French Clubs in St. Augustine, Florida

People come St. Augustine for the historical attractions and delicious restaurants.sailing st. augustine image by feisty from Fotolia.com

St. Augustine is located in northeastern Florida on the Atlantic coast. Its nickname is Ancient City, as it is the oldest city in the United States. Because of this, it is home to a variety of cultural and historic attractions including Fort Matanzas and Lighter Museum that features some of the nation's oldest treasures. The area also is home to a number of bars and restaurants, many of which have a French influence.

Le Pavillon

Le Pavillon is located on the south side of St. Augustine and just a couple of blocks from the coast. Le Pavillon's building was built in 1868 and at first was the home of a wealthy Englishman named Duff Green. It was turned into a restaurant in 1977. Since then, rumor has it that the ghosts of the previous residents visit the location from time to time. The restaurant and bar are also known for Chef Claude and his wife Gisele's traditional French dishes and extensive French wine list.

Bistro De Leon is located right in the heart of downtown St. Augustine and just down the street from the historic Cathedral Basilica. Chef Jen Stephane Poinard is a fifth-generation chef from Lyon, France. He offers traditional French techniques combined with local American ingredients. His signature dishes include Chicken "Tajine" served with candied lemons and Seafood Risotto Arborio that includes sea scallop, fresh fish, shrimp and mussels.

Collage Restaurant is also located in downtown St. Augustine and was formerly the well-known La Parisienne. Collage wanted to take the influences of the previous French restaurant but also offer traditional cuisine from all around the world. The menu consists of French classics such as escargot as well as eclectic global dishes including Japanese-style seared ahi tuna, veal Orleans, and homemade lobster ravioli served in a pesto cream sauce. The restaurant décor even reflects its menu as it features French Impressionist style paintings over an aged faux wall treatment.

JJ's Liberty Bistro is located roughly 10 miles north of St. Augustine in the town of Ponte Vendra Beach, Florida. The restaurant is conveniently located just off the Ponte Vendra Highway, which runs along the coast and across the street from the Ponte Vendra Beach Golf Course. It is open for lunch and dinner and offers a casual French/American dining experience. Signature entrees include rainbow trout a l'Oscar, cedar plank grilled Atlantic salmon and chicken Napoleon Provence served in a tarragon Dijon cream sauce. JJ's Liberty Bistro also offers an extensive catering menu for large parties and special events.