Terra & Aqua offers authentic Italian cuisine in America’s oldest city.
Owned and operated by Simone Parisi, the hidden gem located at 134 Sea Grove Main St. along Antastasia Island’s A1A touts a menu of handmade classic Italian lunch and dinner foods.
Homemade pasta, locally sourced seafood and meats, wood-fired oven pizzas and robust Italian wines showcase Parisi’s desire to share the fresh coastal fare of his Tuscan homeland with St. Augustine’s flip-flop crowd and residents, be it for large family events or intimate date nights.
The Florentine native told the St. Augustine Record that life as a chef began in the kitchen with his mom, grandma and grandpa.
“We all cooked together as a family,” he said. “Everyone loved being in the kitchen.”
As a pompiere – an Italian fireman – Parisi cooked while the other firemen “worked on the engines” between fires. Parisi moved to America (after falling in love with a girl from Georgia) and opened his first restaurant in Denver before landing in Northeast Florida.
“Visiting St. Augustine as often as we did, it began to feel like home,” he said. “The city’s coastal atmosphere, historic architecture and thriving arts and culture reminded me of Florence. It was the perfect place to open a new restaurant.”
Today, celebrating 10 years in St. Augustine, Parisi attributes to his success to his cohesive and loyal team.
“I never went to culinary school,” he said. “I researched, practiced and surrounded myself with cooks better than myself. My people are loyal and together, we’re always trying new things. We never stop learning. And we’ll never stop getting even better.”
Parisi said Terra & Aqua’s menu deviates from the American concept of Italian food – “heavy pasta dishes and pizzas loaded with sauce and toppings.”
“I was born and raised in Florence where food is light and flavorful,” he said. “We cook fresh seafood with light sauces made with pure, pressed olive oil and seasonal vegetables and our pizzas are made with a fresh tomato base. Our secret for good food – even the classics – is all about elevating simple ingredients.”
Terra means “from the land” and Aqua is “water.” Parisi said Terra & Aqua’s name is true to its vision: The food and ambiance are treasures of the land and the sea. And it’s not out of the ordinary to see Parisi chatting with customers to ensure they are enjoying their culinary experience. Parisi is also planning to offer lodging and cooking classes in his Tuscan villa.
“Guests will enjoy the beautiful countryside of Tuscany, eat, drink and learn how to cook great Italian food,” he said.
Terra & Aqua’s lunch menu consists of classic pasta dishes that include Spaghetti Carbonara, Penne Puttanesca, and Rigatoni Amatriciana and focaccia sandwiches filled with mortadella, prosciutto Parma, soppressata, pork roast, seared beef tenderloin and mushrooms.
The dinner menu offers a wide variety of meats – Bolognese, Wild Boar and Florentine Steaks – along with pastas, seafood (grilled octopus, lobster ravioli and fresh catch specials), pizzas, salads and more.
The dining room’s full bar offers handcrafted and classic cocktails, along with a rotating selection of seasonal draft beers. Customers can also bring their own wine for a corkage fee.
Open space seating includes multiple rooms, a private dining area accommodating 40 guests, bar seating and an outdoor, dog-friendly patio.
Terra & Acqua is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner Monday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 9:30 p.m. To inquire about hosting a private event, call 904-429-9647.
For more information, go to https://terraacquarestaurant.com.
Dining and Cooking