Jacksonville, Florida, is a lively coastal city with a wide range of food options. You can find everything from farm-to-table meals to casual seafood spots and fancy rooftop dining. The city has 47 amazing lunch places to try.
Looking for Italian food? Catullo’s Italian has cozy vibes and tasty arancini. For Southern comfort food, The Potter’s House Soul Food Bistro is the place to go, especially for their smothered pork chops. Azurea by the beach offers upscale dining with dishes like the Local Catch Trio. And for a laid-back vibe, Bones Pizza inside Reve Brewing serves great pesto pizza.
Key Takeaways
- Jacksonville’s diverse culinary landscape offers something for every taste, from casual to upscale dining experiences.
- Local favorites like Catullo’s Italian and The Potter’s House Soul Food Bistro showcase the city’s vibrant food scene.
- Waterfront and rooftop lunch spots like Azurea and Bones Pizza provide scenic dining options.
- The city boasts an impressive 47 unforgettable lunch destinations, catering to a wide range of cravings and preferences.
- Exploring Jacksonville’s lunch scene allows visitors to discover the city’s unique blend of coastal and Southern influences.
Vibrant Downtown Lunch Options
Downtown Jacksonville is alive with lunchtime dining. You’ll find popular cafes, bistros, and food trucks for all tastes and budgets. Whether you want a quick snack or a relaxed meal, there’s something for everyone.
Popular Cafes and Bistros
Estrella Cocina offers stunning views of the city and St. Johns River. It’s great for a work happy hour or a romantic evening. Try their Tres Favoritas appetizer for a taste of something special.
Cowford Chophouse is in a historic 1902 building. It has a rooftop view and a classic steakhouse menu. The atmosphere and service make it a top choice in Jacksonville.
Iconic Food Trucks
- Carolina Jax: They serve unique smash burgers and loaded fries. Try the Hurricane burger or the Riverside burger for a flavor adventure.
- Cowford Chophouse: This historic spot offers rooftop views of St. Johns River and Downtown Jacksonville. Enjoy classic steakhouse dishes and a variety of steaks and seafood.
Hidden Gems in the Area
Mesa is a hidden gem in downtown. It offers a unique, five-course tasting menu and a la carte options. The tasting menu is vegetarian-friendly, a rare find in the city.
Restaurant Orsay is known for its great happy hour and creative dishes. Try their pan-roasted fish with grits or mussels frites. They also have amazing weekend brunches.
Riverside and Avondale Dining Scene
The Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL, are known for their lively dining scene. They offer a wide range of casual lunch spots and popular places for lunch. This area is a true culinary treasure, with cozy bistros and the best brunch spots.
Cozy Restaurants with Outdoor Seating
Restaurant Orsay combines French cuisine with Southern charm. They serve dishes like pan-roasted fish with grits and mussels frites. Their weekend brunch menu includes roasted oysters with bacon and spinach.
Silkie’s Chicken and Champagne Bar, led by chef Kenny Gilbert, offers Southern cuisine with a twist. Their Flavor Bomb chicken sandwich is a favorite, even among celebrities like Oprah Winfrey.
Best Brunch Spots for Lunch Lovers
Singleton’s Seafood Shack has been serving fish and local Mayport shrimp for over 40 years. Harp’s American Pub and Grill has been a favorite for more than 30 years. It’s known for its friendly vibe and tasty pub food.
Wicked Barley Brewing Company is a hit with people and their pets. It’s famous for its large outdoor beer garden by the water.
| Restaurant | Specialty | Established |
|---|---|---|
| Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant | Seafood Baskets | N/A |
| O-Ku | Sushi and Rooftop Dining | N/A |
| River City Brewing Company | Dining and Brewing | N/A |
The Riverside and Avondale dining scene is inviting and delicious. It’s a top spot for a memorable casual lunch in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Beach: A Coastal Culinary Adventure
Jacksonville Beach is a top spot for lunch, with a wide range of tasty options. You can find everything from fresh seafood to casual beachside eats. It’s a place where your taste buds will love every bite.
Seafood Favorites Along the Shore
At Salt Life Food Shack, you’ll find amazing seafood dishes. Try their Caliche’s Poke Bowl for a mix of Hawaiian and coastal tastes. TacoLu is another favorite, known for its creative fish tacos and wide tequila selection.
North Beach Fish Camp offers a true taste of southern beach food. Their menu includes dishes like blackened fresh catch with ham gravy, collards, and creamy grits. It’s a feast for your senses.
Casual Beachside Eateries
Jacksonville Beach also has many casual spots for lunch. You can find taco joints and beach bars that offer a relaxed vibe. These places are perfect for enjoying a meal while taking in the beach views.
- Hoptinger Craft Beer Bar & Grill: With over 60 craft beers on tap, it’s a hit with locals and visitors.
- The Shim Sham Room: This beachside lounge mixes live music, coastal food, and creative drinks.
- Ocean Grill & Bar: Just less than a mile from hotels, it offers great seafood and American dishes with ocean views.
Looking for fresh seafood or a chill beach vibe? Jacksonville Beach has it all. Explore this coastal culinary journey and find the best eateries Jacksonville Florida has to offer.
St. Johns Town Center: Dining and Shopping Combo
Jacksonville’s St. Johns Town Center is a favorite spot for shopping and dining. It offers upscale chain restaurants and unique local finds. This mix appeals to many tastes and preferences.
Upscale Chain Restaurants
The St. Johns Town Center has many top-rated lunch spots in Jacksonville. You can find everything from steakhouses to seafood places. Options like Chophouse Thirteen and Cowford Chophouse promise a great dining experience.
Unique Local Finds
The town center also features casual lunch restaurants Jacksonville FL with local flavors. These spots let you try Jacksonville’s diverse food scene. You can find cozy cafes and trendy bistros here.
Looking for a relaxed lunch or a quick snack? The St. Johns Town Center has it all. It’s a great place for a wide range of tastes and budgets. With both top rated lunch places Jacksonville and local treasures, it’s a top choice for food lovers in Jacksonville.
Historic San Marco: A Flavorful Neighborhood
Jacksonville’s historic San Marco neighborhood is a lively place for food lovers. It has many local eateries and popular lunch spots. You can find trendy places and family-friendly spots, making it perfect for everyone.
Trendy Spots with a Twist
Biscottis is famous for its sweet treats, but it also has savory dishes. Try the blue cheese-crusted beef medallions with shiitake demi-glaze. Prospect Five Points is another gem with pistachio-crusted goat cheese balls and lavender honey.
Family-Friendly Options
Looking for a casual spot? San Marco has many family-friendly places. Metro Diner is a favorite for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. They’re known for their Breakfast Burger and Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.
Firehouse Subs is another great choice for a quick, tasty lunch. It’s a national chain with a local feel.
In Jacksonville, Florida, San Marco has something for everyone. Whether you want a trendy dish or a cozy meal, you’ll find it here.
Ponte Vedra and Nearby Delicacies
Ponte Vedra, just outside Jacksonville, is a treasure trove of top rated lunch places Jacksonville. It has something for everyone, from fancy meals to laid-back spots for families. This coastal area is a flavorful journey for your taste buds.
Upscale Lunch Experiences
For a fancy lunch, Catullo’s Italian in Ponte Vedra is the place to be. They’re famous for their homemade pasta, like creamy lasagna and gnocchi. Don’t miss their pear Fiocchi, a mix of pears and cheese.
Best Casual Dining for Families
For a best lunch restaurants Jacksonville FL casual vibe, try Dos Vatos Tacos near Neptune Beach. It’s a lively spot with over a dozen tacos, including the quesa birria taco. It comes with a side of rich consommé for dipping.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Catullo’s Italian | Italian | Hand-rolled pasta, signature pear Fiocchi |
| Dos Vatos Tacos | Mexican | Over a dozen taco varieties, including quesa birria |
Ponte Vedra and its surroundings offer a beautiful coastal view and a lively dining scene. It’s perfect for both best lunch restaurants Jacksonville FL food lovers and families looking for a tasty meal.
Riverwalk’s Scenic Lunch Spots
Jacksonville’s Riverwalk along the St. Johns River is a beautiful place for lunch. It has stunning views of the waterfront. These spots are perfect for a memorable meal.
Waterfront Dining Experiences
Singleton’s Seafood Shack is a local favorite with over 40 years of history. Try their fresh fish and Mayport shrimp, a Jacksonville favorite. Harp’s American Pub and Grill has been around for over 30 years. They offer a wide menu for everyone, including vegans and vegetarians.
Best Views in Town
Wicked Barley Brewing Company is by Goodby’s Creek. Enjoy their outdoor beer garden and tap list. It’s great for people and pets. Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant serves fresh seafood with beautiful Mayport views.
End your day at Casa Marina for a glamorous meal. Enjoy creative cocktails and small plates on the rooftop. The Historic Casa Marina Hotel and Jacksonville Beach views make it special.
Quick and Healthy Lunch Alternatives
As a bustling city, Jacksonville offers a wealth of quick and healthy lunch options. Whether you’re in the mood for a fresh salad, a nourishing juice, or a fast-casual meal, the city’s diverse culinary scene has you covered.
Salad and Juice Bars
For a wholesome and satisfying lunch, head to one of Jacksonville’s popular salad and juice bars. Community Loaves in the Murray Hill neighborhood serves a delightful Farm Salad. It’s made with locally grown, seasonal produce and paired with freshly baked sourdough bread.
Another favorite is BREW Five Points, a cozy coffee shop. It offers healthy options like brisket breakfast tacos. These tacos are topped with chipotle barbecue sauce, a chimi fried egg, white cheddar, and pickled red onions.
Fast-Casual Dining Options
For those in search of a quick, affordable, and nutritious lunch, Jacksonville’s fast-casual dining scene has plenty to offer. Restaurants like Chop Five in the St. Johns Town Center allow you to build your own salad or grain bowl. You can choose from a variety of fresh ingredients.
Freshii, with multiple locations around the city, specializes in wholesome wraps, bowls, and smoothies. These are both delicious and good for you.
Whether you’re in the mood for a nourishing salad, a refreshing juice, or a fast-casual meal, Jacksonville’s healthy lunch options cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative flavor combinations, these quick and healthy alternatives make it easy to fuel up and power through your day.
| Healthy Lunch Cafes in Jacksonville | Affordable Lunch Options in Jacksonville |
|---|---|
| Community Loaves | Chop Five |
| BREW Five Points | Freshii |
Food Festivals and Events Celebrating Local Flavors
Jacksonville is buzzing with food excitement. The city celebrates its food scene with many events and festivals. These events highlight the best local spots, lunchtime favorites, and the chefs and artisans who make the food culture vibrant.
Annual Culinary Events in Jacksonville
The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is a big deal in Jacksonville. It lasts a week and has over 25 events. The Naples Winter Wine Festival in Naples offers three days of food and wine events.
The South Florida Garlic Fest in Lake Worth is a hit for garlic lovers. It features over 100 garlic dishes and a cooking competition. The South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale is huge. It teams up with big names like the Food Network and Food & Wine Magazine for a top-notch experience.
Meet the Local Chefs and Food Artisans
Jacksonville’s food scene shines thanks to talented chefs like Dennis Chan of Blue Bamboo and Kenny Gilbert of Silkies Chicken and Champagne Bar. They often join the city’s food festivals. This gives fans a chance to meet the chefs and learn about the local eateries and lunch spots.
If you love food, craft beer, or just great cooking, Jacksonville’s food events are for you. They offer a wide range of experiences that will make your taste buds happy. You’ll also learn to appreciate the local eateries and culinary talents that make Jacksonville a food lover’s paradise.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Lunch Spot
Exploring Jacksonville, FL’s dining scene can be exciting. When picking a lunch spot, think about the ambiance and menu variety. Places like Restaurant Orsay and Mesa are popular and might need reservations, so plan ahead.
Factors to Consider: Ambiance and Menu
Looking for a cozy cafe, a lively bistro, or a spot by the water? Jacksonville has it all. Choose a place that fits your mood and taste, from Jax Fish Fry‘s seafood to EZ Eatz‘s Moroccan dishes.
Making Reservations and Taking Advantage of Specials
Reservations can make your dining experience better, especially at spots like Norikase and The French Pantry. Don’t miss out on happy hour deals, like Prospect Five Points‘ daily specials. They help you enjoy great food without breaking the bank.