The Best Restaurants in Jacksonville
By Ananya Bakshi
Jacksonville is a city that loves to eat. From fine dining to down-home comfort food, it’s all here—and I’ve tasted my way through the city to bring you the best.
1. Orsay
Let's start with Orsay, where French comfort food meets Southern hospitality. You know you're in for a treat when you find yourself at a place that can serve a duck confit and a fried chicken sandwich with equal ease. I suggest you start with the mussels in white wine sauce and end with the bread pudding—though you may find yourself stuck in a pleasant loop somewhere in between. And yes, their cocktails are pretty darn good, too. If you’re feeling fancy, grab a seat at the bar and let the bartender guide your evening. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
2. River & Post
River & Post is a restaurant that knows how to make an impression. Located near the St. Johns River, this spot is all about fresh, locally sourced seafood and a view that makes you rethink your life choices. The menu offers everything from shrimp and grits to a bone-in pork chop that might just change your life. I always recommend grabbing a seat on the rooftop for sunset—you’ll get a panoramic view of the city and a cocktail list that’s as long as a CVS receipt. The crab cakes are a favorite, but don’t sleep on the fried green tomatoes.
3. Marker 32
Marker 32 has been around for over two decades, which is practically prehistoric in restaurant years. But there’s a reason for its staying power: seafood, seafood, and more seafood. I always opt for the blackened catch of the day, served with whatever seasonal accompaniments the chef dreams up. The waterfront view is almost as good as the food, but don't get distracted—the key lime pie waits for no one.
4. TacoLu
TacoLu is where the beach crowd goes when they want tacos that don't mess around. Fish tacos are the name of the game here, with options that span from the traditional to the slightly unorthodox. I like to go with a group, order one of everything, and let the margaritas decide the rest. The guacamole? Worth it. The street corn? You’ll talk about it for days. This is a place where casual meets delicious, and everyone leaves happy.
5. The Bearded Pig
No list of Jacksonville restaurants would be complete without a nod to barbecue, and The Bearded Pig is where I go when I'm in the mood for slow-cooked meats and big flavors. This is the kind of place where you eat with your hands, and nobody judges you for it. Order the ribs and the brisket, add some collard greens and mac and cheese, and then just sit back and enjoy. Warning: You will leave smelling like smoked pork, but I promise you, it’s worth it.
The Complete Guide to Jacksonville
Best Things to do in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is often overlooked as just another stop on the Florida map, but this city has more going on than you might think.
Jacksonville’s Best Restaurants
Jaxsons love to eat. From fine dining to down-home comfort food, it’s all here—and we’ve tasted our way through the city.
The Best Hotels in Jacksonville
There’s more than a few Jacksonville hidden gems for those in the know. Here are some spots that make it worth the stay.
By Ananya Bakshi
I arrive in Jacksonville on a humid Thursday afternoon, the kind of day where the sun seems determined to burn off all semblance of the morning's cool breeze. My husband’s childhood stories of growing up on the St. Johns River fill my mind as I navigate the city’s winding streets, feeling both familiar and foreign at once.