Rocco Smith
As the most populated city in Florida, Jacksonville offers dining as diverse as its people.
Whether there for college, vacation, or to enjoy a rousing game of football, you’ll want to find meals that meet your expectations.
Bordering the Atlantic Ocean and settling nicely into Northeastern Florida, Jacksonville is known for its tourism and hospitality, and food is no exception.
When I travel, I’m always on alert for places to eat near me, so I enthusiastically investigated the places to eat in Jacksonville.
With you in mind, I tried many different restaurants around Jacksonville, and while I couldn’t eat another bite, I found satisfaction for my tastebuds.
No matter what type of cuisine you love, there’s something for everyone in this coastal city.
Bistro Aix
1440 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904-398-1949
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Bistro Aix provides a rustic flair just east of the St. Johns River and south of I-95.
Established in 2000, Bistro Aix takes great pride in its French-inspired cuisine and relaxed approach to dining.
Bistro Aix offers casual dining as well as a private dining room for your significant events.
After dinner, be sure to check out their bohemian bar. Bistro Aix fills with music, energy, and entertainment to unwind at the end of a long day.
Here, I enjoyed the Aix Burger with prime beef, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickled onions, chipotle, Aix herbs, Aix herb fries, and a side of mixed greens.
Restaurant Orsay
3630 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Phone: 904-381-0909
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Restaurant Orsay is a stone’s throw away from Boone Park and a few blocks from the St. Johns River in Avondale.
They’ve received Slow Food First Coast’s Snail of Approval for their eco-conscious ingredients.
The atmosphere at Restaurant Orsay combines warmth and fun with sophistication as this French bistro highlights its southern influence.
The menu combines Parisian classics with American flair to create a unique and delightful experience.
Now, the extensive options at Restaurant Orsay made it challenging to choose just one entree, but I settled on the Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast with French green lentils, Eden Farms bacon, carrot puree, roasted duck jus, and crispy carrots.
The duck was a perfect choice.
Biscottis
3556 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Phone: 904-387-2060
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Settled into the Avondale/Riverside dining district sits a classic bistro waiting for you to come on in.
Biscottis oozes southern charm that’s lasted 25 years.
Another recipient of the Snail of Approval from Slow Food First Coast, Biscottis supports local farmers, sustainable agriculture, and so much more.
Biscottis’ team of expert chefs, managers, and catering directors works hard to ensure perfect hospitality with every visit, and they don’t disappoint.
My favorite item here is the Braised Beef Short Ribs, served with Boursin mashed potatoes, sautèed green beans, and a shiitake demi-glace.
This melt-in-your-mouth goodness is delightful.
Taverna
1986 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904-398-3005
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Located south of the St. Johns River and just east of Marco lake sits a quaint little Italian restaurant just waiting to share their classically modern recipes with you.
Taverna uses authentic Italian ingredients and locally produced meats to create a memorable dining experience.
It’s no wonder Taverna has a family feel to it, as Sam and Kiley Wynne Efron combine their passion for Italian food and wine in this award-winning restaurant.
Since its opening in 2009, Taverna has received dozens of accolades.
When a restaurant feels like home, I like to try a comfort food dish.
The House Made Ravioli with asparagus, mushrooms, peas, kale, and truffle had just the right amount of rich flavor to satisfy my appetite.
I highly recommend you try this dish.
Matthew’s Restaurant
2107 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904-396-9922
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Matthew’s Restaurant serves its contemporary New American cuisine in the heart of San Marco, just north of Brown L.
Whatley Memorial Park. With 25 years of experience, the staff at Matthew’s offers incredible service in a sophisticated atmosphere.
The business casual dress code fits the standard for the cosmopolitan environment and high-class menu.
This place is great if you want to host a private event for a work holiday party or special occasion.
House-made pasta marks the signature for greatness here, and you’ll love their four-course menu.
I highly recommend the Beef Tartare with sriracha aioli, pickled mustard seeds, and brioche croutons to start.
The Seared Foie Gras is unmatched, served with sweet onion confit, saffron-onion marmalade, and truffle oil.
But save room for the Coconut Semifreddo with pineapple compote, blondie, and caramel.
Black Sheep Restaurant
1534 Oak St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: 904-380-3091
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You’ll find Black Sheep Restaurant nestled in Five Points between Memorial and Riverside Parks.
This farm-to-table restaurant features fresh local ingredients for its modern American menu.
Sustainability is a priority for Black Sheep Restaurant, and that’s apparent in their high-quality food and drinks.
With several partners throughout the region, Black Sheep truly knows what community means.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Black Sheep provides a great brunch in Jacksonville.
The Korean Short Rib with bulgogi marinade, logan turnpike grits, collard green kimchi, and a soft boiled egg fill you up for a great day of sightseeing or shopping.
The French Pantry
6301 Powers Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32217
Phone: 904-730-8696
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The French Pantry sits a block away from the Florida East Coast Railway, across from the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Station 21.
Original owners Tim and Barbara Felver, friends with Wolfgang Puck and Mary Bergin, moved from California to Florida in 1995.
Here, they opened The French Pantry as a small wholesale bakery.
As students from Wolfson High School asked for more lunch options in the neighborhood, The French Pantry transformed into the culinary treat it is today.
Their specialty is artisanal bread and delicious desserts.
You won’t want to miss their Bang Bang Shrimp Po Boy.
The tempura-fried shrimp is tossed in bang bang sauce, topped with provolone cheese, onion, tomato, 1000 island dressing, and spring mix with balsamic vinaigrette on a hoagie roll. Sandwiches will never be the same.
Catullo’s Italian
1650-2 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Phone: 904-240-1252
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Nestled just west of the Intracoastal Waterway and south of Atlantic Boulevard, you’ll discover Catullo’s Italian Restaurant. Catullo’s deserves its reputation as one of the best Italian restaurants in Jacksonville.
Customers enjoy their experience so much, they return and tell all their friends about it.
What started as a food truck evolved into a brick-and-mortar restaurant specializing in fresh pasta.
I was blown away by the Garganelli con Cavolfiori, Zafferano, e Uvetta.
This pasta comes with caramelized cauliflower, sautèed onions, California golden raisins, saffron, tomato purèe, and ricotta.
BB’s Restaurant and Bar
1019 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904-306-0100
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North of Interstate 95 and close to the Broadstone River House, BB’s Restaurant and Bar is positioned perfectly for your vacation.
Surrounded by hotels and near the St. Johns River, everything you need is nearby.
BB’s atmosphere is classic and clean for a modern New American experience.
Only a quick walk from downtown and Historic San Marco, the eclectic and groovy flair at BB’s makes it the hippest place to be.
I lunched here before shopping and fell in love with the Pan Asian Chop Chop salad.
The grilled chicken, toasted peanuts, rice noodles, crispy wontons, sweet soy, wasabi drizzle, and sesame ginger vinaigrette made this a salad I won’t soon forget!
Eleven South
216 11th Ave S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Phone: 904-241-1112
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When exploring South Jacksonville Beach, take the time to stop at Eleven South.
They’re known for their casual, comfortable, and inviting environment, where they make fine dining accessible.
Eleven South has won awards from Wine Spectator, Open Table, Travellers’ Choice, and the Florida Trend Golden Spoon Award, making them instantly recognizable and verified for greatness.
The most amazing dish here is the Seafood Paella.
Maine lobster tail, Argentinian red shrimp, bay scallops, white fish, PEI mussels, and Little Neck clams, served with pea and carrot saffron risotto, parsley, and tarragon oil. Yes, it is as perfect as it sounds.
Metro Diner
Multiple locations
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Metro Diner has multiple locations throughout Jacksonville, including one close to the Jacksonville International Airport and the University of North Florida.
Their diner in Bay Meadows keeps you close to the Jacksonville Jaguars game so that you can indulge before or after the game.
Comfort food combined with classic Southern food keeps Metro Diner relevant, while their innovation leads to their award-winning best breakfast, best diner, and best burger.
I thought their Family Meals were quite clever, and we ordered the Fried Chicken and Waffles (for 4).
Belgian waffles with fried chicken served with sweet strawberry butter and their signature sweet and spicy sauce was perfect for a family dinner out.
The Bearded Pig
1808 Kings Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904-619-2247
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The Bearded Pig is the best BBQ in Jacksonville, situated nearly in San Marco near the St. Johns River.
Southern tradition reigns in the top-quality food and service here, making it a must-stop location for dinner.
Whether dining in or looking to cater a large event, The Bearded Pig has everything you need for authentic Southern BBQ.
The San Marco Platter makes an excellent dinner for a casual date night.
It includes a ¼ rack of ribs, ¼ chicken, ¼ each of two meat choices (I recommend the brisket and the sausage), two sides, Mac and cheese, and coleslaw. All this is more than enough to feed two.
Fox Restaurant
3580 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Phone: 904-387-2669
Fox Restaurant is located a few blocks off the St. Johns River in the Avondale area of Jacksonville.
Only a few blocks east of Boone Park South, this is an excellent place to grab lunch on a busy day.
The Fox has an old-school diner feel with its simple yet delicious menu and the down-home hospitality you’d expect from Northern Florida.
The BLFGT intrigued me, and I’m glad I tried it.
Despite sounding unusual, the bacon, lettuce, fried green tomatoes, blue cheese, and horseradish made a delicious sandwich.
Fox Restaurant certainly earned its place as one of the best places to eat in Jacksonville.
Marker 32
14549 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32250
Phone: 904-223-1534
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Expect nothing less than greatness from Marker 32, with their owner’s training at the Culinary Institute of America and 30 years of experience.
The restaurant sits between the Intercoastal Waterway and the Palm Cove Marina, and the view is divine.
This five-star restaurant offers a mix of familiar and exotic dishes, each perfectly prepared especially for you.
My favorite dish was the New Zealand Lamb Chop; grilled lamb chops served with rosemary spaetzle and spinach, oven-dried tomatoes, and a mushroom chardonnay sauce.
Green Papaya Thai & Sushi Cuisine
13141 City Station Dr #149, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Phone: 904-696-8886
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Surprisingly, Jacksonville has some really great sushi restaurants, and Green Papaya Thai & Sushi Cuisine is one of the best.
This hidden gem serves Pan Asian cuisine.
The classic Asian menu hits the spot with a variety of familiar treats.
Hearty servings and brilliant aromas make this an excellent choice.
I started with the krab Rangoon, a crispy wonton wrap with crab meat, cream cheese, onions, scallions, and served with a delicious Thai garlic sauce.
The General Tso Chicken, which included fried chicken pieces with onions, peppers, garlic, and broccoli with traditional General Tso sauce, was fantastic.
TacoLu
1712 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Phone: 904-249-8226
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Built in the Old Homestead Restaurant, TacoLu serves authentic Mexican cuisine just off Beach Boulevard.
The restaurant survived the economic crash of 2008, making it one of the best Mexican Restaurants in Jacksonville.
Their adorable name comes from one of the owner’s children, Lucy, who was only a year old when the restaurant opened.
That strong family tradition extends to the care given in the kitchen, too.
You must start with their fresh guacamole – avocado, lime, cilantro, and roasted garlic.
Then, for your main dish, I recommend the street corn nachos.
This fantastic dinner has chips, queso, roasted corn, cotija cheese, chipotle crema, avocado crema, and topped with fresh cilantro, jalapeno, and lime.
Azurea At One Ocean
1 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Phone: 904-249-7402
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You’ve never dined anywhere quite as stunning as Azurea at One Ocean.
The interior design mirrors the beauty of the ocean, which you can see from any seat in the dining room.
Azurea is in the One Ocean resort on Atlantic Beach, just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean.
Their hospitality is unmatched, and there’s nowhere better for style and fine dining with an ocean view.
I recommend starting with the Pear and Prosciutto Flatbread with garlic oil, Saint-André Triple Crème, arugula, and pomegranate reduction.
For your main course, you can’t go wrong with the Bronzer Pacific Sea Bass, served with lobster, mango, piquillo pepper gastrique, and coriander emulsion.
The Fish Company
725-12 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Phone: 904-246-0123
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The Fish Company takes fancy seafood dining with a casual atmosphere to Atlantic Beach.
It’s only a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean, and you know the seafood is fresh and delicious.
The restaurant was established in 2006 and has kept hungry travelers satisfied for 15 years.
It’s clear this is a family-owned restaurant by its dedication toward welcoming guests into the fold.
The Gumbo Dinner is a savory nod to Southern-style seafood with rice, andouille sausage, shrimp, crab claws, tomato, and okra.
It’s a meal to warm your soul.
Blue Bamboo Canton Bistro
10110 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32257
Phone: 904-646-1478
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If you’re looking for Chinese food with a modern twist, look no further than Blue Bamboo Canton Bistro, settled between Pickwick Park and Arrowhead.
The lifelong dedication to mixing flavors, improving dishes, and relying on perfection sets them apart from other restaurants.
Head Chef Dennis Chan learned to cook from his grandfather and now pours the same love into his menu.
I couldn’t believe how wonderful my meal was.
I enjoyed the Basil Miso Salmon, grilled and brushed with a miso glaze, topped with fragrant basil oil, and served with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
