7 Must-Try Local Restaurants This Winter
With Jacksonville being the largest city in the nation by landmass, there are many options to explore – many of which include top notch cuisine. From San Marco to Riverside to Beachside, you will not have to look beyond the city limits to keep your taste buds satisfied.
Añejo Cocina
Located in both Riverside and Ponte Vedra Beach, Añejo has delicious, authentic Mexican food. With many appealing margarita flavors and cocktails, there should be something for everyone on the Añejo menu. The atmosphere is very modern, clean and cultural as well, with spacious seating and Mexican-inspired artwork. For the Mexican-food lovers, this is a must-try. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. $$. Añejo Cocina: 330 A1A N Ponte Vedra Beach, FL + 220 Riverside Ave. Ste 103 Jacksonville, FL; facebook.com/anejopontevedra // @anejopontevedra
Cowford Chophouse
With their claim to fame as “steak, seafood and rooftop views,” Cowford Chophouse certainly excels in all three of those categories. A perfect date night restaurant in downtown Jacksonville, Cowford Chophouse not only has well-known entrees but also has an elegant environment with high ceilings, arched windows and stylish dining rooms. They have mastered dinner and drinks, but fans of this restaurant also rave about the dessert menu. Consider taking your loved one out for a memorable date at Cowford Chophouse. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 4-10 p.m. $$$. Cowford Chophouse: 101 E Bay St. Jacksonville, FL; cowfordchophouse.com // @cowfordchophouse
Eleven South Bistro
Jacksonville Beach goers were very excited when Eleven South opened a few years back, and with good reason. Their vast fine dining menu contains high quality ribeye, royal red shrimp, seafood paella and many more delectable dishes. Their drink menu is also very flavorful and expansive. For Jacksonville Beach this restaurant is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for, including amazing food and great service. Hours vary. $$$. Eleven South Bistro: 216 11th Ave. S Jacksonville Beach, FL; elevensouth.com // @eleven_south
Renna’s Pizza
What better meal to eat on the go than pizza? Renna’s is a great option for beach dwellers, with two locations in Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach. Of course they have a variety of delicious pizzas, but they also have a hearty Italian menu with many other entrees to choose from. For anyone who wants high-quality pizza instead of your greasy corporate chain food, Renna’s is unmatched. Hours Vary. $$. Renna’s Pizza: 592 Marsh Landing Pkwy. Jacksonville Beach, FL + 630 Atlantic Blvd. Suite 15 Neptune Beach, FL; rennaspizza.com // @rennaspizzajax
RH Rooftop Restaurant
If you are looking for beautiful rooftop views and an extravagant menu, look no further than the RH Rooftop Restaurant at the Jacksonville Town Center. For people who want a luxurious meal (which costs a pretty penny), make your reservation now as this restaurant fills up quickly. RH also offers a cool interior design area in addition to their rooftop restaurant, so this establishment is very chic and modern. It presents a great chance for photo opportunities, too. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. $$$. RH Rooftop Restaurant: 4831 Village Shops Way, Jacksonville, FL; opentable.com/r/rh-rooftop-restaurant-jacksonville
River & Post
Sitting right over the St. Johns River, River & Post has scenic views to accompany their tasty cuisine. Every Saturday and Sunday, they also host a popular brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. With flatbreads, crab cakes and fried chicken thighs on the menu, River & Post is a great restaurant for those seeking a mix of American and light seafood. Their rooftop lounge is beautiful and many residents love taking photos outside. 4-10 p.m. $$. River & Post: 1000 Riverside Ave. Jacksonville, FL; riverandpostjax.com // @riverandpostjax
Salt Life Food Shack
Located in Jacksonville Beach, Salt Life is a fan favorite for the beachside dwellers who love good seafood. Their menu is a mixture of American and seafood, with combos like fried shrimp, Mexican shrimp roll, the Big Wave burger and more. Reasonably priced and with a beachy, laid back ambiance, Salt Life is a great-go for anyone who wants a quick bite or casual dinner. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $$. Salt Life Food Shack: 1018 3rd St. N Jacksonville Beach, FL; saltlifefoodshack.com // @saltlifefoodshack_og
Taverna
In the San Marco area rests the charming and trendy Taverna, a wine bar serving brick-oven pizzas and seasonal European dishes. With authentic Italian ingredients and local meats and produce, Taverna is quickly rising in popularity among San Marco residents. This spot is known for their wine as well, which has been on the Kiley Wynne Efron’s Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. If you find yourself in San Marco, swing by Taverna to please your taste buds. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $$. Taverna: 1986 San Marco Blvd. Jacksonville, FL; taverna.restaurant // @tavernasanmarco