Jacksonville is home to some of the best restaurants in Florida. From fine dining to hip bistros, this city serves it all. With such great restaurants, it's no wonder homes for sale in Jacksonville are in high demand. Whether you're a local or a visitor, use this guide to experience the incredible dining scene that makes Jacksonville a burgeoning foodie destination:
Upscale seafood: Restaurant Orsay
Head to Restaurant Orsay for the freshest and most elegantly prepared seafood. This fine-dining restaurant sources seasonal ingredients from local waters and farms to create contemporary French dishes. Highlights on the menu include pan-seared scallops with cauliflower puree, whole roasted fish with lemon caper butter, lobster tail with drawn butter, and roasted fingerling potatoes. The dining room has an upscale but relaxed vibe.
Things to do in Jacksonville: Ruth's Chris Steak House: Ruth's Chris Steak House
You can't visit Jacksonville without experiencing one of its classic steakhouses. Ruth's Chris Steak House downtown is a local favorite, serving up expertly prepared USDA Prime cuts of meat in an elegant setting. House specialties include a ribeye seared at 1800°F to lock in the corn-fed flavor, garlic butter filet mignon, and crab-stuffed lobster tails. Don't miss their signature sizzling plates delivered right to your table. Ruth's Chris also offers fresh seafood, chops, chicken, and vegetarian entrees. The bar has an extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails.
Innovative farm-to-table: Town all
Foodies will love the innovative farm-to-table cuisine at Town Hall in downtown Jacksonville. Executive Chef Tom Gray highlights local and seasonal ingredients in his ever-changing menu, working closely with area farms and purveyors. Dishes include ricotta gnocchi with winter squash, venison tartare with quail egg, and local triggerfish with Carolina gold rice grits. Their craft cocktail program is stellar, featuring locally distilled spirits and house-made infusions. The restored historic building housing Town Hall has exposed brick walls, tall ceilings, and a lively bar scene, adding to the dining experience.
Southern comfort food: bb's
For hearty Southern comfort food, go to bb's. This homestyle restaurant serves classics like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, chicken fried steak, and biscuits with sausage gravy. Daily specials range from meatloaf to pot roast to chicken pot pie. bb's weekend brunch is excellent, offering traditional breakfast fare alongside Southern standards like Shrimp Po' Boy and fried green tomatoes.
Jacksonville real estate market
The Jacksonville real estate market saw strong price growth in 2023 as high demand outpaced limited supply. The median sales price rose over 15% to $305,000, while inventory fell to record lows. Strong job and population growth continue to drive the hot housing market. However, rising mortgage rates and inflation have cooled demand somewhat towards the end of the year. Analysts expect the Jacksonville market to remain healthy in 2024, with more moderate price growth than the rapid gains seen over the past few years.
Luxury homes in Jacksonville
Jacksonville's luxury neighborhoods like Sawgrass, St. Johns, and Nocatee offer high-end homes with beautiful views. These exclusive gated communities contain massive mansions with soaring ceilings, expansive windows, infinity pools, home theaters, wine cellars, and private boat docks. Interior finishes include imported marble, custom millwork, and smart home technology. Luxury home prices in Jacksonville can exceed $10 million for ultra-high-end trophy properties with ample acreage and amenities like tennis courts, detached guest houses, and covered boat slips.
