Restaurants in Ponte Vedra Beach

Fodor's points out that Ocean 60's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean affords an unusual opportunity to mix "fine dining and flip-flops." The restaurant's space is split between a formal dining area and martini room, and both sections serve chef and owner Daniel Groshell's menu of fresh seafood and steak, which evolves in step with the changing seasons and tides that ripple through a variety of meal-complementing drinks. In a dining room fringed with a wine bar, local artist Enrique Mora peppers the walls with colorful scenes reminiscent of his Puerto Rican heritage. The martini room envelops guests in an ambiance characterized by local artwork, rich woods, and Bali-inspired décor as they sip martinis culled from a list of more than 30 signature cocktails including a cookie dough martini. From Thursday to Saturday, area musicians add to the atmosphere with lively beats.

In addition to its regular menu, Ocean 60 regularly hosts Global Dinner Destination dinners, during which prix fixe menus map out a culinary tour of international locales, preventing them from having to follow a trail of jerk chicken all the way to Jamaica.

The chefs at Sushi House treat each plate as a canvas, surrounding artfully assembled orders of sushi with intricately carved garnishes and vivid streaks of sauce. Despite the aesthetic appeal of a perfectly composed dish, guests still devour any of the 90 maki from the menu. Familiar cylinders of rice-swaddled cucumber and avocado appear along with a few more adventurous rolls that incorporate premium ingredients, such as tempura lobster, spicy honey sauce, or julienned college diplomas. The cooks also make use of their kitchen's stovetops to whip up teriyaki chicken, tempura vegetables, and hibachi-style steak.

The aromas of Caribbean jerk spices and sizzling conch fritters waft through the air, luring passing boaters to dock their rides in the complimentary slips at Nippers Beach Grille. After disembarking from their schooners or GPS-equipped sea monsters, customers can either stroll into the open, 9,000-square-foot dining room or onto the massive waterfront deck, both of which boast scenic seaside views. In addition to the watery vistas and salt-filled air, the restaurant spreads a laidback, Caribbean vibe by piping ambient island music from its sound system and stocking its tiki deck with rum-laced cocktails and imported Red Stripe beers.

The menu also reflects this tropical theme, spotlighting Caribbean staples such as jerk-spiced diver scallops and sweet conch fritters, as well as fusion dishes such as grilled cheese layered with sliced guava and mac 'n' cheese studded with jerk chicken.