Jacksonville’s food scene is full of exciting lunch spots. It’s a top dining spot in Florida, with many great lunch places. Whether you live here or are just visiting, you’ll find lots of tasty options.
Our guide shows you the best lunch spots in Jacksonville. You’ll find local favorites, hidden gems, and must-try places. The city’s food scene has something for everyone, from casual to fancy.
Key Takeaways
- Jacksonville features 47 unique dining options
- Restaurants range from budget-friendly to high-end experiences
- Local cuisine includes seafood, Southern comfort food, and international flavors
- Many restaurants use locally sourced ingredients
- Diverse dining scenes include food trucks, waterfront restaurants, and ethnic cuisines
1. Casual Dining Gems in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is home to 47 unique dining spots, offering something for everyone. The city’s casual dining scene is filled with flavors, atmospheres, and local favorites. It’s perfect for those searching for jacksonville lunch restaurants near me.
Unique Atmosphere and Menu Highlights
Exploring Jacksonville’s best lunch spots reveals vibrant food culture. TacoLu is a standout, offering tasty food and a lively atmosphere. Their menu includes:
- Bangin’ shrimp tacos
- Fresh fish tacos
- Extensive tequila selection
The French Pantry is another local favorite. It offers a cozy lunch spot with a twist. They change their menu daily, providing fresh and exciting dishes.
Family-Friendly Options
Moon River Pizza is great for families. Their hand-tossed pizzas are made with:
- Hearty tomato sauce
- Freshly grated cheese
- A welcoming atmosphere for all ages
“Jacksonville’s casual dining scene represents a beautiful blend of culinary traditions and modern innovations.”
Angie’s Subs is a beloved spot, serving delicious subs for nearly three decades. Their Peruvian sub and sweet tea are favorites among locals and visitors.
2. Budget-Friendly Lunch Spots
Jacksonville has many local lunch favorites that are easy on the wallet. Whether you’re a student, worker, or just want a tasty meal without spending a lot, the city has plenty of options. You’ll find many highly rated lunch spots in Jacksonville FL that will make your taste buds happy.
Looking for affordable dining doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste or quality. Many local restaurants offer amazing meals for under $10. This makes lunch a fun and affordable experience.
Delicious Meals Under $10
- Gina’s Delicatessen: Every menu item priced under $10, with the Big Breakfast serving three eggs and various sides
- NY Slices: Pizza slices around $4, perfect for a quick and cheap lunch
- Angie’s Subs: Sandwiches under $10 with weekly specials
- Taco Lu: Individual tacos priced at approximately $5
Daily Specials Worth Looking For
Local restaurants in Jacksonville know how much people love affordable meals. Here are some amazing daily specials:
- Hamburger Mary’s offers a cheap lunch special at $5.99
- Wicked Barley Brewing Company’s taco deal: three tacos with chips and salsa for just $6
- Bar-B-Q Sticks combo meals starting at approximately $6
- Happy Grilled Cheese with most menu items under $10
Pro tip: Follow your favorite local lunch spots on social media. This way, you can catch the latest specials and deals to save even more!
3. Healthy Lunch Choices
Jacksonville is a great place for those who want healthy and tasty lunches. With over 567 lunch spots on Grubhub, you’ll find many places that fit your healthy eating goals.
Fresh and Local Ingredients
Local restaurants in Jacksonville focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients. Community Loaves in Murray Hill is a great example. They make menus that highlight local produce.
- Farm-to-table salads with seasonal vegetables
- Locally sourced protein options
- Nutrient-dense meal selections
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Many lunch spots in Jacksonville offer plant-based meals. Mesa, a modern Indian restaurant, has creative vegetarian dishes that everyone loves.
| Restaurant | Vegetarian Highlights | Lunch Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Mesa | Five-course vegetarian tasting menu | 11 AM – 2 PM |
| Community Loaves | Seasonal farm salads | 11 AM – 3 PM |
| Bread & Board | Vegetable sandwich boards | 11 AM – 2:30 PM |
Looking for a Buddha Bowl or a fresh salad? Jacksonville’s healthy lunch options have something for everyone.
“Eating healthy doesn’t mean compromising on flavor – it’s about making smart, delicious choices!” – Local Jacksonville Chef
4. Seafood Lovers’ Paradise
Jacksonville’s coastal spot is a dream for seafood fans. It offers delicious lunch options that highlight the area’s sea treasures. Whether you want fresh seafood or a meal by the water, Jacksonville’s top lunch spots promise a memorable meal.
Must-Try Dishes for Fish Fanatics
Seafood enthusiasts will find many tasty dishes that show off coastal flavors. Here are some top picks:
- Safe Harbor Seafood Market’s “you catch, we cook” service
- Cap’s on the Water’s stunning river views and fresh seafood
- Salt Life Food Shack’s unique Caliche’s Poke Bowl with fresh tuna
- Conch House Restaurant’s Caribbean seafood dishes
Waterfront Dining Experiences
Dive into Jacksonville’s coastal beauty with these top waterfront seafood spots:
| Restaurant | Specialty | Location Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Aunt Kate’s | Southern Seafood | River Views |
| Creekside Dinery | Extensive Seafood Menu | Julington Creek Waterside |
| South Beach Grill | Innovative Seafood Creations | Beachfront Setting |
“Fresh seafood isn’t just a meal in Jacksonville—it’s an experience that connects you to the ocean’s bounty.” – Local Foodie
Pro tip: Many of these places serve fresh, locally sourced seafood that changes daily. Call ahead to find out what’s new and exciting!
5. Food Trucks and Quick Bites
Jacksonville’s food truck scene is exciting and dynamic. It offers quick and delicious lunch spots in Jacksonville Florida for everyone. You’ll find something to suit every taste.
Best Locations for Mobile Cuisine
Food trucks in Jacksonville are a hit. They gather at key spots to feed hungry customers. You can find them in several areas:
- Main Street Food Park in Historic Springfield
- Local breweries and entertainment venues
- Community events and festivals
- Bravoz Entertainment Center
Popular Menu Items to Explore
The top lunch spots in Jacksonville offer a wide range of mobile cuisine. Some highlights include:
- Carolina Jax’s Hurricane Burger – A local favorite that started as a food truck
- Mission Style Burritos from Burrito Gallery
- Hopper’s Mini Donuts – A unique sweet treat with multiple trailers
- Southern-style quick bites from local food truck entrepreneurs
“Food trucks bring creativity and flexibility to Jacksonville’s dining scene, offering something unique around every corner.”
The mobile food scene in Jacksonville is always changing. Many trucks have become real restaurants. This keeps lunch options fresh and exciting, with something new to try every time.
6. Upscale Lunch Options
Experience a new level of dining in Jacksonville with its top lunch spots. These places offer elegant settings and world-class food for those who love fine dining.
Elegant Ambiance and Fine Dining
Jacksonville has some amazing lunch spots that make your meal special. Restaurant Orsay is the best, known as the top restaurant in Jacksonville.
- Award-winning French-inspired bistro cuisine
- Pan-roasted fish with local grits
- Steak frites with rosemary seasoning
Recommended Wine Pairings
For great wine with your lunch, try Cowford Chophouse. It’s in a historic 1902 building and has stunning views of the St. Johns River.
| Restaurant | Price Range | Signature Dish |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Orsay | $28-$63 for mains | Steak Frites |
| Cowford Chophouse | $30-$60 for mains | Classic Steakhouse Selections |
Exploring Jacksonville’s lunch scene can turn your day around. These top spots offer more than just food; they provide a memorable experience.
“Dining is an art, and Jacksonville’s upscale restaurants are the canvas” – Local Food Critic
7. International Flavors in Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s food scene is a world tour for your taste buds. You’ll find local favorites that take you on a journey around the globe. Every bite is a new adventure for food lovers.
Top Ethnic Restaurants to Explore
Looking for great lunch spots in Jacksonville? You’ll find amazing international places. Each spot offers real flavors that celebrate different cultures.
- Mesa: Southern Indian cuisine with innovative tasting menus
- Blue Bamboo: Modern Chinese culinary artistry
- 5th Element: Authentic Indian spice experiences
- Lucky Cat Dim Sum: Hong Kong street food delights
Signature Dishes to Savor
Get ready to try these must-try dishes from Jacksonville’s international restaurants:
| Restaurant | Signature Dish | Cuisine Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mesa | Tamarind-Ginger Chicken Wings | Indian |
| Blue Bamboo | Chinese BBQ Spare Ribs | Chinese |
| 5th Element | Tandoori Specialties | Indian |
| Hawkers | Asian Street Fare Small Plates | Pan-Asian |
“In Jacksonville, every meal is a passport to global flavors!” – Local Food Critic
Every restaurant in Jacksonville has its own story to tell through food. You can try everything from spicy Indian curries to delicate dim sum. Jacksonville’s international food scene is waiting for you.
8. Local Favorites: Community Picks
Jacksonville’s dining scene is full of hidden gems that locals love. These spots are not just places to eat. They offer unique flavors and experiences that stand out from the usual.
Looking for the best lunch spots in Jacksonville? Residents have their top choices. These places show the city’s vibrant food culture. They are more than just meals; they are the heart of Jacksonville’s food scene.
Highly Rated by Locals
- Catullo’s Italian: An intimate restaurant known for exceptional arancini appetizers
- Potter’s House Soul Food Bistro: Famous for mouthwatering smothered pork chops
- Taqueria Cinco: A hidden gem serving authentic repollitos tacos
- Kickbacks Gastropub: Praised for extensive beer selection and corn nuggets
- BREW Five Points: Attracts locals with delicious brisket breakfast tacos
Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
“The best restaurants are the ones locals keep secret!” – Jacksonville Food Enthusiast
These restaurants are not just about the food. They offer real experiences that show off Jacksonville’s diverse food scene. Whether you’re looking for something affordable or something new, these spots promise great lunch experiences.
Maybe your next amazing meal is waiting in one of these hidden spots. It’s just waiting to be found and enjoyed.
9. Best Lunch Spots for Business Meetings
Business professionals in Jacksonville have many great places for lunch. These restaurants offer delicious food and perfect spots for networking. Your next work meeting could become a strategic discussion at some of the city’s top dining spots.
Estrella is a top pick for business lunches, serving Baja Mexican cuisine close to the city center. It’s in a central location and has a casual dress code, making it perfect for work meetings. Cowford Chophouse, just 0.3 miles away, offers a sophisticated setting with high-end steakhouse fare. It impresses clients and colleagues.
Ambiance for Networking and Conversations
River & Post is another top choice for lunch in Jacksonville FL. It has a rooftop bar that’s great for business talks. With seafood and steak specialties, it offers a professional atmosphere and culinary excellence. It’s 1.4 miles from the city center, making it easy to get to for business teams.
Catering Services and Reservations
Many Jacksonville restaurants cater to corporate needs, offering catering and flexible reservations. Places like Hoptinger and Taverna have spaces for group lunches. Always check the dress code and book ahead for a smooth dining experience that meets your business goals.