Looking for a place to enjoy dinner before a show or just for a night out? The dinner scene in Downtown is larger than you might think. Here’s a list of 30+ great places to have dinner in #DTJax!
FOR A CASUAL NIGHT ON THE TOWN
Azucena Corner Deli | 100 E Forsyth St. | (904) 626-7600
Azucena Corner Deli is located in the heart of Downtown and offers the very first 10-tap PourMyBeer system in North Florida! They also offer wraps and meals freshly cooked with ingredients from local farmers and a broad selection of wine served in an authentic environment built by local carpenters and former felons getting back on their feet.
Basil Thai Restaurant | 1004 Hendricks Ave | (904) 674-0190
Basil Thai & Sushi is a cornerstone in the Jacksonville community and has been recognized for its outstanding Thai cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff. This restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on only using high quality fresh ingredients. It is a go-to for classic and creative Thai cuisine in warm surroundings or for takeout.
Bay Street Bar & Grill | 119 E. Bay St. | (904) 419-3550 
Located in Downtown’s entertainment district, Bay Street Bar & Grill is where you can grab a slice of pizza or enjoy a more extensive menu that includes traditional pub fare, plus some choices leaning more toward fine dining!
Specializing in: 100% black angus burgers, served with fresh spring greens, sliced onion, fresh tomato and their signature spicy aioli; fresh jumbo wings tossed in signature sauces; and fully dressed hot and cold sandwiches. Vegetarians will also find some creative options on the menu. Plus, Bay Street Bar & Grill offers beers in bottles, cans and on tap, including a number of local craft brews, along with wine and a full bar!
bb’s restaurant and bar | 1019 Hendricks Ave | (904) 306-0100
Consistently voted one of the best restaurants in Northeast Florida, bb’s restaurant never ceases to please and surprise the palate of diners, locals and visitors alike! Located in the Southbank area, this buzzing bistro serves innovative New American dishes and sweets from a dessert case amid chic digs. Did we mention their dessert is a must?
Bellwether | 100 N. Laura St. | (904) 802-7745
Follow the pioneers behind Orsay, Black Sheep and BLK SHP at Intuition back Downtown at their latest restaurant, Bellwether! This fast-casual yet sophisticated restaurant offers an eclectic mix of regional fare, with a focus on thoughtfully crafted, locally sourced ingredients served along side gracious, southern hospitality. Featuring outdoor dining, a full bar and private dining options, Bellwether aims to lead the way in Downtown dining.
Benny’s Steak & Seafood | 2 Independent Dr., Suite 175 | (904) 301-1014
Located on the St. Johns River in the Jacksonville Landing courtyard, Benny’s offers a variety of fresh seafood and certified Angus beef steaks. Feast on specialties such as fresh crab cakes, Filet Christian, Benny’s Seafood Pot and the 22-oz. Cowboy Steak. Come dine indoors or enjoy the beautiful patio overlooking the St. Johns River. This restaurant also features a full bar, and is kid friendly.
BLK SHP at Intuition | 929 E. Bay St. | (904) 683-7720
Local brews and great food go hand-in-hand. That’s why the folks at Black Sheep Restaurant brought their A-game to Intuition’s taproom menu! Visit the BLK SHP @ Intuition counter to enjoy made-to-order classics like the Brisket Sandwich and Shrimp Po’boy.
Breezy Jazz Club | 119 W. Adams St. | (904) 666-7562
Breezy Jazz Club is the premiere jazz club in Downtown! They feature live jazz musicians, great wine and a great dining experience. Enjoy a relaxing environment where you and your friends can come to hear great jazz and quality entertainment. Indulge in hand-made cuisine and drink the best wine and spirits in town! Side note: they also do Sunday brunch (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)!
Burrito Gallery Downtown | 21 E. Adams St. | (904) 598-2922
Founded in early 2005, Burrito Gallery has been voted “Best Burrito” in Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax every year the category has existed. They offer fresh, hand-made, all-natural tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and salads. Their Brooklyn location also features a rooftop garden bar with Downtown skyline views and occasional live entertainment. In the Downtown location, local art is on display and live music or DJs are featured on the back deck during Art Walk. You can also enjoy a full liquor, beer and wine bar.
Candy Apple Café & Cocktails | 400 N. Hogan St. | (904) 353-9717
The Candy Apple Café & Cocktails is a full service restaurant located inside Sweet Pete’s Candy Co. Their menu is chic & whimsical; their scratch kitchen and cocktail program serves daily brunch, lunch and happy hour. Enjoy the day outside on their front porch, or eat inside and enjoy all the unique and colorful décor that resembles the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory.
Casa Dora Italian Restaurant | 108 E. Forsyth St. | (904) 356-8282
An old favorite of downtowners, this cozy Italian restaurant features daily lunch specials and enticing entrees, like veal, seafood, and pizza. Their homemade salad dressing is a specialty.
Cinco De Mayo | 2 Independent Dr. | (904) 329-2892
It’s always a fiesta at Cinco de Mayo! Come relax and enjoy an authentic Mexican meal and margarita along the St. Johns River at the Jacksonville Landing. Enjoy tacos, fajitas and burritos at this fast, casual spot.
Element Bistro & Craft Bar | 335 E. Bay St. | (904) 707-0474
Enjoy a healthy alternative to creative cuisine in Downtown. Enjoy fresh food prepared daily with a world-class lineup of chefs! You won’t be disappointed indulging in the elements at Element Bistro, Bar and Lounge.
Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub | 2 Independent Dr., Suite 176 | (904) 374-1547
Drop by the award-winning Irish pub at the Jacksonville Landing for a night of great fun, food and live entertainment! There’s nothing quite like a genuine Irish pub experience. Enjoy food made from scratch with fresh ingredients, live music on Wednesdays and 40 beers on tap!
Gili’s Kitchen | 126 W. Adams St. #102 | (904) 475-1400
In Jacksonville, there has never been a kosher butcher until now. Gili’s Kitchen offers fresh, premium cuts of meat and an international kosher food, with only fresh and quality ingredients. Gili’s Kitchen is ready to serve you at their new location, and deliver freshly prepared meals directly to your door!
Hooters | 2 Independent Dr., Suite 103 | (904) 356-5400
This home of the world famous Hooters girls is where you’ll find great buffalo wings, oysters, burgers, sandwiches and clam chowder at the Jacksonville Landing. Plus, a full bar is served.
Indochine | 21 E. Adams St., Second Floor | (904) 598-5303
Enjoy authentic Southeast Asian and Thai cuisine served in a beautiful atmosphere! They’ve been voted Folio Magazine’s “Best Thai Restaurant” for six consecutive years, the Times Union Bold City Best Thai two consecutive years, and “Top 50” for Jacksonville restaurants for two years! Go to Indochine to indulge in the best Thai, Sushi and Pho in Downtown.
Juliette’s Bistro + JBar at the Omni Hotel | 245 W. Water St. | (904) 791-4995
Located inside the Omni hotel, this award-winning stylish bistro offers fresh seafood, steaks and salads in a casual upscale atmosphere. Plus, their full service bar carries beers from all over the world! Perfect for a nice, intimate night out.
Kazu Sushi Burrito | 117 W. Adams St. | (904) 438-5020
Want an even fresher take on sushi? Then Kazu Sushi Burrito is the place you want to be. They balance Hawaiian flavors with Japanese techniques. Using only the freshest ingredients, Kazu creates flavorful poke burritos, bowls and salads. Perfect for the health-conscious crowd on the go looking for good, clean eating with a twist. You can design your own or choose from their signature menu.
River City Brewing Company | 835 Museum Cir. | (904) 398-2299
River City Brewing Company is Jacksonville’s premier riverfront restaurant located on the Southbank of Downtown Jacksonville. The casually elegant 325 seat main dining room overlooks the beautiful St. Johns River and the skyline of Downtown Jacksonville. The menu offers dishes created with global flavor and culinary expertise including fresh seafood, tender steaks creative pasta dishes and chef’s daily creations.
Sake House | 1478 Riverplace Blvd #1 | (904) 306-2188
Sake house offers a wide array of fine Japanese fusion cuisine, ranging from traditional dishes to new style entrees. Come ignite your taste buds at this fabulous sushi and grill. They offer a full bar with beer, wine, sake and cocktails to enjoy. Sake House is also available for any parties, business meetings, and relaxing or intimate dinners in this upscale restaurant. It is a great place for all occasions!
Spliff’s Gastropub | 15 N. Ocean St. | (904) 844-5000
With a commitment to quality, Spliff’s Gastropub serves up bold flavors to the downtown dining landscape. Offering a unique variation on “Gourmet Comfort Food”, the menu aims to have a little something for everyone. The bar features full liquor, a wall of rotating taps with craft and local beers, select wines, as well as daily events to entertain you while you dine. May we recommend their mural-filled back patio? Oh, it also has a bar.
Super Food and Brew | 11 E. Forsyth St. | (904) 723-1180
Serving food with passion and purpose, this healthy, artisan gastropub serves delicious food and $4 craft beers all day, everyday. This food truck-turned-restaurant serves lunch and dinner five days a week, with live music on select evenings. They also have excellent catering options, call ahead and delivery.
Trellises Restaurant at Hyatt Regency | 225 E. Coastline Dr. | (904) 634-4540
Located in the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, this cafe offers a casual dining atmosphere that features a buffet along with a la carte items. Enjoy your meal while gazing at the spectacular view of the river.
Zodiac Bar & Grill | 120 W. Adams St. | (904) 354-8283
This stylish hangout features a menu of Mediterranean and American fare. Never experienced Mediterranean food? The friendly staff will help you through the excellent buffet! Or, help yourself to a delicious panini, daily specials and vegetarian dishes. While at this stylish hangout, you can enjoy a full bar, espresso and hookahs.
FOR A ROMANTIC, CLASSIC EVENING
Chart House | 1501 Riverplace Blvd | (904) 398-3353
When it comes to Downtown’s waterfront restaurants, it doesn’t get much better than Chart House seafood restaurant. Located right on the Southbank and featuring unique and historic architecture, Chart House Jacksonville overlooks the city’s gorgeous riverfront and skyline. The St. Johns River is the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening or stylish happy hour, all while sampling some of the most creative Prime Rib, steak and seafood Jacksonville has to offer.
Cowford Chophouse | 101 E. Bay St. | (904) 862-6464
Experience this icon restored. Cowford Chophouse is a new, two-story restaurant located in Downtown, within walking distance from the Florida Theatre. What was once a bank, this structure has been completely restored and refurbished with high ceilings, arched windows, stylish dining rooms and a rooftop bar and lounge. Their menu blends classic, coastal and Southern culinary styles for a distinctive dining experience!
Morton’s The Steakhouse | 225 E Coastline Dr. | (904) 354-4350
Morton’s The Steakhouse is an upscale chain conveniently located in Downtown at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. Focusing on quality, consistency and genuine hospitality, Morton’s seeks to provide not only memorable cuisine, but also a memorable experience. With fresh, succulent seafood and famed prime-aged steak, it’s no surprise that Morton’s has thrilled diners all over the world.
River Club | 1 Independent Dr. #3500 | (904) 354-1111
Located at the top of the Wells Fargo Center, this two-story private club is a great place to meet and greet clients and friends, and host special events such as weddings and business dinners. The River Club readily hosts large meetings, intimate gatherings and special events. Their menu is designed for a variety of dining tastes and experiences.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House | 1201 Riverplace Blvd | (904) 396-6200
The riverfront location on the St. Johns River offers the best steakhouse experience in Jacksonville. Ruth’s Chris’ signature sizzling plates and award-winning wine list are the perfect pairing for any occasion. Begin your romantic evening at the Southbank River Walk, and then head to the Ruth’s Chris riverfront bar for a signature cocktail, followed by a decadent dinner in the elegant dining room.
FOR A QUICK BITE – Limited dinner hours may apply.
An Apple a Day | 2 Independent Dr., Suite 121 | (904) 353-2024 
They’ve got you covered from morning to night! It doesn’t matter if you’re coming for the fresh-squeezed orange juice, grab-n-go sandwich, or a delicious daiquiri after work! Enjoy healthy fresh garden salads, tuna & chicken salads and homemade soups. Stop by anytime and discover the difference An Apple A Day can make. Located inside the Jacksonville Landing.
Big Pete’s Pizzeria | 118 N. Julia St. | (904) 356-2680
Big Pete’s Pizza has always given the people of Jacksonville quality food, fast delivery and great customer service, all at an affordable price. Every day, their pizza, pasta, dough and sauces are prepared fresh in their kitchens. Serving robust flavors and hearty portions, they serve the finest hand-tossed pizza around.
Burritos Puebla | 440 W. Adams St. | (904) 442-3963
Located conveniently across from the Courthouse, this Mexican restaurant offers fresh and authentic Mexican food Monday through Friday for the busy workweek or after a long day of jury duty.
Chicago Pizza | 2 Independent Dr. | (904) 354-7747
In the mood for deep-dish pizza and Chicago-inspired eats? Look no further than Chicago Pizza at the Jacksonville Landing! Enjoy a casual, upbeat environment with plenty of TVs and occasional live music.
Jenkins Quality Barbecue | 830 N. Pearl St. | (904) 353-6388
Jenkins Quality Barbeque is a family business serving Jacksonville for more than 50 years, so they know what they’re doing. Serving the freshest, most succulent ribs, chicken and sliced pork and beef, cooked daily on an oak wood-fired pit and topped with their secret savory sauce. Conveniently located across from FSCJ and one block from the Rosa Parks Transit Station.
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches | 201 N. Laura St. | (904) 400-7171
Looking for a quick, good sandwich or sub? Look no further than Jimmy John’s at the core Downtown location! Enjoy from-scratch food made with excellent ingredients. They serve sandwiches, chips, cookies and non-alcoholic beverages.
There are dining options for every taste in #DTJax! Don’t forget, parking is free in Downtown on weekends and any weekday after 6 p.m. For more information on dining or parking, visit our website at www.dtjax.com