Blog

Once I first moved to Florida, my prime precedence was to hunt out the very best locations to eat in Jacksonville. Each time I journey someplace, and, particularly earlier than I transfer someplace, I at all times be sure there are scrumptious meals choices close by. This was no exception, and I wasn’t disenchanted.

I dwell south of Jacksonville, midway between the town and St. Augustine, and due to my commute, I’ve been in a position to discover tons of the very best eating places in Jacksonville. And let me let you know – there are quite a bit. For me, consuming is likely one of the finest issues to do in Jacksonville!

The Daring Metropolis is up-and-coming with regards to making a reputation for itself as a meals metropolis. There are such a lot of unbelievable eating places establishing themselves as key gamers within the meals scene.

15 Greatest Eating places in Jacksonville, Florida

I’ve been visiting Jax for over 5 years and have lived right here for a yr now. Inside this time, I’ve eaten at my fair proportion of eating places and have compiled this record of a few of my favourite eateries within the metropolis, primarily based on the tastiness and high quality of meals, service, location, and my general private opinion.

I’ve eaten at way more eating places than these listed beneath, however it is a good beginning place to assist information you throughout your subsequent go to.

1. Restaurant Orsay – Greatest Restaurant General

Sure dishes ship chemical compounds firing in your mind as quickly as they contact your tongue – and Restaurant Orsay’s complete menu has that impact. Each time I’d analysis the highest eating places in Jacksonville, this French-meets-Southern bistro would at all times prime the record, so, after all, I needed to strive it out.

The high-end, elegant restaurant isn’t low-cost (understandably), however, when you’re on the lookout for a date night time or to have fun an important day, it is a unbelievable choice. I like to recommend beginning with oysters from the uncooked bar or steak tartare earlier than shifting on to the lobster pot pie or lamb sirloin.

You’ll need to make a reservation and plan on sporting one thing good. The restaurant is positioned within the Avondale space, which has a number of choices for each pre and post-dinner actions. And, when you’re a wine lover, Orsay has a critically spectacular wine record.

Restaurant Orsay Info

Handle: 3630 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Cellphone: +19043810909
Working Hours: 4 am-10 pm Tues-Thurs, 2 pm-12 pm Friday, 11 am-12 am Saturday, 11 am-10 pm Sunday
Should-Strive Meals: Sea scallop tartare, beef stroganoff, trois fois mousse
Common Value: $5-$30 per starter, $28-$63 per predominant, $6-$16 for desserts
Web site: Restaurant Orsay

2. Indochine Downtown – Greatest Restaurant Downtown

My selection for the very best restaurant downtown additionally occurs to be probably the greatest eating places in Jacksonville. Indochine Downtown has been named “Greatest Thai Restaurant” by a neighborhood journal six consecutive years in a row – and for good cause.

This centrally-located restaurant is within the coronary heart of downtown and is a must-visit spot when you’re within the space. Specializing in Thai and Southeast Asian meals, this institution has dishes that you simply’ll dream about after you permit. I lived in Thailand for two years, and Indochine is about as genuine because it will get.

On the menu, you’ll discover conventional SE Asian dishes like rooster laab, pho, pad see ew, curries, and extra. Actually, it doesn’t matter what you order, you’re positive to be impressed. Additionally they have sushi and a few unbelievable cocktails made with tremendous recent elements.

Indochine Downtown Info

Handle: 21 E Adams St #200, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Cellphone: +19045985303
Working Hours: 11 am-9:30 pm Mon-Thurs, 11 am-10 pm Friday, 5 pm-10 pm Saturday, 5 pm-9 pm Sunday
Should-Strive Meals: Summer time rolls, Mee-Krob, duck curry
Common Value: $6-$10 per starter, $14-$23 per predominant, $6-$10 per cocktail

3. Salt Life Meals Shack – Greatest Seashore Restaurant

You solely must spend in the future in Florida earlier than you rapidly understand that “Salt Life” is in all places – bumper stickers, T-shirts, hats, you title it. Salt Life is a life-style model right here in Florida that represents all issues “ocean” and “seaside” life. The model took to the state so properly that they even opened a restaurant – and it occurs to be unbelievable.

They’ve a number of areas, however that is one in all my favourite locations to eat in Jacksonville as a result of it simply feels like Florida. It’s three blocks from the seaside, the decor is vibrant and ethereal, and the meals is recent and scrumptious. You’re feeling such as you’re simply at an excellent chill seaside occasion.

I by no means go to Salt Life Meals Shack with out ordering their Hawaiian wings, however all the things is tasty. Additionally they have a full bar, an incredible outside seating space, and attentive, pleasant employees.

Salt Life Meals Shack Info

Handle: 1018 third St N, Jacksonville Seashore, FL 32250
Cellphone: +19043724456
Working Hours: 11 am-9 pm Solar-Thurs, 11 am-10 pm Friday and Saturday
Should-Strive Meals: Avocado fries, Caliche’s poke bowl, crab-baked grouper
Common Value: $7-$16 per starter, $12-$28 per predominant, $8-$10 for desserts
Web site: Salt Life Sea Shack

4. Cowford Chophouse – Greatest Restaurant for Date Night time

“Steak, seafood, and rooftop views” is the way you’re greeted on the Cowford Chophouse homepage, and I don’t know what higher strategy to spend a date night time than by combining these three issues. Properly, possibly some wine, however, they’ve that too. That is arms down one of the vital romantic eating places in Jacksonville.

The constructing of Cowford Chophouse itself is gorgeous; it’s been standing since 1902 and is a logo of the town’s wealthy previous. That alone is spectacular, however the decor inside is as romantic because it will get. In addition to the looks of the place, it’s the meals that basically makes this spot particular.

To provide you a glimpse, appetizers embody duck fats cornbread or wood-fired crab legs, entrees vary from filet Oscar and lamb chops with truffle butter to Chilean sea bass and mushroom risotto. All the things is created to perfection.

Cowford Chophouse Info

Handle: 101 E Bay St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Cellphone: +19048626464
Working Hours: 4 pm-10 pm Tues-Sat, Closed Sunday & Monday
Should-Strive Meals: Roasted bone marrow, filet with Cowford steak sauce, A-5 Satsuma Wagyu
Common Value: $15-$30 per starter, $30-$60 per predominant, $12-$15 for desserts
Web site: Cowford Chophouse

5. The Bearded Pig – Greatest Restaurant for Households

Not all nights may be filled with romance and filet mignon; typically, you exit with the entire household, together with the little ones. That’s when you should head over to The Bearded Pig – a family-friendly BBQ restaurant with a beer backyard.

This scrumptious Southern-style restaurant has a number of areas round Jacksonville, all of that are family-friendly; nonetheless, I at all times inform my buddies with youngsters to take a look at the situation in San Marco off Kings. It has an enormous outside area with a playground and an enormous chalkboard for the kids to attract on.

Whereas the children are enjoying, you’ll be able to sit outdoors, sipping on a beer and having fun with a scrumptious brisket sandwich or pulled pork platter. It’s a win-win for your entire household!

The Bearded Pig Info

Handle: 1808 Kings Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Cellphone: +19046192247
Working Hours: 11 am-9 pm Tues-Thurs & Sunday, 11 am-10 pm Saturday, Closed Monday
Should-Strive Meals: Burnt ends, beef rib, Frito pie
Common Value: $5-$10 per starter, $10-$30 per predominant, $4-$5 for desserts
Web site: The Bearded Pig

6. River & Submit – Greatest Restaurant with a View

The most effective restaurant in Jacksonville with a view hardly has any competitors – River & Submit takes the crown. There are different rooftop bars scattered across the metropolis, however nothing fairly beats the breathtaking vistas on the River & Submit rooftop lounge.

The restaurant on the bottom flooring is unbelievable, however you’ll need to take the elevator to the rooftop lounge the place you’ll see gorgeous views of the Jacksonville skyline and the St. Johns River. It’s excellent on a sunny day, throughout sundown, or at night time to see the town lights.

The meals is top-notch, and the bartenders are wonderful, so I at all times like making an attempt their specialty cocktails. Strive their roasted cauliflower or the burrata plate for the right snack to get pleasure from as you’re taking within the view.

River & Submit Info

Handle: 1000 Riverside Ave #100, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Cellphone: +19045752366
Working Hours: 11 am-10 pm Tues-Solar, 4 pm-10 pm Monday
Should-Strive Meals: Burrata plate, pesto oven-bread, blackberry BBQ wings
Common Value: $11-$16 per starter, $14-25 per predominant, $14 for desserts
Web site: River & Submit

7. TacoLu – Greatest Mexican Restaurant

Florida isn’t precisely near Mexico, however that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t discover good Mexican meals. Since I’m initially from the West Coast, I used to be particularly excited to find Taco Lu – it was like I used to be again in Baja California.

Often called probably the greatest Mexican eating places in Jacksonville, this little cantina in Jacksonville Seashore is whipping up a few of the most scrumptious fish tacos (tacos, generally), nachos, enchiladas, and tequila cocktails in your entire metropolis. Additionally they supply a fantastic brunch on weekends.

What’s additionally critically spectacular about this spot is its tequila and mezcal assortment – they’ve lots of and lots of of bottles to select from. I’m not even joking, lots of.

TacoLu Info

Handle: 1712 Seashore Blvd, Jacksonville Seashore, FL 32250
Cellphone: +19042498226
Working Hours: 11 am-10 pm Tues-Thurs, 11 am-11 pm Friday, 10 am-11 pm Saturday, 10 am-10 pm Sunday, Closed Monday
Should-Strive Meals: The Taco Rosa, avenue corn nachos, TacoLu margarita
Common Value: $8-$11 per starter, $5-$15 per predominant, $4-$9 for desserts
Web site: TacoLu

8. Taverna – Greatest Italian Restaurant

It’s by no means lengthy earlier than I’ve a longing for some genuine Italian meals. Taverna in San Marco is broadly generally known as probably the greatest Italian eating places in Jacksonville. Not like different Italian eating places with outsized parts and heavy-handed sauces, Taverna is elegant, considerate, and true to its roots.

They’ve brunch, lunch, dinner, and blissful hour, which makes it a fantastic choice regardless of the time of day or week you go to. The chef-driven menu has elevated Italian choices like sauteed calamari, house-made ravioli, bolognese, and extra.

Throughout blissful hour, you will get appetizers akin to herbed ricotta, patatas bravas, and parmesan truffle buddies for discounted costs. Beer, wine, and cocktails are on supply as properly.

Taverna Info

Handle: 1986 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Cellphone: +19043983005
Working Hours: 11 am-9 pm Tues-Thurs, 11 am-10 pm Friday & Saturday, 10 am-9 pm Sunday
Should-Strive Meals: Burrata caprese, orecchiete, mushroom marsala
Common Value: $9-$25 per starter, $17-$40 per predominant, $3-$15 for desserts
Web site: Taverna

9. Dockside Seafood Restaurant – Greatest Seafood Restaurant

No journey to Florida is full with out a seafood expertise – in any case, it actually doesn’t get a lot more energizing than this. Dockside Seafood Restaurant is understood round city to be the very best seafood restaurant in Jacksonville, and I can attest.

There was a line out the door, so I knew it was going to be scrumptious. It’s a no-fuss, order-at-the-counter institution with a bar, serving a few of the freshest, most scrumptious seafood within the metropolis. Steamed, grilled, blackened, or fried – they do all of it.

I beloved my order once I went. I began with chilled smoked fish dip (as you do, right here in Jacksonville), then cut up the grilled scallop basket and grilled crab cake soften with my companion. All the things was unbelievable – I couldn’t discover one flaw.

The view can be wonderful, because it sits proper on the river. So, get there early and seize a spot on the massive seat-yourself patio. Hold an eye fixed out for dolphins and manatees as you get pleasure from your meal – it’s a extremely particular place.

Dockside Seafood Restaurant Info

Handle: 2510 2nd Ave N, Jacksonville Seashore, FL 32250
Cellphone: +19044793474
Working Hours: 10:30 am-9 pm, Every single day
Should-Strive Meals: Grilled crab cake soften, shrimp po’boy, chilled smoked fish dip
Common Value: $4-$14 per starter, $11-$22 per predominant
Web site: Dockside Seafood Restaurant

10. Sushi Bear – Greatest Sushi Restaurant

Sushi Bear may not appear like a lot from the skin, however, in my view, it’s probably the greatest locations to eat in Jacksonville. I completely love sushi, and Sushi Bear ticks all of the packing containers after which some.

Present in a strip mall in southeast Jacksonville, this unassuming sushi restaurant is continually busy as a result of the fish is unbeatably recent, the rolls are inventive and scrumptious, and the employees is so good.

My favourite gadgets are the steamed shumai, Fancy Q roll, and rooster katsu. Based mostly on on-line opinions, it looks like each merchandise they create is price a strive although.

Sushi Bear Info

Handle: 4530 St Johns Ave #9, Jacksonville, FL 32210
Cellphone: +19045030690
Working Hours: 11 am-10 pm Mon, Wed & Thurs, 11 am-11 pm Friday & Saturday, 12 pm-10 pm Sunday, Closed Tuesday
Should-Strive Meals: Fancy Q roll, Loopy Roll, any hibachi merchandise
Common Value: $5-$13 per starter, $6-$25 per predominant, $4-$6 for desserts

11. Carmine’s Pie Home – Greatest Pizza Restaurant

Pizza is my favourite meals. Arms down. No query. It’s so flavorful, so versatile, so comforting, and Carmine’s Pie Home is understood to be probably the greatest eating places in Jacksonville. And so far as I’m involved, it actually is.

They don’t merely make pizza, they make New York-style pizza, Chicago deep-dish pie, calzones, pasta, and extra. Even company from Chicago say it’s a unbelievable deep dish, and that’s saying quite a bit.

The atmosphere at Carmine’s can be superior. There are daring murals on the partitions by native artists, eclectic items of decor, and loud 80s rock within the background. It’s a lot enjoyable.

Carmine’s Pie Home Info

Handle: 2677 Forbes St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Cellphone: +19043871400
Working Hours: 11 am-9 pm Solar-Thurs, 11 am-10 pm Friday and Saturday
Should-Strive Meals: Chicago stuffed pie along with your favourite toppings, The Frenchy pizza, lobster mac and cheese
Common Value: $7-$14 per starter, $4-$20+ per pizza
Web site: Carmine’s Pie Home

12. fifth Aspect – Greatest Indian Restaurant

fifth Aspect has turn out to be a Jacksonville favourite for its daring, genuine Indian flavors, recent elements, and all kinds of menu gadgets from throughout all areas of India. As quickly as you stroll within the door, you’re greeted by an excellent scent of all types of spices and meats.

Positioned within the Baymeadows space of Jacksonville, this Indian restaurant hasn’t left one merchandise out. Regardless of the massive menu, each merchandise is thoughtfully ready with the right steadiness of taste and spices. I’m but to be disenchanted.

For instance, on the menu, you’ll discover samosas, sambar, dosa, tandoori, fried rice, saag, curries, vindaloos, and a lot extra. You’ll doubtless must make a number of visits as a result of it’s going to be very arduous to not need to order all the things!

fifth Aspect Info

Handle: 9485 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Cellphone: +19044488265
Working Hours: 11 am-10 pm Solar-Thurs, 11 am-10:30 am Saturday & Sunday
Should-Strive Meals: Paneer Pakora, lamb tikka masala, masala dosa
Common Value: $5-$13 per starter, $7-$15 per predominant, $3 for desserts (common)
Web site: fifth Aspect

13. Murray Hillbilly – Greatest Vegan Restaurant

Okay, I’m not vegan, however I’m obsessive about Murray Hillbilly. Omnivores, pescatarians, and vegans alike will fall in love after one chunk as a result of all the things is over-the-top scrumptious. When you are vegan, you’ll be very pleased with Jacksonville for this unbelievable restaurant.

Head south of downtown to the Murray Hill space and also you’ll discover the cleverly named institution. The menu is stuffed with vegan/faux-meat gadgets which are, fairly truthfully, mind-blowingly good. There’s a bacun cheeze biscuit, BS burger, chickun wingz, mac n’ cheeze, and lots of extra decisions to choose from.

One go to and also you’ll see why this earlier meals cart was in want of a brick-and-mortar institution.

Murray Hillbilly Info

Handle: 1044 Edgewood Ave S, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Cellphone: +19046836376
Working Hours: 11 am-8 pm Wed-Solar, Closed Monday & Tuesday
Should-Strive Meals: Muenster cheeze fries, maple chikun biscuit, Hillbilly Whopper
Common Value: $8 per starter, $6-$13 per predominant
Web site: Murray Hillbilly

14. Seashore Hut Cafe – Greatest Price range Restaurant

Scrumptious meals doesn’t must break the bank. Once I need tasty, no-frills meals for a fantastic worth, in a fantastic location, I at all times head to Seashore Hut Cafe in Jacksonville Seashore. It’s lower than two blocks from the seaside, and so they serve diner-style breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, and every day specials.

An cute “diner on the seaside,” the Seashore Hut Cafe is actually a Jacksonville Seashore staple. The breakfast hours can turn out to be pretty busy, however that’s solely as a result of it’s so scrumptious, (and it’s low-cost). Lunch is nothing to scoff at both – their easy burgers and deli sandwiches are out of this world.

Get a full two-egg breakfast with house fries and bacon for simply $8 or a cheeseburger with all of the fixings and chips for lower than $10. It’s an superior choice for finances vacationers and households.

Seashore Hut Cafe Info

Handle: 1281 third St S, Jacksonville Seashore, FL 32250
Cellphone: +19042493516
Working Hours: 7 am-2 pm, Every single day
Should-Strive Meals: Steak n’ eggs, BLT, nation fried rooster
Common Value: $5-$13 per breakfast merchandise, $5-$11 per lunch merchandise
Web site: Seashore Hut Cafe

15. Matthew’s Restaurant – Greatest High quality Eating Restaurant

I had the nice privilege of eating at Matthew’s Restaurant and to say it was wonderful could be a critical understatement. Often called the premier wonderful eating restaurant in Jacksonville, it’s actually a culinary expertise like no different.

Positioned within the food-centric neighborhood of San Marco, this high-end restaurant has been making elegant French and Mediterranean delicacies for over 25 years. The service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is modern and relaxed. It’s merely beautiful.

On the menu, you’ll be able to look forward to finding gadgets akin to a caviar choice, steak tartare, escargot, duck, wagyu beef, and seared foie gras. It’s all the things you need in a wonderful eating expertise. Reservations are extremely really helpful – don’t miss out on this one.

Matthew’s Restaurant Info

Handle: 2107 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Cellphone: +19043969922
Working Hours: 4:30 pm-10 pm Mon-Sat
Should-Strive Meals: Seared foie gras, beef tenderloin, Iberico Pork Secreto
Common Value: $17-$36 per starter, $35-$95 per predominant, $14-$15 for desserts
Web site: Matthew’s Restaurant

Should-Strive Meals in Jacksonville, Florida

There are a number of meals and dishes round Jacksonville which have made me need to get them organized time and again. The staple of Jax is at all times seafood, so, after all, I’ve shared my favourite. I’ve additionally included some others which are actually mouthwatering and shouldn’t be missed:

Beef Stroganoff at Restaurant Orsay

There’s one thing about beef stroganoff that’s so comforting and nostalgic to me. Restaurant Orsay is elevating the straightforward dish with braised quick rib, leeks, and creme fraiche. It melts in your mouth.

Pad See Ew with Scallops at Indochine Downtown

Pad See Ew is a type of Thai dishes that may be totally different at each restaurant you order it from. Indochine Downtown’s model is ideal and really genuine. The huge rice noodles are cooked to a T and so they’re gorgeously wearing a candy soy sauce that I dream about, actually.

Grilled Crab Cake Soften at Dockside Seafood Restaurant

Crab is a staple right here in Jacksonville and each time I go to Dockside, I can’t assist however order the Grilled Crab Cake Soften. The crab cake has tons of lump meat and is served as a beneficiant portion, the white cheddar doesn’t overwhelm, and the roll is toasted but gentle. What’s extra, it’s served with a aspect of traditional Southern hush puppies.

Orecchiete at Taverna

Nothing makes me happier than selfmade pasta. Taverna has mastered the pasta-making craft and their orecchiete is the stuff desires are manufactured from. It’s served with a slow-cooked pork ragu, broccolini, and pine nuts. Divine!

Chicago Stuffed Pie at Carmine’s Pie Home

Folks are inclined to have a tough opinion on Chicago deep dish pie. Earlier than Carmine’s, I had solely tried it in Chicago and it felt sacrilege to have it anyplace else; however Carmine’s is critically legit. The crust doesn’t take over and it’s not too saucy. It’s tacky, flavorful, and genuine. I like mine with sausage, mushrooms, and black olives.

Meals Excursions in Jacksonville, Florida

A good way to expertise all of the culinary excellence that Jacksonville has to supply is to take a meals tour. Listed here are a few excursions which are an effective way to style your method round city:

The Avondale Culinary Tour in Jacksonville

Spherical up your folks and head on a culinary journey in Avondale with this enjoyable meals tour. Voted as one in all America’s High 10 Nice Neighborhoods, you’ll stroll via historic Avondale whereas stopping at a few of the tastiest eating places within the space. E-book your 3-hour tour right here.

Savoring San Marco

San Marco is named one of the vital food-centric neighborhoods in Jacksonville. On this 3-hour strolling tour, you’ll uncover hidden gems which are off the crushed path throughout your 5 stops of sips and bites. You’ll additionally study in regards to the wealthy historical past of San Marco and take within the sights of avenue artwork and murals. E-book your tour right here.

Jacksonville, Florida Eating places: FAQs

Listed here are some solutions to probably the most generally requested questions on the very best eating places in Jacksonville, Florida:

In Conclusion

Discovering new and scrumptious eating places in Jacksonville is one in all my favourite hobbies. All of those eating places have made a long-lasting impression on me, in one of the simplest ways. It’s thrilling to observe Jacksonville’s culinary scene develop and broaden daily.

When visiting the world, I hope you discover this information useful for experiencing the very best locations to eat in Jacksonville. Glad consuming!