Cortesse’s Bistro - Mediterranean restaurant in St. Augustine - 172 San Marco Ave, USA

An evening to remember. The food was all around great. Our waiter, Striker, was attentive and quite helpful. The mussels were exactly as described, the chicken piccata was unlike any other piccata I’ve had; delicate and buttery. The bread seemed as if it came directly out of the oven when it arrived. Even the salad and pasta were good. Overall, a wonderful experience. We will be returning.

I actually would be given it 5 stars in all, but I am very strict it about sea food dishes, and my calamari was too hard for my unrefined paladar but could be perfect for an expertise paladar. Although I totally recommend 👌. We were 3 people's, 2 adults and 1 kid. Total paid $120 include the tips, not too much if you want to get a special night with a gourmet dinner.

Having passed by several times and noticing that the parking lot was full, we took this as a good sign and decided to stop in for an early lunch. We were unable to park in the parking "lot" (there's only about 10-12 available spaces so not nearly enough) and our vehicle is large so we had to find space across the street and take our chances. So the full parking lot is a bit deceiving! First, the positives: the servers were lovely. We had one in training and our actual server. The girl in training was fantastic- very personable. Also, the weather was amazing so we sat outside and it is just beautiful and I imagine in the evening with the lights, even more so. Now, the not-so positives. First, we were asked about water to which I replied, "Just regular water is fine." I'm not sure I even paid attention that they brought out a bottle until the end. I ordered the gnocchi and my husband ordered the paella. The server asked if I wanted any protein on it and I agreed with the chicken suggestion. The huge bowls arrived ... just the brim of the bowl is huge to clarify. The portions were small, which for lunch would be perfect, however, it is far too expensive for the portion size. The other thing that concerned me was how quickly our food arrived. My husband (from Spain) ordered the paella, but did mention that paella Valenciana should not have seafood. *Traditional paella is seafood while Valenciana would be rabbit or chicken. Regardless, it was just "ok" and barely warm. As for me, my gnocchi was delicious, I will say that. The chicken on the other hand was a thin crispy piece of chicken cut into strips. It was overcooked to the point of being chewy, but as I said, the gnocchi made me overlook it. Then we were asked about dessert and were told the choices, so we tried the limoncello cake and the tiramisu, both of which were tasty ... nothing earth shattering. (see below for why!) Here's the kicker. $10/water. $6/Bread. $34/paella (lunch). $24/gnocchi (but $10 for the chewy chicken so $34). $12 each for the desserts and an automatic 20% gratuity for the server (which can also hurt the server). $141 total for a two person lunch. My husband said when we left that while the server was great and we liked the patio, it was not worth $141 and we would likely not return. NOTES: Super limited parking. Small portions for the price with no separate menu for lunch. Food that comes out way too quickly to be freshly prepared. And finally, charges for everything except the silverware. Side note: The gnocchi is delicious whether it is prepared there or not- just don't add the chicken!

If I can I would give 10 stars to this amazing Mediterranean style restaurant. It’s cozy and classy ( not many restaurants in St. Augustine have white table cloth and soft piano music ) , and the food is delicious. I have to mention, portions are just the right amount ( I even had to take some in a box to go ) , prices are equivalent to the quality of the place. The staff and the owner, Mister G, are polite, professional and always smiling. I noticed they have a secluded space for private special events. If you need a romantic atmosphere- that’s the place in town ! It’s a gem , which I enjoyed so much. I had escargot , beet salad and flounder piccata with asparagus risotto. I can’t wait to return when the martini bar is open ( under remodeling now) and weather little cooler so I can seat at the beautiful garden I almost forgot , there is a plenty of free parking in-front of the restaurant, not like other places where you have to pay $10-$20 or park faraway and walk to get to the restaurant.

So excited this restaurant is back open again and better than ever! Had one of the best meals ever, pork osso buco and eggplant rollatini. Beautiful, romantic dinner in the courtyard with very attentive service. The piano player in the bar afterwards was fantastic and played a wide range of requests.

If anyone gives this place anything less than 5 stars, you're out of your mind!! Best atmosphere, service, & food that I've experienced in St Augustine for years! I have worked in service f/b industry most of my life. I have desired such a exquisite place to dine for so long. I can hardly put into words the hospitality and decadent food/surroundings at this place. Kudos to Mr. G, Z, & S!!! I will work with you anytime you need help in your beautiful place. Did not intend to turn this into an application to serve, but if you need reference please call Tom Delaney @ Delaney's Bistro, Saint Simons Island, GA. Love love love!! -Regina

The food tasted very good the service excellent. We have wanted to eat here for some time and I took my wife for Mothers Day lunch at 2:30. Unfortunately when we left, my wife and I both became very sick and spent the rest of the day in the bathroom. I had the pork Ossobucco and my wife had the spaghetti & meatballs. The only thing we ate in common was the Caesar Salad. Again, the food tasted very good. I phoned the restaurant and spoke to the on duty female manager and explained our experience and what followed. She advised she would speak with the staff and get right back to me. No return call. We would have loved to say this place is great but, the lack of response overshadowed the food and service we experienced while there. Don’t eat the Caesar salad is my best advice. 3 weeks later, still no response from management.

Wonderful little hideaway in St Augustine. Eclectic special settings within the restaurant for whatever mood/occasion strikes. Service was amazing. Kayla took meticulous care of not only myself but all those around. G the owner touched based with every table within the hour. Fantastic place.