Best Italian in Town

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

I like the theme, lets just change the cuisine.

I honestly don't have a go-to place for italian food outside of my own kitchen.  I'm not worried about pizza or special events.  I'm looking for an every day type place that will make you think that your name ends in an 'i' or and 'e'.
 
La Cena - a little pricey for a Wednesday after baseball practice - more of a special occasion type place for me. 
Primi Piatti - I've hit it up every once and a while, and though it's good, it's not knock your socks off awesome.  Though I do get some funny looks when I show up in a visor and ratty shorts from baseball practice.   
Taverna - I don't make it to San Marco very often.  I've been a few times, the food's great, but I'm looking for something a little closer to home - Riverside / Westside
Pizza Italian - Chef Boyardee style Italian, but for the price - it can't be beaten, unfortunately they close at 8, and I rarely get out to eat before 8:30 / 9:00.

Uhhhhhh...   that's about it for me.  I know there's a little place on Normandy (near Cassat), but I never know if they're open or closed or who's ownership....  I used to eat there fairly regularly, but haven't been in a few years.

All suggestions are welcome, but I'm really looking for something nearby. 

[aaapolito]

Vito's - Baymeadows and San Jose (This place is consistent and has the Sunday dinner from your italian aunt's house feel. It fits the criteria set forth.)

Mama Lucia's - Beach Blvd. and St. Johns Bluff Rd. (Nice old Italian couple serving good Northern Italian dishes.)

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

Vito's - Baymeadows and San Jose (This place is consistent and has the Sunday dinner from your italian aunt's house feel. It fits the criteria set forth.)

Mama Lucia's - Beach Blvd. and St. Johns Bluff Rd. (Nice old Italian couple serving good Northern Italian dishes.)

The same Vito's at the landing and used to be just off JTB in the hotel?

Haven't been impressed, but I've only been to the one at the Landing.  The other closed before I ever made an attempt - a few years after D&B opened.

[aaapolito]

I'm not sure if Vito's is related, but the one on Baymeadows and San Jose is pretty good.

Let me qualify my first post with this: I'm from New Jersey and I'm Italian, so neither of these places are truely up to par, but they are the best that I have found so far in my 4.5 years in Jax.

I'm open to suggestions.

[KenFSU]

Mezza Luna used to be my favorite, but the quality seems to have taken a hit the last few times I've been out there.

Really miss Giovanni's too.

[TheProfessor]

Tonino's Trattoria

http://toninos.com/

[ChriswUfGator]

Prima Piatti is the best within reasonable driving distance, it's a neat little place.

[thekillingwax]

Went to Primi once, the food was good but the I thought the prices were really high for what I got- almost $20 for 4 or 5 ravioli. It was good, but those were seriously appetizer portions.

[ChriswUfGator]

They came down to reality with the prices, I went when they first opened and liked the food but also thought it was expensive. Back then all the entrees except maybe one or two were $20+. Now most of the entrees are in the low teens. Obrothers went through the same thing when they first opened.

[ben says]

Number 1 is easy for me: Enzas (Whole foods shopping center on San jose)

I hear Enza's is great. Haven't been though...

Personally, I've yet to come across as an Italian place as authentic and delicious as Sorrento's on St. Augustine Road. There linguine with red clam sauce is to die for. Their garlic dressing for the salad, and their pre-dinner rolls, are equally fantastic.

My mother-in-law is born and raised Sicilian. When I took her around the local joints, she was less than impressed with La Cena (overcooked pasta, bland food, high prices). Again, haven't been to Enza's, but Sorrento's was a huge hit.

[Ocklawaha]

I always liked Josephs on North Main Street, I don't know if the beaches location has the same homemade qualities. But the knock your socks off best of show is in, of all places, 'downtown' Green Cove Springs! D'Fontana's Pizzeria & Ristorante  http://dfontana.com/ (904) 529.5515  No. 324, Ferris Street, Green Cove Springs, FL.

D'Fontana is worth every inch of the drive down to Green Cove Springs! It's tiny, it's mom and pop, and you'll be lucky to find a seat, but the food is worth the effort.

[KenFSU]

Went to Mario's in Neptune Beach for the first time tonight.

I must say, I was quite impressed.

One of the better Penne a la Vodka's that I've had.

[I-10east]

I really miss Fazoli's, now that was a place that had good authentic Italian food! JK

[thekillingwax]

Haha, Fazoli's- I think you'll have to take a trip to Valdosta to indulge in their Chef Boyardee-ish luxury.

[knhknh]

Have to agree with The Professor +1 Tonino's Trattoria.  Merrill Road in Arlington. Good food. I'm a chicken marsala guy.  And excellent lunch specials. Live music Thurs - Saturday.  Check out Harvey on Friday nights. Great atmosphere. A real treasure located in the Arlington area.