Le Pavillon Restaurant St. Augustine Florida a Culinary Gem in America’s Oldest City

On a recent trip to St. Augustine, the oldest city in America, 451 years old to be exact, my family and I decided to try having lunch at a St. Augustine restaurant with a bit of history. My husband suggested that I google French restaurants in St. Augustine. A couple came up, but I was particularly drawn to Le Pavillon which appeared to be a chic eatery serving European dishes. It also had some noteworthy history. WANDER: Le Pavillon Restaurant St Augustine Florida.

Le Pavillon Restaurant St. Augustine Florida.

A World-Class Epicurean Experience. Le Pavillon Restaurant St. Augustine Florida

The property, 45 San Marco Ave, was purchased by Duff Green in the late 1800’s. Duff, a young gentleman, from England purchased this piece of property (as well as a few others) and built an elegant Victorian home on it. He was known to gamble with Henry Flagler in the back dining room of what is currently Le Pavillon Restaurant in St. Augustine.

Le Pavillon Restaurant St. Augustine Florida – A Place Rich in History & Tradition

The house had several owners after 1900. William Bridier and his family from France, Fred V. Willis, a local business man, William P. Parkhill, fire chief of St. Augustine, all occupied the house over the years. In addition, Mrs. Bernice Roe bought the house and opened it as a bed and breakfast for 35 years. EAT: Le Pavillon Restaurant St Augustine Florida.

From New York to Florida, a New Revival For Le Pavillon Restaurant St. Augustine Florida

Finally, in 1977, the house switched hands again and became a restaurant. A man by the name of Fritz Dold talked his sister, Gisele and her husband, Chef Claude Sinatsch to move from New York and open a restaurant at the house. Throughout the years, renovations were made but to this day the La Pavillo restaurant is still the lovely Victorian home.

French Cuisine and so Much More at Le Pavillon Restaurant St. Augustine Florida

We visited it for the first time on February 4, 2017. Festive music could be heard playing as we approached the entrance. We glanced at the lunch menu featuring a variety of homemade crepes, baked brie (garnished with fruit and raspberry sauce), Tuscan Tenderloin salad, and homemade quiche. The music, the menu, the intimate setting beckoned us to enter. When we did, we were greeted in such a friendly way. Our server was fantastic! She made sure we were always happy which wasn’t difficult at all considering we were served fresh hot bread and butter immediately, salads with homemade blue cheese dressing, followed by our entrees. We ordered homemade quiche and Crepes avec Les Fruits de Mer (fresh seafood crepe in creamy lobster sauce).

Le Pavillon Restaurant St. Augustine Florida – A Warm & Friendly Welcome

Casey, the manager, stopped by to see how we were doing. We told him, we enjoyed the place so much that we would be back on our next trip for dinner. We glanced at the dinner menu noticing items like Sauerbraten & Spätzle, Blue Cheese Stuffed Filet Mignon, Portobello Wellington, and Seafood Gratin. My mouth watered just reading the titles. There is a full bar and an extensive wine list featuring wines from all over the world. Did I mention that all the desserts were homemade? We were too full to try one on this trip, but I will be saving room for our next visit.

Le Pavillon Restaurant St. Augustine Florida is such a warm inviting place that people seem to want to return again and again. It has been told that some of the former “residents” have been spotted in a few of the rooms of the restaurant, especially, the ghosts of Mr. Green and Mrs. Roe. I can certainly understand why they would like to return to this home. As for me and my family, nothing can beat wonderful food, friendly faces, exceptional service, and an intimate dining atmosphere.

Le Pavillon Restaurant St. Augustine Florida is such a warm inviting place that people seem to want to return again and again. It has been told that some of the former “residents” have been spotted in a few of the rooms of the restaurant, especially, the ghosts of Mr. Green and Mrs. Roe. I can certainly understand why they would like to return to this home. As for me and my family, nothing can beat wonderful food, friendly faces, exceptional service, and an intimate dining atmosphere.

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Le Pavillon, 45 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine – 904-824-6202 – www.lepav.com

WANDER:EAT at Le Pavillon Restaurant St. Augustine Florida.