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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.
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.
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.
The word rustic doesn't even begin to describe this down-home, no-nonsense fish camp restaurant (translation: you eat off paper plates with plastic forks) housed in a weathered, old, clapboard shack along with a bait shop and airboat-tour company. Set your calorie counter on stun as you peruse the plates of fried fish, frogs' legs, and alligator (as well as burgers and hot dogs). Dine inside or out on the deck overlooking the St. Johns River with live music every Sunday. Who knows, you might even see your dinner swimming by.
True barbecue aficionados know that the country's divided into four territories: North Carolina, Memphis, Kansas City, and Texas, each renowned for its own barbecue style. Mojo's, as the locals call it, honors all four traditions—and throws in some Deep South sides, like garlic cheddar grits and black-eyed peas, as well as sweet tea and banana pudding. The whiskey menu is as impressive as the food. There's also good recorded blues playing at all times, and on occasion, some great live blues, too.
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 a city hailed the Athens of Florida, it's no surprise that the most popular restaurant serves Greek cuisine so good that Orlando area foodies have been known to trek here and wait patiently for a table. The menu includes the traditional Greek staples such as pastichio (Greek lasagna), spanakopita (spinach pita triangles), and a melt-in-your mouth lamb shank. All meals start with an olive oil and Greek herb dipping sauce and some of the best pita you've ever had, served warm; the fork-tender charbroiled octopus starter is a must, perhaps followed by the very popular Athenian chicken—a perfectly cooked chicken breast stuffed with spinach and feta cheese and baked in a garlic wine sauce. Wash it down with a Greek Mythos beer.
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.
Ravenous regulars dominate the tightly packed tables at this warm, family-owned restaurant in a nondescript strip mall. Since 1997, chef–owner Aurathai Sellas, who might just be the most cheerful person in the restaurant business, has prepared the exotic dishes of her homeland, including pla lad prig (whole hot and spicy fish), goog thod (crispy shrimp), chicken in peanut sauce, and pad Thai.
Homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and brick-oven pizzas are just some of the delights attracting locals and tourists alike to this casual Italian gem a few blocks from the beach. Giant chalkboards detail the fresh fish creations of the day, but it's tough to resist the pasta dishes such as papardelle cinghiale (handmade papardelle with wild boar, plum tomatoes, and fresh herbs). Italian-born owner–chef Simone Parisi uses locally sourced ingredients, with emphasis on the abundant seafood harvested by area fishermen. Meat lovers will be happy here, too, with items such as Tuscan ribs and a double pork chop stuffed with fontina and prosciutto. The airy dining room is anchored by the brick oven and open kitchen; the restaurant also has a small courtyard for outdoor dining.
This family-favorite spot is one of the few restaurant–bars accessible to the beach itself. It's known for its hearty breakfasts, flavorful burgers, and a beer menu with 20 draft selections. With 30 TVs, it's also popular with sports fans; there's also live music on the weekends.
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