From sunny beaches with gorgeous views to world-class golf courses, Jacksonville Beach offers much to do for residents and visitors.
The City is known for outdoor recreation with its proximity to popular state parks and an abundance of water activities. Visitors can spend a day on the beach relaxing or playing sports, or they can hit the water to take in ocean life, go surfing, or take a boat further out to have fun offshore.
All this activity works up an appetite. Here are the 10 best restaurants in Jacksonville Beach for residents and visitors alike. This list was compiled from restaurant reviews, various top lists, and tips from locals.
1. Salt Life Food Shack
$$ | (904) 372-4456 | WEBSITE
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When you’re at the beach, seafood is a must. Salt Life Food Shack has locations throughout Florida, and its Jacksonville Beach location is known for its must-try fried shrimp. The New England clam chowder is another popular staple.
Located blocks from the beach, this restaurant is easily accessible and affordable. Its eclectic menu offers seafood styles that cater to whatever suits your mood from Asian fusion to Spanish inspired.
There are also some interesting sides like the avocado fries and the Hawaiian wings. Salt Life Food Shack also has some creative sushi rolls if you’re interested in eating something raw.
The service is fast and friendly and servers know about the menu to answer questions.
2. Dockside Seafood
$$ | (904) 479-3474 | WEBSITE
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Dockside Seafood is another great place for a quick bite, particularly if you like fresh seafood. This restaurant is known for the classics including baskets of shrimp, scallops, and calamari.
They also have a popular shrimp po’ boy sandwich that hits the spot after a day at the beach. Most of the dishes offer generous portions, so save your trip to the restaurant until after your beach trip in case you want to save some of your meal.
The restaurant itself offers a fast-casual experience, so don’t be deterred by a line. When you’re in it, the line moves quickly, but you can still expect great service rather than being rushed out the door to accommodate the crowd.
3. Eleven South
$$$ | (904) 241-1112 | WEBSITE
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If you’re looking for a good place to take a date or share an intimate dinner with friends, Eleven South offers the perfect atmosphere, and the food is delicious. The menu offers a blend of traditional seafood with land-based favorites for people who don’t like fish.
The Black Angus steaks are popular and come in four different cuts, each of which is cooked to perfection. It’s a hot dinner spot, so it’s best to make reservations. But if you haven’t made a reservation, stop in anyway and ask about potential bar seating or being added to the waitlist.
Along with its flavorful dinners, Eleven South also has a variety of craft cocktails and a decadent dessert menu.
4. Jax Beach Brunch Haus
$$ | (904) 945- 4287 | WEBSITE
Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, Jax Beach Brunch Haus has you covered. Its menu offers plenty of sweet and savory options for any palette. Craving sweets? Try the Let Your Light Shine crepes.
Interested in something heartier? Try the Classic Haus Benni (eggs benedict). There are also plenty of gluten-free and diet-friendly options on the menu as well. You’re not limited to breakfast. The menu goes well beyond brunch, and there are vegan dishes for those who want them.
Jax Beach Brunch Haus offers a fun brunch atmosphere. Show up at the right time, and you may be treated to an in-house pianist to enhance your meal. There is usually a wait on the weekends, but you can hang out on the patio and sip on some cocktails while you wait.
5. Dwight’s Bistro
$$$ | (904) 241-4496 | WEBSITE
Dwight’s Bistro offers a fine dining experience to its visitors, but the atmosphere is relaxed rather than stuffy. Its menu features dishes made with decadent ingredients such as truffle butter and handmade pasta. With an extensive wine list, you can find the perfect pairing for your meal.
This restaurant offers top-notch service. Its servers are attentive and know the menu. They can answer your questions and make recommendations for those who aren’t quite sure what to order. If you plan on trying out Dwight’s Bistro, make sure you have a reservation.
6. Taco Lu
$ | (904) 249-8226 | WEBSITE
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Sometimes nothing hits the spot like a good taco, and you will find a variety of delicious tacos at Taco Lu.
If you’re looking for a Mexican-inspired take on the catch of the day, try one of the various fish tacos on the menu. You can get fish tacos made with ahi tuna, mahi, salmon, shrimp, and more. Or if seafood’s not for you, try on of the beef, pork, or chicken varieties.
Along with tacos, Taco Lu is also known for its extensive tequila menu. Try one of over 300 types of tequila and mezcal or sample some of the signature cocktails.
7. RP’s Fine Food and Drink
$$ | (904) 853-5094 | WEBSITE
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This local hot spot serves up dishes made with high-quality ingredients, including area produce. Choose from the specials, which are usually made with fish, or try one of the restaurant’s staple dishes like crabcakes.
RP’s is open for lunch and dinner, offering quick and easy dishes for lunch for diners in a hurry. Whether you’re there for lunch or dinner, you can expect friendly service.
The restaurant offers plenty of parking with a dedicated lot and a second lot available to customers after 5 PM. There’s a small bar with a few TVs for anyone who wants to pop in to catch a drink and watch the game.
8. SoNapa Grille
$$ | (904) 595-5650 | WEBSITE
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SoNapa Grille offers varied flavorful dishes ranging from Korean barbecue ribs to filet medallions, and they have a few vegetarian options. The menu is perfect for anyone looking for bold flavors like Thai chilis and chipotle. If you’re craving something small, try one of the brick oven flat breads for a rich bite that’s not too filling.
SoNapa Grille also offers a big selection of wine mainly from its namesake, Napa Valley. If you’re looking for West Coast wines in Jacksonville Beach, this is the spot for you.
9. Lynch’s Irish Pub
$$ | (904) 249-5181 | WEBSITE
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Irish food may not be the first cuisine that pops into your head when you think about Florida, but Lynch’s Irish Pub nails Irish-American food. Popular items include the Scotch egg and the Shepherd’s Pie.
If you’re not in the mood for a full meal, try one of the many appetizers on the menu, specifically the Craic Fries. The restaurant has one of the best happy hours in the area and offers live music. Even though it gets crowded, you can still expect fast service.
10. JaxSpice Indian Restaurant and Bar
$$ | (904) 853-6217 | WEBSITE
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Fans of Indian food will love JaxSpice. This restaurant offers traditional Indian dishes that are bursting with flavor. Whether you’re not into spicy food or you want to burn your mouth off, there is something on the menu for you. Choose from the classics such as tandoori chicken and samosas or go for one of the house specials.
JaxSpice has a relaxed atmosphere with great music and friendly service. It’s a perfect place to hang out with a group or enjoy a more casual setting for date night. It’s close to other restaurants in the area. When you’re done with dinner you can walk a few blocks to find dessert.
Take Advantage of Jacksonville’s Variety
Jacksonville Beach has an eclectic food scene with plenty of great options for people of all kinds. Being located right on the beach, the area is mainly known for seafood with plenty of options for enjoying the local catch of the day.
But there are also options for people who aren’t interested in fish and seafood. If you live in Jacksonville Beach or are just visiting, add these spots to your “to try” list.
