"A restored 1879 Victorian mansion plating beef Wellington and Canadian lobster — St. Augustine's most storied room, for an anniversary worth dressing up for."
About The Raintree Restaurant
The Raintree Restaurant occupies a restored Victorian mansion built in 1879 on San Marco Avenue, north of St. Augustine's old town. The MacDonald family sailed from England in 1981, bought the house and opened the Raintree, and it has run as one of the city's signature special-occasion rooms for more than forty years.
It trades on old-world hospitality and an intercontinental menu rather than trend, and is among the most established tables in St. Augustine, alongside the fine-dining Collage and the historic Old City House.
The Kitchen
The kitchen blends Mediterranean, American and Asian influences across a long menu: signature beef Wellington, filet mignon, Canadian lobster, Chilean sea bass and a paella with Argentinean chorizo, plus chops, pasta and a much-photographed dessert bar. The wine list has earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
It reads as a classic steakhouse-and-seafood house rather than a modern tasting room. For a waterfront alternative across town, River & Fort looks over the Matanzas.
The Room
Guests choose between the traditional Victorian dining room with its fireplace, a glassed interior garden atrium, and an outdoor courtyard set with gazebos and a koi fountain. The effect is romantic and a little theatrical — the kind of room built for proposals, anniversaries and dressed-up nights out.
Best for an anniversary
The candle-lit Victorian rooms, garden atrium and koi-fountain courtyard make the Raintree a classic anniversary table in St. Augustine, and the romantic setting suits a memorable first date.
Not for
Not for a quick, casual or budget bite — the Raintree is a dressed-up, multi-course special-occasion restaurant with an old-world pace, not a fast weeknight stop.
Frequently Asked
What is The Raintree Restaurant known for?
Continental cooking in a restored 1879 Victorian mansion — signature beef Wellington, filet mignon, Canadian lobster and Chilean sea bass — plus an extensive dessert bar and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence list.
How old is The Raintree Restaurant?
The mansion was built in 1879; the MacDonald family opened the Raintree in 1981 after sailing from England, and it has operated for more than forty years on San Marco Avenue.
Where is The Raintree located?
At 102 San Marco Avenue in the uptown area north of St. Augustine's historic old town, a short distance from the city gate and the bayfront.
Does The Raintree take reservations?
Yes — reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dinners and the romantic courtyard and garden-atrium tables, which fill quickly in season.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at The Raintree Restaurant
Booking via OpenTable; courtyard tables popular.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address102 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084
NeighbourhoodUptown, San Marco Avenue
CuisineContinental, Steak & Seafood
PriceMains roughly $28–52; Canadian lobster market price
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingVictorian rooms, garden atrium & courtyard
ReservationRecommended
