18 Cool & Unique Restaurants in Jacksonville, FL

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Jacksonville’s food scene is packed with surprises, blending laid-back coastal vibes with bold, creative flavors. From waterfront seafood shacks serving fresh-caught shrimp to trendy urban spots dishing out Southern classics with a twist, this city knows how to keep things delicious. Think tacos by the beach, craft cocktails in hidden speakeasies, and rooftop bistros with epic sunset views. Known for its fresh seafood, BBQ joints, and growing farm-to-table movement, Jacksonville offers dining experiences as unique as its neighborhoods. These 18 cool and unique restaurants will take you on a culinary adventure that’s equal parts fun, flavorful, and Instagram-worthy. Come hungry and ready to explore a side of Jax you’ve never tasted before!

👉 Pro Tip: Hungry for the best food and wine Jacksonville’s Riverside has to offer? Try the Riverside/5 Points Culinary Tour! This 3-hour guided walking tour is a dream for foodies, combining delicious bites with perfectly paired wines. Stroll through the trendy Riverside area and visit handpicked restaurants to taste a mix of local flavors and culinary treats. Guided by a local restaurant insider, you’ll enjoy a casual sightseeing experience while indulging in dishes that showcase Jacksonville’s vibrant food scene. With all food and wine pairings included (enough for a full meal!), this tour is perfect for exploring Jax’s foodie side in style. Comfortable shoes and an appetite are all you need to dive into this unforgettable culinary adventure!

Unique Restaurants in Jacksonville: 18 Must-Visit Places to Eat in Jacksonville, Florida

Ready to dive into what Jacksonville has cooking? This city is a treasure chest of dining experiences, ranging from luxurious feasts to wonderfully eccentric spots. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the best places to eat in Jacksonville, FL.

Fancy dining in a restaurant where local seafood is the star of the show? Or perhaps you’d prefer a meal in a historic building turned culinary hotspot? Jacksonville is full of surprises. Whether it’s a farm-to-table experience in a rustic orchard setting or a vibrant eatery with live music that gets your feet tapping, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your ultimate list of the most unique restaurants in Jacksonville, FL.

1. Balkan Cafe

• 📍 Location: Southside/Baymeadows Area
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Bosnian / Balkan
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Bosnian/Balkan food, grilled meats (Ćevapi!), and, traditional coffee.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Balkan food fans, grilled meat lovers, and exploring Eastern European dishes.

Take your taste buds on a trip to Southeast Europe at Balkan Cafe! This spot serves up seriously authentic and satisfying Bosnian and Balkan comfort food that hits all the right notes. Get ready for hearty portions and homestyle goodness! Taste the Balkans without the airfare!

You absolutely have to try the signature Ćevapi (grilled minced meat sausages) served with fluffy lepinja bread and ajvar. Also dive into savory pastries like Burek (filled phyllo dough) or enjoy a strong, traditional Bosnian Coffee. It’s a delicious dive into a rich culinary heritage right here in Jax.

2. Blue Orchid Thai Cuisine

Blue Orchid Thai Cuisine brings a fresh, modern take to classic Thai food in Jacksonville’s Southside. Walking in, you’ll notice bright royal blue walls, vibrant floral artwork, and cozy seating that creates a cool but welcoming vibe. The Khao Soi curry here is an absolute must-try, brimming with crunchy noodles and loaded with savory slow-cooked chicken. Their pineapple fried rice not only tastes amazing but also arrives in a hollowed-out pineapple – super Instagram-worthy. 

Great for a casual date night or dinner with friends. Insider tip: If you’re a heat seeker, don’t be shy about asking for spice levels off the chart – they deliver. Blue Orchid is close to The Avenues Mall, so it’s perfect for a post-shopping meal. I still think about their mango sticky rice dessert every couple weeks.

3. 13 Gypsies

• 📍 Location: Riverside
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Spanish & Mediterranean Tapas
• 🔥 Standout Features: Tiny romantic space, imported ingredients, fresh rotating tapas
• 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic dates, authentic tapas, sharing Mediterranean small plates.

Big flavors come in a tiny package at 13 Gypsies! This beloved Riverside gem offers an incredibly intimate setting (seriously, book ahead!) for savoring authentic Spanish and Mediterranean tapas crafted with passion. Small space, HUGE authentic tastes!

The menu changes based on availability, ensuring ultimate freshness. Expect perfectly executed classics like crispy Patatas Bravas, flavorful Chorizo and Figs, or perhaps delicate Gambas al Ajillo. Let the knowledgeable staff guide you through the menu and wine list for a truly transportive taste of Spain.

4. Town Hall

Town Hall in San Marco takes the concept of a neighborhood gathering spot and bumps it up with a polished but cozy atmosphere. The sleek white-tiled bar and local art make it perfect for impressing someone, or just treating yourself. They’re known for their inventive small plates – order the crispy Brussel sprouts and pork belly, and thank me later. 

The craft cocktail menu is as local as it gets, with playful twists on classics. Town Hall is just steps from San Marco Square’s vintage shops and movie theater, so you can easily turn dinner into a whole night out. I love sitting at the communal table, swapping recommendations with other food-lovers – it always feels like you’re discovering a hidden gem, even though it’s right in the heart of everything.

5. Umami Curry

• 📍 Location: San Marco
• 💲 Price range: $12 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese Curry House
• 🔥 Standout Features: Rich Japanese curry, customizable spice, crispy Katsu, casual counter service.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Japanese curry lovers, comfort food, and Katsu fans.

Get your curry fix, Japanese style, at Umami Curry! This San Marco spot brings the unique, savory-sweet comfort of authentic Japanese curry to Jacksonville. Forget Indian or Thai, this is a whole different curry universe! Curry that’ll make you say ‘Oishii!’

Choose your protein – the crispy Chicken Katsu Curry is a must-try champion – select your spice level, and dive into that rich, deeply flavorful curry sauce served over perfectly cooked rice. They also offer other options like Beef Curry ensuring a satisfying, umami-packed meal every time. Simple, delicious, and deeply comforting.

6. Silver Cow

If you’re into craft beer and a laid-back, quirky setting, Silver Cow in Riverside will become your new favorite haunt. Think mismatched vintage furniture, ever-changing local art on the walls, and a rotating tap list that makes beer nerds swoon. Their hand-pressed burgers are the sleeper hit, especially when paired with duck fat fries. 

It’s also one of the few spots offering vegan bar snacks that aren’t just an afterthought. Board games, local musicians, and trivia nights up the fun. It’s tucked on King Street, just a short stroll from other nightlife and foodie favorites. I once found myself chatting with a stranger about IPAs for hours here – totally the kind of place where everyone feels welcome.

7. Congaree and Penn

• 📍 Location: Northside (Farm Property)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Farm-to-Table Southern / American Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Stunning farm setting, local ingredients, house hard ciders
• 🎯 Perfect For: Farm-to-table fans, unique dates, cider lovers, scenic outdoor dining

Dine literally where your food grows at Congaree and Penn! This stunning agricultural destination offers a true farm-to-table experience amidst picturesque rice fields and orchards. Sip on house-made ciders while enjoying dishes crafted from ingredients harvested just steps away. Jax goes pastoral chic!

The menu changes seasonally, highlighting the farm’s bounty. Enjoy innovative dishes showcasing their rice or local produce. Definitely explore their Farm-Pressed Hard Ciders with a flight or by the glass. Whether you’re there for dinner, brunch, or just drinks overlooking the fields, it’s a unique and beautiful escape focused on local flavor.

8. Restaurant Orsay

Restaurant Orsay nails French bistro vibes with a dash of Southern charm in Avondale. The dim lighting, velvet banquettes, and moody jazz soundtrack set an instantly romantic tone – ideal for anniversaries or treating yourself to an upscale solo dinner. Their duck confit and lobster pot pie are legendary, but weekend brunch is equally a star (get the croque madame and a mimosa tower). 

They’re known for their seafood raw bar if you want to sample oysters with bubbles. Avondale’s boutiques and antique shops make for fun pre- or post-dinner strolling. Every visit, I’m amazed at how Orsay manages to feel both fancy and totally inviting.

9. 1748 Bakehouse

• 📍 Location: Springfield Historic District
• 💲 Price range: $8 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Artisanal Bakery & Cafe
• 🔥 Standout Features: Tasty sourdough/pastries, quality coffee, great sandwiches
• 🎯 Perfect For: Bread/pastry fans, casual brunch/lunch, and coffee lovers

Your carb dreams absolutely come true at 1748 Bakehouse! This Springfield gem is paradise for lovers of incredible bread and pastries, all crafted with skill and quality ingredients. From crusty sourdough to flaky croissants, prepare for bakery bliss! Get your artisanal bake on!

Grab a loaf of their signature Naturally Leavened Sourdough to take home. For immediate gratification, indulge in a Seasonal Fruit Danish or a delectable Morning Bun. Their cafe menu also shines with fantastic sandwiches built on that amazing bread, like the Turkey & Brie, making it a perfect stop for breakfast, lunch, or a serious pastry fix.

10. J.L. Trent’s Seafood & Grill

If you want a taste of old-Florida seafood without the tourist trap prices, J.L. Trent’s in the Westside hits the spot. It’s all nautical charm inside – think boat models, fishing memorabilia, and plenty of personality. Standout dishes? The fried shrimp platter (light, crispy, never greasy) and their classic fish sandwich. 

The hush puppies are some of the best in the city, and generous portions mean you’ll probably leave with leftovers. It’s a laid-back, family-owned place that’s busy with locals – exactly how you know it’s legit. Not far from the Ortega River, so you can walk off that extra serving of hush puppies by the water. I always leave feeling like I’ve found Jacksonville’s best-kept secret.

11. Bodrum Mediterranean Kitchen

• 📍 Location: Southside/Baymeadows Area
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $45 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Turkish / Mediterranean
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Turkish charcoal grill, huge mezze selection, fresh ingredients
• 🎯 Perfect For: Turkish food lovers, Mediterranean fans, and kebab fanatics

Take a flavor trip to the Turkish coast without leaving Jax at Bodrum Mediterranean Kitchen! This spot delivers authentic Turkish and Mediterranean dishes bursting with fresh flavors and cooked with traditional techniques. Get ready for a mezze-merizing meal!

Start with a colorful array of Cold and Hot Mezze – the Babaganoush and Sigara Boregi (cheese rolls) are fantastic. For mains, the charcoal grill is king: indulge in succulent Adana Kebab (spicy minced lamb) or tender Chicken Shish Kebab. The warm service and flavorful food make Bodrum a delightful escape to the Mediterranean.

12. The Bearded Pig

The Bearded Pig is hands-down Jacksonville’s best for barbecue and laid-back backyard vibes. Long picnic tables, a huge patio with string lights, and a smell of smoked meat hanging in the air – it’s the place to kick back with friends. You absolutely have to try the brisket and burnt ends, preferably as part of a loaded BBQ tray, with their killer mac and cheese on the side. 

Beer lovers, you’re covered with a strong local tap list. Located near the Southbank Riverwalk, so you can combine riverside views and some of the state’s juiciest barbecue. The line can be long on weekends, but trust me, it’s always worth the wait. I can’t ever decide if I love their ribs or their banana pudding more.

13. Dwight’s Bistro

• 📍 Location: Jacksonville Beach
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $75+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: French Bistro / American with French Influence
• 🔥 Standout Features: Intimate fine dining, classic French dishes/techniques, fresh seafood/prime meats, great wine, romantic feel.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Upscale occasions, romantic beach dinners, and fine dining

Experience sophisticated dining with French flair just steps from the sand at Dwight’s Bistro. This intimate Jacksonville Beach restaurant offers a refined atmosphere perfect for celebrating special moments or simply indulging in expertly prepared cuisine. Jax Beach elegance, French accent included.

The menu showcases classic French techniques applied to high-quality ingredients. Begin with timeless Escargots swimming in garlic-parsley butter, savor perfectly cooked Steak Frites with béarnaise, or explore their excellent fresh seafood preparations. With its romantic ambiance and dedication to culinary craft, Dwight’s Bistro is a top choice for upscale dining at the beach.

14. Catullo’s Italian

What started as a food truck is now one of Jacksonville’s hottest Italian joints, thanks to Catullo’s hand-cut pasta and old-school family recipes. The dining room is straightforward and relaxed, but you’re really here for their pillow-soft ravioli and the “black pepper tagliatelle” that insiders chase. 

The tiramisu is homemade and a proper end to any meal. Catullo’s is out on Atlantic Boulevard, a bit of a drive from downtown, but so worth it. After dinner, you’re close to the marshes of Dutton Island Preserve if you want to work off some carbs. Every time I go, I swear I’m going to try something new, but the pasta always wins me over.

15. Hot Pot & BBQ Jax

• 📍 Location: Southside
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $45 per person 
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Chinese Hot Pot & Korean BBQ
• 🔥 Standout Features: Cook-at-your-table (hot pot/KBBQ!), AYCE options, huge food variety
• 🎯 Perfect For: Interactive dining fans, fun group feasts, and AYCE lovers

Get ready to cook, dip, and grill your heart out at Hot Pot & BBQ Jax! This interactive spot lets you become the chef right at your table, choosing from bubbling hot pot broths or sizzling Korean BBQ grills. Dinner and a show, starring YOU!

Load up on thinly sliced meats, fresh seafood, veggies, noodles, and dumplings to cook in your choice of flavourful Hot Pot Broths (like Tom Yum or Savory Bone Broth). Or, fire up the grill for marinated meats like Bulgogi or Spicy Pork Belly for a KBBQ feast. It’s a fun, customizable, and endlessly delicious experience perfect for groups.

16. S & R Dim Sum

Dim sum in Jacksonville? Yes, and it’s the real deal at S & R Dim Sum. Set in a sunny, bustling space off Baymeadows, the rolling carts come loaded with delicate shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, crispy duck, and more fun surprises. The baked BBQ pork buns are sweet, sticky, and two bites of heaven. 

Try to snag one of the big round tables with a lazy Susan – it’s made for group feasts and plenty of laughs. The vibe is family-friendly and unpretentious. There isn’t much else to walk to in the plaza, but grab an extra bubble tea for the road. I live for their crispy eggplant, and there’s always something new rolling by on those carts.

17. Lubi’s Hot Subs

• 📍 Location: Multiple locations (Original on Beach Blvd)
• 💲 Price range: $8 – $15 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Jacksonville-Style Hot Subs
• 🔥 Standout Features: Jax sub icon, unique steamed hot subs, secret Lubi recipe, classic no-frills vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Jax natives, hot sub lovers, and quick budget eats 

Taste a true Jacksonville legend at Lubi’s Hot Subs! Forget cold cuts – this iconic local chain has been serving its unique style of steamed hot subs for generations. It’s a rite of passage for anyone living in or visiting Duval! The OG Jax sub that just hits different.

The must-order is the classic Lubi Sub, featuring their distinct blend of seasoned ground beef, layered with provolone cheese and toppings, all steamed together in a soft roll. Add onions, peppers, mustard – customize it your way! It’s simple, messy, affordable, and a unique taste of Jacksonville history you won’t find anywhere else.

18. Alhambra Theatre & Dining

• 📍 Location: Southside
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $90+ per person (Dinner + Show Ticket)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Southern Buffet & Plated Options (Show-Themed)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Pro dinner theatre, historic venue, show-themed menus.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Theatre fans and dinner + show combos

Enjoy dinner and a show, all under one roof, at the historic Alhambra Theatre & Dining! As one of the nation’s longest-running dinner theatres, the Alhambra offers professional Broadway-style productions paired with a themed meal included in your ticket. Curtain up on a delicious night out!

Before the show begins, enjoy a multi-course meal served buffet-style or plated, with dishes cleverly themed to match the current production – expect satisfying American and Southern-inspired fare like Prime Rib carving stations or show-specific entrees. It’s a classic Jacksonville entertainment experience perfect for a complete evening out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in Jacksonville

Searching for more information to help you decide where to eat in Jacksonville? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Jacksonville’s best restaurants.

What food is Jacksonville famous for?

While it may not be famous for one specific dish like some other cities, there are several types of food that Jacksonville is known for:

1. Seafood: Being a coastal city, Jacksonville boasts a variety of fresh seafood. From shrimp to oysters and grouper, seafood dishes are a must-try here. The Mayport shrimp, a local specialty, is a dish I personally recommend.
2. Southern Cuisine: Jacksonville’s location in the South means that Southern cuisine, including comfort foods like fried chicken, barbecue, grits, and collard greens, is prevalent and popular.
3. Barbecue: Florida has its own style of barbecue, and Jacksonville is no exception. The city offers a range of barbecue joints serving smoked meats with various sauces, including mustard-based, vinegar-based, and sweet BBQ sauces.
4. Low Country Cuisine: Influences from the nearby Georgia coast and the Carolinas bring low country dishes to Jacksonville’s food scene. This includes dishes like low country boil, a hearty mix of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes.
5. Cuban and Latin American Food: Due to its proximity to Cuba and other Latin American countries, Jacksonville has a good selection of Cuban and Latin American restaurants. They offer dishes like Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and arepas.
6. Craft Beer: The craft beer scene in Jacksonville is thriving. Numerous local breweries offer a wide range of beers, from IPAs to stouts and lagers.
7. Farm-to-Table: Reflecting a broader trend, Jacksonville has several restaurants that focus on farm-to-table dining, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Is Jacksonville expensive for food?

Jacksonville’s dining scene is wonderfully diverse, catering to all budgets. While you can find upscale, fine dining in Jacksonville, the city is also home to many affordable options. For instance, Lubi’s Hot Subs offers hearty and delicious subs at great prices. It’s perfect for budget-friendly meals. This balance makes Jacksonville a welcoming destination for all food lovers, regardless of their spending preferences.

What is the most popular dessert in Florida?

Key Lime Pie reigns supreme as Florida’s most beloved dessert. This classic treat, with its rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture, is a staple in many Jacksonville eateries. A personal recommendation would be to try the Key Lime Pie at 1748 Bakehouse in Jacksonville, FL. Their version of this iconic dessert perfectly captures the essence of Florida’s culinary charm.

Is Jacksonville a foodie city?

Definitely! Jacksonville is emerging as a vibrant hub for food enthusiasts, especially at night. The city’s culinary landscape is rich and varied, offering everything from traditional Southern comfort food to innovative fusion cuisine. And for those interested in exploring free things to do in Florida, Jacksonville’s diverse food scene is just one facet of the city’s exciting offerings.

Are there any Michelin Star restaurants in Jacksonville, FL?

Currently, there are no Michelin starred restaurants in Jacksonville, FL. The Michelin Guide, renowned for its strict criteria and prestigious ratings, has not yet expanded its coverage to include Jacksonville, FL. However, this doesn’t mean the city lacks in culinary excellence. Jacksonville is home to many high-quality restaurants that offer exceptional dining experiences. For instance, Dwight’s Bistro is known for its exquisite handmade pasta and intimate dining atmosphere, showcasing the kind of culinary craftsmanship that is often celebrated by food critics and enthusiasts alike.

Does Jacksonville have any vegetarian or vegan restaurants?

Yes, Jacksonville, Florida, has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Here are some vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Jacksonville, FL, that I recommend:

1. Murray Hillbilly: A popular spot for vegan comfort food, Murray Hillbilly serves up Southern-style vegan dishes. Don’t miss out on their vegan fried chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, and BBQ.
2. Sweet Theory Baking Co.: A bakery that specializes in vegan and allergy-friendly baked goods, including donuts, cupcakes, cookies, and more.
3. Kairos Jax: Offering a variety of vegan bowls, smoothies, and juices, this place is great for a healthy and quick meal.
4. Vegan Cafe Jax: This cafe offers a mix of vegetarian and vegan dishes. My favorites are their homemade bowls and burgers.
5. Grassroots Natural Market: While primarily a health food store, Grassroots offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options in their deli. This includes sandwiches, salads, and smoothies.

Final Thoughts on Unique Restaurants in Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville’s dining scene is a treasure trove of flavors and experiences, each restaurant offering its own unique charm. From the interactive cooking fun at Hot Pot & BBQ Jax to the cozy, handmade pasta delights of Dwight’s Bistro, this city caters to every palate. The diversity in dining options makes Jacksonville a true paradise for food lovers.

If I had to pick just one spot that encapsulates the spirit of Jacksonville’s culinary scene, it would be Congaree and Penn. This farm-to-table restaurant not only serves up delicious, locally-sourced dishes but also offers a dining experience that connects you with the region’s agricultural heritage.

Each restaurant we’ve explored brings something special to the table, be it the legendary subs at Lubi’s Hot Subs, the Mediterranean zest of Bodrum Mediterranean Kitchen, or the theatrical flair of Alhambra Theatre & Dining.

For anyone planning a visit or even locals looking for new flavors to savor, Jacksonville’s unique restaurants are waiting to surprise and delight you. And if you’re considering other places to visit beyond Jacksonville, these culinary adventures will enhance your journey. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for the adventure!