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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
Known For
- Farm-to-table approach
- Vegetarian-friendly menu
- Entrée salads
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
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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
Known For
- Elegant dining room
- Pastas
- Soups
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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Mexico City natives chef Nora De La Vega and her brother, Mano, run this casual-elegant restaurant serving Latin fusion tapas. Some of chef Nora's creations---such as the banderillas (chicken or cheese skewers with zucchini and roasted peppers and mango vinaigrette)---look almost too good to eat. The menu emphasizes healthy, fresh ingredients, with numerous vegan and vegetarian options, including hibiscus tacos, one of the most popular items. Located in the heart of downtown, the restaurant has outdoor seating with two rows of tables on the sidewalk. Inside, the restaurant has a serene ambience, with dark wood tables and dramatic art on the walls. Brunch (weekends) includes unlimited tapas and sangria, and creative egg dishes such as huevos con nopal (freshly grilled cactus, fried egg, refried black beans and pepper sauce). It's served with tropical granola and the best avocado toast you've ever had.
128 N. Woodland Blvd., Florida, 32720, USA
Known For
- Hibiscus tacos
- Alfresco dining
- Weekend brunch with unlimited tapas and sangria
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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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.
8199 Rte. 520, Cocoa, Florida, 32926, USA
Known For
- Fried catfish
- Frogs' legs and gator
- Airboat rides
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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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.
1500 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, Florida, 32250, USA
Known For
- Large whiskey menu
- Homemade sides
- Burnt ends
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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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.
205 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, Florida, 32080, USA
Known For
- Fried shrimp with hush puppies
- Pies (particularly banana cream)
- Cash only
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations not accepted
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In a city hailed the "Athens of Florida," it's no surprise the most popular restaurant serves up some of the best Greek cuisine in Central Florida. Orlando area foodies are known to make the trek here and wait patiently for a table. 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. The Athenian chicken is the most popular dish, and for good reason. A perfectly cooked chicken breast is stuffed with spinach and feta cheese and baked in a garlic wine sauce. The menu includes the traditional Greek staples such as pastichio (Greek lasagna) and spanakopita (spinach pita triangles) and a melt-in-your mouth lamb shank. Wash it down with a Greek Mythos beer.
136 N. Woodland Blvd., Florida, 32720, USA
Known For
- Athenian chicken
- Lamb chops
- Chargrilled octopus
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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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.
1998 S. Fletcher Ave., Fernandina Beach, Florida, 32034, USA
Known For
- Family-friendly
- Fresh Florida seafood
- Live music year-round
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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.
4317 University Blvd. S, Jacksonville, Florida, 32216, USA
Known For
- Always a friendly welcome
- Great service
- Vegan and peanut-free entrées available
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations not accepted
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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.
134 Sea Grove Main St., St. Augustine Beach, Florida, 32080, USA
Known For
- Handmade pasta
- Freshly caught seafood
- Brick-oven pizza
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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.
4000 Rte. A1A S, St. Augustine, Florida, 32080, USA
Known For
- Live music on weekends
- Breakfast served till 3 pm
- Seafood and raw bar selection
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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Closed Permanently
Eclectic only begins to describe this wildly popular restaurant with the funny name, throwback policies (cash only), and inventive dishes representing all regions of the globe. The menu contains nods to any cuisine you might imagine—from Ethiopia to Greece to Thailand, and points in between. Vegetarians and vegans have many options. Try the sweet potato enchiladas, or make a meal of appetizers such as a plate of goat, Brie, and Manchego cheeses, pakora, and fried green tomatoes (yes, it's still the South). UF students and locals pour in for brunch on weekends. There's indoor and outdoor seating, and atmosphere is college-casual. Though only cash is accepted, there's an ATM on-property.
1511 N.W. 2nd St., Gainesville, Florida, 32601, USA
Known For
- Very vegetarian- and vegan-friendly
- Sheba plate (Ethiopian sampler)
- Weekend brunch
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Closed Permanently
It's out of the way, but every mile will be forgotten once you step inside this former bait shop overlooking Julington Creek. Clark's has more than 160 appetizers and entrées, including the usual (shrimp, catfish, oysters) and the unusual (ostrich, rattlesnake, kangaroo). Be careful not to park illegally—tickets are expensive.
12903 Hood Landing Rd., Mandarin, Florida, 32258, USA
Known For
- Exotic meats
- Waterfront location
- Extensive taxidermy collection
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Closed Permanently
Linen tablecloths and art deco–style artwork create a casual, elegant feel at this Gainesville institution that has been serving Pan-Latin cuisine since 1984. Start with the Spanish stew (a family recipe) and then move on to one of the chef's signature dishes such as mofongo or paella (Spanish saffron rice with shrimp, clams, mussels, fresh fish, chicken, artichoke hearts, peas, asparagus, and pimientos). Emiliano's also offers an extensive tapas menu with nearly 20 items to mix and match, and tempting desserts like the original chipotle brownie cake. Dine indoors or beneath the stars at the sidewalk café. Live jazz fills the air Monday and Wednesday nights. Weekends feature a brunch with $5 Bloody Marys and mojitos, and entrées such as the breakfast Cuban with eggs, roast pork, ham, and Swiss on pressed Cuban bread.
7 S.E. 1st Ave., Gainesville, Florida, 32601, USA
Known For
- Seafood and chicken paella
- Mofongo
- Weekend brunch
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Closed Permanently
Celebrity chef Kenny Gilbert opened this eclectic Fernandina Beach eatery after a stint on "Top Chef" brought him national fame. The menu is laden with authentic Old South recipes prepared with skill and flair and often with an individual twist. Meat lovers can satisfy their dreams with the sampler of pulled pork, smoked pulled turkey drumsticks, alligator ribs, pork spare ribs, homemade sausage, jerk chicken drumsticks, and beef brisket two ways, all offered with a half-dozen sauce choices. Lunch includes sandwiches, Brunswick stew, brussels sprouts coleslaw, and Gilbert's mom's potato salad. Just south of downtown, the restaurant is easily recognized by the flock of meat smokers parked outside.
510 S. 8th St., Fernandina Beach, Florida, 32034, USA
Known For
- A wide variety of smoked meats
- Gator ribs
- Brunswick stew
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun
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