Yulee, Florida, used to be the town you drove through to get to the beach, but that has changed completely in the last few years. If you're looking for apartment rentals here, you need to know that the local food scene is growing just as fast as the housing market.
We see new spots opening up all the time, transforming State Road 200 from a fast-food highway into a legitimate dining destination. Whether you want a quick burger or a sit-down meal with the family, you don't have to drive all the way to Amelia Island anymore. Here is a look at where the locals actually eat.
You can find everything from authentic Thai cuisine to wood-fired pizza right here in town. While the area is famous for chains, the real gems are the locally owned spots tucked into the shopping centers along State Road 200 and the growing Wildlight district.
Most restaurants here are casual and family-friendly. You won't find many white-tablecloth establishments that require a reservation weeks in advance. Instead, you'll find welcoming owners, reasonable prices, and food that hits the spot after a long work week.
Yes, especially if you love a relaxed atmosphere and generous portions. Ops Pizza Kitchen is a staple for families in Nassau County because it offers consistency.
The Food: They are renowned for their specialty pizzas, but their menu is huge. The "Stuffed Pizza" is a local legend—it’s essentially a double-crust pie packed with toppings. If you're not desiring pizza, their wings and pasta dishes are solid choices.
The Vibe: It’s loud, happy, and usually packed on Friday nights. It feels like a classic neighborhood pizza parlor where the servers know the regulars.
Cost and Hours:
When I stopped by last Thursday, the parking lot was full by 6:00 PM, which is always a good sign.
Tasty’s Fresh Burgers remains the top contender for the best burger in the area. This isn't a national chain; it’s a local brand that started nearby and focused on quality ingredients.
The Food: They serve fresh, never frozen beef. The "Tasty" burger with their signature sauce is the go-to order. You also have to try the sweet potato fries with the marshmallow dipping sauce—it sounds strange, but it works.
The Vibe: It’s fast-casual but nicer than a drive-thru. You order at the counter and take a number. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a no-fuss dinner.
Cost and Hours:
If you're looking for apartments in Yulee Florida, you have likely heard of the Wildlight neighborhood. The dining scene here is newer and feels a bit more upscale and modern compared to the rest of the town.
V Pizza is the anchor here. They make authentic Napoletana pizza cooked in wood-burning ovens. The wings are roasted with caramelized onions and are arguably better than the pizza.
The Vibe: It has a great indoor/outdoor flow. On weekends, families hang out on the patio while kids play on the nearby lawn. It feels like a community hub.
Cost and Hours:
A dinner for two at a sit-down local spot usually runs between $40 and $70, depending on if you order drinks. While Yulee is generally more affordable than downtown Fernandina Beach, prices have ticked up recently.
According to the USDA, food-away-from-home prices increased by 5.1% in 2024. However, you can still find value here. Lunch specials at places like Mesmerizing Thai or the local Mexican restaurants often run under $15 per person.
You cannot live in Nassau County without eating Mayport shrimp. Even though we aren't right on the ocean, we are close enough that the seafood is fresh.
If you head just east of I-95, you'll find seafood shacks that serve fried shrimp baskets that rival anything on the coast. Another local favorite is boiled peanuts, often sold at roadside stands on A1A during the weekend. It’s a true Florida snack.
Choosing apartments in Yulee Florida puts you right in the middle of everything. You are 15 minutes from the beach and 20 minutes from the airport, but you don't pay beachfront prices.
The food scene reflects this convenience. You have easy access to everyday dining without the tourist crowds you find on the island. For renters, this balance of cost and convenience is the main selling point of the area.
The food is great, the location is convenient, and the community is welcoming. If you want to live walking distance from great dining and local shops, you should check out the options available right now.
Apartments in Yulee Florida offer a lifestyle that blends modern amenities with small-town charm.
Contact The Lofts at Wildlight at (904) 872-5657 to schedule your tour today.