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The ocean, St. Johns River, and numerous lakes and smaller rivers teem with fish, and so, naturally, seafood dominates local menus. Northeast Florida also has fine-dining restaurants, and its ethnic eateries include some excellent Middle Eastern places. And then there are the barbecue joints—more of them than you can shake a hickory chip at.
Don't be surprised if your server introduces herself as your cousin, though you've never seen her before in your life. The silly Southern hospitality is only one of the draws at this wildly popular waterfront restaurant specializing in mouthwatering plates of fresh seafood and other Southern favorites. Hot cinnamon rolls, hush puppies, baked beans, cheese grits, and slaw come with every entrée and can be a meal in themselves. Bring your appetite and your patience—a wait is practically guaranteed. Sunday brunch lures empty stomachs with made-to-order eggs and French toast, and a chocolate fountain.
This sprawling restaurant is always crowded and festive, but it's not just the rustic setting that draws the throngs—it's the seafood. The specialty is rock shrimp, which are served fried, broiled, or steamed. Diners with a hearty appetite can opt for the Dixie Spectacular, featuring rock shrimp, scallops, crab legs, and lobster, or, if seafood isn't your choice, the menu offers steaks, chicken, and ribs. You might have to wait (up to 90 minutes) for a table, but if you don't have time to wait, you can order takeout or use the call-ahead seating option. A word to the wise: when that basket of corn fritters dusted with powdered sugar appears like magic on your table, try not to fill up on them.
Despite its strip-mall location, Florida's Fresh Grill is a welcome change from the more casual places that dominate the local dining scene. No swimwear or sandy flip-flops here; instead, count on an upscale experience, with a tasteful ambience, prompt service, and perfectly prepared seafood and steaks. Fresh seafood is the star. The colorful avocado crab tower appetizer is so lovely you feel a little guilty (only a little) toppling it. The sea-to-table fish comes with a choice of sauces, such as jalapeño bacon cream, which is lighter than it sounds and goes perfectly with the line-caught swordfish. The steaks, made from special reserve certified angus beef, are a hit as well. Favorite desserts include the carrot cake and Key lime pie, which many claim is the best they've ever had.
Better known simply as J.B.'s, this local landmark is on the eastern shore of the Indian River (i.e., the middle of nowhere). Crowds gather around the picnic-style tables (inside and out) or belly up to the bar to dine on mounds of spicy seafood, Cajun alligator, J.B.'s famous crab cakes, and rock shrimp by the dozen. It's a great place to catch the sunset, and there's live music on weekend afternoons. Five bucks says at least one person at your table says their hush puppies are the best they've ever eaten.
This unassuming eatery across from the beach had a loyal following long before Food Network's Guy Fieri declared its signature appetizer, BBQ-smoked alligator ribs, "probably the best way I've ever had gator." Ocean-to-table seafood is the star here, and popular appetizers include local fish collars and seasonal fish cakes, though you'll want to save room for mains such as the filet-and-shrimp fondue. For dessert, Berries Biscuits-N-Bourbon combine seasonal berries with a bourbon glaze and homemade sweet-biscuit crumble.
Fresh local fish and shrimp are the specialties at this bustling New Smyrna Beach landmark, open since 1946. Built as a gas station, the building later served as a general store and piggy-bank factory, but the remodeled interior belies this backstory; the place is replete with wood, from the chairs and booths to the walls and rafters. Order steak, pasta, or innovative seafood dishes such as blackened swordfish topped with yuzu kosho aioli and served over a Yukon Gold potato cake (yeah, it's as good as it sounds). Prices are reasonable, and more than 3,000 bottles of wine are on hand. Don't be fooled by the fancy wine list and linen tablecloths; you can still wear shorts (business casual, however, is the norm). A more casual, way-cool tree-house bar (yes, it's in a tree) serves tasty cocktails and a limited food menu.
Across the Bridge of Lions from downtown, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant is recognizable for the line of customers who wait patiently for fried shrimp (the specialty), seafood, and fried chicken. Needless to say, it's been a popular local eatery for generations. On the menu are oysters, scallops, hush puppies, broiled seafood, coleslaw, biscuits and cornbread with gravy, and banana cream pie. Bring cash; credit cards are not accepted.
In the circa-1791 General Worth house across from the marina, this bustling little spot has a homey feel with a balanced clientele of locals, students, and visitors. Favorites include coconut shrimp, blue-crab cakes, and fresh local grouper. Beef lovers may want to try the filet mignon or the New York strip. From upstairs, you have a great marina view; in the courtyard, you might enjoy the perfume of blooming jasmine. Call ahead for "preferred seating."
Across from the St. Augustine Pier, this lively, family-friendly lunch and dinner spot attracts surfers and other local or vacationing beachgoers. Seated on the patio or the rooftop bar, enjoy ocean views while choosing from seafood options that include sushi, poke bowls, and fish tacos (the fried grouper version is noteworthy).
Locals think of this casual waterfront seafood market–eatery as a well-kept secret, but more patrons are making their way here for a pre- or postcruise treat. The market is connected to the restaurant, guaranteeing not only freshness but an array of choices. You don't just order a fish sandwich or plate of steamed shrimp; you choose from at least four varieties of fish (try the Golden Tile in season) and several varieties of shrimp (the Royal Reds may be the best you've ever tasted). Seating is alfresco, with views of the Port Canaveral waterway and passing cruise ships. Best for lunch or an early dinner; the restaurant closes at 7.
There aren't many oceanfront restaurants left, let alone moderately priced places with views like this one—an offshore break makes it a good place to watch surfers do their thing. Dishes like shrimp and grits and oysters in season have also made it a local favorite. In addition, Sliders has a lively tiki bar, where bands like the region's reggae favorite, Pili Pili, often play.
They take their chowders seriously in St. Augustine, and many will tell you Sunset Grille's is the best—so good that it's poured over French fries as an appetizer. If you prefer a lighter version, a cup of the award-winning chowder is the perfect prelude to fresh fish dinners featuring Caribbean snapper and macadamia-crusted grouper. The popular restaurant, framed by a white picket fence, has a Key West vibe and two dining areas: a lively interior and an open-air second-story deck with distant ocean views. Reservations are not accepted, but the frequent crowds gathered in the pleasant waiting area indicate that most consider the dining experience well worth the wait.
If you want fresh fish, this is the place. Owners Bill and Ann Pinner have lots of local street cred, and there are plenty of offerings for meat lovers in the family, too. Options include perfectly blended crab cakes, oh-so-lightly fried Mayport shrimp (never a heavy batter that might cover up the flavor), seafood salads, and delicious sides.
Although it's in a resort, this family-friendly restaurant is open to non–guests, many of whom drive in from Jacksonville. The dining room has a casual vibe, with plush, roomy booths and tables overlooking the tennis courts; the menu, however, is all business, with a focus on Southern and local food.
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