafood lover, but the snapper and shrimp I got were absolutely amazing. Would definitely be back! Save room for the bread to dip up all the sauce!!
(5)John T.
Reservations absolutely! This is one of the most popular and best restaurants on Amelia Island. We almost didn't get a table but there was a last minute no show so we got the last outdoor table for two. The tapas selections we made after suggestions from a very helpful waiter were delicious! Try the ceviche made with red snapper- awesome and fresh and served in lettuce bowl. The empanadas were served hot and very good. We had a shrimp dish made with a red coconut curry sauce that was outstandingly good. If you like flan you will like theirs. Good service. Good time!
(5)Debbie D.
My sister and I went to Amelia Island for a beach get away we were looking for a seafood restaurant, but ended up having the best seafood stew ever at a Spanish restaurant. It was spicy, but had the most flavor. I forgot my sweater on the way out. Since I was leaving the next day, I called and asked if they could possibly mail it to me. A big thanks to Marina for sending it back my way. Great food, great service!! We'll go back on our next visit!!!
(5)Wei J.
This was just one of the great restaurants, at which we had the pleasure of dining. Who knew that there would be so many culinary gems hidden away in an oasis in Amelia Island. The seafood cannot be any more fresh. And the seasoning is simply fantastic. I would actually skip the paella and go for some of the other seafood dishes. The scallops and rock shrimp at this place are to die for. If a dish features these items, be sure to get it. The seafood here is so fresh that they still carry the sweetness of the sea. I was in bliss with every heavenly bite. Our waiter was also fantastic and knowledgeable. He knew the menu inside and out. We would have dined at this place on two consecutive nights if we didn't already have previous dinner arrangements. Oh well. On our next visit then. We will definitely be back.
(5)Jim N.
First visit, referred by our host and the Yelp reviews. Very attractive place; friendly; we were quickly seated & attended. Outstanding house Sangria. Good salads. The grouper special had wonderful grilled shrimp & scallops, plus excellent saffron rice; however, the special sauce was very bland to my taste. My wife's Grouper was broiled but not quite as done as she prefers (probably done just right for many other diners). Lots to select from & we hope to return to try other dishes. Very busy place; make a reservation (they were turning people away on a Tuesday evening).
(3)Buckhead Laser L.
Four of us ate several tapas dishes and shared a seafood paella. Oh! And 2 pitchers of amazing sangria. Absolutely everything was excellent. Highly recommend.
(5)Harry A.
If you want authentic Spanish food, this is the place to go. Cozy restaurant with an intimate atmosphere, fantastic flavors and a great wine selection. Wife and I both have been to Spain and we love tapas and Spanish food. We were not disappointed. Service - Excellent. Originally had a reservation for 9pm. Called to see if they had anything available earlier. They gladly changed our reservation to 8:45. Then they called 20 minutes later when they had an open table at 7pm. When we arrived we were seated immediately. Our waiter was friendly with a great smile and was glad to answer our questions and talk about the menu. He gave us time to enjoy our meal without disappearing. Food - Fresh ingredients, fantastic menu and authentic ingredients. I observed the head chef make a couple rounds checking on customers and even brought a fresh fish to a table that ordered it just to show what they were getting. Shrimp ceviche and beef empanadas were excellent. Atmosphere - Lovely restaurant that feels cozy but not cramped. Perfect date location. I wouldn't wear anything less than slacks and a polo shirt. Deserts were decent. Flan was great. My tres lece had a caramel mousse and drizzle. After scrapping it off, the tres lece was good. Drinks - Unless you like wine or beer, you're out of luck. No drink menu but good selection on the wind list. There are several bars within walking distance if you want an after dinner drink. Sangria was good. Crisp and refreshing. Price - You're going to spend money. Two appetizers, pitcher of sangria, split thesis course, two deserts and one cup of coffee, and a %15 tip = $100 flat. The pitcher was $25. Did not ask if they offered military discount. We won't be eating here once a week but we will definitely come back.
(5)Jaime G.
Wow! This restaurant was magnificent! The food was delicious, the service was impeccable and the atmosphere was welcoming. We drove over for the weekend and didn't make it to the restaurant until 9:45pm but they welcomed us with open arms. The dining rooms were dim light with rustic features throughout. We ordered the chorizo, drunken clams, garlic shrimp, meat board, and paella. They start you out with fresh bread and a dipping sauce that led us into the meat board with prosciutto, cheese, olives, salami, and was the perfect start to a delicious meal. The shrimp were not overcooked and were served in the pool of olive oil and garlic and the chorizo served with sauteed onions. The clams were cooked in a savory light broth covered with fresh flat leaf parsley. And finally, the paella was filled with oysters, clams and cooked to perfection. We had to order dessert of course! I had the tres leches which was the best I've ever had. I loved the caramel drizzle and frosting. We also had the flan which was very traditional and light. This was by far my favorite dining experience in Fernandina and I would highly recommend all of the items we ordered and compliment the staff on their superb service. Whoever trained them should offer their services as a consultant for hire!
(5)Patrick W.
Wonderful food and great staff. Exceeded high expectations! Go there!
(5)Brittany M.
Me gusta/encantan las tapas espanolas! Translation, I love spanish tapas! Espana has earned their five star rating of the course of only two visits! This cute spanish-tapas restaurant is nestled between local shops and buisnesses in downtown Fernandina. Espana offers intimate outdoor and indoor seating as well as a friendly waitstaff to ensure you enjoy every moment of your visit! Upon arrival, we were promptly seated in a cozy corner and the server was very knowledgable about the daily specials. The tapas vary from seafood to traditonal style spanish cheeses as well as meats. I highly reccomend the Seafood Scallops or the Traditional Paella! Each entree was excellent and offered an exciting rollercoaster ride for my tastebuds! Dont leave yet! The Tres Leches dessert was an amazing way to end dinner on a sugary high note! I highly reccomend this spanish flavor the island has to offer!!!
(5)David C.
This was not my first visit to Espana. The atmosphere and staff are amazing and the food superb. I try to never order the same thing because everything is incredible. Sadly I am allergic to shellfish so the most amazing looking dishes I have to stay away from. Easier to get seated when you make a reservation! If you are in the area Espana is a must!
(5)Rob S.
What a pleasant and delicious dinner. We ate in the courtyard and there was a nice breeze. Scott was our waiter and he had a young and enthusiastic helper with him. We had a glass of wine and a simple but very good house salad. They served bread with a nice spice and dressing dip which was good. The bread could have been better. We ordered the Seafood Paella and Mero a Costa Brava which were both really delicious. The Paella had wonderful flavors and delicious seafood perfectly cooked. The only thing lacking was the socarrat (the crust on the bottom). The Mero a Costs Brava is a Grouper filet in a spicy brown sauce topped with panko crusted scallops. The sauce is started with a pepper base and is unique and delicious (and not too hot). We ended with an esspresso and coffee and we split a flan. The esspresso was perfect and the flan was wonderful without being gooey sweet like most. The service was excellent as was the food and atmosphere. And considering the quality, the meal was a very good value. Bravo.
(4)Ashley J.
Bottom line- Disappointed by the service & Beware of the specials!!! It's their way of rebranding spoiled food. I was visiting Amelia Island on vacation with friends and Espana was recommended by the B&B. We ordered a few tapas: Calamares Fritos, Caracoles, Chorizo Encebollado and Picadinho were good; but much to my bewilderment the "mussels special" was AWFUL, as some of them had clearly spoiled! This situation was worsened by slow service and the fact that the mussels began to emit a rotten fish smell as they sat on the table. Eventually, the waiter came and took the plate away, but no apology was offer from the waiter or anyone else; which I believe was the least they could have done.
(1)Jim C.
Don't miss this authentic Spanish restaurant when you are on Amelia. Service is outstanding and the food is stunning. The snapper with poblano creme sauce is outstanding
(5)Teri K.
The owner made a point to walk around to several tables and talk to the people there for a few minutes which is great customer service.
(5)David K.
Wonderful Tapas. The specials were truly special and it was well worth the drive. Best enpenadas that I've ever had, here or in Spain.
(5)Max I.
Good option for upper scale dining in Amelia . Good atmosphere family run biz. The owners are there with the staff paying attention to your experience. Would do it again.
(5)Justin T.
After being majorly hooked up by the hostess (nicest hostess I have ever talked too), my group of five was able to get a last minute reservation around 5:45. The waiter was very nice and the bus boy had our bread and waters refilled every time we were in need. We had two tapas; the spicy shrimp and the drunken clams. Both were out of this world. The spicy shrimp surprised me. I was expecting more a "bang bang" or "firecracker" sauce, but was presently surprises with a fresh, garden looking broth in which six succulent shrimp were delicately laid. The drunken clams were large in charge! They were dressed with a lemon garlic sauce that had generous portions of onions that complimented the clams well. I ordered the spicy grouper entree. With each bite of grouper, I debated more and more of buying an apartment in Amelia Island so I could eat at this establishment for every meal. The scallops on top of the grouper were flaky and cooked perfectly. The vegetables were incredibly flavorful. It was a Spanish culinary heaven. Two other people in my group got the fisherman's stew for two. I had to comment on their dish because when it was brought out, it created quite the spectacle. A massive cast iron bowl, bubbling broth, and a plethora of various sea creatures. I was lucky enough to try some of their food and it blew me away. I tasted flavors that I never tasted before. Next time I come, I will be sure to get this dish to myself. Service was absolutely impeccable. Hostess, server, and waiter were all incredibly polite and respectful. They aided is like we were their first priorities. Best experience at a Spanish restaurant in my life. I will make it a personal objective to come back to Amelia island, even if it is only for an evening of fine dining at Espana.
(5)Jason L.
Great prices and fabulous food! Low key places that is not stuffy but still quaint. Blue cheese tenderloin was wonderful for my wife. I had the Portugeouse stew which was unbelievably good. Best restaurant find in Fernandina yet after about 8 restaurant visits.
(4)Lauren D.
I was visiting Amelia Island for business, and of course I relied on Yelp to determine where I would eat dinner. I wanted good seafood, and Espana fulfilled that want! The restaurant is located in what they consider the "historic district," and the building looks/feels like a renovated home. It was full on a Monday night, and we did not have reservations, but luckily a reservation had just cancelled, so we were able to get a table in the main dining area. (I recommend making a reservation even if you are planning to dine here during the week.) Nonetheless, the hostess was very accommodating and helpful! Our server was equally friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. They have a couple of your typical beers on a tap and a wine list, but they also offer some various Florida IPAs and brown ales in a can, so if that is what you want, just ask! Our group ordered a variety of tapas: Gambas al Ajillo, Calamari a la Plancha, and Almejas Borrachas. I'm a sucker for shrimp, so I would say the Gambas al Ajillo were my favorite, but all of the tapas were tasty. There were no leftovers. For my meal, I ordered the Paella Marinera (my first traditional paella), and it was amazing!! They served the paella in the traditional skillet, and it was topped with fresh fish, clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, and calamari. This is a great comfort dish that is full of flavor; if you are a fan of seafood, it will not disappoint!
(5)Kaitlin C.
Yes, yes, yes. By far my favorite dinner during my husband and I's recent trip to Amelia Island. Great ambiance and DELICIOUS food from start to finish. It was busy and we had to wait a while for a table (make a reservation!), but totally worth it. Definitely give it a try!
(5)Rob C.
Recommended by the concierge and did not disappoint. We shared the shrimp ceviche, mozzarella salad, and then the snapper special with shrimp, scallop, rice, zucchini and onion and other goodness. :) Shrimp and mozzarella salad was very good and the special was excellent! Our server was very nice and helpful. The only reason we are not given 5 stars was that the hostess was not very friendly, and that seating us seemed an inconvenience to her. Definitely recommend and they should make the snapper a permanent menu item!
(4)Alcy M.
Impeccable service from all of the staff here at Espana. Our server Jeremiah was one of the best servers my mother and I have ever had. He was extremely knowledgeable of the menu and definitely did his research on Spanish cuisine. We were very impressed before the food even arrived.
(5)Tim G.
Amazing. Do not miss this place. The fisherman's stew is wonderful. Staff is great. Service is great. Wine was affordable and fit dinner perfectly.
(5)George H.
This restaurant was recommended by the owner of one of the shops. He is a foodie, and he said it was his favorite place. We were not disappointed. The service was very good and knowledgeable. My wife and I had shrimp Mozambique and shrimp Costa Brava. Both were excellent. Next we had the mussels and the special empanadas. Empanadas were stuffed with pork the chef had roasted on the green egg out back. Both also very good. Decent wine selections by the glass. We would highly recommend this place for food, service and ambience. The only negative note for us was the bread. Both of us love bread, but we didn't like the crumb. It was too soft. But, a tiny complaint considering the rest of the meal.
(5)Michelle M.
Had the antipasto to start; amazing meats cheeses and olives. Yum. Then shared the Fishermans Stew for two. Badass. The best seafood stew either of us has ever had. Super fresh, spicy, and boiling upon arrival. Had the Evodia Granache bottle to go with; paired perfectly. Our server also surprised us with a champagne split for our anniversary. Sweet!
(5)Ken L.
The grouper was fresh. The only issue was that my wife and I had the grouper and the cuts were very different. It wasn't an issue for us but with some of the people who comment and have no clue what it actually takes to operate it may be an issue for some of these yahoos. Sangria was great as well
(5)Mary L.
I come to Espana every year for my birthday and it never disappoints. Last night we decided to get tapas and basically sampled almost every appetizer they have. Everything, as usual, was delicious. They have recently upgraded the interior and it is beautiful. The owners are very nice and will do everything they can to make your experience memorable. It's just so good!
(5)Elisha R.
I dined here with a group of 12, which included 6 kids. They did have a children's menu although it isn't a paper menu, they do offer meals such as chicken tenders and fries, spaghetti with marinara sauce, and fried shrimp and fries for the kids. I had the tapas offerings of the coconut shrimp in a sweet and spicy sauce, their house side salad, and the potato, crust less quiche. My shrimp were delicious and the coconut Thai styled sauce was so good I ate the sauce even after my 6 shrimp were history. If those shrimp was all I would have eaten then this place would get a 4.5 star rating, but...the advertised crust less potatoes, cheese, and veggie quiche left much to be desired. It was very bland and probably could use a buttery crust, more cheese, and salt. The asparagus in the quiche was overcooked and I would have preferred them less mushy and with more sea salt! The salad was a salad. For this to be a "fine dining" establishment, I didn't feel like my $30 was well spent.
(3)Viv S.
Espana is the best restaurant on the island hands down. The food is so fresh, so tasty and the staff could not be more pleasant & professional. The ambiance is as fun as you want it to be, or as romantic as you wish. Order the Shrimp Mozambique, and don't forget to dip your bread in the sauce. My favorite entree is the Tenderloin with blue cheese. My husband's favorite is the Paella. Great wine list, or order the Sangria, which is delicious. Seriously, if you are looking for a perfect dining evening, look no further.
(5)Reed R.
For our first dinner at Espana we chose from the hot and cold tapas selections. Our choices were recommended by our waiter, 4 of the 5 were seafood, all were spectacular. The empanada was admittedly my first, but definately not my last. It's crust was a a baked delight with beef and goat cheese filling. We skipped desserts as the above and a bottle of Gascon Malbec rounded out our meal completely. For our next trip we will most certainly try the Fisherman's Stew. A bowl for two was delivered next to us, and it looked and smelled like an interesting choice.
(5)Sarah E.
We have been to Espana twice - once two years ago and once this past week. Both times we really really enjoyed it. The paella is delicious! The atmosphere is really sweet and cozy as well and the service was excellent. Definitely a must-visit when staying on Amelia.
(4)BenjamÃn S.
It's been long enough since I dined at Espana that the only thing that jumps out about the meal was the Gambas Mozambique - far and away the best dish (out of four) that I sampled, and based on other reviews a dish that should absolutely be ordered if dining here. The other dishes were okay - not great. One was too salty, and one had only mild flavor. Fun fact - the restaurant's acoustics trend towards the loud, and I overheard not one but *two* blatantly and offensively racist conversations at neighboring tables. Yay northern Florida?
(3)Meredith W.
Loved the food and the ambiance. Gamba appetizer was the best part of the meal. The paella was a little burned on the bottom. Otherwise we loved it
(4)Denise L.
Amazing dinner! Looks lile it is a local favorite. Make a reservation! We had the fisherman's stew, so good. It was better than any meal we had in Barcelona. Presentation was good. A relaxing 2 hour meal. Off the main street.
(5)Bee L.
Just incredible. Hospitable chef was in the front of the house making sure everyone was happy. We were impressed with the half pitcher of sangria, meats and cheeses, shrimp in coconut, salad Andalusia.
(5)Kathy C.
I am definitely a fan of Espana. Our party of 7 made a reservation for 9 PM on a Saturday. We did that for two reasons: one, we had some other commitment, so had to do a late dinner, and two, being a large party, we wanted good service and dining experience. So we figure to beat the dinner crowd. Well, good plan, BUT didn't turn out as expected. When we arrived around 8:45, the restaurant was still pretty packed. We were led to the small room to the right, where the bar is. The restaurant is pretty small, but really nice. The garden, which after dinner, we took a quick stroll, was charming. At any rate, we sat down, drooled over the menu items and quickly place our order. We were there specifically to try their paella. So between the 7 of us, we were able to order all three types of paella to share. We also tried their appetizer special, which I forgot the name, but it essentially were grilled tater tots and were delicious. We also ordered a meat and cheese tray, also delicious. The paellas were excellent. I am not an expert on paella, but I've had paellas numerous times and can honest say that these were the best I've ever had. The two-person seafood paella I shared with my sister was cooked perfectly. The portion was generous. Clams and mussels still in shell and were fresh and tasty. Every bite of the rice was mixed with some kind of seafood. I've also tried the other two types of paella and they were all great. We ordered desserts to share. They were good, but not outstanding. So I wouldn't save room for dessert the next time I go... all tummy space will be allocated to paellas....
(4)Deena B.
I had dinner here with my ten and eleven year old kids last night. Not exactly a kid friendly menu, but the point was for my kids to explore new favors. They loved it! My son had their lemon garlic chicken. It was delicious and more than he could eat. We were happy to take it home though. Their paella is always wonderful and it did not disappoint my daughter. She ordered the seafood paella. I had their grouper special. It had a creamy sauce with a kick an was served with shrimp and scallops. Delicious! We also shared their ceviche and chorizo appetizer, which were also great. Our service was great as well. This place never disappoints. Fresh ingredients and lots of flavor are in everything they make. They always have a warm and inviting atmosphere. We are lucky to be less than twenty minutes away from this gem, but if you're here on vacation this place is worth the trip for a cozy, romantic dinner with some of this island's finest cuisine.
(5)Natalie R.
Yelp led us to this gem. I have never had traditional spanish cuisine so this was a real adventure for me. The menu was pretty big and had so many things I wanted to try. After calming down and starting off right with a pitcher of sangria we selected the escargot to start. The sauce was great. I have never tried escargot out of the shell, I am not sure I liked it this way but it was by no means horrible. I believe it was preference thing. This may be easier for those who have never tried them to give it a whirl. I felt it made them too chewy or tender. Onto dinner: chicken and seafood paella. They serve it in the traditional pan. When the meal arrived, you could smell the saffron and spanish sausage. The pan was piled high with mussles, shrimp, seasoned chicken, beans, and veggies. I happily dug in over and over. I was sharing the meal as it was rather large. The prices are higher here but the portions are larger than most fine dining restaurants. For dessert we had a cream white cake. This was very different. It is a white cake with a white icing on top sitting in a bowl of sweet cream. I have to admit the texture was odd at first but when you mixed the cake with sweet cream it was amazing. Stepping away from the traditional desserts led me to something new and delcious.
(4)Elise L.
I've been coming to Amelia island for years and I am not sure how I missed this place. All around great experience. My meal was delicious, the wine selection was good and our server was fantastic. I ordered paella and they offered to mix two types if paella for me when I mentioned my shrimp allergy. Really appreciate them accommodating me! Would definitely recommend this place and look forward to going back when it's warm enough to sit outside!
(5)Anita K.
Great service, ambiance and food was amazing!
(5)Marc W.
Dinner with friends turned into a night of paella and sangria that I still daydream about.
(5)Holly W.
I finally have my Husband trying and tasting new favors! We ate at Espana lat night with an open mind after reading fellow Yelpers reviews. We are Not disappointed! We ordered a 1/2 pitcher of the sangria-yum. Not too sweet or dry, very smooth. As a happytizer(I know I know, its a Hollyism-according to my husband) we ordered the escargot. I didn't dare tell my mate that I was scared, I had my game face on. Much to my surprise IT WAS AHMAZING!
(5)Richard N.
We've been to Espana twice now. The food is very good - not great though. It's better than most places and I would rank Espana in the top 10% of all the various places we've eaten. All of the seafood dishes we've had are good. I would though try to be seated in the dining area that overlooks the garden. Something was missing on this visit though. The quality of the food wasn't what we remembered. While not a bad place there are better choices in Fernandina Beach.
(3)Joy C.
We visted Espana on our first night in Amelia Island for dinner. I was excited, I love Spanish food. We called ahead to make seservation since we were a group 10. The staff was friendly and the food was wonderful. My husband and I ordered Tapas. We had Entrementes, Anceitunas, Calamares Fritos, and Caracoles. It was delicious, but the Caracoles was by far the best dish. I could have had a few more plates full of them. Everyone at our table enjoyed their meals. The Grouper and Snapper were big hits. The only thing I did not care for was the dippimg sauce for the bread. It was oil with a creamy ranch like sauce. To each their own. We asked for olive oil and balsamic instead, and they quickly brought to us. Before I forget, the Sangria was very tasty. Even the non-drinkers at our table enjoyed it. It was a great meal and I would highly recommend Espana.
(4)Jim L.
This restaurant always delivers on consistent quality and service. I always make it a point to go to Espana when in Fernandina 3-4 times per year and have never been let down. The food is outstanding, the wine list very nice and the service is fabulous. You will not go wrong on a visit to Espana.
(5)Therese G.
This restaurant was AMAZING! The food was delicious, that atmosphere was warm and cozy. The chef, Roberto, came out and talked with us and even recommended a good place to go for brunch the following day. We are in town for the weekend and would definitely recommend this place!
(5)Toni M.
We started with the Fried Calamari and Shrimp Mozambiquie. It was amazing. The Mozanbique sauce was divine and we kept the leftover to mop every last drop with our bread!! Our entree was the spicy Grouper (Mero A Costa Brava) WONDERFUL!!!
(5)Christina S.
Saw the reviews from others to avoid Mosquitos. Glad we sat inside...sort of. The patio is so quaint and pretty...the inside (on weekends) is a full out zoo. They had no less than 5 parties while we were there for a romantic dinner. The ceilings are super low and the rooms very small, so we were part of the party, whether we liked it or not. The food was great. We had the paella, and the clams were the best I have ever had. Amazing. If you want a crazy fun night, go here on weekends. If you want a quiet night, go Monday thru Thursday. I might venture outside in nice weather, but scared of the Mosquitos.
(4)Lauren S.
Rather mediocre. The salads were not good. Weird dressing and blah leaves. The shrimp Mozambique was good, the sauce was excellent. The pork, calamari, and polenta were edible but not especially good. The tiramisu was ok. Yawn.
(3)Jill L.
We were very satisfied with our experience at Espana. Everyone loved the broiled calamari steak appetizer. Our large group was accommodated with excellent and friendly service. My entree, the grouper, was fresh, cooked to perfection with a lightly spiced sauce that complimented it in a delectable way. You will not regret coming here!
(5)Aleida S.
I was astonished by the great service. Roberto delivered the paella and tapas to my home and I wasn't able to pay him because I had forgotten my check book. He said don't worry pay me later. I'm still in shocked. The food was great but Roberto's kindness was beyond believe. My girlfriends and I will be fans forever.
(5)Tonya A.
Last night we received a recommendation to try Espana. We have just returned from a trip to Barcelona and were missing the tapas. What a lovely surprise to not only satisfy our cravings but to have one of the best Spanish meals ever! We started our meal with the panko crusted eggplant special appetizer along with the Mozambique shrimp. Both were excellent tapas with high quality ingredients and a beautifully plated presentation. We then had the meat paella which was outstanding. The service excellent, the staff was professional and the chef even came out of the kitchen to check on the customers....all in all ...this is a must when visiting Amelia Island.
(5)Iryna S.
Absolutely loved it! From food to interior and service - all reminded us of Europe... The owner was wonderful, and although we didn't make a reservation, he got us seated within 15 minutes on a very busy night. And 15 minutes is nothing when you are enjoying a glass of Italian Pinot Grigio at the bar... We tried Calamari a la Plancha for start - fantastic! Spanish Paella was all one can with in paella and more! Service was fantastic - very pleasant and all for making you a happy customer. Great all around!
(5)Michael P.
This place is everything all the good reviews say and then some!Seafood was as fresh as can be and spices were amazing.service was excellent and although I got there around closing time I was told that there was no rush and advised to relax and enjoy my meal. I would highly recommend this place if you have a true passion for authentic portugese food.
(5)B V.
We were in town for the weekend and I found this restaurant. I am so happy we ate there. The food is unbelievable! We will be back. Tip: call for reservations because it is a popular place. I wish there was a restaurant like this in my area!
(5)John A.
We traveled from St. Augustine to Amelia Island just to eat here . We weren't disappointed. Service was excellent only topped by the food. Try the drunkin clams, they are a must.
(5)Andy H.
AMAZING! We had the mussels with chorizo tapas as an app and the Portuguese fishermans stew. Both well exceeded our high expectations. Enjoyed it so much we're bringing friends back next weekend.
(5)Morgan B.
Definitely recommend if you're in the mood for some yummy Spanish-style seafood!! All the seafood I've had here is fresh (I expect nothing less from Florida!) and served with extremely flavorful sauces. Every visit I've ordered the spicy shrimp appetizer. It's so amazing that I can't pass it up! I've also had the garlic shrimp, which is equally amazing. There are pictures of both listed on this site...just looking at it makes my mouth water!! It also has really great service. My only complaint, it's a bit on the pricey side. The quaint restaurant is set in the beautiful and scenic Fernandina Beach- perfect location to explore town after dinner. You can't go wrong with Espana!
(5)B S.
Hands down the best restaurant on Amelia Island. I've probably eaten here 20 times and have never been disappointed the service and food are excellent. Whatever is on special seems to be good I believe the owner buys as much local fish as he can and this is usually turned into the special. A pitcher of Sangria wine is a must and you can't really go wrong with anything on the menu. Enjoy!!!
(5)Eyecant S.
A terrific place. The food was so delicious. I live in Charleston which has many great restaurants but this one is now in my top 10. Terrific service.
(5)Melanie G.
Ordered Paella Marinero for two ($45) for take out. Got ONE tin that you usually get from Mexican restaurants when you get take out and you get one tin per order. There were 5 shrimp, a few bay scallops ( thought we were getting sea scallops), a couple of clams and a couple of mussels. Not sure on what planet or place that would serve 2. Maybe a third world country. VERY disappointed, considering they came highly recommended and it's supposedly the #1 restaurant on the island. Maybe it's better and you get more "in house". I only got a couple bites after my husband finished most of it off.
(2)Jenna P.
My boyfriend and I decided to take a random trip to Amelia Island for the first time and to our luck, it was restaurant week. We decided to try Espana Restaurant as their menu looked delicious online. From start to finish, the service was fantastic. Wendy the hostess was helpful and accommodating as we waited for a table. We ordered a pitcher of red sangria that was absolutely delicious. Once seated, we ordered off of the restaurant week menu and our waiter Cory was extremely helpful, attentive, and had great customer service. The shrimp bisque was some of the best I've ever had. The empanadas and tamales were absolutely amazing. For the main entree, we ordered the ahi tune and the seafood medley. The tuna steak we received was the biggest I have ever gotten in a restaurant and was cooked to rare perfection, and the seafood medley was filled with different delicious seafood. From the customer service to the food, this restaurant is a 10/10. I will be recommending this restaurant to everyone we know!
(5)Rebecca D.
Very much enjoyed this restaurant and thought it made for a great place to celebrate a special occasion. My family ordered: paella, portabella mushroom tapa, caprese style salad, wine, sangria, steak, escargot, and blue cheese salad. Everything was fantastic. Seriously. Paella was made to order, and as tasty as any. The escargot was probably my favorite, it came in some absolutely delicious sauce which I mopped up with their generous portions of bread provided. The sangria was rich and sweet, but not too sweet, and was just delicious. The seating was comfortable and you might even sit with a lovely view of the garden. Not a cheap place, but worth it for a special occasion. I think that's my reason for it not being 5 stars. Service was excellent as well, could not have asked for better. Will go back one day, and I don't live there.
(4)Caroline K.
Beautiful dinner! Great service. We very much enjoyed the delicious meal and charming ambience. Buen provecho!
(4)Kristin H.
We're visiting the island from NYC for several days and our first dinner out decided to try España. Very glad we did. We love great food and even enjoy discussing how we would make a dish better. No place is perfect, but this was a great meal.There were only a few minor food issues we had. Tapas: The pork tenderloin in brown sauce was so tender and flavorful. It had some middle eastern influence in the sauce we couldn't name but found delicious. I don't even know how you get chunks of pork that tender. Portabello mushroom with serrano ham and cheese. Lovely and very rich. The saltiness of the ham was a great pairing with the earthy mushroom. Shrimp with garlic was wonderful. I ate the sauce with a spoon. Potato tortilla was ok. I liked it more than my husband who thought it was dry. The moisture didn't bother me but it did have a lack of salt. However, since I don't eat wheat (allergy), it was a great source for soaking up the sauce around the shrimp. Salad: We shared a salad with oranges, apples, raisins, almonds, on a bed of romaine, with grated manchego on top and a raspberry vinaigrette. We didn't love it. The dressing was overly sweet to us and the salad was too heavily dressed. The manchego was a nice salty flavor, but not enough of it to cut through the sweet. In my perfect world there would be more cheese, less dressing (or even a different, more tart and less sweet dressing....maybe lemon or balsamic?) more almonds, more fruit and less romaine. Entrees: Husband had the beef tenderloin with spanish bleu cheese and bleu cheese sauce. Served with saffron rice and sort of a cold spanish slaw. He cleaned his entire plate. He said all he needed to cut through the tenderloin was gravity. It was so tender and the meat had a wonderful flavor on it's own. Paired with the cheese, it was heavenly. Desserts: I have spent my entire life wanting to like flan. On paper, it looks like something I would enjoy but up until tonight, I have never liked it. Their flan is extraordinary. My husband loves flan and was floored by this dish. Our wonderful server explained to us that it's his grandmother's recipe (he is related to the chef), and he was touched that her recipe won me over. We talked about how temperamental flan can be and how hard it is to get right. We enjoyed his honesty in regards to how they make it and on rare nights, it's just not quite as good but usually, it's this rich deliciousness we savored. The flourless chocolate cake was also wonderful. Not made on site, but smooth and like eating a truffle. Ultra rich, which I love. This is a minor thing but one that always impresses me: I am a tea drinker. When a place brings me water that is ACTUALLY almost boiling, I am happy. This is lost on a ton of restaurants. Most tea should be brewed just off the boil, rather than the slightly hot water most place bring you. When this can happen, it makes for a lovely experience. Overall, thrilled. Would go again in a heartbreat.
(4)Andrew F.
Tonight was a culinary highlight. The Portuguese Fisherman's Stew may be one of the finest meals I have had in my life. The seafood was fresh and the broth was an incredible blend if flavors, with just the right amount spice. You owe it yourself to try this at least once in your life!
(5)Robin S.
Two great salads. Excellent tenderloin with cabbage/squash/whatever veggies and Spanish rice. Great mushroom sauce. Spicy shrimp awesome. Beer list limited and you have to ask for it.
(4)Tony W.
MAKE RESERVATIONS! Do not sit in the garden when the mosquitos are biting, around dusk. we had to leave and take or food to go, $100 worth. With that said the food was delicious! Two different paellas, one garlic shrimp tapas, one mozzarella and tomato tapas and the had the nerve to charge me$15 corkage fee! I will go back next year with the family, sit inside and split paella with my wife. Our son will have garlic shrimp tapas. That should keep the bill under $50 which is a very decent deal for their yummy food...
(3)Diana M.
We sat outside in the garden area which was very peaceful and nice. We didn't order full dinners, just a few Tapas. The portabella mushroom was ok, nothing too special but the Sangria was a bit disappointing. My hubby had the mussels and he said they were really good, he loved the sauce. The service and the view were great, but I would say the food was average.
(3)P J.
Walked to Espana this morning to check their hours and see if they were open Labor Day. No sign stating anything other than normal hours. Left a message to reserve a table tonight (9/3/12). No recording stating they're closed. I called the restaurant at 4:30 only to find out the recording is now stating they are closed until 9/17/12. No courtesy of calling to state they have now decided to close for two weeks!!! Bad way to operate a business folks!
(2)S E.
Very good tapas. Great back porch and good service. Spicy garlic shrimp was fantastic...but hot. Chorizo was also very good Kids beef tips were a steal for the little ones. ..my son was gettting ticked I kept snaking them off his plate!
(4)Perry H.
Espana is a wonderful Spanish / Portuguese restaurant located in downtown Fernandina Beach. They have many wonderful entrees and tapas dishes, and their paella is superb! My wife and I also love their sangria. The owners are very nice, and the service is always attentive. The only possible downside is that the main dining room can get noisy. There are many great restaurants at Fernandina Beach / Amelia Island, and Espana ranks at the top of our list. We look forward to eating there later this month on our next visit to Amelia Island.
(5)LuLu M.
a definite if you're in Amelia.
(4)Emily S.
I would like very much to give four and a half stars--four stars for dinner and five stars for dessert. The meal (pork tenderloin, goat cheese caprese and local snapper) was very good, and the service was friendly and fast. But the DESSERTS...oh goodness. I am a "eat dessert first" kind of girl, and have had desserts in hundreds of resturants but this is the first time I felt compelled to write about them on Yelp. We had the flan and the flourless chocolate cake. I am not normally a flan person, but after reading about it on Yelp decided to give it a try. This flan was rich, sweet, flavorful and absolutely decadent. Ditto for the chocolate torte. Come for dinner but DO NOT MISS dessert--take it in a to-go box if you have to! (That's what we did.)
(5)Laura B.
Wow! Superb Service & great atmosphere! We didn't love the dipping sauce for the bread, but everything else was soooo good. We ordered the paella (the non-seafood one) & the tenderloin w/ blue cheese sauce. Oh my! We got our reservations easily through here and had practically no wait.
(5)Kevin H.
Very good experience. The Shrimp Paella was fantastic, which had clams & scallops, also we had the Chorizo & onions and Tortilla tapas, both excellent. Good wine selection, and excellent service. Tucked away on a small side street down in the historic district of Fernandina. We will be back!
(4)Mike T.
Excellent!!!! The first is still the best. Roberto is a superb chef and the menu is exemplary.
(5)T.H. J.
I have no hesitation in sending you to Espana. It is authentic tapas, clearly prepared by people who love what they are doing. Two tapas an one single seafood paella (along with sangria) fit the bill nicely.
(5)Allison T.
Espana is a quaint Spanish/Portuguese restaurant nestled off off of Centre Street (4th Street) in Fernandina Beach. They specialize in Tapas, Sangria, Paellas and Seafood. Yes, they have meat too, but I happen to find the tapas and the seafood the best main courses and the Sangria very satisfying! To access the door you have to walk around the side of the building in which the aroma of the orange blossoms lightly coats the air. Further back is a garden dining area. On this particular occasion our group chose this lovely area. (Please be aware that we are going into noseem season and the bugs can be more substantial right around dusk, although they did have several citronella candles to address the issue-although still a few pesky bugs). There is also 2 quaint dining areas inside as well as a very small bar. The side to the left feels larger and more airy and the side to the right is less lit but abounds in color. The tapas are larger than the traditional size and all were tasty. We ordered: "Tortilla Espanola" A potato crustless quiche made up of layers of potatoes, vegetables, and cheese. "Mediterraneo" A delightful mix of herbs with mozzarella slices served with sliced tomato and roasted peppers drizzled with basil infused Olive oil and a balsamic glaze. We also adventured with two of their nightly specials: One was a delicious grilled eggplant and mushroom dish- although I could have seen the dish with a tad less sauce. Second was a muscles, sausage and onions dish. Although I did not partake in this dish, my other party members enjoyed it. As I mentioned the Sangria by itself, was worth the trip! They offer homemade sangria by the glass, half pitcher, or full pitcher. It maintains the traditional healthy balance of fruit (in this case apple, orange and berry) and wine. The dessert was a delectable and rich caramel flan--- simply yummy! The restaurant opens at 5pm (dinner only) and does take reservations which I recommend if you want a particular seating area. Despite our lack of reservations we were seated quickly on a Thursday evening. Although a few items on the menu are on the moderate to high side, I would comfortably recommend this restaurant to my friends and family with a rating of 4 stars. For further information the website is espanadowntown.com
(4)Evan W.
Great meal! Mussels were amazing. We were on the island for our honeymoon, we went to a bunch of restaurants for the five days we were there. Espana was the only one that we went to twice.
(5)Mel N.
I don't know about these other reviews but we had a great experience tonight at Espana and would come back again! Espana is located off of the main street on 4th street in a little house. We didn't have reservations, so when we walked in at 6pm the hostess wasn't sure if she could sit us. Apparently you should make a reservation here since it is a small place. Anyways, she said she could make it work and took us to one part of the restaurant. There are two parts to the restaurant, the right side has the patio and a big window looking out towards the patio and the left side has the bathrooms and the kitchen. We were sat on the left side (my guess is those who has reservations gets sat to the right). Our waiter was really nice, really liked him. He made sure our waters were filled and didn't overcrowd our food (we ordered tapas). A lot of Tapas joints will just bring all your food out at once (which is annoying!). Our waiter was kind enough to bring them out 2-3 at a time. It was nice! This is what we ordered: Gambas al Ajillo (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce ) Shrimp sautéed with fresh garlic, paprika and parsley Gambas Mozambique ****I Liked This Dish**** (Shrimp Mozambique style) Sautéed shrimp topped with a spicy coconut milk sauce and fresh cilantro Picadinho ****I really liked this Dish**** (Pork Tenderloin) Marinated pork tenderloin braised with garlic, onion, roasted red pepper and brown sauce Caracoles ****This Was Good too!**** (Escargot Andalusia Style) Escargot flambéed with brandy, garlic, onion and a creamy marinara sauce Almejas Borrachas ****My favorite!***** (Drunken Clams) A dozen clams, diced onions, garlic, and fresh herbs poached in white wine Overall we had a really good experience!
(5)Larry I.
Don't let the simple building deter you. The service is excellent, and the food is fabulous!
(5)Kate S.
My boyfriend and I spent a lovely evening here. We split a 1/2 pitcher of sangria and a handful of tapas. The shrimp in garlic and escargot tapas were phenomenal! You must order extra bread to dip in the sauce of both of these dishes. We also ordered the shrimp ceviche, but were not wild about it. It was very vinegary. We ended our meal with the tres de leches for dessert, which was a perfect choice! Overall, a very lovely and delicious evening! We would highly recommend Espana.
(4)Caralyn B.
To start, this is a Spanish restaurant that served weak bread with rancid olive oil "seasoned" with creamy Italian dressing... That should tell you all you need to know. Sadly our meal continued at that level. The shrimp was fresh but otherwise they clearly shop at Costco...many dishes tasted microwaved, and the paella was absolutely the worst cooked most unflavored paella I have ever eaten. There could not be saffron in this kitchen. The service was very pleasant, nice wait staff. shining star of the evening, because the food appalling. Anyone who thinks this food acceptable Spanish food I question if they have eaten outside a food court. So disappointing,
(1)Alayne G.
By far my favorite place to have dinner on the island. I have been going since it opened and the owners and staff have always been gracious and attentive. Have a seat inside or outside with a view of the garden. Have a little bread order some wine and some tapas to start off right then wait for your waiter to tempt you with the night's specials. I always go with the special it's a guaranteed homerun especially if its the lamb The menu does have it's own little gems like the paella. After all the delicious tapas and the main course you still have to find room for dessert. The tiramisu is AMAZING! Ok I will not lie all the food served here is Amazing. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Kara N.
Pargo Ole is the way to go! I went to Espana with a couple of friends one evening when I was down in Fernandina for work. I had heard great things about it, and of course my expectations were quite high. Coming from Boston, I am used to seeing this price point on menus but I am always cautious. One friend of mine ordered the Calderada de Mariscos and LOVED IT. My other friend and I didn't even get a chance to try it! He sopped up any left over liquid with bread. My other friend (who recommended we go to Espana) ordered the Vieras en Salsa Verde. He has tried almost everything on the menu but this dish so he figured he would give it a whirl. He was very pleased with his dish. I tried it and it was great. I ordered Pargo Ole and almost licked my plate. It had a great kick to it but it didn't over power the flavors of the fish. I LOVED it and would go back specifically for that dish. Service was great and I loved the local/ casual feel of the restaurant. Worth every cent!
(5)Allix B.
We ordered the seafood paella and a few small plates to split between 3 of us. The paella has massive mussels and clams and were generally delicious. The pan was absolutely full of rice and seafood and we ended up taking enough for another serving home with us. The sangria wasn't my favorite, but everything else we had was great!
(4)Krysten P.
Great food though it was a bit pricey for me. I've been to Spain and adore tapas but the paella is overpriced!
(4)Kate F.
My husband and I are world travelers and foodies so we frequent numerous restaurants. We were so pleased to find this gem, Espana, and have been back twice in one week! Located in a quaint, ivy covered building with a lovely patio, they offer a fine selection of authentic Spanish tapas, entrees and a marvelous wine list. The service is more professional and personable than other local restaurants. This place beats the rest!!!
(5)John S.
We had three selections from the tapas menu. All were good, but none great. The sangria was good enough to have again.
(3)Paul S.
My wife and I were in Amelia Island for a little weekend getaway and decided to try Espana. We tried to make reservations but it was booked but since the town is so small we thought we could walk in and maybe try to sneak a seat. Unfortunately they were sill all booked up. About a minute from walking away the owner chased us down and gave us a table, as something fell through. My wife had the Snapper w/ Spinach and I had the Paella Valencia. Both were outstanding, we also had the Fried Polenta to start it was very good. Great Location, Great Service And Great Food. Would recommend.
(4)Melissa R.
I ordered a few tapas each randomly consisting of some type of potatoes, chorizo, and other things I can't recall. My brother had paella which was amazing. I had the leftovers the next day and it was just as good if not better. :P
(4)VT P.
We had a wonderful time at Espana. We sat next to the garden which was was a great diversion for my 10-year old nephew. The garden room was very bright and cheerful. The food was very tasty. We started with a few tapas. The pork tapas was savory and had a yummy sauce that my dad was scooping up with his bread. My sister and I really liked the tortilla (Spanish style quiche) which came with a tangy aoili sauce. We also had a salad with serano ham and manchego cheese which was fresh tasting. The highlight of the meal was the Portuguese fisherman stew for two (which easily fed our family of five). It was served in a clay cauldron - bubbling and hissing. On top, there were floating slices of tomatoes. It was full of seafood - clams, mussels, calamari rings (normally, I hate calamari rings as they tend to be overcooked and plasticky but these were so tender), scallops, fish, and shrimp. The stew was fragrant with a slight kick of heat. It was served with Spanish rice. We also requested more bread to dunk into the delicious stew. My nephew proclaimed that the stew was divine (high praise indeed from a particularly picky eater!). My mom who is also a picky eater and adverse to trying new things also loved the meal!
(4)David S.
This is some of the best Spanish food I've had since living in Spain in 2001. The chorizo encebollado, ceviche, and gambas mozamique were unforgettable, as was the sangria. If I had been with others, I would have had the paella, as well. The owner, my waitress Mandy, and one other staff member talked with me for a while, as I was their last customer of the evening. I will be coming back every time I return to Amelia Island.
(5)Sheila M.
Make that 3 1/2 stars.. Espana is one of the more upscale and pricey restaurants in downtown Fernandina Beach. Located in a converted house, it's small and cozy but casual. By Fernandina standards, it might be considered a little "dressy". There's a small garden area with a few tables that would be perfect in warmer weather. Be sure to make reservations; it's popular and busy. We visited on a Friday night with a local resident who casually knows the owner. He was far too busy to recognize her though, until well into the meal. The menu offers tapas and traditional Spanish entrees. Servings were generous, especially for tapas. I started with the Sangria salad which was, as you might guess, topped with an assortment of fruit and served with a raspberry vinaigrette. For my main, I had the tapas special, a grouper ceviche served in a martini glass. It was delicious and just right for me as a small entrée. Hubby had the Tortilla Española, a crustless quiche with veggies and cheese. As a tapas offering, it was a huge portion. Others at our table had a pork tenderloin and a mussel special which was served with a spicy red broth. Both were thrilled with their choices. Service was just ok. Our server, perhaps new, seemed cool and stumbled a bit. The wine list offered an interesting and uncommon selection of Spanish and south American wines. I was disappointed when a Garnacha blend I ordered was out of stock but the Panarroz Monastrell-Garnacha-Syrah I settled on was fine and inexpensive. Looking around the dining room, Paella was a popular choice. Espagna offers several versions, with large portions served in the traditional pan. On another visit, I'll certainly try one.
(3)Haiko d.
Best Ceviche Ever! Felt like familly when i dined, returned two nights later and loved it even more.. A True Win!
(5)Hunter B.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner here and think Espana deserves a five-star rating. It really is the total package. We had reservations and were seated immediately. The interior has a nice, casual but classy vibe with two dining rooms and a veranda out back. Our server wasn't the best ever, but was efficient and overall did a fine job. Of course, the highlights were the food and wine. Espana has a solid wine list that focuses on quality over quantity, yet still offers a number of domestic and international choices from mid-range (e.g., Sebastiani) to upscale (e.g., Stag's Leap). We had an excellent bottle of Spanish Albarino. Terrific tapas (marinated olives, mozzarella/tomato/basil salad, and a shrimp ceviche) paved the way for exceptional entrees (grouper stuffed with crabmeat, and vegetarian paella). No room for dessert this time, but we overheard raving about the tres leches. All in all, there's plenty to like about Espana, and it's a great place to take visiting friends. Highly recommended.
(5)Mike D.
The paella was fantastic. We had several of the tapas offerings as well. They were delicious as well. We were unfamiliar with Spanish wine and were offered a fine suggestion by one of the waters. I would definitely return.
(4)Brenda M.
Fabulous seafood! Great service and cute ambiance.
(5)Peter O.
I probably can't add much to the previous reviews.....however, the paella was "OK", but not knock your socks off....short on the seafood and dry. The grouper, however, was awesome. We came back a second night for the grouper.....but served with the spinach. A little expensive on the wine by the glass, but ok. Service was excellent. Overall....yes
(4)Tom W.
excellent meal. the tapas were all very good. everyone enjoyed their entree, each was well prepared and the servings were large. dont leave without having the flan and tres leches.
(5)Marsha L.
Charming atmosphere. Great service. Really good food. Ask the locals for the best restaurant in Fernandina and you will hear this Espana almost every time.
(5)Raegen S.
i found the food very good. I really enjoyed the steak... they have a few tapas dishes but mostly just for apps... they have some very good spanish reds on the wine menu and the sangria is pretty good. the staff made them a 4 star over the food...
(4)Hilary L.
I've got some mixed feelings about Espana. On the one hand, its a beautiful, cozy restaurant in a wonderful location. On the other hand, the quality of the food, service, and general vibe doesn't seem in line with the prices. When we first walked in we saw the lovely back garden and asked if we could sit outside. We were informed that they weren't seating people outside that evening, which, you know, maybe they're a little short handed or something, no problem. Then we asked to sit inside by the beautiful windows looking out on the garden. We were informed that they were not seating on that side of the restaurant [except for the large table full of people already seated there? just wait, its weirder than that]. The hostess was a little stiff about the whole thing and guided us to our table on the other side of this tiny restaurant--possibly 30 feet at most from the table we wanted to sit at but around a corner blocking the view! It was very odd, and we were joking about how slow a server would have to be to not be able to handle the distance... that is, until we actually started being served. [Slow.] It was probably a wise move to sit everyone so closely together on their part [if that's all they can handle], but still pretty annoying for a place that's this expensive. As for the food, its not bad at all [actually the paella was great, generous seafood and nice spices!], but it all seems slightly like they just decided to become a tapas restaurant as a business move. There is a really limited supply of tapas offerings and a huge selection of entrees. Again, not bad, just kind of okay. My husband was pretty disappointed in the beer list [domestic light beers mainly, with one Spanish beer--the Spanish aren't good at making beer btw] but I found the wine list to be pretty good. Like I said at the beginning, I have really mixed feelings about this place. It is cozy and fun--we had a great evening here. And the food is good, not great, but definitely good. I guess that for the price and the location I was hoping for a bit more. Although, if you're in Fernandina, I'd recommend it.
(3)L. A. C.
We've dined at Espana about 4 times a year and were somewhat taken aback in the increased price of the entrees. Typically we order from the menu, but my guest ordered both specials which were repeated by our very apt server who did not relate the up charge for the specials. They averaged an additional $8 over their standard $20 per plate fare. My date had the Tesoro & Ensalada Queso, while I had the Sangria Salad (excellent) & the Snapper Seville. About 1/2 way into the Snapper which was obviously overly rich in butter, I began to feel queasy. We asked for the meal to go & prepared to leave after only being in the restaurant for about 20 minutes. We did not have drinks as we live 65 miles away. The total for our bill with tax was $60 + $4 in tax which seemed quite high. When I checked out bank account the next day, I noticed a 20% surcharge. Curiously enough, if you check their brochure there is nothing about a 20% gratuity & in these tough economic times 20% seems excessive for occupying a seat for 20 minutes. Checking their online website there is a note at the bottom of the menu stating "In order to support our staff, we suggest you add an additional 20% gratuity to your final bill. " CUSTOMER BEWARE, YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TIP ACCORDING TO SERVICE BUT ARE CHARGED A MANDATORY 20%. I felt so soured over the mandatory 20%, I fed the fish to my cat & the rice to my Pyrenees. Will we return? Would YOU?
(3)TruthSpeaker I.
The bread they served tasted freezer-burned. Our salads were great - fried goat cheese over baby greens. I was surprised by the entree... but not in a good way. I wanted the beef with blue cheese, but I ordered the scallops in white wine sauce because I thought it would be less fattening. Little did I know that the scallops would be literally drenched in butter (swimming in it). I was not impressed by the dish and I wish I had known about the butter beforehand because I would have ordered the beef instead. I do not recommend the scallops. The tiramisu was not good, either. The coconut flan was good, but it was served ice cold. I would have preferred to have it warm. It was also loud in the dining room. Overall, we were pretty disappointed. I don't think I would recommend this restaurant.
(3)Taylor W.
Espana is one of those restaurants that isn't an American adaption of a type of cuisine (Spanish in this case). I could imagine this place being in Madrid. Given this, the food is very unique to many people, and some things you might not be used to (for example... their coffee is d-a-r-k!). I think all of this makes it all the better, seeing as it is great food. It stays true to the experience.
(5)Justin T.
After being majorly hooked up by the hostess (nicest hostess I have ever talked too), my group of five was able to get a last minute reservation around 5:45. The waiter was very nice and the bus boy had our bread and waters refilled every time we were in need. We had two tapas; the spicy shrimp and the drunken clams. Both were out of this world. The spicy shrimp surprised me. I was expecting more a "bang bang" or "firecracker" sauce, but was presently surprises with a fresh, garden looking broth in which six succulent shrimp were delicately laid. The drunken clams were large in charge! They were dressed with a lemon garlic sauce that had generous portions of onions that complimented the clams well. I ordered the spicy grouper entree. With each bite of grouper, I debated more and more of buying an apartment in Amelia Island so I could eat at this establishment for every meal. The scallops on top of the grouper were flaky and cooked perfectly. The vegetables were incredibly flavorful. It was a Spanish culinary heaven. Two other people in my group got the fisherman's stew for two. I had to comment on their dish because when it was brought out, it created quite the spectacle. A massive cast iron bowl, bubbling broth, and a plethora of various sea creatures. I was lucky enough to try some of their food and it blew me away. I tasted flavors that I never tasted before. Next time I come, I will be sure to get this dish to myself. Service was absolutely impeccable. Hostess, server, and waiter were all incredibly polite and respectful. They aided is like we were their first priorities. Best experience at a Spanish restaurant in my life. I will make it a personal objective to come back to Amelia island, even if it is only for an evening of fine dining at Espana.
(5)Jason L.
Great prices and fabulous food! Low key places that is not stuffy but still quaint. Blue cheese tenderloin was wonderful for my wife. I had the Portugeouse stew which was unbelievably good. Best restaurant find in Fernandina yet after about 8 restaurant visits.
(4)Lauren D.
I was visiting Amelia Island for business, and of course I relied on Yelp to determine where I would eat dinner. I wanted good seafood, and Espana fulfilled that want! The restaurant is located in what they consider the "historic district," and the building looks/feels like a renovated home. It was full on a Monday night, and we did not have reservations, but luckily a reservation had just cancelled, so we were able to get a table in the main dining area. (I recommend making a reservation even if you are planning to dine here during the week.) Nonetheless, the hostess was very accommodating and helpful! Our server was equally friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. They have a couple of your typical beers on a tap and a wine list, but they also offer some various Florida IPAs and brown ales in a can, so if that is what you want, just ask! Our group ordered a variety of tapas: Gambas al Ajillo, Calamari a la Plancha, and Almejas Borrachas. I'm a sucker for shrimp, so I would say the Gambas al Ajillo were my favorite, but all of the tapas were tasty. There were no leftovers. For my meal, I ordered the Paella Marinera (my first traditional paella), and it was amazing!! They served the paella in the traditional skillet, and it was topped with fresh fish, clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, and calamari. This is a great comfort dish that is full of flavor; if you are a fan of seafood, it will not disappoint!
(5)Kasey O.
So let's just say that everything was perfect. Make sure you plan ahead to come here because they get booked with reservations. I called the same day to get a reservation for our party of 5. At this place, getting a table before 8:00 without a reservation seems almost unheard of, but the hostess was exceptional in trying to finagle the tables around in order to make sure we could get seated on our last night of vacation. I couldn't believe how committed she was to getting us seated. We got our table. The service was exceptional and so was everything we got. Everything had an amazing flavor and was cooked to perfection. I am not a huge seafood lover, but the snapper and shrimp I got were absolutely amazing. Would definitely be back! Save room for the bread to dip up all the sauce!!
(5)John T.
Reservations absolutely! This is one of the most popular and best restaurants on Amelia Island. We almost didn't get a table but there was a last minute no show so we got the last outdoor table for two. The tapas selections we made after suggestions from a very helpful waiter were delicious! Try the ceviche made with red snapper- awesome and fresh and served in lettuce bowl. The empanadas were served hot and very good. We had a shrimp dish made with a red coconut curry sauce that was outstandingly good. If you like flan you will like theirs. Good service. Good time!
(5)Debbie D.
My sister and I went to Amelia Island for a beach get away we were looking for a seafood restaurant, but ended up having the best seafood stew ever at a Spanish restaurant. It was spicy, but had the most flavor. I forgot my sweater on the way out. Since I was leaving the next day, I called and asked if they could possibly mail it to me. A big thanks to Marina for sending it back my way. Great food, great service!! We'll go back on our next visit!!!
(5)Wei J.
This was just one of the great restaurants, at which we had the pleasure of dining. Who knew that there would be so many culinary gems hidden away in an oasis in Amelia Island. The seafood cannot be any more fresh. And the seasoning is simply fantastic. I would actually skip the paella and go for some of the other seafood dishes. The scallops and rock shrimp at this place are to die for. If a dish features these items, be sure to get it. The seafood here is so fresh that they still carry the sweetness of the sea. I was in bliss with every heavenly bite. Our waiter was also fantastic and knowledgeable. He knew the menu inside and out. We would have dined at this place on two consecutive nights if we didn't already have previous dinner arrangements. Oh well. On our next visit then. We will definitely be back.
(5)Jim N.
First visit, referred by our host and the Yelp reviews. Very attractive place; friendly; we were quickly seated & attended. Outstanding house Sangria. Good salads. The grouper special had wonderful grilled shrimp & scallops, plus excellent saffron rice; however, the special sauce was very bland to my taste. My wife's Grouper was broiled but not quite as done as she prefers (probably done just right for many other diners). Lots to select from & we hope to return to try other dishes. Very busy place; make a reservation (they were turning people away on a Tuesday evening).
(3)Buckhead Laser L.
Four of us ate several tapas dishes and shared a seafood paella. Oh! And 2 pitchers of amazing sangria. Absolutely everything was excellent. Highly recommend.
(5)Teri K.
The owner made a point to walk around to several tables and talk to the people there for a few minutes which is great customer service.
(5)David K.
Wonderful Tapas. The specials were truly special and it was well worth the drive. Best enpenadas that I've ever had, here or in Spain.
(5)Max I.
Good option for upper scale dining in Amelia . Good atmosphere family run biz. The owners are there with the staff paying attention to your experience. Would do it again.
(5)Harry A.
If you want authentic Spanish food, this is the place to go. Cozy restaurant with an intimate atmosphere, fantastic flavors and a great wine selection. Wife and I both have been to Spain and we love tapas and Spanish food. We were not disappointed. Service - Excellent. Originally had a reservation for 9pm. Called to see if they had anything available earlier. They gladly changed our reservation to 8:45. Then they called 20 minutes later when they had an open table at 7pm. When we arrived we were seated immediately. Our waiter was friendly with a great smile and was glad to answer our questions and talk about the menu. He gave us time to enjoy our meal without disappearing. Food - Fresh ingredients, fantastic menu and authentic ingredients. I observed the head chef make a couple rounds checking on customers and even brought a fresh fish to a table that ordered it just to show what they were getting. Shrimp ceviche and beef empanadas were excellent. Atmosphere - Lovely restaurant that feels cozy but not cramped. Perfect date location. I wouldn't wear anything less than slacks and a polo shirt. Deserts were decent. Flan was great. My tres lece had a caramel mousse and drizzle. After scrapping it off, the tres lece was good. Drinks - Unless you like wine or beer, you're out of luck. No drink menu but good selection on the wind list. There are several bars within walking distance if you want an after dinner drink. Sangria was good. Crisp and refreshing. Price - You're going to spend money. Two appetizers, pitcher of sangria, split thesis course, two deserts and one cup of coffee, and a %15 tip = $100 flat. The pitcher was $25. Did not ask if they offered military discount. We won't be eating here once a week but we will definitely come back.
(5)BenjamÃn S.
It's been long enough since I dined at Espana that the only thing that jumps out about the meal was the Gambas Mozambique - far and away the best dish (out of four) that I sampled, and based on other reviews a dish that should absolutely be ordered if dining here. The other dishes were okay - not great. One was too salty, and one had only mild flavor. Fun fact - the restaurant's acoustics trend towards the loud, and I overheard not one but *two* blatantly and offensively racist conversations at neighboring tables. Yay northern Florida?
(3)Meredith W.
Loved the food and the ambiance. Gamba appetizer was the best part of the meal. The paella was a little burned on the bottom. Otherwise we loved it
(4)Ken L.
The grouper was fresh. The only issue was that my wife and I had the grouper and the cuts were very different. It wasn't an issue for us but with some of the people who comment and have no clue what it actually takes to operate it may be an issue for some of these yahoos. Sangria was great as well
(5)Jaime G.
Wow! This restaurant was magnificent! The food was delicious, the service was impeccable and the atmosphere was welcoming. We drove over for the weekend and didn't make it to the restaurant until 9:45pm but they welcomed us with open arms. The dining rooms were dim light with rustic features throughout. We ordered the chorizo, drunken clams, garlic shrimp, meat board, and paella. They start you out with fresh bread and a dipping sauce that led us into the meat board with prosciutto, cheese, olives, salami, and was the perfect start to a delicious meal. The shrimp were not overcooked and were served in the pool of olive oil and garlic and the chorizo served with sauteed onions. The clams were cooked in a savory light broth covered with fresh flat leaf parsley. And finally, the paella was filled with oysters, clams and cooked to perfection. We had to order dessert of course! I had the tres leches which was the best I've ever had. I loved the caramel drizzle and frosting. We also had the flan which was very traditional and light. This was by far my favorite dining experience in Fernandina and I would highly recommend all of the items we ordered and compliment the staff on their superb service. Whoever trained them should offer their services as a consultant for hire!
(5)Patrick W.
Wonderful food and great staff. Exceeded high expectations! Go there!
(5)Brittany M.
Me gusta/encantan las tapas espanolas! Translation, I love spanish tapas! Espana has earned their five star rating of the course of only two visits! This cute spanish-tapas restaurant is nestled between local shops and buisnesses in downtown Fernandina. Espana offers intimate outdoor and indoor seating as well as a friendly waitstaff to ensure you enjoy every moment of your visit! Upon arrival, we were promptly seated in a cozy corner and the server was very knowledgable about the daily specials. The tapas vary from seafood to traditonal style spanish cheeses as well as meats. I highly reccomend the Seafood Scallops or the Traditional Paella! Each entree was excellent and offered an exciting rollercoaster ride for my tastebuds! Dont leave yet! The Tres Leches dessert was an amazing way to end dinner on a sugary high note! I highly reccomend this spanish flavor the island has to offer!!!
(5)David C.
This was not my first visit to Espana. The atmosphere and staff are amazing and the food superb. I try to never order the same thing because everything is incredible. Sadly I am allergic to shellfish so the most amazing looking dishes I have to stay away from. Easier to get seated when you make a reservation! If you are in the area Espana is a must!
(5)Sarah E.
We have been to Espana twice - once two years ago and once this past week. Both times we really really enjoyed it. The paella is delicious! The atmosphere is really sweet and cozy as well and the service was excellent. Definitely a must-visit when staying on Amelia.
(4)Rob S.
What a pleasant and delicious dinner. We ate in the courtyard and there was a nice breeze. Scott was our waiter and he had a young and enthusiastic helper with him. We had a glass of wine and a simple but very good house salad. They served bread with a nice spice and dressing dip which was good. The bread could have been better. We ordered the Seafood Paella and Mero a Costa Brava which were both really delicious. The Paella had wonderful flavors and delicious seafood perfectly cooked. The only thing lacking was the socarrat (the crust on the bottom). The Mero a Costs Brava is a Grouper filet in a spicy brown sauce topped with panko crusted scallops. The sauce is started with a pepper base and is unique and delicious (and not too hot). We ended with an esspresso and coffee and we split a flan. The esspresso was perfect and the flan was wonderful without being gooey sweet like most. The service was excellent as was the food and atmosphere. And considering the quality, the meal was a very good value. Bravo.
(4)Ashley J.
Bottom line- Disappointed by the service & Beware of the specials!!! It's their way of rebranding spoiled food. I was visiting Amelia Island on vacation with friends and Espana was recommended by the B&B. We ordered a few tapas: Calamares Fritos, Caracoles, Chorizo Encebollado and Picadinho were good; but much to my bewilderment the "mussels special" was AWFUL, as some of them had clearly spoiled! This situation was worsened by slow service and the fact that the mussels began to emit a rotten fish smell as they sat on the table. Eventually, the waiter came and took the plate away, but no apology was offer from the waiter or anyone else; which I believe was the least they could have done.
(1)Jim C.
Don't miss this authentic Spanish restaurant when you are on Amelia. Service is outstanding and the food is stunning. The snapper with poblano creme sauce is outstanding
(5)Kaitlin C.
Yes, yes, yes. By far my favorite dinner during my husband and I's recent trip to Amelia Island. Great ambiance and DELICIOUS food from start to finish. It was busy and we had to wait a while for a table (make a reservation!), but totally worth it. Definitely give it a try!
(5)Rob C.
Recommended by the concierge and did not disappoint. We shared the shrimp ceviche, mozzarella salad, and then the snapper special with shrimp, scallop, rice, zucchini and onion and other goodness. :) Shrimp and mozzarella salad was very good and the special was excellent! Our server was very nice and helpful. The only reason we are not given 5 stars was that the hostess was not very friendly, and that seating us seemed an inconvenience to her. Definitely recommend and they should make the snapper a permanent menu item!
(4)Alcy M.
Impeccable service from all of the staff here at Espana. Our server Jeremiah was one of the best servers my mother and I have ever had. He was extremely knowledgeable of the menu and definitely did his research on Spanish cuisine. We were very impressed before the food even arrived.
(5)Tim G.
Amazing. Do not miss this place. The fisherman's stew is wonderful. Staff is great. Service is great. Wine was affordable and fit dinner perfectly.
(5)George H.
This restaurant was recommended by the owner of one of the shops. He is a foodie, and he said it was his favorite place. We were not disappointed. The service was very good and knowledgeable. My wife and I had shrimp Mozambique and shrimp Costa Brava. Both were excellent. Next we had the mussels and the special empanadas. Empanadas were stuffed with pork the chef had roasted on the green egg out back. Both also very good. Decent wine selections by the glass. We would highly recommend this place for food, service and ambience. The only negative note for us was the bread. Both of us love bread, but we didn't like the crumb. It was too soft. But, a tiny complaint considering the rest of the meal.
(5)Michelle M.
Had the antipasto to start; amazing meats cheeses and olives. Yum. Then shared the Fishermans Stew for two. Badass. The best seafood stew either of us has ever had. Super fresh, spicy, and boiling upon arrival. Had the Evodia Granache bottle to go with; paired perfectly. Our server also surprised us with a champagne split for our anniversary. Sweet!
(5)Elisha R.
I dined here with a group of 12, which included 6 kids. They did have a children's menu although it isn't a paper menu, they do offer meals such as chicken tenders and fries, spaghetti with marinara sauce, and fried shrimp and fries for the kids. I had the tapas offerings of the coconut shrimp in a sweet and spicy sauce, their house side salad, and the potato, crust less quiche. My shrimp were delicious and the coconut Thai styled sauce was so good I ate the sauce even after my 6 shrimp were history. If those shrimp was all I would have eaten then this place would get a 4.5 star rating, but...the advertised crust less potatoes, cheese, and veggie quiche left much to be desired. It was very bland and probably could use a buttery crust, more cheese, and salt. The asparagus in the quiche was overcooked and I would have preferred them less mushy and with more sea salt! The salad was a salad. For this to be a "fine dining" establishment, I didn't feel like my $30 was well spent.
(3)Viv S.
Espana is the best restaurant on the island hands down. The food is so fresh, so tasty and the staff could not be more pleasant & professional. The ambiance is as fun as you want it to be, or as romantic as you wish. Order the Shrimp Mozambique, and don't forget to dip your bread in the sauce. My favorite entree is the Tenderloin with blue cheese. My husband's favorite is the Paella. Great wine list, or order the Sangria, which is delicious. Seriously, if you are looking for a perfect dining evening, look no further.
(5)Reed R.
For our first dinner at Espana we chose from the hot and cold tapas selections. Our choices were recommended by our waiter, 4 of the 5 were seafood, all were spectacular. The empanada was admittedly my first, but definately not my last. It's crust was a a baked delight with beef and goat cheese filling. We skipped desserts as the above and a bottle of Gascon Malbec rounded out our meal completely. For our next trip we will most certainly try the Fisherman's Stew. A bowl for two was delivered next to us, and it looked and smelled like an interesting choice.
(5)Mary L.
I come to Espana every year for my birthday and it never disappoints. Last night we decided to get tapas and basically sampled almost every appetizer they have. Everything, as usual, was delicious. They have recently upgraded the interior and it is beautiful. The owners are very nice and will do everything they can to make your experience memorable. It's just so good!
(5)Denise L.
Amazing dinner! Looks lile it is a local favorite. Make a reservation! We had the fisherman's stew, so good. It was better than any meal we had in Barcelona. Presentation was good. A relaxing 2 hour meal. Off the main street.
(5)Bee L.
Just incredible. Hospitable chef was in the front of the house making sure everyone was happy. We were impressed with the half pitcher of sangria, meats and cheeses, shrimp in coconut, salad Andalusia.
(5)Kathy C.
I am definitely a fan of Espana. Our party of 7 made a reservation for 9 PM on a Saturday. We did that for two reasons: one, we had some other commitment, so had to do a late dinner, and two, being a large party, we wanted good service and dining experience. So we figure to beat the dinner crowd. Well, good plan, BUT didn't turn out as expected. When we arrived around 8:45, the restaurant was still pretty packed. We were led to the small room to the right, where the bar is. The restaurant is pretty small, but really nice. The garden, which after dinner, we took a quick stroll, was charming. At any rate, we sat down, drooled over the menu items and quickly place our order. We were there specifically to try their paella. So between the 7 of us, we were able to order all three types of paella to share. We also tried their appetizer special, which I forgot the name, but it essentially were grilled tater tots and were delicious. We also ordered a meat and cheese tray, also delicious. The paellas were excellent. I am not an expert on paella, but I've had paellas numerous times and can honest say that these were the best I've ever had. The two-person seafood paella I shared with my sister was cooked perfectly. The portion was generous. Clams and mussels still in shell and were fresh and tasty. Every bite of the rice was mixed with some kind of seafood. I've also tried the other two types of paella and they were all great. We ordered desserts to share. They were good, but not outstanding. So I wouldn't save room for dessert the next time I go... all tummy space will be allocated to paellas....
(4)Deena B.
I had dinner here with my ten and eleven year old kids last night. Not exactly a kid friendly menu, but the point was for my kids to explore new favors. They loved it! My son had their lemon garlic chicken. It was delicious and more than he could eat. We were happy to take it home though. Their paella is always wonderful and it did not disappoint my daughter. She ordered the seafood paella. I had their grouper special. It had a creamy sauce with a kick an was served with shrimp and scallops. Delicious! We also shared their ceviche and chorizo appetizer, which were also great. Our service was great as well. This place never disappoints. Fresh ingredients and lots of flavor are in everything they make. They always have a warm and inviting atmosphere. We are lucky to be less than twenty minutes away from this gem, but if you're here on vacation this place is worth the trip for a cozy, romantic dinner with some of this island's finest cuisine.
(5)Natalie R.
Yelp led us to this gem. I have never had traditional spanish cuisine so this was a real adventure for me. The menu was pretty big and had so many things I wanted to try. After calming down and starting off right with a pitcher of sangria we selected the escargot to start. The sauce was great. I have never tried escargot out of the shell, I am not sure I liked it this way but it was by no means horrible. I believe it was preference thing. This may be easier for those who have never tried them to give it a whirl. I felt it made them too chewy or tender. Onto dinner: chicken and seafood paella. They serve it in the traditional pan. When the meal arrived, you could smell the saffron and spanish sausage. The pan was piled high with mussles, shrimp, seasoned chicken, beans, and veggies. I happily dug in over and over. I was sharing the meal as it was rather large. The prices are higher here but the portions are larger than most fine dining restaurants. For dessert we had a cream white cake. This was very different. It is a white cake with a white icing on top sitting in a bowl of sweet cream. I have to admit the texture was odd at first but when you mixed the cake with sweet cream it was amazing. Stepping away from the traditional desserts led me to something new and delcious.
(4)Elise L.
I've been coming to Amelia island for years and I am not sure how I missed this place. All around great experience. My meal was delicious, the wine selection was good and our server was fantastic. I ordered paella and they offered to mix two types if paella for me when I mentioned my shrimp allergy. Really appreciate them accommodating me! Would definitely recommend this place and look forward to going back when it's warm enough to sit outside!
(5)Anita K.
Great service, ambiance and food was amazing!
(5)Marc W.
Dinner with friends turned into a night of paella and sangria that I still daydream about.
(5)Holly W.
I finally have my Husband trying and tasting new favors! We ate at Espana lat night with an open mind after reading fellow Yelpers reviews. We are Not disappointed! We ordered a 1/2 pitcher of the sangria-yum. Not too sweet or dry, very smooth. As a happytizer(I know I know, its a Hollyism-according to my husband) we ordered the escargot. I didn't dare tell my mate that I was scared, I had my game face on. Much to my surprise IT WAS AHMAZING!
(5)Richard N.
We've been to Espana twice now. The food is very good - not great though. It's better than most places and I would rank Espana in the top 10% of all the various places we've eaten. All of the seafood dishes we've had are good. I would though try to be seated in the dining area that overlooks the garden. Something was missing on this visit though. The quality of the food wasn't what we remembered. While not a bad place there are better choices in Fernandina Beach.
(3)Joy C.
We visted Espana on our first night in Amelia Island for dinner. I was excited, I love Spanish food. We called ahead to make seservation since we were a group 10. The staff was friendly and the food was wonderful. My husband and I ordered Tapas. We had Entrementes, Anceitunas, Calamares Fritos, and Caracoles. It was delicious, but the Caracoles was by far the best dish. I could have had a few more plates full of them. Everyone at our table enjoyed their meals. The Grouper and Snapper were big hits. The only thing I did not care for was the dippimg sauce for the bread. It was oil with a creamy ranch like sauce. To each their own. We asked for olive oil and balsamic instead, and they quickly brought to us. Before I forget, the Sangria was very tasty. Even the non-drinkers at our table enjoyed it. It was a great meal and I would highly recommend Espana.
(4)Jim L.
This restaurant always delivers on consistent quality and service. I always make it a point to go to Espana when in Fernandina 3-4 times per year and have never been let down. The food is outstanding, the wine list very nice and the service is fabulous. You will not go wrong on a visit to Espana.
(5)Therese G.
This restaurant was AMAZING! The food was delicious, that atmosphere was warm and cozy. The chef, Roberto, came out and talked with us and even recommended a good place to go for brunch the following day. We are in town for the weekend and would definitely recommend this place!
(5)Toni M.
We started with the Fried Calamari and Shrimp Mozambiquie. It was amazing. The Mozanbique sauce was divine and we kept the leftover to mop every last drop with our bread!! Our entree was the spicy Grouper (Mero A Costa Brava) WONDERFUL!!!
(5)Christina S.
Saw the reviews from others to avoid Mosquitos. Glad we sat inside...sort of. The patio is so quaint and pretty...the inside (on weekends) is a full out zoo. They had no less than 5 parties while we were there for a romantic dinner. The ceilings are super low and the rooms very small, so we were part of the party, whether we liked it or not. The food was great. We had the paella, and the clams were the best I have ever had. Amazing. If you want a crazy fun night, go here on weekends. If you want a quiet night, go Monday thru Thursday. I might venture outside in nice weather, but scared of the Mosquitos.
(4)Lauren S.
Rather mediocre. The salads were not good. Weird dressing and blah leaves. The shrimp Mozambique was good, the sauce was excellent. The pork, calamari, and polenta were edible but not especially good. The tiramisu was ok. Yawn.
(3)Jill L.
We were very satisfied with our experience at Espana. Everyone loved the broiled calamari steak appetizer. Our large group was accommodated with excellent and friendly service. My entree, the grouper, was fresh, cooked to perfection with a lightly spiced sauce that complimented it in a delectable way. You will not regret coming here!
(5)Aleida S.
I was astonished by the great service. Roberto delivered the paella and tapas to my home and I wasn't able to pay him because I had forgotten my check book. He said don't worry pay me later. I'm still in shocked. The food was great but Roberto's kindness was beyond believe. My girlfriends and I will be fans forever.
(5)Tonya A.
Last night we received a recommendation to try Espana. We have just returned from a trip to Barcelona and were missing the tapas. What a lovely surprise to not only satisfy our cravings but to have one of the best Spanish meals ever! We started our meal with the panko crusted eggplant special appetizer along with the Mozambique shrimp. Both were excellent tapas with high quality ingredients and a beautifully plated presentation. We then had the meat paella which was outstanding. The service excellent, the staff was professional and the chef even came out of the kitchen to check on the customers....all in all ...this is a must when visiting Amelia Island.
(5)Iryna S.
Absolutely loved it! From food to interior and service - all reminded us of Europe... The owner was wonderful, and although we didn't make a reservation, he got us seated within 15 minutes on a very busy night. And 15 minutes is nothing when you are enjoying a glass of Italian Pinot Grigio at the bar... We tried Calamari a la Plancha for start - fantastic! Spanish Paella was all one can with in paella and more! Service was fantastic - very pleasant and all for making you a happy customer. Great all around!
(5)Michael P.
This place is everything all the good reviews say and then some!Seafood was as fresh as can be and spices were amazing.service was excellent and although I got there around closing time I was told that there was no rush and advised to relax and enjoy my meal. I would highly recommend this place if you have a true passion for authentic portugese food.
(5)B V.
We were in town for the weekend and I found this restaurant. I am so happy we ate there. The food is unbelievable! We will be back. Tip: call for reservations because it is a popular place. I wish there was a restaurant like this in my area!
(5)John A.
We traveled from St. Augustine to Amelia Island just to eat here . We weren't disappointed. Service was excellent only topped by the food. Try the drunkin clams, they are a must.
(5)Andy H.
AMAZING! We had the mussels with chorizo tapas as an app and the Portuguese fishermans stew. Both well exceeded our high expectations. Enjoyed it so much we're bringing friends back next weekend.
(5)Morgan B.
Definitely recommend if you're in the mood for some yummy Spanish-style seafood!! All the seafood I've had here is fresh (I expect nothing less from Florida!) and served with extremely flavorful sauces. Every visit I've ordered the spicy shrimp appetizer. It's so amazing that I can't pass it up! I've also had the garlic shrimp, which is equally amazing. There are pictures of both listed on this site...just looking at it makes my mouth water!! It also has really great service. My only complaint, it's a bit on the pricey side. The quaint restaurant is set in the beautiful and scenic Fernandina Beach- perfect location to explore town after dinner. You can't go wrong with Espana!
(5)B S.
Hands down the best restaurant on Amelia Island. I've probably eaten here 20 times and have never been disappointed the service and food are excellent. Whatever is on special seems to be good I believe the owner buys as much local fish as he can and this is usually turned into the special. A pitcher of Sangria wine is a must and you can't really go wrong with anything on the menu. Enjoy!!!
(5)Eyecant S.
A terrific place. The food was so delicious. I live in Charleston which has many great restaurants but this one is now in my top 10. Terrific service.
(5)Melanie G.
Ordered Paella Marinero for two ($45) for take out. Got ONE tin that you usually get from Mexican restaurants when you get take out and you get one tin per order. There were 5 shrimp, a few bay scallops ( thought we were getting sea scallops), a couple of clams and a couple of mussels. Not sure on what planet or place that would serve 2. Maybe a third world country. VERY disappointed, considering they came highly recommended and it's supposedly the #1 restaurant on the island. Maybe it's better and you get more "in house". I only got a couple bites after my husband finished most of it off.
(2)Jenna P.
My boyfriend and I decided to take a random trip to Amelia Island for the first time and to our luck, it was restaurant week. We decided to try Espana Restaurant as their menu looked delicious online. From start to finish, the service was fantastic. Wendy the hostess was helpful and accommodating as we waited for a table. We ordered a pitcher of red sangria that was absolutely delicious. Once seated, we ordered off of the restaurant week menu and our waiter Cory was extremely helpful, attentive, and had great customer service. The shrimp bisque was some of the best I've ever had. The empanadas and tamales were absolutely amazing. For the main entree, we ordered the ahi tune and the seafood medley. The tuna steak we received was the biggest I have ever gotten in a restaurant and was cooked to rare perfection, and the seafood medley was filled with different delicious seafood. From the customer service to the food, this restaurant is a 10/10. I will be recommending this restaurant to everyone we know!
(5)Rebecca D.
Very much enjoyed this restaurant and thought it made for a great place to celebrate a special occasion. My family ordered: paella, portabella mushroom tapa, caprese style salad, wine, sangria, steak, escargot, and blue cheese salad. Everything was fantastic. Seriously. Paella was made to order, and as tasty as any. The escargot was probably my favorite, it came in some absolutely delicious sauce which I mopped up with their generous portions of bread provided. The sangria was rich and sweet, but not too sweet, and was just delicious. The seating was comfortable and you might even sit with a lovely view of the garden. Not a cheap place, but worth it for a special occasion. I think that's my reason for it not being 5 stars. Service was excellent as well, could not have asked for better. Will go back one day, and I don't live there.
(4)Caroline K.
Beautiful dinner! Great service. We very much enjoyed the delicious meal and charming ambience. Buen provecho!
(4)Kristin H.
We're visiting the island from NYC for several days and our first dinner out decided to try España. Very glad we did. We love great food and even enjoy discussing how we would make a dish better. No place is perfect, but this was a great meal.There were only a few minor food issues we had. Tapas: The pork tenderloin in brown sauce was so tender and flavorful. It had some middle eastern influence in the sauce we couldn't name but found delicious. I don't even know how you get chunks of pork that tender. Portabello mushroom with serrano ham and cheese. Lovely and very rich. The saltiness of the ham was a great pairing with the earthy mushroom. Shrimp with garlic was wonderful. I ate the sauce with a spoon. Potato tortilla was ok. I liked it more than my husband who thought it was dry. The moisture didn't bother me but it did have a lack of salt. However, since I don't eat wheat (allergy), it was a great source for soaking up the sauce around the shrimp. Salad: We shared a salad with oranges, apples, raisins, almonds, on a bed of romaine, with grated manchego on top and a raspberry vinaigrette. We didn't love it. The dressing was overly sweet to us and the salad was too heavily dressed. The manchego was a nice salty flavor, but not enough of it to cut through the sweet. In my perfect world there would be more cheese, less dressing (or even a different, more tart and less sweet dressing....maybe lemon or balsamic?) more almonds, more fruit and less romaine. Entrees: Husband had the beef tenderloin with spanish bleu cheese and bleu cheese sauce. Served with saffron rice and sort of a cold spanish slaw. He cleaned his entire plate. He said all he needed to cut through the tenderloin was gravity. It was so tender and the meat had a wonderful flavor on it's own. Paired with the cheese, it was heavenly. Desserts: I have spent my entire life wanting to like flan. On paper, it looks like something I would enjoy but up until tonight, I have never liked it. Their flan is extraordinary. My husband loves flan and was floored by this dish. Our wonderful server explained to us that it's his grandmother's recipe (he is related to the chef), and he was touched that her recipe won me over. We talked about how temperamental flan can be and how hard it is to get right. We enjoyed his honesty in regards to how they make it and on rare nights, it's just not quite as good but usually, it's this rich deliciousness we savored. The flourless chocolate cake was also wonderful. Not made on site, but smooth and like eating a truffle. Ultra rich, which I love. This is a minor thing but one that always impresses me: I am a tea drinker. When a place brings me water that is ACTUALLY almost boiling, I am happy. This is lost on a ton of restaurants. Most tea should be brewed just off the boil, rather than the slightly hot water most place bring you. When this can happen, it makes for a lovely experience. Overall, thrilled. Would go again in a heartbreat.
(4)Andrew F.
Tonight was a culinary highlight. The Portuguese Fisherman's Stew may be one of the finest meals I have had in my life. The seafood was fresh and the broth was an incredible blend if flavors, with just the right amount spice. You owe it yourself to try this at least once in your life!
(5)Robin S.
Two great salads. Excellent tenderloin with cabbage/squash/whatever veggies and Spanish rice. Great mushroom sauce. Spicy shrimp awesome. Beer list limited and you have to ask for it.
(4)Tony W.
MAKE RESERVATIONS! Do not sit in the garden when the mosquitos are biting, around dusk. we had to leave and take or food to go, $100 worth. With that said the food was delicious! Two different paellas, one garlic shrimp tapas, one mozzarella and tomato tapas and the had the nerve to charge me$15 corkage fee! I will go back next year with the family, sit inside and split paella with my wife. Our son will have garlic shrimp tapas. That should keep the bill under $50 which is a very decent deal for their yummy food...
(3)Diana M.
We sat outside in the garden area which was very peaceful and nice. We didn't order full dinners, just a few Tapas. The portabella mushroom was ok, nothing too special but the Sangria was a bit disappointing. My hubby had the mussels and he said they were really good, he loved the sauce. The service and the view were great, but I would say the food was average.
(3)P J.
Walked to Espana this morning to check their hours and see if they were open Labor Day. No sign stating anything other than normal hours. Left a message to reserve a table tonight (9/3/12). No recording stating they're closed. I called the restaurant at 4:30 only to find out the recording is now stating they are closed until 9/17/12. No courtesy of calling to state they have now decided to close for two weeks!!! Bad way to operate a business folks!
(2)S E.
Very good tapas. Great back porch and good service. Spicy garlic shrimp was fantastic...but hot. Chorizo was also very good Kids beef tips were a steal for the little ones. ..my son was gettting ticked I kept snaking them off his plate!
(4)Perry H.
Espana is a wonderful Spanish / Portuguese restaurant located in downtown Fernandina Beach. They have many wonderful entrees and tapas dishes, and their paella is superb! My wife and I also love their sangria. The owners are very nice, and the service is always attentive. The only possible downside is that the main dining room can get noisy. There are many great restaurants at Fernandina Beach / Amelia Island, and Espana ranks at the top of our list. We look forward to eating there later this month on our next visit to Amelia Island.
(5)LuLu M.
a definite if you're in Amelia.
(4)Emily S.
I would like very much to give four and a half stars--four stars for dinner and five stars for dessert. The meal (pork tenderloin, goat cheese caprese and local snapper) was very good, and the service was friendly and fast. But the DESSERTS...oh goodness. I am a "eat dessert first" kind of girl, and have had desserts in hundreds of resturants but this is the first time I felt compelled to write about them on Yelp. We had the flan and the flourless chocolate cake. I am not normally a flan person, but after reading about it on Yelp decided to give it a try. This flan was rich, sweet, flavorful and absolutely decadent. Ditto for the chocolate torte. Come for dinner but DO NOT MISS dessert--take it in a to-go box if you have to! (That's what we did.)
(5)Laura B.
Wow! Superb Service & great atmosphere! We didn't love the dipping sauce for the bread, but everything else was soooo good. We ordered the paella (the non-seafood one) & the tenderloin w/ blue cheese sauce. Oh my! We got our reservations easily through here and had practically no wait.
(5)Kevin H.
Very good experience. The Shrimp Paella was fantastic, which had clams & scallops, also we had the Chorizo & onions and Tortilla tapas, both excellent. Good wine selection, and excellent service. Tucked away on a small side street down in the historic district of Fernandina. We will be back!
(4)Mike T.
Excellent!!!! The first is still the best. Roberto is a superb chef and the menu is exemplary.
(5)T.H. J.
I have no hesitation in sending you to Espana. It is authentic tapas, clearly prepared by people who love what they are doing. Two tapas an one single seafood paella (along with sangria) fit the bill nicely.
(5)Allison T.
Espana is a quaint Spanish/Portuguese restaurant nestled off off of Centre Street (4th Street) in Fernandina Beach. They specialize in Tapas, Sangria, Paellas and Seafood. Yes, they have meat too, but I happen to find the tapas and the seafood the best main courses and the Sangria very satisfying! To access the door you have to walk around the side of the building in which the aroma of the orange blossoms lightly coats the air. Further back is a garden dining area. On this particular occasion our group chose this lovely area. (Please be aware that we are going into noseem season and the bugs can be more substantial right around dusk, although they did have several citronella candles to address the issue-although still a few pesky bugs). There is also 2 quaint dining areas inside as well as a very small bar. The side to the left feels larger and more airy and the side to the right is less lit but abounds in color. The tapas are larger than the traditional size and all were tasty. We ordered: "Tortilla Espanola" A potato crustless quiche made up of layers of potatoes, vegetables, and cheese. "Mediterraneo" A delightful mix of herbs with mozzarella slices served with sliced tomato and roasted peppers drizzled with basil infused Olive oil and a balsamic glaze. We also adventured with two of their nightly specials: One was a delicious grilled eggplant and mushroom dish- although I could have seen the dish with a tad less sauce. Second was a muscles, sausage and onions dish. Although I did not partake in this dish, my other party members enjoyed it. As I mentioned the Sangria by itself, was worth the trip! They offer homemade sangria by the glass, half pitcher, or full pitcher. It maintains the traditional healthy balance of fruit (in this case apple, orange and berry) and wine. The dessert was a delectable and rich caramel flan--- simply yummy! The restaurant opens at 5pm (dinner only) and does take reservations which I recommend if you want a particular seating area. Despite our lack of reservations we were seated quickly on a Thursday evening. Although a few items on the menu are on the moderate to high side, I would comfortably recommend this restaurant to my friends and family with a rating of 4 stars. For further information the website is espanadowntown.com
(4)Evan W.
Great meal! Mussels were amazing. We were on the island for our honeymoon, we went to a bunch of restaurants for the five days we were there. Espana was the only one that we went to twice.
(5)Mel N.
I don't know about these other reviews but we had a great experience tonight at Espana and would come back again! Espana is located off of the main street on 4th street in a little house. We didn't have reservations, so when we walked in at 6pm the hostess wasn't sure if she could sit us. Apparently you should make a reservation here since it is a small place. Anyways, she said she could make it work and took us to one part of the restaurant. There are two parts to the restaurant, the right side has the patio and a big window looking out towards the patio and the left side has the bathrooms and the kitchen. We were sat on the left side (my guess is those who has reservations gets sat to the right). Our waiter was really nice, really liked him. He made sure our waters were filled and didn't overcrowd our food (we ordered tapas). A lot of Tapas joints will just bring all your food out at once (which is annoying!). Our waiter was kind enough to bring them out 2-3 at a time. It was nice! This is what we ordered: Gambas al Ajillo (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce ) Shrimp sautéed with fresh garlic, paprika and parsley Gambas Mozambique ****I Liked This Dish**** (Shrimp Mozambique style) Sautéed shrimp topped with a spicy coconut milk sauce and fresh cilantro Picadinho ****I really liked this Dish**** (Pork Tenderloin) Marinated pork tenderloin braised with garlic, onion, roasted red pepper and brown sauce Caracoles ****This Was Good too!**** (Escargot Andalusia Style) Escargot flambéed with brandy, garlic, onion and a creamy marinara sauce Almejas Borrachas ****My favorite!***** (Drunken Clams) A dozen clams, diced onions, garlic, and fresh herbs poached in white wine Overall we had a really good experience!
(5)Larry I.
Don't let the simple building deter you. The service is excellent, and the food is fabulous!
(5)Kate S.
My boyfriend and I spent a lovely evening here. We split a 1/2 pitcher of sangria and a handful of tapas. The shrimp in garlic and escargot tapas were phenomenal! You must order extra bread to dip in the sauce of both of these dishes. We also ordered the shrimp ceviche, but were not wild about it. It was very vinegary. We ended our meal with the tres de leches for dessert, which was a perfect choice! Overall, a very lovely and delicious evening! We would highly recommend Espana.
(4)Caralyn B.
To start, this is a Spanish restaurant that served weak bread with rancid olive oil "seasoned" with creamy Italian dressing... That should tell you all you need to know. Sadly our meal continued at that level. The shrimp was fresh but otherwise they clearly shop at Costco...many dishes tasted microwaved, and the paella was absolutely the worst cooked most unflavored paella I have ever eaten. There could not be saffron in this kitchen. The service was very pleasant, nice wait staff. shining star of the evening, because the food appalling. Anyone who thinks this food acceptable Spanish food I question if they have eaten outside a food court. So disappointing,
(1)Alayne G.
By far my favorite place to have dinner on the island. I have been going since it opened and the owners and staff have always been gracious and attentive. Have a seat inside or outside with a view of the garden. Have a little bread order some wine and some tapas to start off right then wait for your waiter to tempt you with the night's specials. I always go with the special it's a guaranteed homerun especially if its the lamb The menu does have it's own little gems like the paella. After all the delicious tapas and the main course you still have to find room for dessert. The tiramisu is AMAZING! Ok I will not lie all the food served here is Amazing. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Kara N.
Pargo Ole is the way to go! I went to Espana with a couple of friends one evening when I was down in Fernandina for work. I had heard great things about it, and of course my expectations were quite high. Coming from Boston, I am used to seeing this price point on menus but I am always cautious. One friend of mine ordered the Calderada de Mariscos and LOVED IT. My other friend and I didn't even get a chance to try it! He sopped up any left over liquid with bread. My other friend (who recommended we go to Espana) ordered the Vieras en Salsa Verde. He has tried almost everything on the menu but this dish so he figured he would give it a whirl. He was very pleased with his dish. I tried it and it was great. I ordered Pargo Ole and almost licked my plate. It had a great kick to it but it didn't over power the flavors of the fish. I LOVED it and would go back specifically for that dish. Service was great and I loved the local/ casual feel of the restaurant. Worth every cent!
(5)Allix B.
We ordered the seafood paella and a few small plates to split between 3 of us. The paella has massive mussels and clams and were generally delicious. The pan was absolutely full of rice and seafood and we ended up taking enough for another serving home with us. The sangria wasn't my favorite, but everything else we had was great!
(4)Krysten P.
Great food though it was a bit pricey for me. I've been to Spain and adore tapas but the paella is overpriced!
(4)Kate F.
My husband and I are world travelers and foodies so we frequent numerous restaurants. We were so pleased to find this gem, Espana, and have been back twice in one week! Located in a quaint, ivy covered building with a lovely patio, they offer a fine selection of authentic Spanish tapas, entrees and a marvelous wine list. The service is more professional and personable than other local restaurants. This place beats the rest!!!
(5)John S.
We had three selections from the tapas menu. All were good, but none great. The sangria was good enough to have again.
(3)Paul S.
My wife and I were in Amelia Island for a little weekend getaway and decided to try Espana. We tried to make reservations but it was booked but since the town is so small we thought we could walk in and maybe try to sneak a seat. Unfortunately they were sill all booked up. About a minute from walking away the owner chased us down and gave us a table, as something fell through. My wife had the Snapper w/ Spinach and I had the Paella Valencia. Both were outstanding, we also had the Fried Polenta to start it was very good. Great Location, Great Service And Great Food. Would recommend.
(4)Melissa R.
I ordered a few tapas each randomly consisting of some type of potatoes, chorizo, and other things I can't recall. My brother had paella which was amazing. I had the leftovers the next day and it was just as good if not better. :P
(4)VT P.
We had a wonderful time at Espana. We sat next to the garden which was was a great diversion for my 10-year old nephew. The garden room was very bright and cheerful. The food was very tasty. We started with a few tapas. The pork tapas was savory and had a yummy sauce that my dad was scooping up with his bread. My sister and I really liked the tortilla (Spanish style quiche) which came with a tangy aoili sauce. We also had a salad with serano ham and manchego cheese which was fresh tasting. The highlight of the meal was the Portuguese fisherman stew for two (which easily fed our family of five). It was served in a clay cauldron - bubbling and hissing. On top, there were floating slices of tomatoes. It was full of seafood - clams, mussels, calamari rings (normally, I hate calamari rings as they tend to be overcooked and plasticky but these were so tender), scallops, fish, and shrimp. The stew was fragrant with a slight kick of heat. It was served with Spanish rice. We also requested more bread to dunk into the delicious stew. My nephew proclaimed that the stew was divine (high praise indeed from a particularly picky eater!). My mom who is also a picky eater and adverse to trying new things also loved the meal!
(4)David S.
This is some of the best Spanish food I've had since living in Spain in 2001. The chorizo encebollado, ceviche, and gambas mozamique were unforgettable, as was the sangria. If I had been with others, I would have had the paella, as well. The owner, my waitress Mandy, and one other staff member talked with me for a while, as I was their last customer of the evening. I will be coming back every time I return to Amelia Island.
(5)Sheila M.
Make that 3 1/2 stars.. Espana is one of the more upscale and pricey restaurants in downtown Fernandina Beach. Located in a converted house, it's small and cozy but casual. By Fernandina standards, it might be considered a little "dressy". There's a small garden area with a few tables that would be perfect in warmer weather. Be sure to make reservations; it's popular and busy. We visited on a Friday night with a local resident who casually knows the owner. He was far too busy to recognize her though, until well into the meal. The menu offers tapas and traditional Spanish entrees. Servings were generous, especially for tapas. I started with the Sangria salad which was, as you might guess, topped with an assortment of fruit and served with a raspberry vinaigrette. For my main, I had the tapas special, a grouper ceviche served in a martini glass. It was delicious and just right for me as a small entrée. Hubby had the Tortilla Española, a crustless quiche with veggies and cheese. As a tapas offering, it was a huge portion. Others at our table had a pork tenderloin and a mussel special which was served with a spicy red broth. Both were thrilled with their choices. Service was just ok. Our server, perhaps new, seemed cool and stumbled a bit. The wine list offered an interesting and uncommon selection of Spanish and south American wines. I was disappointed when a Garnacha blend I ordered was out of stock but the Panarroz Monastrell-Garnacha-Syrah I settled on was fine and inexpensive. Looking around the dining room, Paella was a popular choice. Espagna offers several versions, with large portions served in the traditional pan. On another visit, I'll certainly try one.
(3)Haiko d.
Best Ceviche Ever! Felt like familly when i dined, returned two nights later and loved it even more.. A True Win!
(5)Hunter B.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner here and think Espana deserves a five-star rating. It really is the total package. We had reservations and were seated immediately. The interior has a nice, casual but classy vibe with two dining rooms and a veranda out back. Our server wasn't the best ever, but was efficient and overall did a fine job. Of course, the highlights were the food and wine. Espana has a solid wine list that focuses on quality over quantity, yet still offers a number of domestic and international choices from mid-range (e.g., Sebastiani) to upscale (e.g., Stag's Leap). We had an excellent bottle of Spanish Albarino. Terrific tapas (marinated olives, mozzarella/tomato/basil salad, and a shrimp ceviche) paved the way for exceptional entrees (grouper stuffed with crabmeat, and vegetarian paella). No room for dessert this time, but we overheard raving about the tres leches. All in all, there's plenty to like about Espana, and it's a great place to take visiting friends. Highly recommended.
(5)Mike D.
The paella was fantastic. We had several of the tapas offerings as well. They were delicious as well. We were unfamiliar with Spanish wine and were offered a fine suggestion by one of the waters. I would definitely return.
(4)Brenda M.
Fabulous seafood! Great service and cute ambiance.
(5)Peter O.
I probably can't add much to the previous reviews.....however, the paella was "OK", but not knock your socks off....short on the seafood and dry. The grouper, however, was awesome. We came back a second night for the grouper.....but served with the spinach. A little expensive on the wine by the glass, but ok. Service was excellent. Overall....yes
(4)Tom W.
excellent meal. the tapas were all very good. everyone enjoyed their entree, each was well prepared and the servings were large. dont leave without having the flan and tres leches.
(5)Marsha L.
Charming atmosphere. Great service. Really good food. Ask the locals for the best restaurant in Fernandina and you will hear this Espana almost every time.
(5)Raegen S.
i found the food very good. I really enjoyed the steak... they have a few tapas dishes but mostly just for apps... they have some very good spanish reds on the wine menu and the sangria is pretty good. the staff made them a 4 star over the food...
(4)Hilary L.
I've got some mixed feelings about Espana. On the one hand, its a beautiful, cozy restaurant in a wonderful location. On the other hand, the quality of the food, service, and general vibe doesn't seem in line with the prices. When we first walked in we saw the lovely back garden and asked if we could sit outside. We were informed that they weren't seating people outside that evening, which, you know, maybe they're a little short handed or something, no problem. Then we asked to sit inside by the beautiful windows looking out on the garden. We were informed that they were not seating on that side of the restaurant [except for the large table full of people already seated there? just wait, its weirder than that]. The hostess was a little stiff about the whole thing and guided us to our table on the other side of this tiny restaurant--possibly 30 feet at most from the table we wanted to sit at but around a corner blocking the view! It was very odd, and we were joking about how slow a server would have to be to not be able to handle the distance... that is, until we actually started being served. [Slow.] It was probably a wise move to sit everyone so closely together on their part [if that's all they can handle], but still pretty annoying for a place that's this expensive. As for the food, its not bad at all [actually the paella was great, generous seafood and nice spices!], but it all seems slightly like they just decided to become a tapas restaurant as a business move. There is a really limited supply of tapas offerings and a huge selection of entrees. Again, not bad, just kind of okay. My husband was pretty disappointed in the beer list [domestic light beers mainly, with one Spanish beer--the Spanish aren't good at making beer btw] but I found the wine list to be pretty good. Like I said at the beginning, I have really mixed feelings about this place. It is cozy and fun--we had a great evening here. And the food is good, not great, but definitely good. I guess that for the price and the location I was hoping for a bit more. Although, if you're in Fernandina, I'd recommend it.
(3)L. A. C.
We've dined at Espana about 4 times a year and were somewhat taken aback in the increased price of the entrees. Typically we order from the menu, but my guest ordered both specials which were repeated by our very apt server who did not relate the up charge for the specials. They averaged an additional $8 over their standard $20 per plate fare. My date had the Tesoro & Ensalada Queso, while I had the Sangria Salad (excellent) & the Snapper Seville. About 1/2 way into the Snapper which was obviously overly rich in butter, I began to feel queasy. We asked for the meal to go & prepared to leave after only being in the restaurant for about 20 minutes. We did not have drinks as we live 65 miles away. The total for our bill with tax was $60 + $4 in tax which seemed quite high. When I checked out bank account the next day, I noticed a 20% surcharge. Curiously enough, if you check their brochure there is nothing about a 20% gratuity & in these tough economic times 20% seems excessive for occupying a seat for 20 minutes. Checking their online website there is a note at the bottom of the menu stating "In order to support our staff, we suggest you add an additional 20% gratuity to your final bill. " CUSTOMER BEWARE, YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TIP ACCORDING TO SERVICE BUT ARE CHARGED A MANDATORY 20%. I felt so soured over the mandatory 20%, I fed the fish to my cat & the rice to my Pyrenees. Will we return? Would YOU?
(3)TruthSpeaker I.
The bread they served tasted freezer-burned. Our salads were great - fried goat cheese over baby greens. I was surprised by the entree... but not in a good way. I wanted the beef with blue cheese, but I ordered the scallops in white wine sauce because I thought it would be less fattening. Little did I know that the scallops would be literally drenched in butter (swimming in it). I was not impressed by the dish and I wish I had known about the butter beforehand because I would have ordered the beef instead. I do not recommend the scallops. The tiramisu was not good, either. The coconut flan was good, but it was served ice cold. I would have preferred to have it warm. It was also loud in the dining room. Overall, we were pretty disappointed. I don't think I would recommend this restaurant.
(3)Taylor W.
Espana is one of those restaurants that isn't an American adaption of a type of cuisine (Spanish in this case). I could imagine this place being in Madrid. Given this, the food is very unique to many people, and some things you might not be used to (for example... their coffee is d-a-r-k!). I think all of this makes it all the better, seeing as it is great food. It stays true to the experience.
(5)