There’s plenty to do in Jacksonville, Florida, whether exploring the beaches and urban parks, digging deep into the city’s culture, or enjoying the ever-improving nightlife. One part of Jacksonville you don’t want to miss out on is its food scene, which is why we’ve made a list of the best restaurants in Jacksonville…
RH Rooftop Restaurant
4831 Village Shops Way, St. Johns Town Center
Jacksonville, FL
Before or after a shopping trip to the St. Johns Town Center, stop in to the RH Rooftop Restaurant for brunch or dinner with a view. Guests can enjoy a beautiful view of the city from the outdoor terrace or the floor-to-ceiling windows on the third floor. The interior features decor like the skylit garden escape, ornate chandeliers, water fountains, and heritage olive trees for a luxurious dining experience. Even before opening the menu, this location makes it one of the best restaurants in Jacksonville.
For guests eating brunch, menu items like smoked salmon with charred sourdough, shaved ribeye on charred garlic bread, and sides like truffled fries ensure your morning cravings are satisfied. Dinner options are just as delicious, with starters like the prosciutto and délice board for something sweet or the burrata for something savory. To pair with entrees like the lobster roll and the charred ribeye steak, guests should try the wine selections from around the world or something limited from Napa Valley’s renowned small vintners.
Matthew’s Restaurant
2107 Hendricks Avenue
Jacksonville, FL
Photo courtesy of Matthew’s Restaurant
For an unforgettable dinner experience, Matthew’s Restaurant offers its guests a menu of French and Mediterranean dishes. Located in historic San Marco, this restaurant uses high-quality ingredients, sustainably sourced seafood, and house-made pasta to create elevated dishes bursting with flavor. This intimate dining room seats 50 guests, so it’s best to make a reservation or visit The M Lounge early for happy hour to get a taste of their drink and dinner menu.
If you want a dinner surprise, the courses in the Chef’s Adventure Menu are revealed as they’re served. This is a fun way to explore the fine dining at this restaurant. If something else catches your eye on the menu, there’s a fine selection of first and second courses, like the chilled Maine lobster and the Japanese A5 wagyu. Guests can also enjoy entrees like the lacquered duck breast. And don’t forget to ask the waiter which of their 2,000 bottles of wine will pair well with your meal. The high-end ambiance and dining make Matthew’s one of the best restaurants in Jacksonville.
Cowford Chophouse
101 East Bay Street
Jacksonville, FL
Photo courtesy of Cowford Chophouse
Although its name sounds like a meat-only restaurant, Cowford Chophouse is also a great place to order seafood in Jacksonville, FL. This restaurant honors the original name of Jacksonville and its history, although the restaurant is nothing behind the times with its arched windows, high ceiling, and rooftop lounge. Guests looking for a dinner that won’t disappoint can order a meal while enjoying the view of the St. Johns River and the Southbank skyline.
Dinner guests can start their night with appetizers like the wood-fired crab legs and the rougié foie gras or enjoy the raw bar options like the caviar and the roasted seafood tower. Cowford Chophouse lives up to its name in the large selection of cuts, add-ons, and sauces for its steaks that guests can enjoy a la carte. Or diners can select an entrée like the fish-of-the-day, served with chorizo and summer squash puree. In addition, this restaurant offers a variety of desserts, both cakes and liquid, alongside a great beverage menu to complete any dish off the menu.
Orsay
3630 Park Street
Jacksonville, FL
Photo courtesy of Orsay
For a place that offers a wide variety of seafood in Jacksonville, FL, the French bistro Orsay is the place to visit. This restaurant’s menu comprises traditional Parisian bistro classics and items with a bit more southern influence. The energetic and attentive atmosphere makes it a perfect place for a dinner reservation any day of the week or to visit for brunch on the weekends.
Whether getting brunch at 11 in the morning or 2 in the afternoon, Orsay’s brunch menu has you covered with classic breakfast options like the bourbon and orange French toast alongside heartier brunch options like the beef stroganoff. The raw bar on the dinner menu is just as impressive, and with appetizers like the seared scallops alongside entrees like the lobster pot pie, you’ll wish dinner lasted all week long. Guests shouldn’t forget the selection of wines and cocktails for a perfect dinner out.
The Melting Pot
7860 Gate Parkway Ste 101
Jacksonville, FL
Photo courtesy of The Melting Pot
For something a little off the beaten path, The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant that offers a customizable dinner experience. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner destination, somewhere to share food with friends and family, or you simply want to have a good conversation over great food, this is the place to be. Whether dipping bread into artisan cheese or chocolate, there’s something for every type of diner.
Its Experience For Two offers four courses for you and a date, or guests can order meal fondue items off the a la carte menu. The land and sea is an entrée fondue featuring seasoned steak, chicken, shrimp, and salmon. The chocolate fondue options are a sweet end to your meal, with options like the Flaming Turtle, a milk chocolate flambéed fondue.
Ready to live closer to these great restaurants?
The surf and turf in Jacksonville is the best in North Florida. When you’re ready to live a little closer to these foodie destinations, contact your experienced local agent, Woodrow Ahn LLC of Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty, to help guide you through the process of finding a home!