When seeking restaurants in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida, several establishments offer diverse culinary experiences, ranging from fine dining to casual eateries and specialized options. The downtown area, including the Southbank, is recognized for its growing food scene [3].
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One prominent option is Chart House Jacksonville, located at 1501 River Place Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 [2]. This seafood restaurant is situated on the Southbank, offering waterfront views of the St. John’s River and the city’s downtown riverfront [2]. It is known for its unique architectural style, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, and was voted one of the top 100 buildings in Florida [2]. Chart House provides a menu featuring creative Prime Rib, steak, and seafood, alongside a daily happy hour from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM [2]. Their menu includes items like Oysters On The Half Shell, Prime Rib Sliders, and Wagyu Bacon Burger, as well as a 3-course dinner option [2].
Another notable restaurant in the downtown vicinity is Juliette’s Bistro, located at 245 Water St, Jacksonville, Florida 32202, within the Marriott Jacksonville Downtown [4]. Juliette’s Bistro is highlighted as a top choice for breakfast and brunch, offering American cuisine with a Southern fusion [4]. The executive chef frequently updates the seasonal menu, and popular dishes include the Crab Cake Benny, featuring real crab without fillers, and a unique Tabasco hollandaise [4].
While now closed, The Candy Apple Cafe & Cocktails was previously a French-inspired Southern restaurant located at 400 N. Hogan Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202 [4]. It shared its space with Sweet Pete’s Candy and was known for its whimsical atmosphere and craft cocktails, including candy-inspired options [4]. Dishes like Mayport Shrimp & Grits and Sauteed Escargots were among its popular offerings [4].
For those exploring the Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods, which are often considered part of the broader Jacksonville dining landscape, Restaurant Orsay at 3630 Park St, Jacksonville, Florida 32205, is frequently recommended for fine dining with a warm, casual atmosphere [4]. It serves French bistro fare with Southern influences and is known for dishes such as Scallop Crudo and Hudson Valley Foie Gras [4]. Restaurant Orsay also features a Cocktail Hour from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM [4].
River & Post, located at 1000 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204, offers both a restaurant and a rooftop lounge [1]. The restaurant operates Monday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM [1]. The rooftop lounge has varying hours, including Friday and Saturday until 12:00 AM [1]. They also offer a happy hour Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM [1].
Other highly-regarded establishments in Jacksonville, though not strictly within the immediate downtown core but often mentioned in discussions about the city’s best dining, include Town Hall Restaurant in San Marco, known for California-inspired American cuisine and a daily happy hour [4]. Maple Street Biscuit Company in San Marco is celebrated for its Southern comfort food, particularly its flaky biscuits and biscuit sandwiches [4]. Metro Diner, also in San Marco, is recognized for its breakfast options and generous portions [4]. For healthy eating, Native Sun Natural Foods Market in Jacksonville Beach offers organic and natural products with a deli and juice bar [4].