Since 2010, Jacksonville Fine Dining Examiner
has released a list of the best restaurants in the Jacksonville area. The
selected restaurants are the best of the best in terms of ambiance, service,
drinks, and food. Several new restaurants grace the top 20 this year and we
hope that this list will serve as your guide to the best restaurants in the
area. The restaurants are listed in order from our least favored to the top
restaurant in Jacksonville and most restaurant names are linked to our
full-length restaurant reviews. Here are Jacksonville Fine Dining Examiner's
picks for top 20 best restaurants in Jacksonville for 2015:
Photography by: George Singeltary
Photography by: George Singeltary
20. III Forks:
Chain restaurants immediately get a downgrade on our list for the simple reason
that we prefer to focus on local restaurants. However, III Forks offers a steak
that we chose as the best steak in Jacksonville in this article. The
floor-to-ceiling glass wine cellar at the entrance of the restaurant is
probably the most impressive in the city.
19. Seasons 52:
Another great chain restaurant, Seasons 52 is unique in that it offers
healthier options than nearly every fine dining restaurant. Add that to the excellent
wine list developed by Master Sommelier George Milliotes and you have a great
dining option. The menu changes frequently, but some items seem to remain. We
recommend the Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon and the pecan pie mini dessert.
18. Ocean 60:
Known for live music and good food, Ocean 60 is one of two Atlantic Beach
restaurants on this list. We've enjoyed the Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Blondie
Brownie in the past.
17. Mojo No. 4:
We visited Mojo No. 4 in Avondale and we very impressed with the ambiance,
food, and drinks. We view this restaurant as a slightly more upscale option for
those who love BBQ in that they offer a fully stocked whiskey bar complete with
mixed drinks. We recommend the pulled pit-smoked chicken, smoked yellow corn,
and hand cut fries.
16. Kitchen on
San Marco: New to the list this year, Kitchen on San Marco is an
exciting new addition to the Jacksonville fine dining scene. Open since 2014,
Kitchen on San Marco describes itself as a "locally sourced
gastropub." Executive Chef Ryan Randolph's menu consists of options like
southern options like fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, pulled pork
cornbread, and the San Marco Shrimp & Grits. We are hoping to release a
full-length review in the near future.
15. Moxie
Kitchen + Cocktails: Another relatively new local restaurant
climbing up the list is Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails. Moxie has one of the most
impressive facilities we've seen in the area. The two story building has
upscale booth seating on the first floor and more casual seating upstairs,
along with an outdoor bar. Diners will find some of the most unique menu items
in Jacksonville at Moxie, such as PBR-Battered Cheese Curds and BBQ Tempeh.
14. Ovinte:
At first we thought Ovinte was just a wine bar, but we were very happy to find
that both their food and mixed drinks are top-notch. We recommend the Sailor's
Sidecar if you're looking for a mixed drink and for food we recommend the
cheese plate, Herb Truffle Fries, Pappardelle Bolognese, and the Moroccan
Spiced Lamb Skewers.
13. Ruth's Chris
(downtown Jacksonville location): We think this is the best
chain restaurant in the city. Great service, awesome views of the river/city,
upscale wine list, and the steaks that Ruth's Chris is known for. If you are
looking for something other than steak, we recommend the lamb chops, which are
very impressive.
12. Nineteen:
Located at the clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass, Nineteen boasts a 2,550 sq. ft.
outdoor dining area. The menu changes with the season and includes steaks and
fish to go along with the Wine Spectator Award winning wine list.
11. 13 Gypsies:
We have continually said that 13 Gypsies is the best tapas restaurant in
Jacksonville and nothing has changed our opinion this year. 13 Gypsies offers
authentic Spanish tapas including desserts like Tres Leches Cake.
10. Marker 32:
Located on the water, Marker 32 is known as one of the best upscale seafood
restaurants in Jacksonville. The restaurant has been in business for around 15
years now and features an excellent menu with lots of fish options and a nice
wine list.
9. Aqua Grille:
Like Marker 32, Aqua Grille has been a local staple for over 25 years. Be
advised, the restaurant serves in large portions, so show up hungry! We
recommend the Fried Green Tomatoes, Blue Cheese Smothered Filet Mignon, and
Ancho Chili Roasted Sockeye Salmon.
8. Eleven South:
If you didn't know this restaurant was there you might drive right by with
noticing it. If bypass Eleven South, then you are certainly missing out. The
restaurant is relatively small and has a dinner club ambiance. The Lobster Mac
and Cheese is noteworthy and recommended.
7. Taverna:
We consider Taverna a new-age Italian restaurant, which showcases several
creative menu items and a trendy, urban atmosphere. We like recommend the
Meatballs appetizer with tomato-basil sauce, parmesan, on ciabatta bread and we
strongly recommend the Mini Mint Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches for dessert.
6. Orsay: A perennial top restaurant on our
lists, Orsay serves French food, but it is not your cliched small portioned,
dressy French restaurant. Instead, Orsay offers upscale food in a relatively
relaxed environment. We recommend the Steak Frites and they landed at the #1
spot on our list of the
best wine lists in Jacksonville.
5. Black Sheep:
A new entrant on the list, Black Sheep was so good on a recent visit that we
thought it deserved to debut at the #5 spot! The Koren Beef Short Rib and Wild
Georgia Shrimp & Grits are very highly recommended and we suggest a trip to
the rooftop bar for great views of the surrounding area.
4. Verandah:
Another new restaurant for this year, Verandah is located a short drive outside
the city at Amelia Island. We believe that Verandah has one of the best (if not
the best) seafood dish in the Jacksonville area: Blue Crab Crusted Grouper.
3. Bistro Aix: A long-time favorite of ours,
this San Marco favorite offers one of the best fine dining settings in the
area. Bistro Aix
achieved the #1 spot in our 2010 list, but its fall to #3 does
not mean that we have noticed a decline in quality, just increased competition
at the top. Visit Bistro Aix for their locally sourced meats like the Eden
Farms Berkshire Pork Loin and homemade desserts, like Warm Chocolate Banana
Bread Pudding.
2. Salt:
This is the first AAA Five-Diamond restaurant we visited and was one of our
primary motivations to start Jacksonville Fine Dining Examiner. We are happy to
say, that after a brief hiatus, Salt once again appears on the AAA Five-Diamond restaurants list.
Located inside the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Salt has some of the best service
you will ever experience at a restaurant along with great food and panoramic
views of the Atlantic Ocean.
1. Azurea:
Since 2011, we have often stated our belief that Azurea is the best
restaurant in the Jacksonville area...and nothing has changed that belief in
2015! Azurea has all the elements necessary for a great fine dining restaurant:
beautiful views, upscale feel, great drinks, and excellent/creative/locally
sourced food from a top-notch Executive Chef. We aren't the only ones that
consider Azurea a great restaurant. AAA awarded Azurea the AAA Four-Diamond
Award in 2010 and it has maintained it through 2015. Azurea's menu changes
seasonally, but one great item that seems to remain on the menu is the Cast
Iron Seared Blue Crab Cake. This appetizer is highly recommended. If you really
want to experience everything Azurea has to offer, then we recommend The
Adventurous Palate tasting menu with wine pairings. The meal includes 5 courses
and the restaurant suggests that the whole party orders The Adventurous Palate
for the best experience. The meal is $85 for just the 5 food courses and $110
if you add the wine pairings, but we have strong belief that you will enjoy and
remember this meal for years afterwards!
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