I love exploring new places to eat, and Jacksonville, Florida, is a gem. This city has everything from fancy restaurants to cozy spots. With 47 amazing places to dine, Jacksonville’s food scene is full of variety and creativity.
At Catullo’s Italian, the cozy vibe and tasty arancini (fried risotto balls) draw me in. The Potter’s House Soul Food Bistro is great for comfort food, especially their smothered pork chops. Azurea restaurant offers a beautiful beach view and dishes made with fresh, local seafood.
Bones Pizza inside Reve Brewing is a must-try for pizza lovers, with its pesto pies. Culhane’s Irish Pub is perfect for a hearty Guinness Beef Stew.
Key Takeaways
- Jacksonville boasts 47 unforgettable dining destinations, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
- Signature dishes include arancini, smothered pork chops, and locally sourced seafood.
- The city’s culinary scene offers a diverse range of cuisines, from Italian and Southern to Irish and craft beer-inspired fare.
- Restaurants showcase a mix of intimate, cozy ambiances and elegant, beachfront settings.
- Many establishments prioritize the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Exploring Jacksonville’s Culinary Scene
Jacksonville, the largest city in Florida by land area, has a vibrant food scene. It reflects the city’s rich culture and love for local tastes. From trendy food trucks to fancy restaurants, there’s something for everyone. This makes it a top spot for food lovers and those who enjoy reading jacksonville restaurant reviews.
A Brief Introduction to Jacksonville Dining
Jacksonville is more than just Duval County. It also includes Nassau, St. Johns, Baker, and Clay counties. With over 1.25 million people, the city’s diverse population adds to its lively food scene. You can find everything from fresh seafood and BBQ to international dishes and comfort food.
Embracing Local Flavors
- The Fish Company in Atlantic Beach offers delicious, locally-sourced seafood. It shows the city’s dedication to using fresh, sustainable ingredients.
- The Bread & Board in historic Five Points is known for its unique sandwiches. The southern-style buttermilk chicken is a favorite, celebrating local flavors.
- Estrella Cocina in Downtown Jacksonville has a rooftop dining area. It offers stunning views of the St. Johns River, great for happy hours or dates.
Jacksonville’s food scene is always growing, with a focus on new ideas and being green. The city’s food trucks, craft beer, and farm-to-table movement make dining out both tasty and eco-friendly.
Looking for a laid-back spot or a fancy dinner? jacksonville restaurant reviews show Jacksonville has it all. The city’s wide range of food and dedication to local ingredients make it a key place to visit for food enthusiasts.
Top Fine Dining Restaurants in Jacksonville
For a memorable fine dining experience in Jacksonville, FL, check out these top upscale restaurants. They offer everything from classic steaks to creative bistro dishes. These places take the fine dining jacksonville fl scene to new heights.
Notable Locations for Elegant Meals
Cowford Chophouse is in a 1902 historic building. It offers a rooftop view and classic steakhouse selections. Restaurant Orsay combines French and Southern flavors with dishes like lobster pot pie and lamb sirloin.
Matthew’s Restaurant is known for its top-notch fine dining service. River & Post has amazing views of the city skyline and St. Johns River from its rooftop lounge.
Signature Dishes to Try
- Mesa has a five-course tasting menu and a la carte options. The tasting menu is vegetarian-friendly.
- Restaurant Orsay has a great happy hour. They serve inventive bistro classics like pan-roasted fish with grits.
- Silkies Chicken and Champagne Bar by chef Kenny Gilbert offers fried chicken, biscuits, and champagne cocktails. It elevates Southern cuisine.
- Norikase is a must-try for a chef’s tasting omakase dinner. They use seafood from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market.
| Restaurant | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Orsay | $5-$30 per starter, $28-$63 per main, $6-$16 for desserts |
| Indochine Downtown | $6-$10 per starter, $14-$23 per main, $6-$10 per cocktail |
| Cowford Chophouse | $15-$30 per starter, $30-$60 per main, $12-$15 for desserts |
| River & Post | $11-$16 per starter, $14-$25 per main, $14 for desserts |
Casual Dining Experiences You’ll Love
In Jacksonville, Florida, you’ll find plenty of casual dining spots. From family-friendly BBQ places to local favorites, there’s something for everyone. The city’s casual dining scene is full of delightful experiences.
Fun Atmospheres for Families
The Bearded Pig is great for families. It has a beer garden and a playground. It’s perfect for a relaxed meal together. TacoLu in Jacksonville Beach is another favorite. It’s known for its tasty fish tacos and refreshing tequila cocktails.
Must-Try Menu Items
- Peruvian Sub at Angie’s Subs: Angie’s Subs has been a local favorite for nearly three decades. Its signature Peruvian sub is a must-try.
- Seafood at Dockside Seafood: Dockside Seafood offers a true Jacksonville fish camp experience. Enjoy fresh seafood and beautiful views of the intracoastal waterway.
| Restaurant | Signature Dish | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|
| The Bearded Pig | BBQ Platters | American (BBQ) |
| TacoLu | Fish Tacos | Mexican |
| Angie’s Subs | Peruvian Sub | Sandwich |
| Dockside Seafood | Seafood Dishes | Seafood |
Looking for a family-friendly BBQ or a tasty local sandwich? Jacksonville has it all. Check out these must-try spots and enjoy the city’s vibrant dining scene.
Unique Eateries with a Twist
Jacksonville’s dining scene is full of hidden gems and foodie spots. These places offer unique dining experiences. You can find everything from innovative Chinese dishes to modern Indian cuisine.
Hidden Gems Around the City
Blue Bamboo Canton Bistro is a standout. It’s led by award-winning Chef Dennis Chan. Try their Chinese BBQ Spare Ribs, a local favorite.
Mesa is another must-visit. It offers modern Indian dishes like Paneer Burrata. This dish combines Indian and Italian flavors in a unique way.
Norikase is a handroll and cocktail bar with a twist. It sources seafood from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. Here, you can enjoy an omakase-style tasting menu, showcasing the chefs’ skills in handrolls.
Specialty Cuisines to Discover
- Lucky Cat Dim Sum is famous for its dim sum. They even have cheeseburger shu mai.
- Kickbacks Gastropub and Goozlepipe and Guttyworks have over 200 beers on tap. They’re perfect for craft beer lovers.
- Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse brings Brazil’s flavors to Jacksonville. Enjoy churrasco-style grilled meats in a lively atmosphere.
These hidden gems and foodie spots in Jacksonville show the city’s diverse culinary scene. Whether you’re looking for a unique dining experience or specialty cuisines, these places will impress you. They’ll leave you wanting more.
Seafood Heaven: Best Restaurants on the Coast
As a coastal city, Jacksonville is a seafood lover’s dream. The local seafood restaurants serve up fresh, tasty dishes. You’ll find everything from classic favorites to new twists to try.
Popular Choices for Fresh Seafood
Salt Life Food Shack is a top pick, just three blocks from the beach. It’s known for its bright atmosphere and fresh seafood menu, like the Caliche’s Poke Bowl. Don’t miss North Beach Fish Camp in the Beaches Town Center for its blackened fresh catch with ham gravy and creamy grits.
For a fancy seafood meal, try Azurea at One Ocean Resort. It offers a Local Catch Trio, featuring the freshest fish in three ways.
Seasonal Specials and Dishes
- The Crafty Crab chain has several spots in Jacksonville. It serves a wide variety of seafood, from shrimp to mussels. You can choose your seasoning and heat level.
- At Crafty Crab, seasonal specials include lobster tail and king crab legs. It’s a great way to enjoy the latest catches.
- Other favorites like Dockside Seafood and The Fish Company in Atlantic Beach are famous for their oysters and authentic fish camp vibes.
Jacksonville is a seafood lover’s paradise, thanks to its many restaurants and coastal location. It’s a place where you can find delicious, fresh seafood dishes.
Kid-Friendly Dining in Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida, is a lively city with many family-friendly dining spots. Restaurants here have play areas and menus just for kids. This makes dining out fun for both parents and children.
Restaurants with Play Areas
The Bearded Pig in San Marco is a favorite for families. It has a big outdoor area with a playground. Kids can play while parents enjoy their meal.
Salt Life Food Shack is near the beach. It has a laid-back vibe and lots of space for kids to play.
Menus Tailored for Children
- Kickbacks Gastropub has both fancy and classic dishes. They have a kid’s menu with chicken tenders and grilled cheese.
- Strings Sports Brewery has been family-owned since 2019. They offer mac and cheese, pizza, and chicken nuggets for kids.
- ABBQ Meat & Drink in Atlantic Beach has a play space. It’s a fun and safe place for kids to play while parents dine.
These spots are just a few of the family restaurants jacksonville and kid-friendly dining jacksonville options. Jacksonville has something for every family, whether you want entertainment or a kid-friendly menu.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Jacksonville’s food scene is great for those who love healthy, plant-based meals. Mesa is a top choice with its five-course vegetarian tasting menu. For a vegan-only meal, Murray Hillbilly is a must-visit, known as one of the best vegan spots in town.
Community Loaves in Murray Hill is perfect for those who love fresh, local produce. They serve a Farm Salad made with ingredients from nearby farms. More and more restaurants in Jacksonville are adding vegetarian and vegan options jacksonville to their menus. This means there are more choices for vegan restaurants jacksonville to meet different dietary needs.
Where to Find Delicious Plant-Based Meals
- Mesa offers a unique five-course vegetarian tasting menu, a rarity in Jacksonville.
- Murray Hillbilly is acclaimed as one of the top vegan restaurants jacksonville for its plant-based fare.
- Community Loaves in Murray Hill serves a seasonal Farm Salad with locally grown produce.
Local Favorites for Health-Conscious Diners
| Restaurant | Celiac Friendly Votes (%) | Dietary Preferences |
|---|---|---|
| 869 Stockton St | 100% (16 votes) | Dedicated gluten-free |
| 1243 King St (Sweet Theory Baking Company) | 100% (17 votes) | Vegan, gluten-free |
| 2356 W Beaver St | 76% (13 votes) | Celiac friendly |
| 3630 Park St | 83% (6 votes) | Celiac friendly |
Jacksonville’s dining scene is growing to include more vegetarian options jacksonville. This means more chances for health-conscious diners to enjoy tasty plant-based meals.
Craft Breweries with Great Food
Jacksonville’s craft beer scene is booming. Many craft breweries offer tasty food to go with their beers. These brewery restaurants in Jacksonville are experts at matching food with beer, making dining a memorable experience.
Pairing Beer with Delicious Bites
At Engine 15 Brewing Company, a key spot on the Jax Ale Trail, you can enjoy the Brisket Beer Dip Sandwich. It goes great with their hoppy beers. Intuition Ale Works and Bold City Brewery also offer great food and beer combos, from burgers to brunch items.
For a special pizza and beer pairing, visit Reve Brewing. They serve artisanal pizzas alongside their creative craft beers.
Recommended Breweries to Visit
- Engine 15 Brewing Company in Jacksonville Beach
- Intuition Ale Works in downtown Jacksonville
- Bold City Brewery in the historic Riverside neighborhood
- Reve Brewing in the Riverside area, featuring Bones Pizza
These craft breweries in Jacksonville have found the perfect mix of tasty beer and food. They offer a great dining experience for beer lovers and foodies.
Desserts and Sweet Spots in Jacksonville
For those with a sweet tooth, Jacksonville is a true dessert haven. The city offers a wide range of treats, from classic bakeries to innovative vegan spots. Here, you can find mouthwatering sweet treats jacksonville fl to satisfy any craving.
Best Places for Indulgent Treats
Biscottis is a well-known local institution, famous for its decadent cakes and cheesecakes. Their German chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse, and salted caramel chocolate cake are favorites. For a taste of classic Southern charm, Cinotti’s, in business since 1936, offers seasonal specialties like pumpkin desserts in the fall and peppermint-infused treats during the holidays.
Vegan and health-conscious diners will love Sweet Theory Baking Company. This 100% egg, dairy, soy, and peanut-free bakery offers unique dessert places jacksonville like pineapple poppyseed frosted doughnuts, coconut bacon, and white bean sausage biscuits.
Seasonal Dessert Specials to Try
- Mixed Fillings Pie Shop’s rotating selection of sweet pies, including brown butter pecan, caramel apple, cherry, and peach.
- Amaretti Desserts’ ever-changing seasonal menu, featuring items like pecan sticky buns and cinnamon rolls.
- Sivada’s in Macclenny, known for its creative cupcake flavors, including the popular creme brulee cupcake.
Whether you’re craving a classic cake, a unique vegan treat, or a seasonal specialty, Jacksonville’s sweet treats jacksonville fl scene has something for everyone. Indulge your sweet tooth and explore the city’s best dessert places jacksonville.
Events and Festivals Celebrating Food
As a food lover in Jacksonville, I always look forward to diving into the city’s lively food scene. There are many events and festivals all year that highlight the variety of our local restaurants and producers.
Annual Food Festivals to Attend
The Jacksonville Food & Wine Festival is a summer highlight for me. It brings together local chefs, restaurateurs, and winemakers. I get to enjoy amazing dishes and wines.
Another favorite is the Riverside Arts Market. I go every Saturday to see what new foods the vendors have. It’s a great way to find new culinary treasures.
Monthly Pop-Up Markets and Tastings
I also love checking out the city’s food truck scene and monthly markets. Events like Jacksonville Restaurant Week and neighborhood rallies let me try different foods from local entrepreneurs. It’s thrilling to see what new dishes they bring.