Food and Drinks
Where to dine in Northeast Florida
Northeast Florida is an eclectic hybrid of inspired casual elegance and classic southern comfort, infused with the flavors of the coast and a dash of international flair. Jacksonville was named as one of the 5 Surprising Foodie Cities to Visit Right Now by Forbes Travel Guide.
With dining options ranging from upscale bistros, to popular chains, down-home fish camps and everything in between, the region provides an abundance of flavors suitable for everyone’s pallet.
Beaches
Northeast Florida is made up of 120 miles of pristine beaches offering some of the best seafood cuisine available on the East Coast. Enjoy Mayport Shrimp, a local favorite, and other fresh catches at unique spots like North Beach Fish Camp, Marker 32, Azurea at One Ocean and the Fish Company Restaurant & Oyster Bar. Other popular local favorites include TacoLu, Poe's Tavern and V Pizza. Enjoy cocktails with views of the ocean at popular places like Casa Maria, Lemon Bar and Surfer Bar.
Ponte Vedra Beach
Whether you’re looking for a fine-dining experience, or a quick bite to eat after a round of golf, Ponte Vedra Beach has dozens of options to satisfy your appetite. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Pusser’s Caribbean Grille, Nona Blue, Aqua Grill and Palm Valley Fish Camp offer a variety of pallet-pleasing options ranging from fresh-caught seafood to hearty American classics. Relax on the river at Barbara Jean’s and enjoy excellent made-from-scratch, home-cooked meals including their famous crab cakes and she-crab soup.
St. Augustine
The oldest city in America has plenty of unique and historic dining experiences to offer. For an intimate and casually elegant dining experience, look no further than Old City House Inn and Restaurant or Columbia Restaurant. Other must-eat options in St. Augustine include Cousteau’s Waffle and Milkshake Bar, Sunset Grille and O’Steen’s Restaurant.
While visiting World Golf Village, the Murray Bros. Caddy Shack is a dining experience that no golf fan should miss. Opened by actor Bill Murray and his five brothers, the restaurant combines the brothers' sense of irreverence with their love of golf.
The A1A Cocktail Trail traverses from Atlantic Beach to St. Augustine. This scenic trail leads you to local restaurants and bars where master mixologists pair Florida Orange and Grapefruit Juice with craft spirits from the St. Augustine Distillery. All cocktails featured on the trail are made from locally-sourced Florida ingredients. Get your cocktail trail passport here.
While there’s much to see and do on Florida’s Historic Coast, sightseeing is just a way to pass the time between meals. Enjoy fine dining, eclectic bistros, wine bars and sidewalk cafes. Discover a variety of tantalizing tastes from oceanfront seafood restaurants, old Florida riverfront hideaways and quaint farm-to-table eateries.
Check out the unique local wine, spirits and brews including the St. Augustine Distillery, the San Sebastian Winery, Ancient City Brewing, Rose Dog Brewing, Bog Brewery and Old City Ales.
Southside
If you can’t decide whether to try something new or stick to something you know, then Southside is the place to go. Home to dozens of renowned chain restaurants like Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and The Capital Grill, Southside has established its own, unique, flavor with some signature restaurants. Sip on artfully designed cocktails at Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails, enjoy inventive Pan-Asian flavors at Blue Bamboo, or savor authentic Greek style meals at Taverna Yamas. To experience real southern-style food, visit The Potter’s House Soul Food Bistro, you won’t regret it. Visit Bottlenose Brewing and Seven Bridges Grille and Brewery for unique ales brewed in Jacksonville.
Riverside | Avondale
These historic neighborhoods are putting Jacksonville’s culinary scene on the national map. Immerse yourself in the eclectic culture of the Five Points District and the Shops of Avondale, while indulging in some of the city’s best restaurants like The Mossfire Grill, Brick and Hawkers and Orsay. Relax and enjoy breathtaking city views at one of the area’s three rooftop bars which include River & Post, Black Sheep Restaurant and Hawkers Asian Street Fare.
San Marco
The San Marco dining district includes some of Jacksonville’s most popular restaurants including Taverna San Marco, Bistro AIX and Matthew’s Restaurant. Enjoy a progressive dinner or visit each restaurant for an unforgettable dining experience in one of Jacksonville’s most beautiful neighborhoods. Sidecar and Aardwolf Brewing Co., located in San Marco, offer specialty cocktails and craft brews you should try.
Downtown
The city’s core has over 50 restaurants to choose from, ranging from food trucks and casual eateries, to upscale bistros with eclectic menus. Be sure to enjoy scrumptious meals and freshly prepared drinks at Cowford Chophouse, Juliette’s Bistro, Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub, Olio, River City Brewing Company and the Chart House. Ruth’s Chris Steak House, located inside the DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront, offers sweeping views of the St. Johns River and downtown Jacksonville through oversized windows that stretch from floor to ceiling. Visit The Elbow, downtown's entertainment district for walkable and award-winning culinary, nightlife, live music and performance centers.
Northside | Airport
Jacksonville’s Northside is home to the Jacksonville International Airport and River City Marketplace, an outdoor shopping mall filled with popular stores and a variety of dining options. Catch a game at Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili’s Grill & Bar or Boston’s Restaurant and Sports Bar. In a hurry? Grab a fast bite from one of the many quick-service restaurants in the area including Tijuana Flats and Five Guys Burger and Fries.
Vegan Options/Vegetarian
Take out the meat and Northeast Florida still has flavor. Most of the restaurants in the region offer vegetarian options and nearly 30 are vegan-friendly. Green Earth Bistro, located in San Marco, is just one of the many vegan restaurants to try while in town. Seasons 52, Chamblin’s, Super Food & Brew and Southern Roots Filling Station all offer fantastic vegan options. Stop by one of the three Burrito Gallery locations to savor the delicious flavors known as JaxMex. With a menu sensitive to vegetarian and gluten-free options, Burrito Gallery combines dining, drinks and entertainment with the unique accents of local art and music to give patrons a true local experience.