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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.
The local artwork on the redbrick walls is a mild distraction from the crowds jockeying for tables here at brunch, lunch, and dinner. The menu's wide-ranging, locally sourced dishes include such unexpected delights as the popular ancho chili–rubbed pork chop. There are always gluten-free options, and the lengthy dessert menu features cakes and pies.
Considering NASCAR fans' affinity for barbecue, it was only natural that this wildly popular Florida chain, which originated about an hour away in Orlando, would set up shop across the street from Daytona International Speedway. First-timers might want to try the Smokehouse 2X2, which lets you mix and match mouthwatering smoked meats, such as the 18-hour smoked brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends. The Six-Shooter starts with a layer of baked cheese grits that's topped with pulled pork, coleslaw, jalapeños, and the signature sauce. For an outside-the-box side, consider trying the bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed jalapeños.
Eclectic preparation of seafood is what Aqua Grill does best. The constantly changing menu might include Vidalia-crusted grouper, oysters Rockefeller, and locally caught snapper cooked as you like it. The restaurant has a charming lakeside patio dining area surrounded by waterfalls. There's a lively bar scene, with sports showing on HDTVs.
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.
Named after the French city (pronounced simply "X"), this sophisticated bistro-bar's leather booths, 1940s brickwork, and intricate marbled globes provide the perfect setting for well-prepared French food. Regulars can't get enough of classic bistro dishes like French onion soup, escargot, and steak frites. There's also a variety of wood-fired pizzas and delectable desserts. Don't miss trying the popular blue-cheese chips.
Everything is made from scratch here, from the sauces and marinades to the mixers for unique cocktails such as the cucumber jalapeño margarita. Daily specials might include pork and chicken tamales or fresh local cobia with tequila-marinated shrimp, mango corn salsa, and chipotle sauce. The Mayan soup is a must—fresh vegetables, avocado chunks, and crispy tortillas in a light vegetable broth. The two-story restaurant has three seating areas: a shaded ground-level courtyard, a second-story deck overlooking the street, and a rustic indoor dining room.
Befitting its Cuban and Spanish cuisine, this historic restaurant evokes an airy villa, thanks to a white-stucco exterior and an interior atrium dining room full of palm trees, hand-painted tiles, and decorative arches. Favorites on the menu include arroz con pollo, fillet salteado (with a spicy sauce), an array of tapas, and a fragrant seafood paella (allow extra time for preparation). Table not ready? Take in the archival family photos on the walls, linger in the courtyard, listen to the fountains, and enjoy a glass of homemade sangria or a refreshing mojito.
Mexico City natives chef Nora De La Vega and her brother, Mano, run this casual-elegant downtown restaurant serving Latin-fusion tapas. The menu emphasizes healthy, fresh ingredients, with numerous vegan and vegetarian options, and some of chef Nora's creations—such as the banderillas (chicken or cheese skewers with zucchini, roasted peppers, and mango vinaigrette)—look almost too good to eat. During weekend brunch, unlimited tapas and sangria accompany creative egg dishes such as the huevos con nopal (freshly grilled cactus, fried egg, refried black beans, and pepper sauce), which is served with tropical granola and the best avocado toast you've ever had. Outside, there are two rows of tables on the sidewalk; inside, you'll find a serene ambience, with dark-wood tables and dramatic art on the walls.
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.
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."
Robonaut Red Ale and Pleasure Chest IPA are just two of the beers created inside this sprawling, renovated former lumberyard. The beers are complemented by not-so-diet-friendly pub fare including corned-beef poutine, flatbreads, and what some have labeled the best burgers in town. Sunday brunch features mimosa flights and a breakfast flatbread, and dogs are welcome in the outdoor beer garden. The brewery has a smaller location serving the same delicious beer and a less expansive food menu in a former hardware store in downtown Titusville.
Award-winning chef Tom Gray's menu of contemporary Italian dishes changes with the seasons at this local foodie hot spot. Share a Roman-style pizza at the chef's table or at the outdoor seating area beside the lake, or head upstairs to the bar for artisanal cocktails.
A New Orleans theme prevails at this lively venue, a longtime favorite with locals and visitors alike. The crowd ranges in age from twentysomething to midlife-crisis, and everyone comes to sample the craft beer and eat the seafood-based fare, including Ragtime shrimp po'boy sandwiches, grilled fish, and shrimp and grits.
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.
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.
The mouthwatering photos on the menu don't do the real stuff justice. Locals and cruise-ship vacationers frequent this casual Thai/Japanese eatery within walking distance of cruise-port hotels. Seafood is an emphasis here, with specialties like lobster pad Thai and snapper with ginger and scallion. The Thai curries, noodles, and soups can be prepared "Thai hot," but "medium" packs a subtle punch, too. Decor is eclectic and relaxing, with brightly painted walls and low-hanging sconces. Don't fret if you see a crowd out front. The place does a brisk takeout business.
Tucked away in a strip mall across the street from the beach, this bistro and bakery draws tourists and locals alike for eclectic, European-influenced meals. Smoked salmon latkes and warm goat cheese tart are popular brunch items; for dinner, start with escargot or local oysters and then try the schnitzel or fresh catch with white bean cassoulet. The bakery offers monthly flavors of homemade doughnuts, such as pumpkin, peach, or Limoncello Ricotta.
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