15 Best Restaurants in Jacksonville

If you’re looking for the best casual meal in Jacksonville, you need to add Metro Diner to the list. This classic All-American diner is consistently ranked as a Jacksonville favorite. 

Primarily serving up breakfast and lunch, you’ll find 7 locations across Jacksonville. The perfect place to fill up before exploring all that the River City has to offer. 

The prices are great and the portions are generous – it’s no surprise that this Jacksonville staple has quickly expanded across America. And don’t worry – while Metro Diner is now a chain – it’s stayed perfectly true to its Jacksonville roots.

As the name suggests, Green Papaya has been serving up traditional Asian eats across Jacksonville. 

Immediately when you walk in, you’ll notice how modern and beautiful the locations are. But Thai cuisine is the star of the show here, with classics like Thai Basil Fried Rice and Peanut Curry being whipped up all day in the kitchen. For seafood lovers, Green Papaya also serves classic sushi rolls that are filled to the brim with fish. 

There are 3 locations in Jacksonville and one down in St. Augustine.

Five Points is home to some of the best restaurants in Jacksonville. The historic neighborhood is full of unique shops. It’s also where you’ll find the famed Black Sheep Restaurant. 

This trendy spot focuses on serving up classic American fare with a modern twist. Black Sheep boasts fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. Diners come far and wide for the Roasted Oysters and the fried olives. They also serve up some incredible cocktails.

Grab a spot on the rooftop patio if you can. You’ll be treated to stunning views of the Jacksonville skyline. The service is also always top-notch.

Southern BBQ is a Florida favorite. The Bearded Pig BBQ is known for their tender slow-smoked BBQ meats, signature sauces, and sides. 

You can order meat and sides a-la-carte or order a platter of the Bearded Pig favorites. Top picks include the brisket and the pulled pork. And you can’t forget the mac and cheese!

Looking to catch a game? The Bearded Pig is the perfect place to be. They’ve got TVs inside and out, so you’ll never miss a second of the action! (Plus, they’re dog friendly so you can take Fido along!)

Just a couple blocks off of St John’s River in the Avondale neighborhood is the Brick Restaurant. They describe their menu as a creative and modern take on American classics and that seems to be a pretty accurate description! 

The menu is packed with steakhouse favorites, as well as new takes on seafood, like their Mahi Mahi and Lump Crab Cakes. For brunch, the Surf and Turf Benedict is a must-try, featuring tenderloin and crab! 

The menu at the Brick truly includes something for everyone. Dinner here can get a touch on the pricier side, but their lunch and brunch menu are definitely worth the trip while in Jacksonville.

We told you that Five Points was a mecca of delicious eats. And Taquieria Cinco is here to prove it. This bright and eclectic Mexican spot features authentic tacos and street foods. 

While you can get classic tacos like Chorizo and Al Pastor, you’ll love the more unique and rare combos. Have you ever tried grilled cactus? Well, you can at Taqueria Cinco in the Nopales tacos. 

The margaritas are always flowing here and the backyard patio feels like you’ve wandered south of the border. After you get your fill of these authentic Mexican eats, end your meal with a churro. This fried, sugar-coated treat is a Mexican dessert and street food.

The Salt Life brand is a cult favorite among surfers, this beach-themed dining experience brings surf and sand to life. Fresh seafood is the star of Salt Life Food Shack’s menu, you’ll find everything from lobster rolls and poke bowls to sushi. (Don’t worry, there are non-seafood options on the menu too!) 

Not hungry yet? Stop by during your beach day and enjoy some of their island-inspired drinks or a signature rum flight.

The Jackson Beach location features a large outdoor seating area and a fish tank in the middle of the restaurant filled with marine life!

For a quick, easy, and filling meal – Surfwiches is a hidden gem. This Jacksonville Beach sub and sandwich joint is just a few blocks from Neptune Beach and does not disappoint.

It’s a long way from Philly, but their Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches are a hot commodity. They also have other classic sandwiches, like Reubens, burgers, and hotdogs on the menu. Wash your piping hot sub down with a cold beer or one of Surfwiche’s signature milkshakes. They also have a selection of gelato for those craving dessert.

Surfwiches has plenty of indoor seating. But on a beautiful day, take your sandwich to-go and enjoy it down by the beach.

If you find yourself on the Southbank, make sure to check out BB’s Restaurant and Bar. This Jacksonville hotspot is perfect for a night out on the town. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or heading out for date night – the atmosphere here is unparalleled.

The menu has tons to offer, with everything from their signature pizzas to savory fried brussel sprouts. Most items have a touch of southern influence, making every dish ridiculously flavorful. 

Weekend brunch is also popular at BB’s with a menu that includes a Short Rib Hash and Salmon Cake Benedicts. Be sure to grab a piece of cake for dessert when you visit– the slices are oh-so-moist, delicious, and absolutely ginormous!

You’ll come for the thin-crust pizza and stay for the welcoming vibes. Located in Murray Hill, many will claim Moon River has some of the best pizza they’ve ever had. 

Sip on a cold beer while enjoying a slice of their classic homemade pizzas or calzones, or take a box to go! The topping options are plentiful and you’ll notice that they even offer fresh garlic as a topping here. If you’re not sure what to order, the White Pizza and Greek Salad are crowd favorites.

Beaches and diners? Who could go wrong? To be fair, Beach Diner isn’t quite on the beach. But the interior and exterior seating areas certainly nail the breezy, coastal vibes. And let’s be fair, most of Jacksonville isn’t all that far from the beach anyways. 

You’ll find this local hot spot in the Gates of Olde Mandarin off of San Jose Blvd. This is the perfect breakfast stop if you’re an early bird or hoping to beat the brunch crowds. 

Enjoy all the homestyle breaks staples, from classic eggs benedicts to french toast. Popping by for lunch? From hot-off-the-grill burgers to salads, there’s something at the Beach Diner for everyone.

Cuban Sandwiches are a Floridian staple. 1928 Cuban Bistro is home to authentic Cuban food at its finest.

Diners rave about the empanadas and their classic Cuban sandwiches, but the menu is huge. You’ll find everything from salads to alfajores on here.

If you’re in a rush, they also have a selection of ready-to-go pastries and items in the display counter. Make sure to try their Cuban coffee and espressos! Our favorite? The Cafe Con Leche. 

The interiors are adorable and Instagram-worthy, so be sure to snap a pic on your way out.

There’s nothing like a piping hot bowl of pho after a long day of exploring. It’s like a hug in a bowl.

If you’re not familiar with pho, it’s a Vietnamese soup and noodle dish. The aromatic broth is typically made by boiling beef bones, vegetables, and spices for several hours. There are no shortcuts here! It’s often served with beef or chicken as well as cilantro and bean sprouts. Make sure to add a squeeze of lime and hot sauce for good measure!

Whether you’re new to pho or already love it, Bowl of Pho is the go-to in Jacksonville. If you’re not feeling up to noodles, the menu is packed with other Vietnamese staples like spring rolls and fried rice.

Biscottis is another Avondale staple. The small and cozy bistro-style restaurant features American fare with a Southern twist. Despite being tucked alongside several of Jacksonville’s best restaurants, Biscottis keeps people coming back. 

The lunch and dinner menus are unique yet still feel homey. And from Sweet Potato Pancakes to a Cajun Seafood Benedict, their weekend brunch is also a showstopper. 

It can get busy here, so make a reservation if you’re coming out of your way. Beat the crowds by stopping by for happy hour or dessert. Trust us when we say that the bread pudding and cakes are to die for!

Julington Creek Fish Camp boasts one of the best dinners with a view in Jacksonville. Located just off Julington Creek near Mandarin Park, the restaurant is a bit of a trek from Downtown Jacksonville. But the seafood-packed menu and harbor-front location is absolutely worth the visit. 

From shrimp and grits to grilled octopus, Fish Camp has truly mastered the art of Florida seafood with a southern twist. Dessert is an affair to remember here, with a classic Key Lime Pie or their Signature White Chocolate Bread Pudding. 

Fish Camp is the perfect balance between casual and elegant, making it the perfect restaurant to round out Red Roof's list of top restaurants in Jacksonville.

Visiting Jacksonville? Make the most out of your stay and book a room at Red Roof. With pet-friendly rooms and affordable rates, you’ll be able to sleep soundly after enjoying the best restaurants in Jacksonville.

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