The 47 Best Bites in Jacksonville
Come check out Jacksonville’s five-star food scene
Newsflash: Foodies love Jax! It’s true. Jacksonville has a wide variety of dining options in all parts of the city.
Whether you're hunting for the best restaurants in Jacksonville, FL, or want to savor fresh seafood at casual dockside spots, Jax's food scene has something for every palate. From farm-to-table and casual dockside dining to elegant rooftops and celebrity chef-owned restaurants, you'll find 47 unforgettable places to eat in Jacksonville that’ll satisfy every craving.
Arlington
1. Catullo's Italian:
Arancini- Catullo’s is intimate and quaint but well worth the wait. Once seated, order a glass of wine and the arancini appetizer. Calabrian chili and parmigiano risotto balls are fried and stuffed with tangy goat cheese.
2. The Potter's House Soul Food Bistro:
Smothered Pork Chops- For soul food done right, the Soul Food Bistro is the place to go. It was a tough call between the fried chicken and the smothered pork chops, but the pork chops come out as king of the comfort foods.
Anytime I’m asked about my favorite Italian Restaurant, it’s Catullos with out hesitation! They never disappoint and The Potters House has some of the best southern-style oxtails you’ll find in town!Katrice (@willworkforheels)Visit Jax Local Insider Tip
Atlantic Beach
3. Azurea:
Local Catch Trio- For upscale dining right by the beach, Azurea is a must. Their Local Catch Trio uses the freshest locally caught fish and gives you a great variety of preparations to enjoy it. The 3 ways: grilled with tropical fruit salpicone, bronzed with a citrus butter emulsion and cooked in beignet batter with a tomato remoulade.
4. Bones Pizza:
Pesto Pizza- Bones Pizza is located inside Reve Brewing. Pizza and beer, a match made in foodie heaven, right? They must put some true magic in their dough because it really is fantastic. Take that dough and top it with their house-made pesto, mozzarella, local Cugino's sausage, feta, cremini mushrooms and jalapenos.
5. Culhane's Irish Pub:
Guinness Beef Stew- An upbeat Irish pub with two locations, Atlantic Beach and the Southside. You’ll go for the drinks, but you’ll keep coming back to Culhane’s for their signature Guinness Beef Stew.
6. The Fish Company:
Oysters- Serving up fresh local seafood in Atlantic Beach, The Fish Company is a great spot for many different types of seafood. What makes them stand out? Their oysters. Offered raw, fried or as a shooter for those 21 and up, there's an oyster for every appetite.
Downtown Jacksonville
7. The Bread & Board:
Southern-Styles Buttermilk Chicken Board- You can't go wrong with any of the sandwiches or sandwich boards from Bread & Board. The southern-style buttermilk chicken is a crowd favorite or try the sandwich that started it all, Cured Italian Meats.
8. Estrella Cocina:
Tres Favoritas- This rooftop restaurant offers breathtaking views of Downtown Jacksonville and the St. Johns River and is perfect for a work happy hour or date night. Have one of their signature cocktails and get the Tres Favoritas appetizer to share. This includes their chipotle salsa, roasted poblano queso and guacamole with their special, soon-to-be -famous tortilla chips.
9. Indochine:
Crab Rangoon- Voted Folio Magazine’s “Best Thai Restaurant” multiple years in a row, Indochine is the place to go for anyone who loves Thai food, wants to try Thai food or just likes food at all. Their crab rangoon is the must-try, with real lump crab and curried cream cheese.
10. Jenkins Quality Barbecue:
Beef or Pork on Bun- Jenkins Quality Barbecue has been featured in Southern Living Magazine and on The Food Network as well as winning multiple awards! You’ll know it’s Jenkins when you see their bright red roof and yellow structure. With three locations around Jacksonville, you can’t miss this true Southern BBQ joint.
Jacksonville Beach
11. Angie's Subs:
The Peruvian Sub- The best subs and sweet tea in town! This Jacksonville Beach favorite has been around for nearly 30 years and with good reason. On your first visit go for their #1 best seller – the Peruvian. With ham, genoa salami, bacon, Italian sausage, provolone and Peruvian sauce it has everything you want and more. Of course, don’t forget to wash it down with some sweet tea.
12. Dockside Seafood:
Mayport Shrimp Nachos- For a true Jacksonville fish camp experience, try Dockside Seafood in Jacksonville Beach. Specifically, order their Mayport Shrimp Nachos and sit outside to enjoy views of the intracoastal waterway as your background.
13. Engine 15 Brewing Company:
Brisket Beer Dip Sandwich- One of the stops on the Jax Ale Trail, this popular craft brewery is also serving up some serious food to enjoy with your brew. The Brisket Beer Dip Sandwich is a must-try. House-smoked beer braised beef brisket (say that four times fast) is topped with sauteed peppers, onions and melted swiss cheese with a side of au jus for dipping.
14. Salt Life Food Shack:
Caliche's Poke Bowl- For those enjoying the Jacksonville Beach experience, a trip to the beach would not be complete without a visit to this local food joint. Salt Life’s signature dish is a true tribute to their ocean-loving lifestyle: fresh tuna, steamed spinach, sticky rice, avocados and a special marinade make this poke bowl unforgettable.
15. TacoLu:
Bangin' Shrimp Tacos- Fish tacos, tequila and mezcal – what more could you ask for? TacoLu is the place to go if you want great food, but also want to have a great time. Must try: the bangin’ shrimp taco with its Asian-style fried shrimp, cabbage and chipotle cream.
Mandarin
16. Blue Bamboo Canton Bistro:
Chinese BBQ Spare Ribs- Chef Dennis Chan is an award-winning chef and when you check out Blue Bamboo, you will see why. He is passionate about his food and the Jacksonville community. Each dish on the menu is worth trying so you will probably need to make a few trips. For your first visit, indulge in the Chinese BBQ Spare Ribs and don’t forget your napkin bib.
17. The French Pantry:
Bruschetta- One of the most popular lunch spots in Jacksonville is The French Pantry. This cozy little restaurant has a menu that changes daily, but whatever the offerings of the day are – you know they will be fresh, made from scratch and absolutely delicious. Their bruschetta is a local favorite as they have 10 different options to choose from regularly.
Murray Hill
18. Community Loaves:
Farm Salad- Nestled in the Murray Hill neighborhood is this inviting bakery and café. If you are in the area and want a lunch that will satisfy your taste buds, stop into Community Loaves and order their Farm Salad. The toppings change regularly depending on what is in season but whenever you order it you know it will be made with locally grown produce. And as a bonus, this salad is served with their freshly made sourdough bread.
19. Moon River Pizza:
The Special- Moon River Pizza is a funky pizza joint that makes pies the old-fashioned way: hand-tossed, covered in hearty tomato sauce and freshly grated cheese. For your classic everything pizza, try The Special, loaded with meat, veggies and of course, extra cheese.
Neptune Beach
20. North Beach Fish Camp:
Blackened Fresh Catch- Located just steps from the sand in the middle of the Beaches Town Center, the North Beach Fish Camp is one of Jacksonville’s best seafood restaurants. Their signature dish is a perfect example of southern beach cuisine: fresh blackened Mahi with ham gravy, collards and creamy grits.
Riverside Avondale
21. 13 Gypsies:
Risotto- This local restaurant serves traditional Spanish tapas, where everything from the sausage to the cheese to the bread is handmade. A mainstay of the restaurant is their risotto, which changes daily and is always delightful.
22. Biscottis:
Blue Cheese Crusted Beef Medallions- Biscottis is well known throughout Jacksonville for its decadent desserts. But before you try one of their famous cakes, try their incredibly delicious and tender beef medallions for dinner. Blue cheese and a shiitake demi glaze make this dish a real winner.
23. BREW Five Points:
Brisket Breakfast Tacos- This coffee shop keeps people coming back and not only for coffee but for their incredibly delicious food and fresh pastries too. Try the brisket breakfast tacos topped with chipotle barbecue sauce, a chimi fried egg, white cheddar and pickled red onions.
24. Burrito Gallery:
Mission Style Burrito- Voted best burrito in Jax many years in a row, there’s a reason the locals love this burrito joint. Try the classic Mission Style Burrito.
25. Kickbacks Gastropub:
Corn Nuggets- Sometimes it’s the simple things that make the best dishes. Kickbacks Gastropub, along with the adjoining Goozlepipe and Guttyworks, offers everything from high-end, adventurous dishes to old-school favorites. The Corn Nuggets are perfect in their simplicity and pair well with any of the over 180 beers on tap.
26. Mesa:
Paneer Burrata- Mesa is a modern Indian restaurant serving up classic dishes as well as some more unique ones. Take the Paneer Burrata for example: an Indian and Italian cheese topped with chili oil and served alongside naan chips.
27. The Mossfire Grill:
Pacific Rim Tuna Tacos- Seared yellowfin tuna, tangy Asian slaw, green onions, homemade sesame seed sauce and a soft flour tortilla make this Taco Tuesday-worthy.
28. Prospect Five Points:
Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese Balls- Prospect is one of the few restaurants that offer a daily happy hour. Get a group together and enjoy drinks and some shareables like the Pistachio-Crusted Goat Cheese Balls with a lavender honey drizzle.
29. Restaurant Orsay:
Steak Frites- For fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, Restaurant Orsay is the perfect destination. Indulge in the steak frites: rosemary seasoned steak, paired with a rich red wine jus and butter sauce. And don't forget about the pommes frites.
30. Taqueria Cinco Five Points:
Repollitos Taco- Taqueria Cinco is a local favorite and a hidden gem in the Five Points area of Riverside Avondale. Highly recommended is the repollitos taco: Brussel sprouts glazed in a Oaxacan mole, topped with queso fresco, pickled onions and almond salsa all on top of a freshly made corn tortilla.
San Marco
31. The Bearded Pig:
Frito Pie- If you want BBQ like you haven't had before, head to The Bearded Pig. They’re famous for their Frito Pie which is quite literally a bag of Frito chips opened up and topped with their brisket, beans, cheese sauce and jalapeno aioli.
32. Gemma:
Lobster Tempura Bao Buns- Gemma is the place to go for absolutely delicious and fresh seafood with a stunning and elegant atmosphere. You can't go wrong with ordering their oysters but if you would like to try something a bit more unique, order the Lobster Tempura Bao Buns.
33. Maple Street Biscuit Company:
The Squawking Goat- Maple Street's have popped up all over the Southeast but Jacksonville claims this gem as its' own since it was founded here in 2012. Any of their sandwiches are a delight but you must try the Squawking Goat at least once. A fresh-made flaky biscuit, all-natural fried chicken breast, fried goat cheese medallion and house-made pepper jelly create the most delicious combination of flavors. Fun fact: this specific sandwich was featured on The Food Network.
34. Matthew's Restaurant:
Chef's Adventure Menu- One of the most innovative and distinctive restaurants in Northeast Florida’s fine dining scene, Matthew’s offers a unique menu. Chef Matthew Medure is constantly coming up with new and exciting dishes, so it would be impossible to choose just one for this list. We leave that up to the chefs with the Chef’s Adventure Menu, where they take you on a culinary exploration through the season’s freshest and finest options.
35. The Metro Diner:
Fried Chicken and Waffles- This establishment has been around since 1938 so you know they are doing something right. Another Jacksonville-originated spot, this diner and local favorite is the perfect place for some seriously good breakfast. All of the reviews agree the chicken and waffles with their strawberry butter is simply delicious.
36. Taverna:
Soppressata Pizza- Located in San Marco Square, Taverna specializes in seasonal European cuisine. Their Soppressata Pizza, with Italian dry salami, fried egg, house-made mozzarella and San Marzano tomato, has developed somewhat of a cult following.
Northside
37. Congaree and Penn:
Roasted Local Mushrooms- Congaree and Penn takes farm-to-table to a new level. While dining outside, you can see their farm from your table. Spend some time on a farm tour and then relax with their homemade hard cider and some dinner including the savory Roasted Local Mushrooms.
38. Green Papaya:
Pad Thai- This Pan Asian restaurant reigns supreme with fresh flavors and a great atmosphere. Their Pad Thai dish is a classic done well—the noodles and peanut sauce are a delicious combo that are well worth the trip.
39. Palms Fish Camp:
Fresh Caught Mayport Shrimp- A visit to Jacksonville is not complete without dining on the local Mayport shrimp. Try the shrimp and grits, shrimp tacos or their palmbalaya. Any way you have it, you know it's going to be fresh when you can see the water from the restaurant.
The Green Papaya is as pleasing aesthetically as it is to the palate! Such a pretty restaurant with delicious food! My go to is pad Thai, roti, and curry! So much yum!Katrice (@willworkforheels)Visit Jax Local Insider Tip
Southside
40. DOMU:
Richie Rich- The Richie Rich is a warm hug. One of their most popular dishes that really doesn’t need much explanation. If you enjoy ramen, add this to your list of ones to try.
41. Marker 32:
Rosemary Grilled Octopus- Featured on Emeril’s Florida, Marker 32 is a staple of the Jacksonville culinary scene. Everything on the menu is prepared daily from scratch by classically trained chefs. One of the highlights: octopus with smoky tomato puree, corona bean and arugula salad with chorizo and sherry smoked paprika vinaigrette dressing.
42. Midtown Table:
Muffuletta- All the delicious flavors of Italy you could ever want in a sandwich: focaccia, mortadella, salami, capicola, provolone, mozzarella, pickled peppers, romaine, tapenade and pepperoncini. Buon appetito!
43. Prati Italia:
13-Layer Lasagna- Take your normal lasagna, triple the layers and you'll have James Beard-nominated Chef Tom Gray's 13-Layer Lasagna. Extra layers mean extra goodness and flavor and you can't go wrong with that.
44. Purple Roots:
Pancit- This restaurant is serving up some of the finest Filipino cuisine. Pancit is a traditional Filipino noodle dish and one you must try from Purple Roots. The stir-fried noodles are served with chicharron, scallions and fried garlic.
Springfield
45. Crispy's:
Hubbard Pie- For a pizza with just the right amount of flavor, try Crispy’s Hubbard Pie with sausage, roasted peppers and onions. Their San Marzano red sauce is out of this world and a staple in the Springfield community.
46. 1 Foxy Lady Cafe:
Foxy Cajun Chicken Ranch Sandwich- While you can't go wrong with anything on the menu, you must try the Foxy Cajun Chicken Ranch Sandwich. It's mouth-watering!
47. Strings Sports Brewery:
Smoked Wings- Another Jax Ale Trail brewery serving up some amazing food options. Their smoked wings will leave you wanting seconds. Sauce options include Alabama white, Buffalo and Peruvian, or if you prefer dry rubs try the Strings original.
47 is a good number, but we could really make a list of the 1,000 best dishes in Jax. Our food really is that fabulous! Jacksonville has so many great restaurants with an abundance of delicious offerings, it would be nearly impossible not to miss some of them. Be sure to let us know what your favorite dishes in Jacksonville are through social media with the hashtag #OnlyInJax.
To try these and other delicious dishes in Jacksonville, visit our Food & Drink guide and start planning your culinary adventure!
This list is routinely updated. If you feel like we are missing something, please email marketing@visitjacksonville.com.
*Updated: May 2024