One of the many reasons people love to visit the city of Jacksonville is the great food it is known for. If you are searching for the best restaurants in Jacksonville to stimulate your taste buds I have got you covered.
Restaurants of Jax has grown leaps and bounds in recent years and this is evident with the new culinary discoveries that have become legend favorites. Some of the chefs here are even ranked as the best chefs in America.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN JACKSONVILLE
Whether you are looking for Italian, Mexican, Asian, or even Vegan, there is something for everyone. Below are some of the top restaurants in Jacksonville, FL. Without wasting time any further, let’s dig in.
Please note that the restaurant timings may differ. Hence, it is better to call them before to visit.
BISCOTTIS
With a comfortable setting and sidewalk seating, this restaurant has that subtle feel of a French bistro. There is a vast choice of menu for regulars who visit multiple times per week. There is even a massive choice of more than 20 desserts.
There are boutiques and shopping spots around the locality and you will many ladies visiting here for lunch. This restaurant is also perfect for young families and first date couples.
Must-Try: Crab cake BLTs, stick-to-your-ribs meatloaf sandwiches, Pasta Bolognese
Address: 3556 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205, United States
Location: https://g.page/biscottisjax
Timings:
10:30 am-10 pm (Monday to Friday)
8 am–12 am (Saturday)
8 am–9 am (Sunday)
Phone: +19043872060
Website: https://biscottis.net/
MATTHEW’S
Started by award-winning chef Matthew Medure this is a first-rate fine dine restaurant that is located in the heart of the city. The innovative menu and ambiance are some of the highlights of this restaurant.
The menu caters to a variety of taste buds like American, Asian, and French, and the fusion compliments each other well. Innovation and expertise have always been the highlight of Matthew’s so whether you are a first-timer or a regular, you are going to surprise you every time you visit.
It also has a wide variety of wine menu. You can head over to the “M Lounge” for happy hours between 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Must-Try: Chef’s Adventure Tasting, Grove Farm Lamb Loin, Air-Dried Duck Breast, and Maine Diver Scallops
Address: 2107 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/raBfnj5fCjj57uUK9
Timings:
4:30 pm-10 pm (Monday to Friday)
5 pm–10 pm (Saturday)
Closed on Sundays
Phone: +19043969922
Website: http://www.matthewsrestaurant.com/
GREEN PAPAYA
If you are in the mood for Thai cuisine then Green Papaya is the best Thai restaurant in Jacksonville. The restaurant is located near the River City marketplace.
The portions are large and delicious. You can try their lunch specials which are under $10. They also have larger portions for dinner. Some of the must-try foods are Hawaiian Chicken, Duck with Yellow Curry Thai Style Eggplant, and Pad Thai.
Must-Try: Hawaiian Chicken, coconut peanut curry sauce, Pad Ba Mee, Tso Chicken
Address: 13141 City Station Dr #149, Jacksonville, FL 32218, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/7gXMkaeV2Xr5j6UV9
Timings:
11 am-9.30 pm (Monday to Friday)
5 pm–10.30 pm (Saturday)
12 pm–9.30 pm (Sunday)
Phone: +19046968886
Website: http://www.greenpapayajax.com/
AZUREA AT ONE OCEAN
Azurea is another award-winning restaurant that has won multiple awards for fine dining. Apart from breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it also has a lounge to grab a drink or even quick bites.
Chef Ted Peters creates his own signature flavor by blending of seasonings. The unique thing about dining at Azurea is that you have a view of the water from any seat at the restaurant. They also have a resort where you can plan your stay.
Must-Try: Southern Burger, Bronzed Southern Swordfish, scallop risotto, Azurea Seafood Cobb salad
Address: 1 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233, United States
Location: https://g.page/Azurea
Timings: 7:30 am–2 pm, 6–9 pm
Phone: +19042497402
Website: http://www.oneoceanresort.com/dining/
AQUA GRILL
Aqua Grill has been serving some of the best seafood for the past 30 years that it has turned into a landmark. Some of their best foods include shrimp scampi and trout Oscar, Cantonese-style whole snapper which sells out almost every night.
With the Chef’s Pass table that accommodates up to 24 people, one can have a literal window to the kitchen. There is also a lively bay if you are in the mood for an after dinner cocktail.
Must-Try: Alfresco lunch, Cantonese-style whole snapper, shrimp scampi, and trout Oscar
Address: 395 Front St, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BMjsxJG8p7ra1hdt8
Timings:
11:30 am-10 pm (Sunday to Thursday; happy hours between 4-7 pm)
11:30 pm–2 am (Friday and Saturday)
Phone: +19042853017
Website: https://aquagrill.net/
THE FRENCH PANTRY
This restaurant is a great option for those who want to have brunch or light snacks. Whether you want to eat cheesecake or freshly baked bread, The French Pantry is a great spot to visit.
Must-Try: Shrimp and bruschetta type salad, chocolate pecan tort, spinach, and portabello quiche
Address: 6301 Powers Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32217, United States
Location: https://g.page/thefrenchpantry
Timings:
10:30 am–2 pm (Monday to Saturday)
Close on Sundays
Phone: +19047308696
Website: https://thefrenchpantry.com/
FIONN MACCOOL’S
This is an Irish pub and eatery located in Downtown, Jacksonville. If you love Irish food, live music, draft beers, and beautiful views, then Fionn MacCool’s is the place to visit.
Must-Try: Shepherd’s pie, seafood boxty, Limrick Lamb, guiness stew, Reuben sandwich
Address: 145 Hilden Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081, United States
Location: https://g.page/FionnMacs
Timings:
11:45 am–10 pm (Sunday to Thursday)
11:45 am–12 am (Friday and Saturday)
Phone: +19042177021
Website: https://fionnmacs.com
RESTAURANT ORSAY
One of the best French restaurants that you can find in Jacksonville is Orsay. They always use the freshest ingredients and the seasonal menu is ever-changing.
Depending on the season this restaurant also has a bar that includes oysters from the East and West coast as well as locally caught oysters.
Some of the must-try dishes include Carolina Trout, Lobster Pot Pie, Sautéed Heirloom Vegetables, and more.
Must-Try: Mimosas, Orange French Toast, Chicken Duck Confit Hash, Spring Vegetable Shepherd’s pie, Grand Plateau Raw Bar plate, Seared Tofu
Address: 3630 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32205, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dQpYjFWdjo3f68zG6
Timings:
4–10 pm (Tuesday to Friday)
11 am–12 am (Saturday)
11 am–10 pm (Sunday)
Phone: +19043810909
Website: http://www.restaurantorsay.com/
SALT
Salt is an AAA 5 Diamond rated restaurant that has consistently impressed both locals and guests alike. This restaurant is named after the most important ingredient of any food, the salt.
Each table in this restaurant is set with 6 different salts from Hawaii, Himalayas, and other places to pay homage to the influence that salt has on every dish. The serving staff also suggest salt pairings according to the dish you have ordered.
Must-Try: Key West Pink Prawns, Beef Tenderloin, Foie gras with Caramel Apple
Address: 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HFuemwh1V8QJthoJ7
Timings:
5:30 pm–9 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Closed on Monday
Phone: +19042771100
Website: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/florida/amelia-island/dining/salt
SOUTHERN ROOTS FILLING STATION
This is one of the best vegan restaurants in Jacksonville serving breakfast and lunch. The restaurant is located separately within a store.
Some of the foods to try here are Tempeh bacon biscuit, cheezy garlic biscuit, Garf smokey seed spread, and more.
Must-Try: Blisscuit a tofu egg salad, coconut chia pudding, Proud Mary a pumpkin seed pesto
Address: 32 Seminole Rd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fhFjfi81S6Ai5nHJA
Timings:
8 am–2 pm (Wednesday to Sunday)
Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Phone: +19048536642
Website: http://www.southernrootsjax.com
TABOULEH
This is a Greek restaurant that serves Mediterranean food like falafel, kebabs, hummus, gyros, shawarma, and much more in a comfortable and cozy setting.
Started in 2009, the restaurant was named after the famous dish, Tabouleh. They also offer Lebanese beer and wine at great prices.
Must-Try: Blisscuit a tofu egg salad, coconut chia pudding, Proud Mary a pumpkin seed pesto
Address: 7645 Merrill Rd UNIT 201, Jacksonville, FL 32277, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/NadKxsfqHMzo4ER48
Timings:
11 am–9 pm (Monday to Saturday)
Closed on Sunday
Phone: +19047456900
Website: http://www.taboulehjax.com
MARKER 32
Marker 32 has been serving delicious food and wine for the past 27 years. This is a family-owned restaurant that was started in 1992 and specializes in seafood.
You can visit them for foods like crab cakes, lamb chops, pastas, salads, shrimps, fishes and more. It has a scenic view to offer and also has a private dining space for events along with a full-service bar.
This is a five-star family restaurant and the chef here has been rated as one of the best chefs in America.
Must-Try: Twice Cooked Thai Baby Back ribs, M32 Broiled Oysters, Deviled eggs, steamed Mussels, Bourbon Cherry bread pudding
Address: 14549 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32250, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vGk8HJpsC4mD5AWR6
Timings:
5 pm–10 pm (Monday to Saturday)
5 pm–9 pm (Sunday)
Phone: +19042231534
Website: https://marker32.com
ELEVEN SOUTH BISTRO & BAR
With well execute food pairing and an award-winning list of wines this is a local favorite restaurant that is located along the coastline of Jax beach.
This gem of a fine dine is perfect place for those one-on-one meals. Enjoy your food against the warm backdrop, intimate feel, soft lighting, and a charming bar. There is also a private dining room for parties and events.
Must-Try: Atlantic Salmon, Black Grouper, Baseball Cut Top Sirloin, Créme Brulée, Georgia Peach Cobbler
Address: 216 11th Ave S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/K6KSrqksWjuL5b5G6
Timings:
11 am–11 pm (Tuesday to Friday)
5 pm–11 pm (Saturday to Monday)
Phone: +19042411112
Website: http://www.elevensouth.com
BLACK SHEEP
Black Sheep is a local go-to favorite food spot with a warm and homely setting. This restaurant serves a variety of signature American foods including Mac & Cheese, Fried Green Tomatoes, avocado toast, and more.
The menu also has some lighter options like Little Gem salad, Kale & Smoked Trout salad along with appetizers and desserts.
The restaurant is located in the Five Points Historic Riverside area. It also has a rooftop bar so be sure to try their handcrafted cocktails.
Must-Try: Smoked trout bagel, Korean short ribs, cacio e pepe pasta, springer farm chicken, angus ribeye, crispy skin salmon
Address: 1534 Oak St, Jacksonville, FL 32204, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/M7P1aJzFxZQvB9xdA
Timings:
5 pm–9 pm (Tuesday to Thursday)
11 am–10 pm (Friday and Saturday)
10 am–9 pm (Sunday)
Happy Hours: 3 pm-6 pm
Phone: +19043803091
Website: http://www.blacksheep5points.com
TAVERNA
This is a locally owned restaurant that serves food inspired by the cuisines of Italy and Spain. They are well known for serving seasonal food in a comfortable atmosphere.
The restaurant is located in San Marco Square and welcomes people with an ambiance of rustic charm. This award-winning restaurant is house for some of the best pastas, mozzarella, and brick oven pizza.
Located around a family-friendly space this place is an excellent place for night outs, first dates, and brunch.
Must-Try: Lemon ricotta pancakes, cheese and salumi platter, sautéed calamari, Sicilian Seafood Stew, Spaghetti Frutti di Mare
Address: 1986 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9cLCpJGpRjRgSPb7A
Timings:
11 am–9 pm (Tuesday to Thursday)
11 am–10 pm (Friday and Saturday)
10 am–9 pm (Sunday)
Happy Hours: 4 pm-7 pm (Closed on Saturday and Sunday)
Phone: +19043983005
Website: http://www.taverna.restaurant
JULINGTON CREEK FISH CAMP
This restaurant is owned by the same people that own Marker 32 and is located on the St. John’s River which is a great spot for anyone who loves seafood.
The lunch and dinner menu has a wide variety of dishes including Chef’s Steak, Baja fish tacos, scallops, clams, fish, and more. If you love seafood, don’t forget to visit them.
Must-Try: Salmon BLT, fish camp shrimp, seared yellow fin tuna, Whole Fresh Catch Fried fish, Spicy Seafood linguini
Address: 12760 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gDADYo2roLTVjs3WA
Timings:
11 am–10 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
4 pm–10 pm (Monday)
Phone: +19048862267
Website: http://julingtoncreekfishcamp.com
13 GYPSIES
This is a Spanish restaurant that is home to some of the most delicious foods including zanahorias, beef meatballs, house-made pastas, and more.
All the items like bread, cheese, and cured meats are all made from scratch by Chef Kimball. The décor is minimalistic and the menu focuses on Spanish and Mediterranean tastes. They also try to bring down the wastage to zero by using trimming for their desserts and side dishes.
Must-Try: Empanadas of kale, Smoked chicken thighs, pan-fried whitefish, Spanish mojo pork, fresh house-made chorizo
Address: 887 Stockton St, Jacksonville, FL 32204, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RfYNeZG6jMH6NPbb6
Timings:
11 am–2 pm, 5 pm–9 pm (Tuesday to Thursday)
11 am–2 pm, 5 pm–10 pm (Friday and Saturday)
Closed on Sunday and Monday
Phone: +19043890330
Website: https://www.13gypsies.com
BOWL OF PHO
This is a Vietnamese restaurant with an Asian atmosphere perfect for those who love Asian food. If you are hungry for some Vietnamese food then this is the best place to visit.
The highlight of this restaurant is Pho which is a soup made from homemade broth with beef, shrimp, pork, and chicken. You also get a variety of salads and noodles and can customize your bowl of pho as per your taste.
Must-Try: Fried Shrimp Rolls, Crispy Dumplings, Bbq Pork & Wonton Egg Noodle Soup, Shrimp Fried Rice
Address: 9902 Old Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rvEg3en2MU4cqrdS6
Timings:
11 am–9 pm (Sunday to Thursday)
11 am–10 pm (Friday and Saturday)
Phone: +19046464455
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Bowl-of-Pho-373624159250/
YOUR PIE
A place for a wide range of personal pizzas. Choose from a variety of dough, sauce, and cheese to make your own pizza. Once you are done with the pizza finish your meal with microbrews.
Must-Try: Southern Heat, Zia’s meatball marinara, house greek salad, Italian gelato
Address: 4828 W Deer Lake Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32246, United States
Location: https://g.page/YourPieSouthside
Timings:
11 am–9 pm
Phone: +19043370155
Website: https://www.yourpie.com
Enza’s Italian Restaurant
Another authentic Italian restaurant that you can find in Jacksonville is Enza’s Italian restaurant. You can also enjoy live piano music every night.
Enza’s has been serving awesome food for the past 40 years. Their vast menu includes foods like Seafood Lasagna, shrimp Aglio E’ olio, clams, and more.
Must-Try: Chicken Parmigiana, Grouper Francese, Mussels, Lobster Ravioli
Address: 10601 San Jose Blvd #109, Jacksonville, FL 32257, United States
Location: https://g.page/enzasjax
Timings:
4 pm–9.30 pm
Closed on Monday
Happy hours:
4 pm–7 pm (Tuesday to Thursday)
Phone: +19042684458
Website: http://www.enzas.net
BURRITO GALLERY
They have several restaurants throughout Jacksonville and popular for serving massive sized burritos. This is one of the best places to eat if you are craving for Mexican food.
They source the freshest ingredients from several places and their menu includes items like burritos, grilled veggies, tacos, grilled chicken, and more. They also specialize in beef cheeseburger, jerk chicken, and grilled mushroom.
Must-Try: BG Shrimp, Beef Barbacoa, Cajun Shrimp Tacos, Chorizo & Queso
Address: 300 Beach Blvd #1, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rCwXhaQq4JcPtxYW9
Timings:
11 am–8 pm
Happy hours:
2 pm–7 pm, 9 pm–12 am (Monday to Friday)
Phone: +19042466521
Website: https://burritogallery.com
BELLWETHER
Bellwether has a polished décor but the ambiance is homey with a comfortable menu. The day menu consists of burgers, salads, and sandwiches while at night one can enjoy dishes like chicken and dumplings.
Don’t forget the dessert menu which consists of items like choco taco and every changing soft serve flavors.
Must-Try: Bellwether Salad, Harissa Chicken Burger, Dill Pickle Brined Fried Chicken Thigh, Hanger Steak Frites, Gnocchi Carbonara
Address: 100 N Laura St Ste 100, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/XemS837Tx2LbuTki7
Timings:
11 am–2 pm (Tuesday to Friday)
5 pm–9 pm (Saturday)
Phone: +19048027745
Website: http://bellwetherjax.com
