Jacksonville Florida, fronting the Atlantic coast, holds nearly nine-hundred-thousand people within its huge metropolitan area. It’s the largest city by population in the Southeastern United States, and the largest physical city in the whole country -- at over 840 square miles. Named for President Andrew Jackson, the city has flourished since its inception over one-hundred-and-seventy years ago; and has been famous for its abundance of beef, pork, semi-tropical fruits, and, of course, the harvest of the sea. Many different cultures have flourished in Jacksonville, including French, Spanish, Caribbean, British, Native American, and Deep South -- and all are reflected in the mouth-watering meals that can be found at the best restaurants throughout the city.
The next time you’re looking for condos for sale in Jacksonville FL, be sure to try out at least one of these five restaurants for some of the best dining below the Mason Dixon Line:
Orsay for succulent seafood
Serving the posh Avondale area for the past twenty years, Orsay is not shy about boasting when it comes to both hearty seafood meals and lighter marine entrees. And they have every right to boast. Fusing the Breton relish for poached fish and shellfish with the American penchant for hearty clam chowders and full swordfish steaks, Orsay offers a noble bouillabaisse with more than a dozen different types of fish, prawns, oyster, and red kelp in it. Their wine list is extensive, and they have a sommelier on call in the evenings to help find just the right bouquet to go with shrimp scampi or jambalaya. Their location is at 3630 Park Street.
Bistro Aix Blends
The Bistro is in the Southbank district of Jacksonville, where immigrants from the Mediterranean settled by the thousands back in the 1900’s. Thus Bistro Aix Blends can offer outstanding Mediterranean cuisine from chefs who very likely grew up in the area. Everyone agrees that their tuna tartare is to die for. Don’t try to duplicate it at home, unless you have your own chef’s professional kitchen! Located at 1220 San Marco Boulevard.
Matthew’s Restaurant is for meat eaters
If you crave a steak, chop, roast, or some ribs, then Matthew’s is the place to go. Their special formula meat seasoning and rub is still a carefully guarded secret -- but you can enjoy it with every bite of their famous beef tenderloin. Their salad bar features locally grown greens. No reservations are needed for lunch and early dinner. They are in the San Marco district, at 2107 Hendricks Avenue.
The Blueberry Lavender Martini -- only at Bazille
This super elegant dining establishment keeps a half dozen barbacks busy from opening to closing just bringing customers these stylish and unique cocktails. Their crab bisque combines Portuguese sherry with lots of Irish butter and Wisconsin thick cream to create a stirring tribute to the sideways-walking crustacean. So have a sip and some soup, so to speak, at Bazille, in the Southside area at 4853 Town Crossing Drive.
BB’s for the sweet tooth
Now that you’ve had the best meal that Jacksonville can offer, cap things off with a lavish dessert at BB’s. Their selection of chocolate confections is especially tempting. Everything is made right on the premises, including the hand rolled sugar sprinkles. Their address is 1019 Hendricks Avenue.
If you’ve discovered a new dining sensation in Jacksonville, be sure to share it with others!
