Best Restaurants in Jacksonville (2025)

Jacksonville’s special-occasion benchmark in San Marco, delivering polished service, seasonal tasting menus, and a deep cellar. Frequently praised by local critics; its 2025 updates signal a kitchen still pushing. Dress up and make a night of it.

A beloved Avondale fixture marrying French technique with Southern ingredients—think steak frites, oysters, and serious cocktails. Featured in Southern Living and often cited by local editors as essential for date night and weekend brunch.

A modern bistro at the gateway to San Marco Square known for chef-driven plates and a sharp cocktail program. Frequently recommended by locals and editors alike for its thoughtful sourcing and intimate vibe.

The city’s first dedicated omakase experience: intimate counter, seasonal fish, Japanese whisky, and precise technique. OpenTable diners rave in 2025, and the team’s focus makes it a destination beyond sushi rolls.

A community favorite for Texas-leaning barbecue—brisket, ribs, and burnt ends with local beer. News coverage in 2025 confirmed the San Marco original remains busy and beloved even as the beach offshoot closed.

Line-worthy lunch legend where bruschetta, sandwiches on house-baked bread, and the famed wedding cake define the ritual. Recent reporting shows the brand expanding in 2025—proof this local institution still hums.

Downtown’s showpiece steakhouse inside a restored 1902 bank: rooftop views, dry-aged cuts, and polished service. Recognized by Jacksonville Magazine, it’s the city’s power-dining address with real architectural gravitas.

Five Points standout turning out Mexico City–style street food on house-made corn tortillas—nopales, suadero, al pastor. Featured by Eater and praised by local editors for authenticity and an always-evolving specials board.

A Springfield favorite for shawarma, falafel, and house-made sweets, run by a family that treats guests like neighbors. Named to Yelp’s Top 100 U.S. Restaurants of 2025, and spotlighted by local news this summer.

From-dock-to-plate plates of local fish and Mayport shrimp beside the working waterfront. A longtime locals’ choice and an easy way to taste the river and ocean that feed Jacksonville’s kitchens.

Food-truck-turned-restaurant famed for handmade pastas and nightly specials—pears-and-cheese fiocci and silky risotti keep regulars lining up. Previously recognized by Yelp’s editors; still very much a locals’ favorite today.

San Marco’s Mediterranean-leaning stalwart with wood-fired pizzas, house pastas, and a savvy wine list. Consistently included in Jacksonville Magazine’s best lists, it nails both weeknight dinners and celebratory affairs.