Introduction
Located in northeast Florida on the banks of the St. Johns River, Jacksonville is the largest city in the state and the 12th most populous city in the US. With over 900,000 residents, it is no surprise that Jacksonville has an extensive and diverse food scene. From high-end restaurants to local eateries, there is something for everyone. Here is a comprehensive guide to the best places to eat in Jacksonville.
Overview of the Areas/Neighborhoods in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is divided into several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions. Downtown Jacksonville is the city’s business and entertainment hub, home to many of the city’s finest restaurants and bars. The Riverside and Avondale districts feature historic homes and quaint shops, while the San Marco area offers upscale shopping and dining. The Southbank is a popular spot for outdoor activities and nightlife, while the Beaches offer plenty of beachfront restaurants and cafes. No matter where you choose to explore, there is sure to be something delicious waiting.
Background Information on the Food Scene in Jacksonville
The food scene in Jacksonville is as varied and vibrant as the city itself. From traditional Southern cooking to modern fusion cuisine, there are endless options for every taste. Seafood is a staple of the local diet, with fresh catches from the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Barbecue is another local favorite, with many restaurants serving up classic dishes like pulled pork and ribs. For those looking for something more exotic, Jacksonville offers many ethnic restaurants, from Italian to Indian, Mexican to Thai. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, Jacksonville has something for everyone.
Exploring the Top Five Restaurants in Jacksonville
When it comes to eating out in Jacksonville, there are many options to choose from. To help narrow down the choices, here are the top five restaurants in the city:
1. BB’s Restaurant & Bar
BB’s Restaurant & Bar is one of the most popular restaurants in Jacksonville. Located in downtown, the restaurant serves up contemporary American cuisine with a focus on seafood and steak. The menu includes everything from freshly caught fish and lobster to succulent steaks and burgers. There is also an extensive wine list, craft beer selection, and inventive cocktails. Don’t miss the signature dish—the BB’s Burger topped with bacon jam, smoked gouda, and roasted garlic aioli.
2. Orsay
Orsay is a French-inspired bistro located in the heart of the Riverside district. The restaurant serves up classic French fare with a Southern twist. Highlights include the hand-rolled gnocchi, the duck confit, and the bouillabaisse. The wine list features carefully curated selections from around the world, and the bar serves up signature craft cocktails. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for a romantic dinner.
3. The Bread & Board
The Bread & Board is a popular sandwich shop in the San Marco area of Jacksonville. The restaurant specializes in gourmet sandwiches, featuring house-made breads and locally sourced ingredients. Standouts include the turkey pesto panini, the roast beef melt, and the caprese sandwich. The restaurant also offers salads, soups, and sides. The Bread & Board is a great spot for a casual lunch or a quick snack.
4. Bistro Aix
Bistro Aix is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located in the Five Points neighborhood of Jacksonville. The restaurant serves up classic French and Italian dishes with a Mediterranean twist. Must-tries include the lamb shank tagine, the truffle mac and cheese, and the pan-seared scallops. The wine list features an impressive selection of European wines, and the bar serves up craft cocktails. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and attentive service make it a great spot for a special occasion.
5. Black Sheep
Black Sheep is a popular gastropub located in the heart of the Murray Hill neighborhood. The restaurant serves up elevated pub grub with a Southern twist. Highlights include the fried chicken sandwich, the shrimp and grits, and the buffalo cauliflower wrap. The bar offers an extensive selection of craft beers and creative cocktails. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for a night out with friends.
A Guide to the Best Local Eateries in Jacksonville
For those looking for a more casual dining experience, Jacksonville has plenty of local eateries to choose from. Here are some of the best local eateries in the city:
1. Gilbert’s Southern Kitchen & Bar
Gilbert’s Southern Kitchen & Bar is a popular spot for traditional Southern cooking. The restaurant serves up classic comfort food with a modern twist. Menu highlights include the shrimp and grits, the fried chicken, and the catfish po’boy. There is also an extensive selection of craft beers and signature cocktails. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for a casual meal.
2. Sweet Theory Baking Co.
Sweet Theory Baking Co. is a popular bakery located in the Riverside district. The bakery specializes in artisanal pastries and baked goods, made with all-natural ingredients. Favorites include the salted caramel brownies, the lavender lemon cupcakes, and the peanut butter cookies. The bakery also serves up specialty coffee drinks and tea. Sweet Theory Baking Co. is a great spot for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon snack.
3. Southern Soul BBQ
Southern Soul BBQ is a popular spot for authentic barbecue. The restaurant serves up classic Southern dishes with a modern twist. Highlights include the pulled pork, the brisket, and the smoked wings. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of craft beers and signature cocktails. Southern Soul BBQ is a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
4. The Bearded Pig BBQ
The Bearded Pig BBQ is a popular spot for authentic barbecue. The restaurant serves up classic Southern dishes with a modern twist. Highlights include the pulled pork, the brisket, and the smoked wings. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of craft beers and signature cocktails. The Bearded Pig BBQ is a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
5. Maple Street Biscuit Company
Maple Street Biscuit Company is a popular spot for Southern-style breakfast and brunch. The restaurant serves up classic comfort food with a modern twist. Favorites include the fried chicken biscuit, the egg and cheese biscuit, and the sweet potato hash. Maple Street Biscuit Company is a great spot for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
The Hottest New Places to Eat in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is home to many trendy new restaurants. Here are some of the hottest new places to eat in the city:
1. Cowford Chophouse
Cowford Chophouse is a popular steakhouse located in downtown Jacksonville. The restaurant serves up contemporary American cuisine with a focus on steak and seafood. Menu highlights include the bone-in ribeye, the scallops, and the filet mignon. The wine list features an impressive selection of domestic and international labels, and the bar serves up signature craft cocktails. The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere and attentive service make it a great spot for a special occasion.
2. Tabula Rasa Social
Tabula Rasa Social is a popular tapas bar located in the Five Points neighborhood of Jacksonville. The restaurant serves up Spanish-inspired small plates with a modern twist. Must-tries include the patatas bravas, the grilled octopus, and the chorizo empanadas. The bar offers an extensive selection of craft beers and creative cocktails. Tabula Rasa Social is a great spot for a night out with friends.
3. Il Desco
Il Desco is a popular Italian restaurant located in the San Marco area of Jacksonville. The restaurant serves up classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Must-tries include the bucatini carbonara, the veal saltimbocca, and the wild mushroom risotto. The wine list features an impressive selection of Italian wines, and the bar serves up craft cocktails. Il Desco is a great spot for a romantic dinner.
4. Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails
Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails is a popular gastropub located in the heart of the Southbank. The restaurant serves up contemporary American cuisine with a focus on seafood and steak. Menu highlights include the lobster mac and cheese, the seared scallops, and the pork chop. The bar offers an extensive selection of craft beers and creative cocktails. Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails is a great spot for a night out with friends.
5. La Cena Ristorante & Lounge
La Cena Ristorante & Lounge is a popular Italian restaurant located in the Riverside district. The restaurant serves up classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Highlights include the pappardelle Bolognese, the branzino, and the lasagna. The wine list features an impressive selection of Italian wines, and the bar serves up craft cocktails. La Cena Ristorante & Lounge is a great spot for a romantic dinner.
A Foodie’s Paradise: Where to Eat in Jacksonville
For those who consider themselves foodies, Jacksonville offers many unique dining experiences. Here are some of the best foodie spots in the city:
1. The Blind Rabbit
The Blind Rabbit is a popular speakeasy-style bar located in the Riverside district. The bar specializes in craft cocktails made with premium spirits and fresh ingredients. Signature drinks include the Moscow Mule, the Old Fashioned, and the Pimm’s Cup. The bar also offers an extensive selection of craft beers and wines. The Blind Rabbit is a great spot for a night out with friends.
2. The Coffee Grinder
The Coffee Grinder is a popular coffee shop located in the Murray Hill neighborhood. The shop specializes in artisanal espresso drinks made with freshly roasted beans. Highlights include the cappuccino, the latte, and the cold brew. The shop also offers a selection of pastries and light snacks. The Coffee Grinder is a great spot for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon snack.
3. Uptown Market
Uptown Market is a popular gourmet market located in the San Marco area of Jacksonville. The market specializes in locally sourced products, including artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and craft beers. The market also offers an extensive selection of prepared foods, from salads and sandwiches to pizzas and tacos. Uptown Market is a great spot for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch.
4. The Salty Fig
The Salty Fig is a popular farm-to-table restaurant located in the heart of the Southbank. The restaurant serves up contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Menu highlights include the heirloom tomato salad, the pan-seared salmon, and the grass-fed burger. The wine list features carefully curated selections from around the world, and the bar serves up signature craft cocktails. The Salty Fig is a great spot for a special occasion.
5. Bellwether
Bellwether is a popular farm-to-table restaurant located in the Five Points neighborhood of Jacksonville. The restaurant serves up contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Menu highlights include the beef tartare, the grilled octopus, and the pan-roasted sea bass. The wine list features carefully curated selections from around the world, and the bar serves up signature craft cocktails. Bellwether is a great spot for a special occasion.
A Taste of the Old and New: Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Meal in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is home to both traditional and modern cuisine. Here are some of the best spots for a taste of the old and new:
1. Indochine
Indochine is a popular Asian fusion restaurant located in the heart of the Southbank. The restaurant serves up a mix of traditional and modern Asian dishes. Must-tries include the pad thai, the red curry, and the kung pao chicken. The wine list features an impressive selection of domestic and international labels, and the bar serves up signature craft cocktails. Indochine is a great spot for a casual dinner or a night out with friends.
2. TacoLu
TacoLu is a popular Mexican restaurant located in the Beaches neighborhood of Jacksonville. The restaurant serves up traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist. Highlights include the carne asada tacos, the fish tacos, and the queso fundido. The bar offers an extensive selection of craft beers and creative cocktails. TacoLu is a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
3. Bella Napoli Pizza
Bella Napoli Pizza is a popular Italian restaurant located in the Five Points neighborhood of Jacksonville. The restaurant serves up classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Highlights include the margherita pizza, the eggplant parmesan, and the lasagna. The wine list features an impressive selection of Italian wines, and the bar serves up craft cocktails. Bella Napoli Pizza is a great spot for a casual dinner or a night out with friends.
4. Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub & Restaurant is a popular spot for traditional Irish fare. The restaurant serves up classic comfort food with a modern twist.
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