Promising a “farm forward sourcing” menu showcasing fresh seafood, fish, meat and seasonal produce, a highly anticipated signature tide-to-table restaurant has debuted at an upscale oceanfront Atlantic Beach hotel.
Coastal Farmer recently opened inside Dune House Hotel & Spa at 1 Ocean Blvd. near Beaches Town Center. The new restaurant replaces Azurea, a longtime Beaches favorite that was considered one of the most romantic dining spots in Northeast Florida.
Dune House — which previously described itself as “redesigned and reimagined as a premier lifestyle destination” — opened March 3. The new 193-room hotel evolved from the former One Ocean Resort & Spa, which was renovated from the ground up last year.
The hotel spans about three acres of prime beachfront property between Atlantic Boulevard and Ahern Street.
Coastal Farmer offers a one-of-a-kind ocean view from a dune-facing outdoor patio along with innovative fare sourced from area waters and regional farms.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, Coastal Farmer showcases a menu that “is built around farm-forward sourcing and an unwavering commitment to provenance and seasonality,” restaurant officials said in a news release announcing the opening.
Coastal Farmer partners with a curated network of well-known local farms and fisheries such as Congaree & Penn, Black Hog Farm, Down to Earth Farm, County Line Produce, and Berry Good Farms, for seasonal produce and proteins.
The restaurant said that it gets fresh seafood and fish harvested in nearby waters from suppliers, including Safe Harbor Seafood and Mayport C&C Fisheries.
Who are the chefs behind Coastal Farmer?
Executive chef Daniel Tederous and Chef de Cuisine Nicolas Kes lead the Coastal Farmer kitchen team, crafting a menu “that celebrates what grows and swims nearby.”
“We’re cooking with what the coast gives us, from what the farmers grow to what the boats bring in. The goal is food that’s honest and seasonal, simple in the best sense, and unmistakably of this place,” Tederous said in the news release.
What’s on the Coastal Farmer menu?
Signature dinner menu offerings:
Featured small plates include oysters raw and chilled as well as roasted, Tuna Crudo, a Blue Crab Cake, Rock Lobster Strozzapreti, Steak Tartare, Grilled Calamari and Wild Mushroom Gnocchi. Prices range from $14 to $46, the restaurant’s website shows.
The lunch menu includes Steak Frites and Fish & Chips as well as sandwiches such as a New England-style lobster roll, Mayport shrimp tacos, salads and more. Among the seafood and fish offerings are a Mayport Shrimp Cocktail, oysters and Tuna Tartare. Overall prices range from $12 to $40, depending on the menu item.
Breakfast offerings include a Florida Blue Crab Omelet, Shrimp & Grits, Garden Harvest Frittata, Eggs Benedict, Smoked Salmon Toast, D.H. Steak & Eggs, along with classics including pancakes, French toast, multiple muffins and more.
The restaurant has a full bar. It features a curated wine selection. Also offered are handcrafted cocktails, local spirits and craft beers.
In addition to the main dining area, Coastal Farmer has two semi-private dining rooms. One can accommodate up to six people, while a flexible, larger room can seat up to 12. Each features customizable menus, dedicated service, and full audiovisual support.
“At Coastal Farmer, we want guests to feel welcomed and at home. Everything starts with the sea, the soil, and the people who nurture them, and our job is simply to honor that with warmth and care,” Kiwi Dabold, general manager and director of food and beverage, said in the news release.
Hours, reservations and parking details
Coastal Farmer is open daily. Breakfast is 7 to 11 a.m., lunch is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner is 5 to 10 p.m. Happy Hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The bar is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Reservations can be made via OpenTable. Both street parking and valet service are also available.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Coastal Farmer restaurant debuts at Dune House Hotel in Atlantic Beach
Reporting by Teresa Stepzinski, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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By Teresa Stepzinski, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union | USA TODAY Network
