13 Gypsies' Angry Bull
With only seven tables seating two people each, this Riverside newcomer evokes the spirit of a small European eatery—and that's the idea. The folks behind 13 Gypsies wanted to bring the bistro tradition to Jacksonville and serve classic, true-to-their-roots dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Offerings include a number of tapas, salads and sandwiches all reflecting Mediterranean origins. Order a few dishes to share, but be sure that one of these is the Angry Bull. This tapas plate consists of a simple pan-seared beef filet topped with a seasoned red wine and beef reduction sauce known as Pacheco. The dish is finished with crushed raw garlic and peppercorns. $9.
887 Stockton St., Riverside, 389-0330
[ 13gypsies.com ]

The Bar at Azuréa
Atlantic Beach's One Ocean Hotel may be a magnet for out-of-towners, but even locals know it to be a great place for dinner and drinks. Its signature restaurant, Azuréa, is as sophisticated a space as you'll find at the beach. Guests enter the bar through a circular hallway towards a blue glass wall that gives the impression of being under water. River rocks striping the wall add to the effect. Once you emerge into the restaurant, this underwater portal gives way to a contemporary dining room where vibrant reds and yellows mingle with cool blues. Follow the swirling waves in the wall of glass and you're led to the bar—tucked intimately to the side, behind a lounge area. With an idyllic setting and delicious drinks, like the perfect mojito, this is one nightspot you'll want to visit again and again.
One Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 247-0305
[ www.oneoceanresort.com ]

Taco Lu's Tequila Selection
One of Taco Lu's goals—not surprisingly, considering the name—is to serve tacos that stand out from the pack. Indeed they have succeeded with a selection that includes an Asian-inspired shrimp taco, a brisket taco and new ideas on the way such as seared Ahi tuna, lamb and cheeseburger varieties. But what puts this feisty Mexican establishment light years ahead of other taco houses is its selection of more than 50 types of tequila. Choices range from the $5 per shot Hornitos to the almost $20 per shot Don Julio 1942. Ay caramba!
1183 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, 249-TACO
[ www.tacolu.com ]

Crispy Duck at Basil Thai
Upon first glance, the restaurant formerly known as Simon's Wine Bar might not seem like it underwent a change. One look at the menu, however, and you'll know you aren't in Kansas anymore. Basil Thai & Sushi has now taken over this Southbank establishment and dishes out a variety of Asian favorites. One standout is the crispy duck. A half breast of duck is lightly battered and floured before being fried to give it its characteristic crackling texture. It is then served covered in sautéed vegetables and a garlic sauce with a helping of jasmine rice. $23.
1004 Hendricks Ave., Southbank 674-0190
[ www.myspace.com/lsaffiliate ]

Pusser's Caribbean Grille's Painkiller Cocktail
One of the newest restaurants to hit Ponte Vedra Beach brings the flavors of the islands to Northeast Florida with Caribbean-inspired fare like conch fritters and papaya glazed chicken. The best way to enjoy the ambiance here is on the upper deck, which features a selection of tropical cocktails. The most in demand of these is Pusser's famous Painkiller—a blend of rum, cream of coconut and orange and pineapple juices. Choose between Painkiller numbers 2, 3 or 4 to indicate how many parts rum you'll be needing. $5.50.
816 Highway A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach, 280-7766
[ www.pussersusa.com ]

Restaurant Orsay's Hanger Steak
Bringing a little piece of France to Avondale, Orsay offers French favorites in a contemporary setting. The traditional bistro menu looks like something you would see in Paris, with one of the most classic dishes being the steak frites. Orsay's version is made with a 10-ounce hanger steak, pan-seared to lock in all those wonderful juices, and finished with a simple red wine jus. The steak is accompanied by a healthy pile of homemade fries—pommes frites to use the bistro lingo—and garlic aïoli for dipping. $17.
3630 Park St., Avondale, 381-0909
[ www.restaurantorsay.com ]

Red Meat at Big T's Grill and Tavern
Tucked into a new Beach Boulevard shopping center, Big T's is a suitable place for those seeking an alternative to chain restaurants, but don't want to go bankrupt paying the bill. There's a dish for every taste on Big T's menu, which runs the gamut from burgers to pasta to seafood, while a nice selection of USDA-certified Angus beef steaks offers an alternative to the steakhouse regulars. The list includes six cuts ranging from a $15 prime rib to a $35 28-ounce T-bone. And, unlike some other hoity-toity steakhouses, the beef at Big T's come with a choice of two sides.
13500-46 Beach Blvd., Southside, 223-1744

[ www.bigtsgrill.com ]

Family Ambiance at Crabcake Factory
Whether you're on a date, out with the family or just looking to relax at the bar after work the Crabcake Factory has something for everyone. The long bar with ample high-top table seating is perfect for enjoying a cocktail with friends and has drink specials from 3 PM to 7 PM everyday. The other half of the restaurant, a large, simply chic dining room, makes the perfect backdrop for a delicious family meal as well as a crab-cake dinner for two. The Crabcake Factory also features a private dining room available for any intimate group outing from a wedding to a business luncheon. The chefs will even work with you to plan a custom menu for your event.
1396 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, 249-4776
[ www.crabcakefactoryjax.com ]

Swordfish Piccata at Thyme
Word on the streets of Fernandina is that the swordfish piccata at Thyme is a can't-miss dish. A twist on the classic chicken piccata, this version starts with a swordfish filet, gently pounded thin and coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust with hints of lemon zest. It's cooked to golden brown, de-glazed with white wine and lemon juice, topped with capers, garlic and shallots and finished with a side of garlic mashed potatoes. So simple and yet so satisfying. $28.
960062 Gateway Blvd., Fernandina Beach, 261-3827

Bouillabaisse at North Beach Bistro
As a second French offering graces our list, it just seems that we can't get enough of this classic cuisine. We've seen surf, and now for turf we turn to Atlantic Beach's newest restaurant, North Beach Bistro and its bouillabaisse—a traditional Provencal fish stew. North Beach Bistro's version starts out with a tomato-based broth made of imported Italian tomatoes, mussel juice, white wine, saffron and fennel. Fresh fish, mussels, shrimp and scallops are added to the broth, and the soup cooks until the broth is thick and hearty. $25.
725 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 372-4105

Shulas 347 Cowboy Steak
Named for Don Shula, the winningest coach in NFL history, Shulas 347 is the more casual sister restaurant of Shula's steakhouse. While the menu is a little less extravagant—no lobster mashed potatoes here—there's still a wide selection of delicious entrées and steaks to choose from. If your appetite for red meat is insatiable, go for the 16-ounce cowboy steak. More commonly known as a rib-eye, this pound of beef is grilled to your liking, and, unlike the steakhouse, you get your choice of two side dishes. If you're ever lucky enough to dine with Coach Shula himself, however, we recommend that you go for a 24-ounce porterhouse to satisfy your meat tooth. It's his favorite, but it's not available on the regular menu. $37.
10605 Deerwood Park Blvd., Southside, 642-0063
[ www.donshula.com ]