Michael's St. Augustine

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Legacy Reborn on Vilano Beach

Michael's began its life on Cuna Street in the heart of historic St. Augustine, where chef Michael Lugo built one of the Nation's Oldest City's most beloved restaurants. The move to a new, spacious home inside the Hyatt Hotel on scenic Vilano Beach marks a fresh chapter — one that preserves every bit of the artistry, flavor, and hospitality that made the original so cherished.

Steaks, Coastal Spanish Cuisine, and Seasonal Ingredients

The menu at Michael's is anchored by premium steaks and what the kitchen calls Coastal Spanish Inspired Cuisine — a Latin approach that draws on the finest local and regional ingredients available each season. Chef Lugo's ingredient-driven philosophy pairs modern technique with flavors rooted in the coastal landscape of Northeast Florida. The menu changes with the seasons, keeping the experience alive and the sourcing honest.

A Wine Library Nineteen Years in the Making

The wine program is a point of genuine pride. Over nearly two decades, Michael's has cultivated an extensive library expertly curated to complement the flavors of its seasonal menu. That dedication earned the restaurant the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence — recognition given to fewer than 1,500 wine lists worldwide. For guests who want to go deeper, The Collector's Table offers a curated dinner series designed specifically for serious wine enthusiasts.

The Room and the Experience

The new Vilano Beach location brings a spacious dining room, a grand piano, and regular live performers whose music sets the tone without overwhelming conversation. The atmosphere is what the restaurant itself describes as "casually elegant" — friendly and warm, but with a dedicated focus on impeccable service. Complimentary valet is included with dinner, a small detail that speaks to the overall approach. Whether you settle into the main dining room, the lobby bar, or the Pesca rooftop, the standard of hospitality travels with you.