Northeast Coast Restaurants

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.

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  • 1. Biscottis

    $$$

    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.

    3556 St. Johns Ave., Jacksonville, Florida, 32205, USA
    904-387–2060

    Known For

    • Sister restaurant to bb's
    • Nightly entrée specials and weekend brunch served until 3 pm
    • Decadent desserts from the bakery
  • 2. Café Margaux

    $$$$

    Eclectic, creative, and international all describe the cuisine and decor at this charming Cocoa Village spot, featured on the Food Network. The menu blends French, Italian, and Asian influences with dishes such as Kobe beef meatballs in garlic sesame sauce, penne and chicken breast in Manchego garlic Madeira cream, or a 16-ounce prime boneless rib eye. An outdoor courtyard with umbrella tables adds to the Continental flair.

    220 Brevard Ave., Cocoa, Florida, 32922, USA
    321-639–8343

    Known For

    • Great steaks
    • Outdoor seating under umbrellas
    • Vast wine list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 3. Collage

    $$$$

    Nestled in the Historic District, this 48-seat restaurant highlights local seafood, which, depending on the success of the fishermen, will include several fish entrées each day. The ever-changing menu also often has steak, lamb, or veal selections, all served in an intimate setting that is a tad more upscale than most area restaurants. For an original dessert try the bougainvillea—inspired by the colorful flowering plants that frame the building, it's made of strawberries, ice cream, and Cabernet-vanilla sauce served in a leaf-shaped phyllo cup.

    60 Hypolita St., St. Augustine, Florida, 32084, USA
    904-829–0055

    Known For

    • Locally caught seafood and lobster ravioli
    • Beef tenderloin with a variety of sauces
    • Large, reasonably priced wine list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch. Closed Mon.
  • 4. Hawkers Asian Street Fare

    $

    Situated in the trendy Five Points district, Hawkers replicates the small, varied dishes—made using recipes passed down for generations—sold by street vendors in Asia. Sharing bowls of noodles, steamed buns, soups, and more makes for a convivial atmosphere.

    1001 Park St., Jacksonville, Florida, 32204, USA
    904-508–0342

    Known For

    • Hip vibe
    • Small plates, spicy eats, local brews
    • Roti canai with curry sauce
  • 5. Martini's Organic

    $$$$

    Locals seem to flock to this trendy south Daytona eatery and lounge as much for the scene as for the food. The rotating menu emphasizes organic, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, which owner–chef Clay Butters uses to create beef, seafood, and poultry dishes as appealing to the eye as the taste buds. Diners especially appreciate the chef's use of homegrown herbs and creative sauces in dishes such as Bahamian lobster sauté and natural grass-fed filet mignon, which can be enjoyed in the sleek dining room or in the garden, complete with a 20-foot lighted waterfall and fire pit.

    1815 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach, Florida, 32119, USA
    386-763–1090

    Known For

    • Creative sauces
    • Bahamian lobster sauté
    • Chic setting
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Matthew's

    $$$$ | San Marco

    No one can accuse chef Matthew Medure of resting on his laurels (of which there are many)—widely praised for culinary creativity and dazzling presentation at his signature San Marco restaurant, here he tantalizes diners with French and Mediterranean cuisine on a menu that includes everything from escargot to roasted bone marrow and from caviar to sweets. The experience is made even more upscale by a staff that's trained to suggest wine pairings. If you just can't choose, the Chef's Adventure gives you a six-course tour of the menu.

    2107 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, Florida, 32207, USA
    904-396–9922

    Known For

    • Create-your-own charcuterie platters
    • Huge wine list
    • Six-course Chef's Adventure menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 7. Paramount Grill

    $$$$

    This tiny, fine-dining restaurant may have single-handedly changed the perception of Gainesville from a college town fueled by pizza, chicken wings, and pitchers of beer to an up-and-coming culinary destination with imaginative dishes created using fresh Florida produce. The ever-changing menu might include such items as an organic beet salad, grilled salmon over sweet potato and Cotija cheese enchiladas, or pan-roasted Angus fillet over chive-mashed Yukon Golds.

    12 S.W. 1st Ave., Gainesville, Florida, 32601, USA
    352-378–3398

    Known For

    • Filet mignon
    • Grilled duck breast
    • Sunday brunch

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 8. Salt

    $$$$

    Inventive cuisine and seasonal ingredients are the hallmarks of the Ritz-Carlton's oceanfront restaurant, where the signature beef tenderloin is served on a block of Himalayan salt. The wine list has more than 300 bottles (many by the glass), service is nothing short of impeccable, and there's that view of the Atlantic from every table. For a unique dining experience, reserve a seat in the private dining room within the kitchen to Dine With the Chefs, watching them at work while you enjoy a personalized five-course meal. To learn the secrets of Salt's cuisine, consider taking one of its cooking school sessions. They've proven so popular, that the Ritz-Carlton now offers several of them a year. Long pants and collared shirts are recommended (for dining, we mean; cooking students get their own Ritz-Carlton aprons).

    4750 Amelia Island Pkwy., Amelia Island, Florida, 32034, USA
    904-277–1100

    Known For

    • Elegant oceanfront dining
    • Beautifully prepared food
    • Cooking classes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential, Long pants and collared shirts are recommended
  • 9. The Floridian

    $$

    Although many flock to this artsy and inspired eatery for its veggie-centric menu, there's plenty to tantalize omnivores as well. Delicious Southern food with flair ranges from braised pork belly biscuits to toast du jour, a rotating bruschetta inspired by the freshest produce from local farms. Many dishes, such as the cornbread panzanella, offer a choice of meat, seafood, tofu, or tempeh. Some gluten-free dishes are also available. Attire is casual, and the oceanic hues and funky decor put you at ease. Kids' needs are handled with flexible good nature. It's a deservedly popular spot, especially on weekends, when you should make a reservation.

    72 Spanish St., St. Augustine, Florida, 32084, USA
    904-829–0655

    Known For

    • Farm-to-table approach
    • Vegetarian-friendly menu
    • Entrée salads

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
  • 10. 4 Rivers Smokehouse

    $$$

    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.

    1866 Victory Cir., Daytona Beach, Florida, 32114, USA
    844-474–8377

    Known For

    • Smoked brisket
    • Barbecue sampler platters
    • Krispy Kreme bread pudding

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 11. Al's Pizza

    $ | Riverside

    Although the five area locations fit the criteria of a neighborhood pizza joint—cheap, casual, and frequented by locals—this funky-chic pizzeria looks more like a hangout for hipsters than Jacksonvillians low on dough (pardon the pun). The main draw is the pizza, particularly Al's gourmet white pie, but eggplant parmigiana, stuffed shells, and lasagna are also good.

    1620 Margaret St., Jacksonville, Florida, 32204, USA
    904-388–8384

    Known For

    • Hand-tossed pizza
    • Budget-friendly choice
    • Generous toppings

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 12. Aqua Grill

    $$$

    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.

    395 Front St., Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, 32082, USA
    904-285–3017

    Known For

    • Local snapper
    • Lively bar scene that draws locals
    • Lakefront dining
  • 13. Aunt Catfish's on the River

    $$$

    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.

    4009 Halifax Dr., Port Orange, Florida, 32127, USA
    386-767–4768

    Known For

    • Southern-style seafood
    • Sunday brunch
    • Hot cinnamon rolls

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 14. Bake Chop

    $

    A stone's throw from Persimmon Hollow brewery in Artisan Alley, Bake Chop specializes in pub fare and does so exceptionally well, using locally sourced ingredients. Brewery patrons often saunter over after a few pints for bratwursts, burgers, meatball sandwiches, and other inventive and flavorful hand-helds like the Billy Madison, comprised of sloppy Joe meat, spicy collared greens, and manchego cheese on a house-made croissant. The menu offers gluten-free and vegan items as well, and the Daily Dally salad is an always-tempting blend of seasonal greens and veggies. Saving room for dessert is a challenge, but worth it. All baking is done in-house, where rotating offerings include chocolate chip cookie cheesecake and an assortment of cupcakes. There's also an espresso bar and strong selection of local craft beers. The dining area is small, so a wait is possible, especially at lunch-time.

    110 S. Artisan Alley, Florida, 32724, USA
    386-873--6524

    Known For

    • Post brewery bites
    • Burgers
    • House-baked desserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 15. bb's

    $$$$ | San Marco

    Sleek yet cozy, this hip bistro is popular with all types. The concrete floors and a stainless-steel wine bar provide an interesting backdrop for comfort-food-inspired entrées, but they also create a dining room that is uncommonly loud, especially on weekends. The daily specials are your only real main-course options, but the pizzas, sandwiches, and salads—especially the warm goat-cheese salad—are favorites. Don't miss the display of diet-destroying desserts. Reservations are accepted.

    1019 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, Florida, 32207, USA
    904-306–0100

    Known For

    • Signature grilled pizzas
    • Extensive selection of desserts from b the bakery
    • Nightly entrée specials and weekend brunch
  • 16. Bistro Aix

    $$$ | San Marco

    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.

    1440 San Marco Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida, 32207, USA
    904-398–1949

    Known For

    • Blue-cheese chips
    • Attentive service
    • Extensive wine list and creative cocktails in Bar X

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat., Reservations essential
  • 17. Café Alcazar

    $$

    Housed in the magnificent Lightner Museum—formerly the luxurious Hotel Alcazar in its 1890s incarnation—this lovely little lunch spot sits where wealthy winter tourists once frolicked in the nation's largest indoor pool. Curried chicken salad, panini, and artichokes Giovanni—an addictive dish of baked artichokes with cheese and mushrooms on linguine—are among the many favorites here. Reservations are recommended.

    25 Granada St., St. Augustine, Florida, 32080, USA
    904-825–9948

    Known For

    • Elegant dining room
    • Pastas
    • Soups

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 18. Casa Maya

    $$$

    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. 

    22 Hypolita St., St. Augustine, Florida, 32084, USA
    904-823–0787

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood
    • Mayan soup with avocado and crispy tortillas
    • Live music nightly

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 19. Clara's Tidbits

    $ | San Marco

    This lunch-only, family-owned restaurant (one of three branches) has devoted local patrons. The chicken salad pita with potato salad is legendary.

    1076 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, Florida, 32207, USA
    904-396–0528

    Known For

    • Long but fast-moving lines
    • Homemade sandwiches, salads, and soups
    • Lemon pound cake

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted
  • 20. Columbia Restaurant

    $$$

    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.

    98 St. George St., St. Augustine, Florida, 32084, USA
    904-824–3341

    Known For

    • Paella Valenciana with seafood, chicken, and pork
    • Tapas and mojitos or sangria
    • 1905 salad with ham, cheese, tomatoes, and olives

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