Jacksonville's food game continues to reach new heights. 2016 is turning into quite the banner year for the culinary scene as more and more restaurants choose to make the River City home. From celebrity chefs, to start up, I've got six brand new foodie hot spots in Jax that you must try now.
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| Wood fired pizza from IL DESCO in Riverside |
1. IL DESCO
Il Desco brings some refreshing diversity to the local Italian cuisine. Serving up modern interpretations of Italian staples, IL DESCO gives the local foodie exactly what they are looking for. Dishes are created with finesse, creativity, and imagination while being executed with great skill. Wood fired pizza, fresh seafood, classic Italian ingredients, and a hip atmosphere top the list of reasons to visit IL DESCO now.
Location - Riverside
Must Try -Pasta and Pizza
Brunch- Yes
Outdoor Seating- Yes
Tip - You will drool over the Community Board which features the best polenta in a jar you will ever taste.
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| SeaBass from Hobnob in Unity Plaza |
2. Hobnob
Global Inspiration with Local Intentions
Food + Social Exchange
Hobnob creates good company for Sbraga & Co in Unity Plaza. Staying true to it's name Hobnob has created a social environment where epicureans gather to mix and mingle. Dishing out an eclectic menu, sophisticated palates will be pleased with the creative selection offered. While Hobnob maintains a sophisticated and artistic setting, you'll find the heartbeat of the location is just as fun as it is fabulous.
Location - Unity Plaza/ Brooklyn
Must Try - The Sea bass
Drink of Choice - Coconut amaretto sour
Brunch- Yes
Outdoor Seating- yes
Tip - Enjoy your meal from the Chef's Table for a night to remember.
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| Filet from Bob's Steak and Chop House |
Prime Steaks, Big Portions, Stiff Drinks
Situated amongst ancient live oaks and world class golf sits Bob's Steak and Chop House. New to the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort Village Shoppes, Bob's reputation proceeds him from Texas, California, Arizona, and Tennessee. This upscale restaurant with a casual vibe transforms the simple into the iconic. Known for choosing prime steaks in the top 2 % of beef and broiling them at 1800 degrees, Bob's creates each dish from scratch in house. There is a element of nostalgia and down home warmth that can be found at Bob's evident in the half sour pickles donning each table, and the fresh crusty bread you pull apart with your hands. Look for signature statements like the giant carrot on each dish, and the Texas sized everything (a calling card from the Chop House's roots in Texas). From seafood to steak you can't order wrong at Bob's Steak and Chop House. Prepare yourself for a legendary experience.
Location - Amelia Island / Village Shoppes at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort
Must Try - The Filet
Brunch - No
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| Mojo Pork Sliders from SeaChasers in Jax Beach |
4. SeaChasers
Sharing our love of Beach, Food, and Fun
This two story structure right on the ocean is a welcome addition to North Jax Beach. Designed to meet the diverse culture at the beaches, SeaChasers features a first street bar, a live music venue on the first floor, an ocean front outdoor patio, and a second story ocean view dining room. Fresh local seafood fills the seasonal menu, and savory marinated pork makes an appearance as well. Enjoy the reclaimed wood accented throughout the design including river wood claimed from the St. Johns river, and restored barnwood. A soothing coastal palatte of colors melt into the wall to wall windows showcasing the most breathtaking view of Jacksonville's pristine beaches.
Location - North Jacksonville Beach
Must Try - The Mojo Pork Sliders
Brunch - Yes
Outdoor Seating Yes
Tip - Try the Shrimp and Artichoke Dip, it's a fan favorite!
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| Texas sized muffins from The Ugly Cupcake Muffinry & Cafe in Jax Beach |
All Muffin Eryyythingg
"Because Muffins are basically just Ugly Cupcakes"
"Because Muffins are basically just Ugly Cupcakes"
The Ugly Cupcake Muffinry & Cafe take muffins to the next level. A family founded and run business and a historic beach house right off first street come together to create a charming combination. Open from 7am till 3pm, Ugly Cupcake will quickly become your new "go to" hang out. Using the best ingredients, and sourcing as much local and organic as possible the Muffinry features stand out creations like Muffin Sandwiches (can you say grilled cheese?), and generous salads full of color and flavor. Fresh brewed coffee, and wholesome choices make the cafe a homey place for all with lots of "feel good" vibes. Texas sized muffins in whimsical flavors change daily. Grab a buddy and a knife because these are shareable pieces of culinary art. Executive Chef Ivy puts her loving touch into each dish, and will make you feel as much like family, as her two teenage children who help run the business.
Location - South Jacksonville Beach
Must Try - The Muffin Grilled Cheese (taste the homemade pimento cheese)
Brunch - Every day is brunch
Outdoor Seating - Yes
Tip - Be like a regular and sneak upstairs to the private patio which boasts an ocean view.
These are just the start. Jacksonville is home to a hot bed of new flavors and creations. Come back regularly to discover more great new restaurants that are poised to make Jacksonville their home this year.
Until then...
Enjoy the Journey!
xo - Amy West
www.amywesttravel.com
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