David's Restaurant

My companion and I made reservations for David's with high expectations and were disappointed for several reasons. Entering the non-descript building, we encountered a nice, dimly lit  interior with a private dinning room, comfy looking bar with live alto sax jazz before the hostess station and dining area. The main room has a snazzy, pleasant ambience and was well appointed with booths and tables. We, however, were seated in a brighter back overflow room.

Service was spotty at best by our waiter who neglected to tell us the evening special and forgot to tell the chef about a special order. We wanted escargot for an appetizer but were informed it was not up to their standards and was the menu for the evening. It must have really been awful as our appetizers we ordered were bland and cold to luke warm. Tenderloin sliders were grisly with an odd flavor and the Rockefeller Men oysters nearly tasteless. Bread was served in box that appeared to have been purchased a World Market. Our cocktails were good but the waiter forgot to put the order in for refills with our meal.

Worse still was our main courses. My companions's ribeye was cooked as ordered but chewy and the flavor reeked of "soap." My grouper was fine but the crab topping had too much of a "fishy" smell and taste to have been fresh. It seemed as if there was little quality control of what was nicely presented but lacked delivery to the taste buds.

All in all, what promised to be a memorable dining experience proved to be just that but for the wrong reasons. David's needs to get its food and service up to the level of it's prices and expectations. Otherwise we won't be going back.

I was definitely surprised by this place.  I am used to having good food that is a little upscale but was not expecting it in Amelia Island.  

Decor - Great.  They definitely spent a pretty penny here and it sets the perfect mood for a romantic dinner.  

Ambience - They had a live saxophonist playing when we arrived in the lounge area.   The drinks at the bar were very good and helped start the night off in the right fashion.

Service - We were very happy with the entire staff during our visit.  From the front door to valet we never were left wondering were people were and what they were doing for us.

Food - We both liked our meals and thought they were well prepared.  The risotto may have been a tiny bit underdone but still thought it was very good.  The fish was well prepared as was the steak.

We both liked the meals we had and would definitely return.

We are residents on Amelia Island and found this new restaurant to be a breath of fresh air!  Very well done inside and out, valet parking, a great lounge with an amazing acoustic saxophonist, and a great bar tender, Tristan.  Although the island has a few nice restaurants this one really paid attention to detail in design, ambience, menu and several nice surprises through the meal service, palate cleanser and strawberries with the bill!  Only at the Ritz here on the island do you see that!! Bravo!  Off to a great start!  Don't want to leave out Nolan, our server, very nice and attentive.