A popular lunch place in Jacksonville is also one of its most modest. The French Pantry is a charming little hideaway hidden away in Jacksonville's business district's more industrial area. Daily specials are listed on chalkboards and post-it notes that line the bakery case, and the menu is always changing. Diners enjoy the French-inspired food with a Southern American touch and keep coming back for the generously portioned sandwiches, bruschetta, and salads. The dining area is transformed into a family-style gathering where coworkers, friends, and family come together over a shared appreciation of The French Pantry's rich menu items because patrons aren't scared to cram into any open seats. By purchasing a homemade pastry like the well-known Wedding Cake, Blueberry Torte, or rich Cheesecake, you may end your trip to The French Pantry on a sweet note.

Click here to view their website: The French Pantry

2. Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar

The cuisine at this pub includes expertly prepared rainbow trout, oysters rockefeller, and fried prawns. The Blue Fish offers tasty waffles, white chocolate bread pudding, and key lime pie. Numerous reviewers point out that this location serves superb house wine, martinis, and champagne. Good coffee receives favorable evaluations.

Visitors to this establishment feel at ease and enjoy themselves because of the cozy atmosphere. The knowledgeable crew at this pub offers you cool service and is ready to assist you. You will pay fair pricing here. The Blue Fish has a wonderful interior design. On Sundays, stop over for a delicious brunch and make use of the oyster bar!

Click here to view their website: Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar

3. Metro Diner

For its Huevos Rancheros and distinctive Chicken & Waffles with Strawberry Butter, Metro Diner has been named "Best Breakfast" and "Best Diner in Jacksonville" by VOID Magazine and Jacksonville Magazine, respectively. Even Guy Fieri is a fan, praising their griddle-seared Iron City Meatloaf while filming "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" in Jacksonville.

And as if that weren't enough, Metro Diner was chosen as the "Best Breakfast," "Best American Restaurant," "Best Bang for Your Buck," "Best Brunch," "Best Diner," "Best Family Restaurant," and "Best Pancakes" by Florida Times Union readers!

Metro Diner Southside is the ideal destination to eat breakfast, lunch, or supper and is situated in Baymeadows Village at the intersection of Baymeadows Road and Southside Boulevard. Prior to a Jacksonville Jaguars or Jumbo Shrimp sporting event, or following a day of shopping at the neighboring St. Johns Town Center, it is the perfect place to refuel.

Click here to view their website: Metro Diner

4. Soul Food Bistro

A new and exciting location to go is the Soul Food Bistro. Though it has a modern flair, it also exudes a warm vibe. The Soul Food Bistro has the ideal ambiance for any event, with warm, rich hues and contemporary accents. In this establishment, hungry customers can choose between a satisfying lunch and a fun and convenient evening supper.

Click here to view their website: Soul Food Bistro

5. Shut Em Down Authentic Southern Restaurant 

Richard and Cathy Jones, a married couple who own the Jacksonville-based family business Shut Em Down Authentic Southern Restaurant, welcomed Thomas to the company later on. In addition to serving some of the greatest soul food and fried chicken in the Sunshine State, this genuine southern restaurant is beloved by its customers for its warm ambiance and home-style cooking.

The restaurant's inspiration came from family recipes passed down through the centuries, and it's clear. With handmade fried chicken, smothered pork chops, oxtails, and wings, you have plenty of options. Don't overlook the sides, which include collard greens, mac n' cheese, and mashed potatoes.

Click here to view their website: Shut Em Down Authentic Southern Restaurant

6. Marker 32

Since 1992, Marker 32 has been Jacksonville's best-kept secret. Slip away for a memorable dinner there. Enjoy a first-rate feast cooked completely of fresh, locally harvested seafood and fruit while watching a vibrant sunset from their second-floor dining area, which looks out over the marina on the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. A five-star dinner and first-rate service are available at Marker 32, which also has a relaxed neighborhood pub vibe. They take great delight in giving you the greatest service and making you feel at home.

Click here to view their website: Marker 32

7. Salsas Mexican

For lunch and dinner, Salsas provides a large selection of enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, build-your-own combinations, and specialty plates, as well as seven trademark margaritas and a full bar. You'll undoubtedly notice some similarities on this menu if you've eaten at a comparable Mexican restaurant in your neighborhood with a name that rhymes with "jaw drop."

Apart from its interior's undoubtedly brighter color palette, Salsas is distinguished by the elegance and diversity of its more expensive dinner plates. Along with the conventional staples, there are a ton of steak and seafood options, such as T-bone steaks and ceviche.

Click here to view their website: Salsas Mexican

8. Pink Salt Restaurant and Wine Bar

Dinner is served in the locally produced, tasty Pink Salt Restaurant and Wine Bar in a relaxed, seaside atmosphere. They provide Sunday brunch and Happy Hour. They provide both on-site and off-site meals.

The Southside of Jacksonville will benefit from Chef Richard Robinson's decades of experience in catering and restaurants. To keep his patrons coming back time and time again, Chef Robinson's concept is to only use the freshest ingredients and the ideal quantity of taste.

Click here to view their website: Pink Salt Restaurant and Wine Bar

9. Chart House

The Chart House seafood restaurant is one of the best waterfront dining options in Jacksonville. One of the city's most intriguing structures, Chart House Jacksonville is located directly on Southbank and has a distinctive architectural design. It overlooks the lovely downtown riverfront. Our restaurant, which was created by renowned architect Kendrick Bangs Kellogg and influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, was even chosen as one of the top 100 structures in the state of Florida.

Diners can see dolphins swim in front of the restaurant every day, and they also have the greatest views in town of all boat parades and fireworks displays that take place throughout the year. The St. John's River provides the ideal setting for a romantic evening, a leisurely lunch, or a chic happy hour, all while indulging in some of Jacksonville's most inventive prime rib, steak, and seafood dishes.

Click here to view their website: Chart House

10. Restaurant Orsay

You'll recognize there's something unique about this area as soon as you arrive. Every time you come, you can count on a welcoming, sincere, and genuine eating experience. Similar to a fine bottle of wine enjoyed with friends, the lively, cheerful environment matches beautifully with friendly, attentive service.

Though first impressions are essential, you'll keep returning because of the tastes. They are an American South-inspired version of a French bistro, and their menus blend classic Parisian bistro fare with southern-inspired French cuisine.

Click here to view their website: Restaurant Orsay

11. San Marco Dreamette

The beloved ice cream parlor in Jacksonville is now open in San Marco!

Dreamette has been a blessing to Jacksonville for the past more than 70 years, so they must have done something right!

This little ice cream business, which opened in Murray Hill in 1948, has grown to become a revered landmark and a living representation of Americana.

The Dreamette legacy of providing the highest quality ingredients fast and with a smile has endured despite a few ownership changes since it opened.

Click here to view their website: San Marco Dreamette