This week I had the pleasure of visiting the all-new 1912 Ocean Bar & Rooftop in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Named after the year in which mineral veins where discovered in the area, there’s no better time for this space to open than summer. This new bar and restaurant officially opens to the public June 27, and I was treated to a preview of the space, dishes, cocktails and ocean views to get a glimpse into Jacksonville’s newest swanky rooftop.

You can’t ever go wrong with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and this new restaurant and bar takes advantage of its location with floor-to-ceiling windows framed by dreamy curtains, a wraparound terrace and a rooftop, ensuring all guests can see the sand and ocean from wherever they’re sitting. Stairs or an elevator take you up to the space, with the restaurant and terrace on the third floor and the rooftop on the fourth.

My visit to the space saw me try dishes and drinks slated to appear on the menu next week at its official opening. The two featured cocktails presented to us were Blossom on the Boulevard (Patron Silver tequila, Alize passionfruit liqueur, turmeric, honey pineapple and lime) and Rose-Colored Glasses (Ketel One Grapefruit & Rose Botanical vodka, Campari, Cointreau, grapefruit and lemon). The restaurant and bar also collaborated with a local Jacksonville brewery, Intuition Ale Works, to create its own brew, which I also tried. Beer lovers must try this concoction, a pilsner both crisp and refreshing, the perfect complement to a day by the beach.

Chef Edgar Maldonado presented some of the dishes that will be staple meals at the restaurant starting next week. My favorites were the lobster mac and cheese made with smoked Gruyère, and charred tomato and burrata flatbread. Maldonado uses only fresh and local ingredients to ensure each dish reflects the region and his expertise. Other menu highlights set to appear next week include she crab soup, lime panna cotta and seared filet.

My trip up to the rooftop began with a neon sign against greenery saying “Let’s Party” at the entrance, a promising start to the views and vibes that awaited. The rooftop features outdoor seating, live music on certain nights, and a covered bar with select seating at the bar. You can order all of the same drinks at the rooftop as you can at the bar and restaurant below.

The restaurant, located at Cabana Beach Club, is part of Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. The off-site restaurant means the hotel provides free shuttles for guests staying at the hotel who want to experience this great restaurant and bar.

Should you venture to North Florida this summer, make a reservation at this upscale restaurant and bar for a relaxing fine-dining experience.

— Aoife O’Riordan, associate editor