Jacksonville, Florida, boasts more than 850 square miles of beaches, forests, attractions, and natural beauty.
It’s also a well-known food destination and the most densely populated city in the Sunshine State.
Whether you’ve recently moved to Jacksonville or are just planning a visit, you’ll likely want to check out some of the local eateries.
We’ve put together a list of the best restaurants in Jacksonville for you to choose from for your next foodie adventure!
1. Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
4483 Southside Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32216
(904) 551-5920
Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse is a classic churrascaria offering Brazilian meats rodizio-style, with an all-you-can-eat salad bar.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Check out one of the best birthday restaurants in Jacksonville you’ll ever experience yet for explosive flavors.
The menu features a range of fire-roasted quality beef, lamb, chicken, and hog cuts that are delivered to your table in a continuous stream.
Guests may choose from a fresh gourmet salad bar and a hot bar with authentic traditional hot meals to compliment the tableside serving of meats.
What to Eat
Don’t miss out on the steak, lamb, or grilled pineapple. Yes, legends say it’s that good.
2. Restaurant Orsay
3630 Park St.
Jacksonville, FL 32205
(904) 381-0909
Formerly the restaurant of the Hôtel d’Orsay, this Belle Èpoque dining room is much the same as it was when it first opened in 1900.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re looking for good restaurants in Jacksonville with the best French cuisine, then take a foodie with you to one of the coolest local restaurants near you.
Experience fine dining in Jacksonville like never before in this award-winning French restaurant that describes itself as “elegance without pretense.”
cassoulet, bouillabaisse and mushroom tarte flambée
What to Eat
Try their dishes like the cassoulet, bouillabaisse or mushroom tarte flambée.
3. Biscottis
3556 St Johns Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32205
(904) 387-2060
Biscottis is a convivial bistro serving small plates, sandwiches, salads & brunch in a historic, brick-lined space.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This Avondale neighborhood restaurant serves food but is well-known for its desserts, and the reason why it’s one of the most popular restaurants to try.
If you’re more of a savory person, fear not!
They also serve up a great selection of omelets, pancakes, steak, and eggs, plus a daily local special, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
What to Eat
Their signature dish is a decadent croissant bread pudding.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites by Hilton Jacksonville-Downtown/Southbank
4. Metro Diner
3302 Hendricks Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 398-3701
Metro Diner is a local diner chain serving classic American breakfast & lunch fare in a warm atmosphere.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
People say many things about Metro Diner, but they have common ground when they say it’s not your typical diner.
They’re changing landscapes of comfort food by serving a layer of french fries atop steak salad.
Even their French toast is layered with a banana-cream cheese filling smothered between two slices of challah. Sounds unique, tastes absolutely amazing.
What to Eat
Some of their special dishes include French toast, meatloaf, and the Yo Halla on the Square. You have to order it to know what the buzz is about.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Jacksonville River City Downtown Hotel
5. Green Papaya Thai Cuisine
12675 Beach Blvd #306
Jacksonville, FL 32246
(904) 888-8866
Green Papaya is a locally-owned Thai cuisine restaurant serving authentic Thai food for several years.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This Pan Asian restaurant serves up fresh flavors and a buzzing atmosphere in one of the best places to eat in Jacksonville.
Their menu is slightly different from their two other sites, but this Northside eatery is an excellent change of scenery.
What to Eat
Their Pad Thai dish is a customer favorite, and their noodles with peanut sauce are a satisfying combo.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Jacksonville – Town Center, an IHG Hotel
6. BB’s Restaurant + Bar
1019 Hendricks Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 306-0100
BB’s Restaurant + Bar is a buzzing bistro serving innovative New American dishes & sweets from a dessert case amid chic digs.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Elevate your sweet tooth with their divine desserts and dive into their savory specials in one of the best places to eat in Jacksonville.
Known for its luscious desserts, this hip, and high-energy setting is ideal for business and dinner parties.
What to Eat
Not only is this dish a mouthful to say, but it’s a mouthful of savory deliciousness too. Check out their delicious Delmonico ribeye au Poivre and give the final verdict yourself.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
7. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
1201 Riverplace Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 396-6200
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is an outpost of an upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Stylishly modern with a creative edge, Ruth’s Chris Steak House showcases the best views of the river and the Main Street Bridge, stunning architectural details, and iconic sizzling steaks.
It’s definitely one of the best restaurants Jacksonville has to offer.
What to Eat
Try a plate of their sizzling Ribeye, marbled for flavor and deliciously juicy.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront, FL
8. Hawkers Asian Street Fare
1001 Park St.
Jacksonville, FL 32204
(904) 508-0342
Hawkers Asian Street Fare is an Asian fusion restaurant offering gourmet, street-inspired dishes in a stylish, bustling space since 2011.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Eating at Hawkers is like going on an adventure across the globe. If you’re deciding where to eat in Jacksonville for Asian cuisine, look no further than Hawkers.
Really, tour the menu, bop to the music, and have a drink. You’ll want to stay awhile.
What to Eat
Have a bite of their Seoul Hot Chicken Baos and bite into fluffy buns filled with that delicious Korean hot chicken.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk
9. Julington Creek Fish Camp
12760 San Jose Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32223
(904) 886-2267
Julington Creek Fish Camp is a relaxed, elegant spot for seafood with a Southern twist, plus a full bar & a view of the river.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Julington Creek Fish Camp is a fantastic choice for outdoor dining with incredible views of the St. Johns River.
With its fresh array of seafood, it’s definitely one of the best dinner places in Jacksonville to try out.
What to Eat
They have a daily fresh catch on the dinner menu, Whole Fresh Catch Fried fish, Chef’s Steak, Broiled Seafood Platter, Spicy Seafood linguine, and more.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville South – I-295, an IHG Hotel
Related: Best Things to Do in Jacksonville
10. Marker 32
14549 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32250
(904) 223-1534
This five-star restaurant was founded in 1992 by a family, and the chef has been named one of America’s top chefs.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Mark 32 is one of the best-rated restaurants in Jacksonville, and it’s not hard to see why.
This seafood restaurant combines award-winning culinary delights with breathtaking panoramic views. Enjoy art on every plate while enjoying a masterpiece of a view.
What to Eat
Try the M32 Broiled Oysters, Deviled eggs and Fried Oysters, Twice Cooked Thai Baby Back ribs, or steamed Mussels for the table.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Jacksonville Beach, an IHG Hotel
11. Southern Charm
3566 St Augustine Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 517-3637
Southern Charm is a country-style barbecue & seafood in a no-fuss eatery with weekend & lunch buffet specials.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Enjoy heaping plates of family recipe-inspired barbecue standards, fried seafood, and old-world Southern sides served from a “sidebar,” much of it locally sourced and served piping hot on paper plates with plastic silverware.
You know it’s ready when Chef Art rings the bell, and patrons scramble to queue up for collard greens, cheesy cheese grits, and coleslaw.
What to Eat
Chef Art will send you a mountainous plate of lightly fried tail-on white shrimp that needs no more than a squeeze from a lemon wedge to be rendered addictive.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Downtown Southbank
Related: Things to Do in Jacksonville with Kids
12. Taverna
1986 San Marco Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 398-3005
Taverna is a trendy wine bar serving brick-oven pizzas & seasonal Italian & Spanish eats in sleek yet warm digs.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Taverna is known as one of the best restaurants downtown offering the best food in Jacksonville.
With its Italian ingredients rotating around the local seafood and seasonal produce, it’s a spot you’ll want to indulge in for a romantic dinner or two.
What to Eat
They have a vegan entree for mains with chickpeas and roasted veggies and salmon, scallops and Bistecca, sandwiches, and more.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites Jacksonville Butler Boulevard
Related: Best Hotels in Jacksonville
13. 1928 Cuban Bistro
3928 Baymeadows Rd #9
Jacksonville, FL 32217
(904) 683-8104
1928 Cuban Bistro is a local cafe and restaurant established in memory of the owner’s grandfather, born in 1928 in Cuba.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Welcome to the 1928 Cuban Bistro, where the colors and flavors are as exciting as the island that inspired their cuisine.
1928 Bistro brings people together by transporting them to a place where conversation flows, espresso coffee is brewing, and the food is made with a savory Cuban flare. Go for some “cafecito” and conversation.
What to Eat
We highly recommend you try their Congri bowls with rice and black beans cooked with picadillo, shredded roast pork, shredded chicken, and choice of maduros or yucca fries.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Premier Jacksonville Hotel
14. ABBQ
461 Atlantic Blvd.
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
(904) 853-6427
ABBQ is a locally-owned and operated smokehouse offering the town’s best barbeque and smoked creations available by the pound.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Wide open and airy, ABBQ is a family-friendly eatery complete with its own backyard playground.
The array of huge smokers is impressive, as are the heaping portions of brisket, spare ribs, sausage, chicken, and turkey that emerge from them daily.
What to Eat
Try an order of their famous Frito Pie with cowboy beans, lime crema, white cheddar, pico de Gallo, and topped with delicious pulled pork.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront
15. Aqua Grill
395 Front St.
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
(904) 285-3017
Established in 1988 and reinvented for 2016, Aqua Grill offers guests a beautiful, new contemporary restaurant concept located directly on the lake in the renovated Sawgrass Village shopping center.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Award-winning food will be served to guests from a diverse, multi-ethnic menu utilizing the freshest local ingredients made to order.
They have private event rooms, a climate-controlled lakeside terrace, a vibrant full-service bar with all DirecTV sports packages, and 4K HD TVs.
What to Eat
A must-try is the Seafood Americana, a melange of shrimp, fish, littleneck clams, Italian sausage, red wine- and balsamic-infused plum tomato sauce over pappardelle.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra
16. Azurea at One Ocean Resort
1 Ocean Blvd
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
(904) 249-7402
Azurea is an American eatery in the One Ocean Resort, offering a seafood-centric American menu amid modern decor.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This award-winning restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has a lounge to grab drinks and quick bites.
Azurea dining is unusual in that you can view the lake from each seat in the restaurant, and the seasonal menu changes frequently, so there’s always something new to taste.
What to Eat
Try their delicious Florida crab cake appetizer with Low Country collard greens, blistered heirloom tomato, sweet corn remoulade, and pancetta crisp.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: One Ocean Resort and Spa
17. Matthew’s
2107 Hendricks Ave.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 396-9922
Matthew’s Restaurant, set in the heart of historic San Marco, celebrates 25 years of elevating the fine dining scene in Jacksonville.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Chef Alex Yim lets French techniques influence his Mediterranean-focused menu using farm-to-table ingredients and sustainable seafood in one of the top Jacksonville restaurants to date.
Indulge in a contemporary & elegant option for innovative New American dishes plus an impressive wine list.
What to Eat
Try the Japanese A5 wagyu, local grey grouper, tempura tofu, Ribeye, or Berkshire pork chops for mains.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard Jacksonville Butler Boulevard
18. 13 Gypsies
887 Stockton St.
Jacksonville, FL 32204
(904) 389-0330
13 Gypsies is a tiny spot with minimalistic inferiority and an eclectic Spanish cuisine menu.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Have the best lunch in Jacksonville that’s rooted in authentic Spanish traditions.
With so many delicious homemade eclectic menu items ranging from zanahorias and mushroom escabeche to house-made pasta and beef meatballs, it’s hard to ignore one of the most stunning Jacksonville eats you’ll experience.
What to Eat
Have a taste of their smoked chicken thighs and Spanish mojo pork for the perfect brunch.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Jacksonville W – I295 and I10, an IHG Hotel
19. Black Sheep
1534 Oak St.
Jacksonville, FL 32204
(904) 380-3091
Black Sheep Jacksonville is located in the Five Points Historic Riverside area and is known for its modern American food using local ingredients and handcrafted foods.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Enjoy classic American favorites like avocado toast, smoked trout bagel, shrimp and grits, and more for a fantastic breakfast.
Enjoy the rooftop bar area to try one of the handcrafted cocktails or craft beer in one of the few casual spots to eat in.
What to Eat
It may be an American restaurant, but their Korean short ribs are amazingly tasty.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Jacksonville West, FL
20. Bowl of Pho
9902 Old Baymeadows Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 646-4455
Bowl of Pho is a Vietnamese restaurant that uses dark woods and Asia art to create an inviting atmosphere for diners.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Jacksonville for the perfect Pho, go to a restaurant with a giant sign that says exactly that.
Decorated with traditional Vietnamese decor and the food served in straw baskets, you’ll feel a little bit of Vietnam in each bite.
What to Eat
As the restaurant name implies, try their Pho. With its homemade simmering broth with the meat of your choice and more, it’s the perfect bowl of deliciousness.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park
Map of Restaurants in Jacksonville
List of image sources
20 Best Jacksonville Restaurants for 2022
- Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
- Restaurant Orsay
- Biscottis
- Metro Diner
- Green Papaya Thai Cuisine
- BB’s Restaurant + Bar
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House
- Hawkers Asian Street Fare
- Julington Creek Fish Camp
- Marker 32
- Southern Charm
- Taverna
- 1928 Cuban Bistro
- ABBQ
- Aqua Grill
- Azurea at One Ocean Resort
- Matthew’s
- 13 Gypsies
- Black Sheep
- Bowl of Pho
