Jacksonville Magazine

VIEW THE TOP 50 RESTAURANTS 2020 HERE

THE FOOD SCENE IN JACKSONVILLE has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, as evidenced by the sheer number of chef-driven restaurants that have popped up in neighborhoods across town. So, what sets these establishments apart? An attention to detail, for one, whether it’s the plating, the cooking or, in some cases, the stunning interiors. But good eating is about a lot more than white tablecloths these days, which is why you’ll find get-your-hands-dirty barbecue joints on the list, alongside dinner-only restaurants. In short, these are the most inventive, exciting and just plain delicious restaurants in Jacksonville. Now dig in.

(Listed in alphabetical order)

VIBE: The best of Northeast Florida’s food scene capitalizes on Atlantic fish and shellfish, and Aqua Grill does it better than most. This Ponte Vedra Beach landmark has, for some 30 years, turned out plates of classics (shrimp scampi and trout Oscar, both $26) along with more inventive spins on seafood. Cantonese-style whole snapper ($32) is a lesson in flavor and texture, pairing crispy fish with stir-fried veggies, basmati rice and Mongolian barbecue sauce. It’s no surprise the dish sells out nearly every night.

STANDOUT DETAIL: A seat at the Chef’s Pass table, which can accommodate up to 24 guests, allows a literal window into the kitchen.

PERFECT FOR: An al fresco lunch on the fully covered lakefront deck. A lively bar scene offers a prime spot for an after-dinner cocktail, too.

Ponte Vedra Beach

VIBE: Expect modernist seafood in an elegant atmosphere at Azurea, located on the ground floor of Atlantic Beach’s One Ocean Resort. The menu evolves with the season, but past dishes include butter-poached lobster with tarragon ($48), Meyer lemon and caviar, and charred crab and corvina fondue with Swiss chard and beet ($36).

STANDOUT DETAIL: A number of the restaurant’s meat selections and its produce comes via local farms. The green salad, for instance, makes use of lettuce from Atlantic Beach Urban Farms.

PERFECT FOR: A luxurious date night, thanks to a beachside view that’s tough to beat.

Atlantic Beach

VIBE: This wine bar-meets-restaurant takes a self described “small plate approach,” meaning it’s a great place for a group. The menu is heavy on items that pair well with a great glass of wine, like oven roasted oysters ($15), goat cheese ravioli ($13) and perfectly crispy thin crust pizzas ($13-$17).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Not only is the wine program more than 200-bottles strong, it’s also affordable, with the bulk of bottles clocking in at under $30. Even better? All are available by the glass.

PERFECT FOR: A night out with friends at one of the large community tables—perfect for sharing copious apps and bottles of vino.

Avondale

VIBE: A San Marco mainstay for decades, bb’s shuns trends in favor of tried-and-true classics: crab cake sandwiches ($13), signature pizzas and oversized pieces of cake. Though the lunchtime menu hasn’t seen many changes in recent years, it’s lost none of its appeal and the restaurant itself is homey and unpretentious. No matter what you decide on, though, you’ll want to start with the bruschetta. Trust us.

STANDOUT DETAIL: At dinnertime, the specials menu offers a litany of top shelf options, such as Duroc pork loin brined in sweet tea and served with purple grits, brown fig sauce and wax beans ($30).

PERFECT FOR: Birthday dinners, office lunches, upscale brunches. The menu is pretty fail-safe, so it’s a good choice for picky eaters or a group comprised of those with a variety of tastes.

San Marco

VIBE: The ultra casual barbecue joint is an open and airy space, as most of the seating is outside and the bar has a large window connecting to the patio. The menu is comprised of smoked meat a-la-carte, from a quarter- to a half-pound of chicken, turkey, sausage, pulled pork, and brisket ($5-$12), along with both spare ribs ($10 for a quarter rack) and a beef rib (market price). Accompany such items with classic barbecue sides such as mac-and-cheese, collard greens, coleslaw, and baked beans ($2.50 each).

STANDOUT DETAIL: The starter section of the menu is where one will find most of the fan favorites, including a Frito pie (a bed of salty corn chips topped with pulled pork or brisket $9), jalapeño poppers ($6), and a loaded baked potato ($8).

PERFECT FOR: Families flock to the Bearded Pig. Kids love the menu and outdoor space, while adults can indulge with a craft beer or glass of wine from the small, but finely curated drink menu.

San Marco

VIBE: While the decor at acclaimed chef and restaurateur Jonathan Insetta’s Downtown eatery is polished, the ambiance and menu are comfortable and homey. By day, lunch-goers can order burgers, salads and sandwiches at the counter but, at night, Bellwether serves refined takes on familiar dishes like chicken and dumplings ($23) and short rib with fried okra ($26).

STANDOUT DETAIL: The dessert menu often veers toward the playful side, thanks to an ever-changing flavor of soft serve ice creams ($4) and a from-scratch Choco Taco ($8).

PERFECT FOR: Dinner out before a big event. Thanks to its proximity to The Florida Theatre, Times-Union Center, and TIAA Bank Field, it’s a good choice for a bite prior to a concert or sporting event.

Downtown

VIBE: There’s a subtle nod to a French bistro at Biscottis, thanks to sidewalk seating and a comfortable, welcoming setting. The menu is reliable, which is what you want from the kind of neighborhood spot at which regulars may visit multiple times a week. Crowd favorites include crab cake BLTs ($14), stick-to-your ribs meatloaf sandwiches ($12), and dinner plates that run the gamut from seared rack of lamb ($32) to a simple but delicious pasta Bolognese ($20).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Ask your server to help you navigate the more-than 20 options in the dessert case, which include French silk pie and warm bread pudding.

PERFECT FOR: People-watching. Being flanked by the boutiques in Avondale means the client base will be peppered with ladies who lunch, young families and couples on their first dates.

Avondale

VIBE: When it first hit the Jax dining scene in 1999, Bistro Aix garnered a loyal following for its sophisticated riff on classic French flavors. A dramatic renovation following the destruction of Hurricane Irma means that the restaurant looks a bit different than it did back then, but it’s still as glam as ever. The menu has evolved, too, though the dishes that made it famous (bleu cheese chips, $11; steak frites, $27) are still there.

STANDOUT DETAIL: It’s hard to beat a cocktail at the glowing Onyx Bar, which makes the space feel worlds away from San Marco’s Hendricks Avenue. The staff calls it a “Bohemian watering hole,” a fitting descriptor for a room in which to enjoy a martini or glass of sparkling rosé.

PERFECT FOR: Everything from comfortable get togethers to anniversary dinners, thanks to a menu that includes upscale dishes (filet mignon, $39) and luxe-yet- casual shareables (smoked salmon pizza, $21).

San Marco

VIBE: Occupying nearly an entire block in Riverside’s 5 Points neighborhood, Black Sheep has become a giant in the local culinary scene and another feather in the cap of restaurateur Jonathan Insetta. The restaurant helped pioneer local farm-to-table dining and, while its focus is on Southern cuisine, Executive Chef Waylon Rivers exercises plenty of restraint. The requisite shrimp and grits are some of the most dynamic in the city, served with charred broccoli, shallot confit, and New Orleans barbecue sauce ($25).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Black Sheep was one of the first local eateries to open its rooftop to diners and it remains one of the hottest seats in the city. If you can’t score a table, post up at the bar for a cocktail and bar snacks, like fried green olives stuffed with pimento cheese ($8).

PERFECT FOR: The food might be the real draw, but the signature cocktails are just as delicious and interesting, making this a great place for a night out. Try the Dusty Boot, a mix of Old Forester bourbon, simple syrup, lemon and lime juices, Jerry Thomas bitters, smoked sea salt and cracked black pepper rim ($10).

Riverside

VIBE: Fusion cuisine made a name for itself in the 1990s but, locally, some chefs are still doing it right. For more than ten years, Blackstone Chef Charles Wang has been serving his take on American-byway- of-Asia cuisine, deftly combining flavors from all regions of the globe in dishes such as Thai style surf and turf ($23), a combination of shrimp and steak with udon noodles in red curry sauce.
STANDOUT DETAIL: The best way to get a feel for Blackstone is via the Chef’s Tasting Menu, a $56 four-course meal with an optional wine pairing.
PERFECT FOR: Special occasions, thanks to white tablecloths and a romantic atmosphere—though a daily menu of burgers and other more casual offerings make it appropriate for a casual lunch, as well.

Fruit Cove

VIBE: Chef Dennis Chan is personable and inviting and a trip to his restaurant almost feels like a trip to his home—each dish somehow marries execution and comfortability. Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that Chan is known for infusing traditional Chinese dishes with Southern flair. Go for the crunchy katsu chicken sandwich with chile aioli ($11) or the barbecue spareribs (26), a long-time Chan family recipe.

STANDOUT DETAIL: One Sunday each month, Blue Bamboo hosts Dim Sum Sunday, offering nearly every dumpling choice you can imagine. The á la carte service also includes plates loaded with roast pork buns, turnip cakes, shrimp dumplings, pineapple buns, and potstickers.

PERFECT FOR: Those looking for a non-franchise option on the Southside (and those with a hearty appetite—portions are hefty).

Southside

VIBE: A fish camp, this is not. But this Avondale restaurant is turning out plates of some of the tastiest seafood in town, in decidedly upscale digs. Fresh catch selections change daily, with preparations covering a wide range of flavors, from Cuban mojo to rainbow curry. A raw bar, meanwhile, offers happy hour snacks, including shucked oysters and classic shrimp cocktail.

STANDOUT DETAIL: When one thinks “fish,” lighter dishes often come to mind, though Blue Fish offers plenty of heartier fare, too. Seared scallops and shrimp are served atop white cheddar mac and cheese ($29) and cioppino, full of shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams and fish ($30), will give you your weekly allotment of seafood in one meal.

PERFECT FOR: Over-the-top, champagne-filled brunches, served Saturday and Sunday until 2:30 PM.

Avondale

VIBE: Blue Orchid shuns ingredients that aren’t traditionally found in Thai food (bell pepper, for instance, might grace American Thai restaurants, but isn’t often used in traditional cuisine). What you will find here is fresh, often unusual herbs and spices such as galanga, fresh chilies, palm sugar, Asian mushrooms, kaffir lime leaves, Thai Basil, and the highest grade of Jasmine rice. The menu—and, by extension, the diner—benefits greatly as a result.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The papaya salad and the “Angel Wing” (a giant, fried chicken wing stuffed with glass noodles, mushrooms and ground chicken, $8) are must-orders, though you can’t go wrong with any of the traditional dishes here. The noodles, rice, satay and soups are all easy choices.

PERFECT FOR: Those with a craving for spice. The menu clearly explains the heat level of items, though dishes can be customized for those who want a little more (or less) fire.

Southside

VIBE: The service at Andiamo, a mainstay at Ponte Vedra’s Sawgrass Village for over a decade, is warm and attentive, and the unfussy and fun atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for the incredible Northern Italian fare. Go for the salmon and tuna carpaccio ($12), garlicky linguine aglio e olio ($10)—and stay for the cannoli and homemade gelato.

STANDOUT DETAIL: Italian food means it’s tempting to order pasta but the crispy-yet-chewy pizzas, which come piping hot out of a copper-clad brick oven, are not to be missed. Pair them with one of the restaurant’s standout appetizers, like the carciofa alla Romana, $11, baby artichokes stuffed with fontina cheese and tempura-fried.

PERFECT FOR: Cozy dates or larger party dining. While it's not exactly casual, Andiamo is never uptight, meaning children are always welcome.

Ponte Vedra Beach

VIBE: Housed in the outer shell of a historic building Downtown, everything about Cowford is dazzling, from the plush downstairs banquettes to the second-floor marble- and brass-clad caviar bar. Did we mention the river-facing rooftop lounge? The menu is an eye-catcher, too, in true steakhouse fashion, and rife with sizzling á la carte cuts of meats along with oversized sides such as a one-pound baked potato and sautéed spinach and kale.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The primary draw at Cowford comes via the over-the-top selections. Case in point: the ridiculously luxe but completely delicious caviar appetizer, served with tater tots, brioche, chives, eggs and golden osetra ($110). Best enjoyed with a Dirty Cow martini, made table side with bacon- and bleu-cheese-stuffed olives ($15) and a Satsuma Wagyu filet ($20 per ounce), imported from Japan and seared to perfection.

PERFECT FOR: By day, it’s a business lunch go-to. At night, it's great for dinner dates at the boisterous downstairs bar area.

Downtown

VIBE: Nestled within the mosaic-clad walls of this unassuming space on Penman Avenue, you’ll find some of the best pasta in the city—along with quail with truffle butter ($32), veal piccata ($36) and filet mignon with balsamic syrup ($39). It’s incredibly old school in the best way possible with knowledgeable and attentive servers, a stellar wine list, and a mix of special occasion diners and regulars that keep coming back. In short, it’s a Jacksonville Beach institution, through and through.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The pasta is Chef Dwight Delade’s (pictured) signature—fettuccine, angel hair and ravioli are all handmade—but the crab cakes—jumbo-lump, with tartar sauce, for $42—are some of the best in the city.

PERFECT FOR: Everything from family dinners (the menu is mostly Italian, after all) to anniversary celebrations.

Jacksonville Beach

VIBE: Tucked on a quiet side street in Jacksonville Beach, this gem is a go-to for fine dining at the Beaches. The setting is nearly perfect for one-on-one meals (we love the secluded patio for alfresco dinner on warm evenings) but it’s really the food that keeps locals coming back. Start with a sampling of grilled Spanish octopus ($15), dive into tuna tartare with crispy wontons ($15), and finish with the local black grouper, served atop warm orzo, sweet corn, edamame and Vidalia onions ($29).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Oenophiles will appreciate the attention to detail—all servers are well-versed on wine pairings and selections run the gamut from $32 bottle red blends to $1,450 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon.

PERFECT FOR: Date night, cocktails at the bar and apps on the patio.

Jacksonville Beach

VIBE: Being that it’s located within blocks of the ocean, it’s no surprise that The Fish Company makes such stellar use of the local bounty. In true no-frills fashion, daily specials are listed on a chalkboard and usually include something blackened, grilled and fried. The Szechuan-style fish, seared with a hit of Chinese five spice and served over a bed of fresh spinach salad and warm rice noodles, is a popular option.

STANDOUT DETAIL: Pony up to the (oyster) bar for all the raw bi-valves you can handle. And while seafood is the star, you’d be wise not to skip on the grilled spinach cakes.

PERFECT FOR: Fresh oysters, clams and shrimp—on special throughout the week.

Atlantic Beach

VIBE: Gourmet tacos, oversized Mexican tortas, tableside guac and and other evolved Latin American dishes are the draw at Flying Iguana, the brainchild of Al Pizza founder Al Mansur. At night, there’s almost always a wait, though tables are easier to score on weekdays.

STANDOUT DETAIL: It’s hard to pass up the tacos, but the entrées are also excellent. The whole Peruvian rotisserie chicken ($23) is served family style, with sides of wildly addicting aji sauces for dipping.

PERFECT FOR: Margaritas. Bartenders are skilled at serving a myriad of specialty cocktails and the tequila and mezcal menu is some 75+ bottles deep.

Atlantic Beach

VIBE: Having competed on season 7 of Top Chef and served as a personal chef to Oprah, Kenny Gilbert’s reputation precedes him. Locally, he’s made his mark on the culinary scene with a handful of restaurants, though Southside’s Gilbert’s Social is perhaps the jewel. The menu covers a lot of ground, from Southern ramen with ham hock and pulled pork ($15) to crispy adobo chicken wings ($12).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Gilbert has grown a loyal following for his smoked meats, which expand far beyond the typical pork and turkey variety. The Ultimate Sampler Platter ($45) includes pulled pork, drunk turkey drums, sliced beef brisket, burnt ends, Andouille sausage, St. Louis ribs, Jerk chicken drums, sweet rolls and dill pickles. You’ll need some wet naps.

PERFECT FOR: Family get togethers, thanks to a relaxed atmosphere and its central location.

Southside

VIBE: From the outside, India’s presents little more than a red sign adorning the wall of a strip mall on Baymeadows Road. But stepping inside is like taking a trip east, with Indian paintings dotting the walls and white tablecloths accented with bright red napkins. Here, find dishes such as clay oven cooked chicken tandoori ($13), malai kofta ($12), and lamb vindaloo ($11.95). The flavors are savory and rich, accompanied by bright sauces and plenty of veggies.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The lunch buffet ($7) is loaded with authentic dishes such as mixed vegetable curry, dal lentils, and various masalas.

PERFECT FOR: Herbivores and carnivores alike.

Baymeadows

VIBE: This Mandarin joint isn’t close to the water, but serves some of the best raw fish in town, all within a strip mall anchored by a Carrabba’s. Sushi purists might find Kazu’s menu—rife with elaborate specialty rolls (the Jaguar is a favorite) and Asian fusion fare—a bit overwhelming, though servers are alway happy to offer their recommendations.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The sashimi is always super fresh, with selections changing daily. Expect proteins that you won’t see elsewhere in Jax, like monkfish liver, kumamamoto oyster, fatty tuna…the list goes on.

PERFECT FOR: Those looking for something beyond a California roll.

Mandarin

VIBE: This is the kind of classic go-to that caters to a more grown-up Beaches crowd, albeit one that’s fun and kind of buzzy. The broiled oysters ($11) are always top-notch, and the bar is perpetually two to three people deep—even so, a glass of crisp white wine while taking in the view of the Intracoastal Waterway is totally worth it.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The menu is seafood-centric: shrimp fettuccine with andouille and peppers ($26), seared New Bedford scallops with collard and creamy grits ($29) and a perfect blackened tuna, served with house-made chile rub, black bean grilled corn salad and anaheim pepper sauce.

PERFECT FOR: Oysters and champagne.

Intracoastal West

VIBE: One of the few places in Northeast Florida with an entire section on its menu devoted to truffles and caviar, Matthew’s continues making culinary strides, two decades after its opening. You’ll find the standard white tablecloth fare here—diver scallops ($38), Wagyu beef, fish Française ($32)—though the preparations are always unique. A trip here brings a real sense of nostalgia, as this was arguably the first foodie destination in Jax.

STANDOUT DETAIL: A tasting menu is basically mandatory at a place like Matthew’s—the $85, six course affair is full of all the menu’s greatest hits, plus experimental eats and touches of molecular gastronomy.

PERFECT FOR: A sophisticated bar scene and excellent cocktails and gourmet bar bites make it a classy evening drinking destination.

San Marco

VIBE: All of Metro Diner’s locations are well-known for having some of the most agonizing wait times on weekend mornings. But once you do get a seat (either in the dining room or at the bar of the open kitchen), you’ll see the delay and anticipation is entirely justified. Here, brunch is all about the classics: fluffy pancakes, huevos rancheros, and a really good eggs Benedict.

STANDOUT DETAIL: There are some unexpected options, like the ever-popular chicken and waffles (served with an addictive strawberry butter and sweet-and-spicy sauce) and Yo Hala on the Square with two slices of challah bread stuffed with bananas, brown sugar, cream cheese and hazelnut syrup. The lunch menu is solid, too.

PERFECT FOR: Sunday brunch. If you get there early.

Multiple Area Locations

VIBE: 1st Street in Neptune Beach is filled with beachy flair, but step inside to Mezza and one feels as though they’ve been transported to a villa in Tuscany. There are three different spaces: a dining room with a more formal feel, a lounge, and a patio perfect for enjoying the salt air and a cool glass of wine. The menu is sophisticated yet comfortable with dishes such as wood-fired prosciutto-wrapped pears ($12), lobster and crab croquettes ($13), coffee-rubbed pork porterhouse ($25), and lasagna ($20). There’s also a selection of pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The dining is adults only, meaning a date night away from the kids can truly be a date night away from kids. Those who want to bring the little ones with them can take part in making your own pizza in the lounge from 5-6:30 PM.

PERFECT FOR: A night out when pasta and wine are high on the priority list.

Neptune Beach

VIBE: There are a handful of Mojo BBQ restaurants scattered around town but the Avondale location, which bills itself as an urban barbecue and whisky bar, might be the best of them. The bar staff here can make a mean cocktail, all the better to wash down a platter of smoked meats and craveable sides. The expansive open room can get loud when busy—but that’s to be expected and savored at a bustling barbecue joint.

STANDOUT DETAIL: Throw caution to the wind with The Whole Hawg, a $37 platter of the best the kitchen has to offer: pork, beef, turkey, chicken, ribs, and sausage. Round out your meal with garlic-cheddar grits, smokey baked beans, and extra extra creamy mac ’n’ cheese. Don’t worry, they’ll gladly give you a to-go box.

PERFECT FOR: Out-of-town guests (who doesn’t like barbecue?) and whiskey lovers.

Avondale

VIBE: One of the few non-franchise options at the St. Johns Town Center, Moxie offers a welcome respite from the crowds and traffic with plush leather booths, interesting decor and a decidedly modern take on Southern cuisine. Chef Tom Gray’s whimsical twist on regional fare is evident in dishes like cheddar biscuit tots with BBQ dust and pepper jelly ($8) and fried chicken with waffle pudding and maple mousse ($20).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Servers and kitchen staff are well-versed in dietary modifications and special menus are available for those on vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.

PERFECT FOR: Happy hour, thanks to a large bar on the second floor (a smaller bar is available on the first floor, as well). From 3 to 7 PM each day, specialty cocktails are $7 and snacks—lemon-herb French fries with green tomato ketchup, house made ricotta with lavash—are $5.

St. Johns Town Center

VIBE: Being that it’s situated within the stunningTPC Sawgrass clubhouse, Nineteen has a clubby, old-school feel, thanks to plenty of golfers fresh off the links and a menu rife with American classics (Caesar salads, steaks, fried snapper). The expansive outdoor patio is just the place to post up for sunset dinner.

STANDOUT DETAIL: Dinner is a fancier affair but come lunchtime, Nineteen is the kind of place where you might see PGA Tour pros like Fred Funk tucking into  an order of chicken tinga nachos ($13) or a tripleta sandwich ($14), the restaurant’s take on a Cuban, with roast pork, chicken, cheese, cognac sauce.

PERFECT FOR: A celebratory lunch after dominating the famed Island Green. Or a beer or two to drown one’s sorrows after playing the treacherous Stadium Course.

Ponte Vedra Beach

VIBE: Sophisticated yet playful, Nola MOCA is representative of the museum it sits within. Project Atrium is visible from the seating area, bringing color and life to the space, while out the large windows one can see the hustle and bustle of Downtown and Hemming Plaza. Standout dishes include a duck reuben ($15), eggplant parmesan risotto ($14), and a deviled egg BLT ($14).

STANDOUT DETAIL: The menu is laden with daily specials such as a flatbread, risotto, grilled cheese, soup, quiche, and dessert—so make sure to ask your server the day’s options.

PERFECT FOR: A business lunch where you’re looking to impress.

Downtown

VIBE: North Beach Bistro is warm and inviting and the menu is wide-ranging, offering fare from both the land and the sea. One could opt to start with crab and artichoke dip ($11), continue with a plate of the porcini-dusted salmon ($23) or the filet mignon oscar ($31), and finish off with one of their seasonal crème brulées ($7).

STANDOUT DETAIL: On most holidays (such as Mother’s Day and Easter) North Beach Bistro lays out a buffet sure to impress family more than an overcooked ham and burned potatoes.

PERFECT FOR: Indulging in a meal served over white tablecloths with formal servers and then cozying up to the bar for a glass of cold beer and some banter with friendly bartenders.

Atlantic Beach

VIBE: Hole-in-the-wall seafood joint this is not, though nods to a traditional fish camp are prevalent throughout the cuisine at this bustling Atlantic Beach spot. A bright, airy dining room looks out onto 1st St. (making it a prime location for people-watching), and the menu is dominated by regional comfort food like spicy seafood linguine ($22), fried clam bellies ($9) and roast cod filet with brown butter and parsley new potatoes ($17).

STANDOUT DETAIL: The cast-iron brook trout ($19)– served with arugula, bacon, and crushed new potatoes—provides all the flavor of traditional fried seafood, but with a completely addicting deviled egg sauce.

PERFECT FOR: Families and their and out-of-town guests (particularly those looking for a true taste of the beach).

Atlantic Beach

VIBE: This Beaches mainstay has been offering its brand of upscale island cuisine since 2001, when it opened on the northeast corner of the Atlantic Beach Town Center just steps from the ocean. The food is upscale but, being that it’s at the beach, the ambiance is still casual (you’ll likely see more flip flops than stilettos). The menu focuses on seafood with a Latin and Pacific twist, so expect entrées such as whole fried fish with black beans, rice and sweet plantains and seafood cioppino with smoked tomato broth ($27).

STANDOUT DETAIL: The bar is a great place to post up with a martini. Try the Grass Skirt, with vodka, pineapple juice, and a splash of champagne.

PERFECT FOR: Cocktails with friends. There’s a generous happy hour, with half-off select martinis from 5 to 7 PM.

Atlantic Beach

VIBE: This is one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants, and we totally understand why. The focus is on farm-to-table fare with a French slant, and expertly prepared takes on classics: escargot with mushrooms and lemon ($18), mussels frites ($29), and lobster pot pie ($42). The ambiance is upscale and romantic, though it’s not a suit jackets required sort of place.

STANDOUT DETAIL: On weekends, brunch is served until 3:30 PM and is decidedly sophisticated, thanks to lobster omelettes with truffled hollandaise ($38) and bourbon and orange French toast ($10). They also have a deep wine list and a stellar cocktail program—available both at brunch and nightly.

PERFECT FOR: Special events, thanks to a stunning private room in the back.

Avondale

Vibe: The strip mall location belies the delicious Cantonese-style plates being served inside Mandarin’s Peony Asian Bistro. The restaurant’s interior is inviting, with attentive servers who are happy to make recommendations. And while the go-tos are available (fried rice, sweet and sour chicken), wise diners will venture outside the standards, opting for orders of umami-rich salt-and-pepper squid and salted fish and eggplant hot pots.

Standout detail: Arrive early to ensure you can reserve an order of Peking duck, which comes with a side of pillowy bao and plenty of green onions. A half-size is enough to feed a table of four as an appetizer.

This place is perfect for: Those with an appetite—to really explore the menu, you’ll want to order several items, which means the leftovers will be plentiful.

Mandarin

VIBE: Having been a stalwart of the Beaches bar scene for some 35 years, Ragtime is a friendly neighborhood watering hole—albeit, one with craft beer made on-site, live music and excellent bar  eats. A subtle nod to New Orleans runs throughout the menu, with dishes such as gumbo ($8.50), andouille crusted Mahi ($22) and seafood étouffée ($17).

STANDOUT DETAIL: From the beans and rice to the overstuffed tacos, everything is meant to complement the house-made brews. Come to think of it, as one of the region’s original craft brewers, a pint of Red Brick Ale or Dolphin’s Breath lager goes with just about anything.

PERFECT FOR: A start to a fun night at the beach. A rowdy after-hours bar crowd and live music make it a solid choice for drinks, too.

Atlantic Beach

VIBE: California cuisine meets American classics at this bright and airy jewel box of a restaurant in Atlantic Beach, which arrived to great acclaim in 2016. Here, dishes are prepared simply—think only a few select ingredients each, in an effort to maintain the nutritional integrity of each plate—and to perfection.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The menu changes seasonally but is usually guaranteed to include iterations of grilled fish (think snapper with Brussels sprouts leaves, raw tomato and roasted olives, $28) and bountiful, fresh sides (roasted yams, cauliflower purée, crispy quinoa, $7 each). Entrées are guilt-free, so it only makes sense to end with the famous ice cream sundae, served with chocolate sauce, whipped cream and candied peanuts ($10).

PERFECT FOR: A planned-in-advance date night (it’s a small space, so reservations are recommended).

Atlantic Beach

VIBE: For years after it opened in 2010, Medure was a special occasion-only kind of place. In the intervening years, it has undergone renovations which saw an expansion of the bar and a re-worked menu. It’s still a great place for a nice dinner, but it’s not necessarily a pinkies-up kind of place. Still, the food is as refined as ever (think miso-braised short ribs, $21, and gnocchi gorgonzola, $22) and the service is some of the best in the city.

STANDOUT DETAIL: A variety of wine dinners are held in the restaurant’s private room throughout the year—they are not to be missed and as educational as they are delicious.

PERFECT FOR: A lengthy dinner in the dining room or cocktails with friends in the lounge, accompanied by plenty of bar bites.

Ponte Vedra Beach

VIBE: This 450-seat endeavor opened to much fanfare in November 2017 and, while the culinary team has seen some changes since then, it remains a reliable choice for an upscale lunch or dinner. During the warmer months, diners can wile away an evening on the outdoor patio, snacking on raw oysters, buttermilk-fried chicken thighs ($23) and sipping on a Manifest Destiny ($8), made with vodka, champagne, lemon and lavender syrup.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The rooftop bar has an excellent cocktail list, though food isn’t available.

PERFECT FOR: Dinner downstairs, followed by cocktails on the roof.

Riverside

VIBE: Here, all small details accounted for from the tile on the floor to the glasses in which cocktails are served. As the name might suggest, the menu is of French influence with dishes such as butter-basted rib-eye with bordelaise sauce and roasted mushrooms ($35) and fish meunière du jour ($26). The apps range from sweet—such as eggplant beignets ($7) and pomegranate-glazed pork belly ($11)—to savory— gruyère cheese soufflé ($10) and escargot in a puff pastry ($12).

STANDOUT DETAIL: An acoustic guitarist is the typical background noise at Rue, making for a relaxing vibe that contrasts the bustling open kitchen.

PERFECT FOR: Rue only serves brunch on Saturday, but it’s worth a trip.

San Marco

VIBE: Bright walls and platters overflowing with meat make Salento a highly Instagrammable restaurant, but the food is every bit as delicious as it looks on social media. For a true taste of South America, order off the “from the grill” section of the menu, which includes a variety of proteins: shrimp, chicken, pork and fish among them.

STANDOUT DETAIL: Those dining with a group would be wise to opt for the Salento House Plate, with enough steak, chicken, pork rind, pork ribs, blood sausage, chorizo and pineapple slices to feed four people.

PERFECT FOR: Foodies with a hankering for something spicier than the standard fare.

Mandarin

VIBE: The name says it all—this place is beachy through and through. Find a menu filled with dishes from the sea such as a spicy tuna sushi roll ($10), an Asian salmon salad ($15), and fried grouper tacos ($12). Those not into seafood can nosh on a short rib ramen bowl ($16) or pan-seared chicken pasta with a lemon caper butter sauce ($16).

STANDOUT DETAIL: While there are many homegrown restaurants dotting the First Coast, Salt Life’s fame stretches beyond those borders with the help of the clothing (and sticker) brand.

PERFECT FOR: Those who suffer from seasonal depression and are looking for a sunny, summer atmosphere to brighten their mood. 

Jacksonville Beach & St. Augustine

VIBE: South Kitchen & Spirits serves up refined country cooking—it’s like your grandma and a professional chef got together and crafted the menu. It’s filled with items such as autumn chicken pot pie ($17), beer-braised beef stroganoff ($20), and a loaded pulled pork sandwich ($12). The meal wouldn’t be complete without a plate of biscuits and cornbread muffins ($5) or a cast iron mac-andcheese ($6).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Cozy up to South’s bar and sample from more than 70 whiskeys. The Avondale bar opens up to the outside, where one can lounge by fire pits while sipping on a cocktail.

PERFECT FOR: Those looking for a home-cooked meal.

Avondale & Nocatee

VIBE: The vibe here is chill–you can grab a margarita at the bar while you wait to be seated (trust us: there will be a wait)–and the food is some of the tastiest, freshest Mexican in town. Expect perfectly battered fish tacos, excellent guacamole and bowls of street corn, which probably shouldn’t be missed. Most of the tacos are between $3 and $4, though those with expensive taste can go for the filet mignon-stuffed “Ten Dollar Taco,” a splurge at $5.

STANDOUT DETAIL: Brunch on Sundays is full of all the classics—huevos rancheros, chorizo and eggs— but it’s the Don Patrol ($9) that’s worth braving the crowds for. The quesadilla-like creation includes black beans, potatoes, chorizo, cheese and eggs, all stuffed between tortillas and fried.

PERFECT FOR: Groups, families and Sunday brunch.

Avondale & Nocatee

VIBE: While chef and owner Sam Efron’s menu is loaded with hearty, Mediterranean-inflected comfort food (seafood stew, $30, grilled hanger steak, $27), the specialty here is pasta. From dough to sauce, it’s made entirely from scratch. It’s tough to beat fettuccine with tomato cream sauce and fresh basil ($21). Did we mention the pizzas, which come out of the oven blissfully crispy?

STANDOUT DETAIL: Come lunchtime, Taverna offers delivery for groups of five or more, making it an easy option for a workplace. Options include everything from Cobb salads ($12) to Italian subs ($9), and all orders come with iced tea and house-made cookies.

PERFECT FOR: An open-air patio is just the place to stop for lunch after a day of shopping.

San Marco

VIBE: A Jacksonville dining institution, The Tree is acclaimed for its great American fare, which comes in the form of martinis, wedge salads, shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, and of course, the requisite steaks and chops. The Oak Bar has a great Old-World vibe and is always a fun night out.

STANDOUT DETAIL: You can’t go wrong with steak, be it the six-ounce, center cut filet ($30) or the 16-ounce Chateaubriand for two ($86), served chef-sliced and accompanied by roasted fingerlings and asparagus. Order sides of steakhouse onion rings ($8) and crispy Brussels ($8) and call it a night.

PERFECT FOR: A full-on steak dinner in the dining room, or something slightly more casual (like the classic cheeseburger, $15) in the Oak Bar.

Mandarin

VIBE: This hip, cozy eatery has all the elements one might expect from a trusty neighborhood gathering spot: a well-stocked wine bar, comfy seating options and plenty of shareable plates, like duck fat cornbread ($7) and crispy fried oysters, topped with mole and cotija cheese ($14).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Town Hall has cultivated a loyal following for its cauliflower steak ($18), a meat-less entrée with yellow pepper vinaigrette and smoked almond salsa. Meatier options, like pork cheeks with beef fat potatoes ($23) will easily woo carnivores.

PERFECT FOR: Group dinners, seated at a corner table in the back dining room.

Mandarin

VIBE: V calls to mind a kitchen in Naples, from the large pizza ovens to the elderly Italian man dutifully putting together doughy creations. Don’t expect tablecloths, be prepared to join community tables, and embrace the fact that napkins are a simple roll of paper towels placed on every table.

STANDOUT DETAIL: Here, it’s the pizza that shines. The 00 dough, San Marzano tomatoes, and buffalo mozzarella are imported straight from Italia. The crust is thin and crispy, with a slight char from the oven. Standouts include the carnivora ($18), which comes topped with pancetta, soppressata, sausage, red onions, garlic, and fresh basil.

PERFECT FOR: Pleasing kids and adults alike.

Multiple area locations

VIBE: The atmosphere at Vernon’s is resort casual, with a menu full of creative seafood dishes. Expect diver sea scallops served atop smashed sunchokes, ($30), prime filet of beef with house au jus ($42) and pan-seared chicken with local vegetables ($26).

STANDOUT DETAIL: The culinary team is leading a number of sustainability initiatives, including an onsite microfarm and a beehive that supplies honey to the resort’s restaurants and its spa.

PERFECT FOR: Taking out-of-town guests. The seafood-heavy menu offers the best the Atlantic has to offer and the resort atmosphere is Florida through and through.

Ponte Vedra Beach

When it opened last year, a seat inside Murray Hill Tex- Mex joint El Jefe was hard to come by. Diners are still lining up for queso, tamales and puffy tacos. And the street corn, chicken verde, enchiladas and fajitas. But be sure to save room for homemade churros.

The sleek and Southern inspired Coop 303 offers plenty of grown-up takes on Southern staples, like boiled peanuts, fried chicken and fried pimento cheese. Don’t sleep on the signature cocktails, all of which are inventive and delicious. 

Clean eats with a sunny disposition are mainstays at True Food Kitchen, the newest upscale operator at St. Johns Town Center. The open and airy space turns out vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free fare with a focus on ingredients that are local, sustainable, and organic. Yes, that means there are poké bowls and kale salads. Carnivores can satiate their cravings with a grass-fed burger or steak tacos.

What’s all the fuss about at Domu? Hand-pulled noodles, ramen, addictive chicken wings and a slew of more unexpected offerings, like cheesy corn with kewpie mayo and Japanese spices. 

Meat, meat, and more meat— that’s the star at Texas de Brazil, a Brazilian churrascaria chain that opened a Jax location in St. Johns Town Center last year. There are veggies, too—honestly, it’s worth a trip just to see the salad bar—but it’s hard to turn down the skewers of pork tenderloin, filet, leg of lamb, and ribs that are constantly being whisked by your table.

Overstuffed arepas (a Venezuelan corn cake) are the draw at Brooklyn’s Arepa Please (pictured above). There’s the classic shredded chicken-avocado mayo-cilantro combo (known as The Queen), along with a dozen other combinations, plus an option to build your own. Look for the enormous, brightly colored mural outside.

In 5 Points, Crane Ramen offers oversized bowls of ramen, though the classic Japanese dish comes with a variety of unusual toppings, like oven-roasted tomato and confit lemon chicken. The otsumami (Japanese snacks meant to be served with beer or alcohol) includes bao buns, fried chicken and gyoza.

Cousins Maine Lobster went from food truck to multi-million dollar business thanks to an appearance by the seafood chain’s founders on ABC’s Shark Tank. The Neptune Beach location offers a little slice of New England with seafood flown in daily for classic dishes such as lobster rolls, shrimp tacos, and clam chowder.

The menu at Nocatee’s Treylor Park is whimsical and inventive, so expect pancakes masquerading as tacos (and wrapped around slices of crunchy fried chicken), nachos that could easily feed a small crowd, and slices of fried avocado that make an ideal vehicle for cheese sauce.

Gilbert’s Hot Chicken, Fish & Shrimp has all the makings of a great beachside restaurant: casual eats, a lively bar scene and killer views of the ocean. The menu focuses largely on fried foods (spicy ones, at that), though there’s also grilled mahi, boiled peanuts and a very Millennial-style grain bowl with edamame and kale. *Gilbert's Hot Chicken, Fish & Shrimp has changed hands and become Southern Kitchen & Bar.

The Downtown space previously occupied by Candy Apple Cafe is now home to MLG. Gone is the brash and whimsical interior decor, replaced by a more contemporary and subdued palette. TV’s Marcus “The Profit” Lemonis owns the establishment, with home-grown chefRoderick Smith running the kitchen. The menu covers lots of ground with items such as butternut squash soup, Southern nachos, shrimp and grits, grilled skirt steak and wild mushroom flatbread. *MLG shut its doors in May 2019 after six months of operation. 

Larry Raikes and his brotherMitchell know sandwiches. Their company’s 200-plus Larry’s Giant Subs shops are testament to that fact. Native New Yorkers, the brothers are also partial to pizza. Both subs and pizza star at the new Fired Up Pizza, which opened in December on Edgewood Avenue in Murray Hill. Neapolitan style pizzas bake in a wood-burning oven and, giving a nod to the flavor of the Big Apple, the dough for its thin-crust pies use water specially distilled to duplicate the water of NYC.

“Play, eat, drink, repeat” is the catch phrase at Smash, a new ping-pong restaurant and bar combo that opened on Philips Highway (near the Baymeadows Road intersection) in November. The interior is huge—and it needs to be with space for 11 ping-pong tables, two bars and dozens of tables. Smash is sports bar-esque in feel, with 20 large TVs, and the menu continues the theme with a variety of sandwiches, wraps, nachos, salads and burgers. In addition, they serve more upscale eats like ribeye steaks, grilled crab cakes and shaved beef bruschetta. And a killer backhand, we hear. ♦