Marché Burette puts the Southern in hospitality

Marché Burette blends the best of both worlds—a bustling gourmet market and a laid-back restaurant fully embracing its Southern roots and Amelia Island charm. Being apart from the Omni, it reminds me of Cracker Barrel but with a twist: here, the quality and atmosphere lean decidedly more upscale. But appearances aside, does the food stand up to the setting, or is it all sizzle and no steak?

Walking into Marché Burette is like stepping into a sensory carnival. To the right, you’ll find a counter brimming with coffee orders, ice cream, and pastries; there’s even an open kitchen that lets you sneak a peek at the chefs in action. Meanwhile, the left side showcases shelves of local goodies—homemade jams, artisanal cheeses, and an array of wines—all of which invite browsing and sampling. The atmosphere is casual, with diners expected to seat themselves. Naturally, I gravitated toward the outdoor seating, hoping to savor my meal under the Florida sun.

Once outside, the ambiance takes a peaceful turn. A large wooden deck wraps around the back of the building. The gurgle of a water fountain fills the background, adding some comforting white noise. I even noticed many patrons who had finished their meals went for a leisurely stroll on the nearby trails.

Jumping into the menu, the creative drink options gave me a good laugh. Marché Burette has a lineup of “Back Porch Sippas,” featuring fun, Southern-inspired names with a lot of character. Who wouldn’t chuckle at a drink called “Madder Than a Wet Hen” or feel charmed by “Aren’t You Precious”?

After some deliberation, I decided on the scrambled eggs meal and the turkey, apple, and brie panini. The scrambled eggs meal arrived as a mountain of food—a feast fit for a king. Generous portions of toast, eggs, breakfast potatoes, and bacon (though I later wished I had opted for the blueberry sausage) made for a hearty, satisfying dish. At $17, it’s definitely up there, but with its ample portions and savory flavors, it’s worth every penny.

Next up was the turkey, apple, and brie panini. Priced similarly, the sandwich came with a side of potato salad, which was pleasantly mild and included bits of celery, which added a nice crunch. While the potato salad was satisfying, the sandwich itself fell flat. The thin slices of Granny Smith apple barely registered, leaving the panini somewhat one-dimensional. It’s a safe choice—good, but not memorable.

Unable to resist the pull of the market section inside, I wandered through the narrow aisles after my meal, eyeing local goods, wines, and even a few unexpected Pop-Tarts tucked in the back. Though small, the market offered a delightful range of products. I couldn’t leave without sampling a few desserts from the counter, which had caught my eye earlier with their size and decoration.

The pastries at Marché Burette are visually stunning, almost like edible art, but their flavor didn’t quite live up to the presentation. The banana nut muffin and a couple of other sweet treats looked divine, but each one fell short of the taste expectations set by their appearance. It reminded me of street food: sometimes, what looks best doesn’t always deliver on flavor.

Marché Burette is like a refined, Southern-style Cracker Barrel that excels at capturing the laid-back charm of Amelia Island. While some items, like the desserts, didn’t hit the mark for me, the overall experience is one I’d happily repeat—especially to enjoy the peaceful deck ambiance. And if you visit on a weekend evening, you can try their special “steak out” menu, available Friday through Sunday after 5 p.m. The combination of setting, Southern spirit, and unique menu makes Marché Burette a delightful spot to relax and indulge, even if some dishes sizzle out.