After nearly two decades of crafting high-quality cuisine in downtown St. Augustine, Michael’s has reopened for guests seeking a thoughtful, ingredient-driven dining experience. The new location is in the Hyatt Place St. Augustine, at 117 Vilano Road, located in the quaint oceanside hamlet of Vilano Beach, just miles away from Downtown Historic St. Augustine.
“After many wonderful years in our original location, I began to notice shifts in the dynamics of downtown that made it harder for our loyal locals to reach us,” says Michael Lugo, Executive Chef and Owner at Viva Hospitality in a statement. “At the same time, ongoing infrastructure challenges—especially weather-related flooding—created operational difficulties that limited our ability to grow. Our kitchen space was also constrained, making it increasingly difficult to execute the level of food production we aspired to. Moving to our new space in Vilano Beach was a thoughtful decision to address these challenges, providing a more accessible location, a stronger foundation for our operations, and room to grow for years to come.”
Michael’s opened as The Tasting Room in 2006 at its original location on Cuna Street in downtown St. Augustine. Its new location redefines the classic steakhouse concept with modern interpretations of dishes like Steak Diane, Steak and Fries, and Smoked Tomahawk Ribeye. Nods to its coastal location can be found in the Poached Tiger Shrimp, Kaluga Caviar, and Atlantic Swordfish. The expanded dining area is perfect for the new Chef’s Tasting Menu, and the new wine library proudly showcases Michael’s wine list. The new grand piano is more than a conversation piece. Live performances by accomplished pianists provide an enchanting soundtrack that complements instead of overwhelms. Complimentary valet parking is included with Michael’s dining experience.
“The design of the new Michael’s is a reflection of our evolution—honoring the charm and character we’ve built over the years while embracing a fresh, forward-looking vision,” says Chef Lugo. “We drew inspiration from the classic steakhouse, infusing it with a modern coastal feel, rich, warm tones, and timeless elegance. Our goal was to create a space that feels both sophisticated and inviting, whether for a special occasion or an everyday dining experience. Thoughtful details, like the grand piano, pay homage to the golden era of fine dining, reinforcing Michael’s as a destination for exceptional hospitality and culinary excellence.”
Viva Hospitality will maintain a downtown presence with its French restaurant, La Nouvelle, located at 102 Bridge Street, St. Augustine. Pesca Rooftop will continue to offer Latin flavors and creative cocktails just upstairs from Michael’s on the rooftop, both located at 117 Vilano Road in the Vilano Beach area of St. Augustine.
