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Festive Flavors Await: Where to Dine in Ponte Vedra This Holiday Season

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The holiday season is a special time when family and friends gather around the table to savor delicious meals, celebrate, and share stories and laughter with those who matter most. In Ponte Vedra, Florida, the local dining scene offers the perfect setting for festive meals and cherished celebrations. Fleet Landing at Nocatee will be a Life Plan Community in the master planned community of Nocatee in Ponte Vedra, making it easy for Residents to explore the area’s finest restaurants.

Connection and community will be at the center of everyday life at Fleet Landing at Nocatee, as we celebrate the joy of coming together to create lasting memories throughout the seasons. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or a lively group gathering, you have plenty of dining options to choose from in Ponte Vedra.

A Curated Guide to Ponte Vedra’s Holiday Dining

1. Restaurant Medure – Elevated Fine Dining

For those seeking refined elegance, Restaurant Medure has been serving guests since 2001. Executive Chef and co-owner David Medure personally oversees chef-driven menus, using locally sourced ingredients to create contemporary American cuisine with French flair. The restaurant's sophisticated ambience strikes the perfect balance between upscale and welcoming, making it an ideal choice for holiday dinners with family or friends who appreciate culinary expertise and a refined experience.

With its reputation as a Four Diamond AAA award-winning restaurant, Restaurant Medure consistently delivers excellence in food and service. Guests can start with an old French-style Foie Gras Torchon and duck panzanella bread salad, then move on to savory specialties, such as the house-cured duck ham prosciutto, expertly grilled steaks and seafood, or specialty hand-cut pastas. Top off an excellent meal with a glass of wine from the comprehensive list or a seasonal drink suitable for any occasion.

2. Aqua Grill – Waterfront Elegance

Established in 1988, Aqua Grill has been serving award-winning cuisine for nearly 3 decades. Noted for its lakeside setting and upscale, yet relaxed atmosphere, it offers the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients prepared to order. With indoor and outdoor dining options, Aqua Grill is an ideal option for enjoying Florida’s mild holiday weather.

The eclectic, multiethnic menu features an abundance of options, including a Mediterranean platter, panko-crusted green tomatoes, a daily charcuterie board, calamari and seafood chowder on its “Starters” menu. For dinner, guests have an amazing array of selections that includes:

  • Pretzel-crusted Alaskan halibut
  • Blackened mahi mahi tuna and shrimp tacos
  • Steak frites
  • Grilled Atlantic swordfish
  • Chicken piccata
  • Cantonese-style whole snapper

Wash it down with an in-house barrel-aged cocktail, specialty craft cocktail or glass of wine from the extensive menu.

3. Palm Valley Fish Camp – Coastal and Casual

Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway, Palm Valley Fish Camp offers the freshest seafood, stunning waterfront views, and classic Southern-inspired dishes reimagined with creative twists. This local favorite has earned its reputation as a seafood-lover's paradise, combining a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere with spectacular scenery that captures the essence of coastal Florida. It offers a warm holiday spirit appealing to locals and visiting families.

The menu features oysters, shrimp, clams, octopus, fish, scallops, and crab prepared in a variety of ways. Specialties include:

  • Fish Camp shrimp and grits with white wine butter sauce
  • Spicy Mayport shrimp linguine
  • Grilled pork chop bacon molasses BBQ
  • Fried gator tail with Cowgill’s datil pepper aioli
  • Roast cod filet wrapped in Nueske’s bacon
  • Red pepper gastrique

Its beverage menu includes a long list of interesting wines, craft beers, and non-alcoholic drinks, including Hawaiian Kona coffee.

4. Valley Smoke – Warmth and Flavor in Every Bite

This hometown original overlooks the serene Intracoastal Waterway and will make you rethink modern BBQ. Valley Smoke features slow-smoked BBQ, USDA Prime steaks cooked over a wood-fire grill, and southern-inspired chicken, pork, venison, fish, and shrimp. It provides the perfect blend of classic barbecue and contemporary culinary flair, created by local legends Chef Ben and Liza Groshell. The vibrant bar offers a fine selection of more than 150 bottles of wine, cocktails, craft beers, and a rare selection of bourbon and scotch.

Valley Smoke is a modern smokehouse offering an upscale dining experience that remains approachable and inviting. The welcoming interiors with fireplaces make this dining venue ideal for cooler Florida evenings, creating the perfect atmosphere for casual holiday gatherings with friends or neighbors. The combination of exceptional food, stunning waterfront views, and warm ambiance ensures a memorable dining experience.

5. Nona Blue – Neighborhood Comfort With Upscale Flair

Located in the Sawgrass Village Shopping Center, Nona Blue blends the warmth of a neighborhood hangout with the polish of a favorite restaurant, offering a tavern soul and foodie heart. It features a lively, yet comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, emphasizing the welcoming environment that reflects the Ponte Vedra community spirit. Offering both indoor seating and a patio with pond views, the restaurant/bar creates social moments over excellent cuisine.

Known for its large selection of “shareables” and a diverse menu offering something for everyone, Nona Blue makes an excellent option for group celebrations or casual holiday lunches. Ingredients are always delivered fresh, never frozen, with hand-cut steaks and fish, and dressings, sauces, and desserts made daily in-house. The centerpiece of Nona Blue is its bar, where guests find an extensive wine list, numerous craft beers, and specialty cocktails that put a new twist on classic drinks.

Tips for Planning Your Holiday Meal Out

The holiday season brings increased activity to Ponte Vedra's popular dining destinations. To ensure a seamless experience, consider making reservations early, as these sought-after restaurants fill quickly during the festive season. Calling ahead or booking online will help secure your preferred date and time.

For a more relaxed dining experience, weekday lunches or early dinners often provide a quieter atmosphere while still delivering the same exceptional food and service. These off-peak times allow for more leisurely conversations and unhurried enjoyment of your meal.

Living at Fleet Landing at Nocatee will make exploring these local culinary treasures easy and convenient.

Creating Memories Around Every Table

The holiday season reminds us that life's greatest pleasures often unfold around a shared table, where good food sparks conversation and connections deepen over each course. Ponte Vedra's exceptional dining scene offers countless opportunities to create these meaningful moments, whether celebrating holidays or simply enjoying the company of loved ones.

Fleet Landing at Nocatee will keep Residents close to the area's best culinary experiences, enriching both social connections and seasonal celebrations. Ponte Vedra's newest senior living community is coming soon! Contact Fleet Landing at Nocatee at 904.914.3208 to learn more about a community where connection, flavor, and inspired living will come together.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025