A new Mediterranean restaurant is poised to breathe fresh life into 415 S. Ponce de Leon Blvd., marking a new chapter for a high-profile St. Augustine storefront shaped by both promise and upheaval.
Zaría Simply Mediterranean is preparing to open near the River’s Edge Marina, at the intersection with Lewis Boulevard, bringing Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors to the area.
The family-owned concept describes itself as a “warm, sunny Mediterranean kitchen,” focused on shared meals, cultural traditions, and hospitality.
A Chicken Shawarma plate. (Zaria’s)
“From our family table… to yours,” the restaurant wrote in a recent Instagram post announcing the forthcoming opening. “ZARÍA has been a dream rooted in love, culture, and the joy of cooking together. We’re building a warm, sunny space where every guest feels like family.”
The menu, already posted online, features a mix of classic Mediterranean dishes and Middle Eastern specialties.
Highlights include a Chicken Shawarma Bowl, Beef Kofta Kebab Platter, and Shakshuka — eggs poached in a spiced tomato base, along with onion, and pepper sauce, and served with warm bread.
A kebab variety. (Zaria’s)
The menu also features Lahmacun, crispy flatbread topped with ground beef, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and Mediterranean spices, and served with lemon, herbs, and sumac-spiced onions.
The space was previously home to Nauti Girls Seafood, which opened in April with high hopes and strong community support for its locally sourced seafood.
The store closed in October. (Facebook)
The shop quickly earned a loyal following, but faced setbacks from extensive road construction in the area.
Despite creative efforts like promotions and social media outreach, the shop ultimately closed in October, just months after its grand opening.
Zaria has not announced an opening date.
Dining and Cooking