16 Best Restaurants in Jacksonville to Try Today

Jacksonville, Florida, a city of vibrant culture and coastal charm, is also a haven for food enthusiasts.

From quaint bistros to upscale eateries, Jacksonville’s culinary scene offers a rich tapestry of flavors that cater to every palate.

Let’s embark on a journey to explore the top 17 restaurants in Jacksonville, along with their standout dishes that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

1. Orsay

Nestled in the charming Avondale neighborhood, Orsay transports diners to the streets of Paris with its elegant ambiance and exquisite French-inspired cuisine.

The must-try dish here is the Duck Confit, where tender duck leg is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Served with creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, this dish is a true testament to French culinary craftsmanship.

2. Black Sheep Restaurant

Black Sheep Restaurant, located in the historic Five Points district, celebrates the flavors of the South with a modern twist.

Their Shrimp and Grits dish is a culinary masterpiece, featuring plump shrimp nestled atop a bed of creamy stone-ground grits, accented with savory bacon and aromatic spices.

One bite of this Southern classic, and you’ll understand why it’s a crowd favorite.

3. Taverna

If you’re craving Italian comfort food, look no further than Taverna in San Marco.

Their Pasta Carbonara is a delight for the senses, with al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich and creamy sauce, studded with crispy pancetta and finished with a generous sprinkle of pecorino cheese.

Each forkful is a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the streets of Rome.

4. Hawkers Asian Street Fare

Hawkers Asian Street Fare takes diners on a culinary journey through the bustling streets of Asia, serving up small plates bursting with bold and authentic flavors.

The Roti Canai with Curry Sauce is a must-try, featuring flaky Malaysian flatbread served with a fragrant and aromatic curry sauce for dipping.

It’s the perfect dish for sharing and experiencing the diverse flavors of Asian street food.

5. The Bearded Pig

For barbecue enthusiasts, The Bearded Pig is a mecca of smoky flavors and tender meats.

Their Brisket Platter is a carnivore’s dream, featuring succulent slices of slow-smoked brisket paired with homemade sides like creamy macaroni and cheese and tangy collard greens.

Every bite is a celebration of Southern barbecue at its finest.

6. Gilbert’s Social

Gilbert’s Social is a cozy eatery in Southside that specializes in modern American cuisine with a creative twist.

Their Grilled Pork Chop is a standout dish, featuring a juicy and flavorful chop grilled to perfection and served alongside velvety sweet potato puree and drizzled with a decadent bourbon maple glaze.

It’s comfort food elevated to gourmet heights.

7. Maple Street Biscuit Company

Start your day off right at Maple Street Biscuit Company with their iconic “The Five” biscuit sandwich.

This hearty breakfast delight features a flaky biscuit piled high with crispy fried chicken, savory pecan wood smoked bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and smothered in house-made sausage gravy.

It’s a comforting and indulgent meal that will fuel you for the day ahead.

8. Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant

For seafood aficionados, Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant is a culinary paradise brimming with fresh-off-the-boat catches.

Their Seafood Platter is a feast for the senses, showcasing a variety of local delicacies such as plump shrimp, briny oysters, flaky fish, and succulent crab legs.

Served with tangy cocktail sauce and lemon wedges, it’s a seafood lover’s dream come true.

9. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is synonymous with exceptional steaks and impeccable service.

Their signature Filet Mignon is a prime example of perfection on a plate, featuring USDA Prime beef cooked to your desired temperature and served sizzling on a hot plate for maximum flavor.

Each tender bite is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

10. Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails

Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails offers contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Their Crab Cakes are a standout appetizer, boasting generous chunks of lump crab meat delicately seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection.

Served with a tangy remoulade sauce, it’s a dish that exudes elegance and flavor.

11. Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar

Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar, with its waterfront views and coastal ambiance, is the perfect spot for seafood lovers.

Their Seafood Paella is a symphony of flavors, featuring a generous medley of shrimp, scallops, mussels, and spicy chorizo cooked to perfection in a saffron-infused broth.

Served with fluffy saffron rice, it’s a taste of the Mediterranean right here in Jacksonville.

12. The Candy Apple Café & Cocktails

Housed in the historic Sweet Pete’s candy factory, The Candy Apple Café & Cocktails offers a whimsical dining experience with a focus on Southern comfort food.

Their Fried Green Tomato BLT is a creative twist on a classic sandwich, featuring crispy green tomatoes layered with smoky bacon jam, crisp lettuce, and tangy remoulade on toasted sourdough bread.

It’s a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.

13. Biscottis

Biscottis is a beloved neighborhood gem known for its cozy ambiance and delectable desserts.

Their Flourless Chocolate Torte is a chocolate lover’s dream, boasting rich and velvety layers of dark chocolate ganache nestled atop a buttery almond crust.

Served with a vibrant raspberry coulis, it’s a decadent treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

14. Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse

Experience the flavors of Brazil at Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse, where the dining experience is as much about the ambiance as it is about the food.

Their Rodizio Experience is a carnivore’s delight, featuring an endless selection of grilled meats carved tableside by skilled gauchos.

From succulent Picanha to tender Filet Mignon, each bite is a celebration of Brazilian barbecue at its finest.

15. TacoLu

For a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, look no further than TacoLu in Jacksonville Beach.

Their Fish Tacos are a crowd favorite, featuring crispy battered fish nestled in warm corn tortillas and topped with tangy slaw, creamy avocado crema, and fresh cilantro.

Each bite is a burst of flavor that will transport you to the sunny shores of Mexico.

16. Havana Jax

Havana Jax brings the flavors of Cuba to Jacksonville with its vibrant and flavorful dishes.

Their Ropa Vieja is a traditional Cuban stew made with tender shredded beef simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and aromatic spices.

Served with rice, black beans, and sweet plantains, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Cuban cuisine.