Best Italian in Jacksonville, GO!

[RaylanLongmire]

I'm going with Santioni's to lead off. Not the Mandarin location, the Fleming Island location . The original owner runs this location and let me tell you, it's the best experience . Pasta is fresh, sauce is always good and he service is top notch . The wine list is pretty good too. It's wide ranging and offers some really great wine brands. You can't go wrong with a bottle of Hahn Pinot Noir, or anything with a Steele label on it here.

But really, I just prefer the food. The Tortellini Alla Penna is awesome ,  the mussels...oh man , yummy.

I'm tired of chain Italian restaurants, I like the privately owned and run restaurants... :-)

[jcjohnpaint]

since I lived in Italy twice, it would be my own.   Sorry

[blizz01]

I'd second the Santioni's recommendation (Fleming Island).  Been several times & it's really, really good.  Owner even came by to thank us with complimentary lemoncellos on a busy night.

[jaxcpa]

I've always had excellent food and service at Primi Piatti. I figure anything that's lasted that long must be halfway decent. and La Cena if someone else is paying (sorry not sorry).

[ben says]

Primi Piatti and Sorrentos

[ssky]

In the category of: "Best Quality, Presentation, Value, Authenticity and Atmosphere", with special consideration for the: "'Omg, I hope I can wait for lunch to eat my leftovers but I'll probably have them for breakfast!' Factor", the winner is...La Cena Ristorante!

[AuditoreEnterprise]

A great Majority of my life was spent in Italia it is also where my main home is. So here we go... In jacksonville there are quite a few good places to eat... A few that I particularly enjoy are Maggiano's, Brio, Enza's, Joeseph's, Benito's, Vito's. I also like to go by my good friend Freddy's at casa dora when I am in the mood for a slice V's Pizza is also Italian owned and operated by a few really awesome guys from Sicilia If I had to pick a favorite though... Locally Joeseph's Simply because I love zeppole <3. If I was in the mood to do a bit of driving then Vito's on the southside it would be. If I wanted to have a night out then I would go to Maggiano's. And Casa Dora to grab a slice.

That being stated nothing beats some real home cooked food I posted some recipes in another thread. Nothing beats a group of friends (new or old) around a table.

Mangia!

[Steve]

I never understand why Primi Piatti isn't busier. I think they do a good job.

[coredumped]

I never understand why Primi Piatti isn't busier. I think they do a good job.

I must be the only one who thinks it was awful. They brought us wonder bread before our meal. Not joking, it was just toasted white bread. I dont think they have pizza so I can understand them not having bread, but toast was insulting. That and it was overpriced - no refills on soda even though it was a fountain drink? No salad or soup with my $15 bowl of noodles? I won't be back.

Back on topic, Santionis in Mandarin is always good. Now with all these flemming island comments i might have to check out that location. Are the 2 shops related?

[fieldafm]

I like Enzas.

[ben says]

Moral of the story: JAX has some decent/above-decent Italian food.

I will say I don't think we have a single 5*, high-dining styled Italian place.

[Debbie Thompson]

For hearty, red sauce Italian food,  I like Luigi's on University Blvd.  Don't expect high style.  Just good food, and more than you can probably eat at one sitting.

[rvrsdediva]

Enza's

[AuditoreEnterprise]

Moral of the story: JAX has some decent/above-decent Italian food.

I will say I don't think we have a single 5*, high-dining styled Italian place.

+1 but a good hearty Italian dish don't have to be from a 5* to be good fortunately lol

[ben says]

Moral of the story: JAX has some decent/above-decent Italian food.

I will say I don't think we have a single 5*, high-dining styled Italian place.

+1 but a good hearty Italian dish don't have to be from a 5* to be good fortunately lol

100% agree. What I was getting at: there's not a single place that does anything beyond "heart Italian dish"

I don't expect Michelin star gastronomy a la NYC or San Fran, but having one non-hearty-Italian-dishes could be fun (i.e. something beyond "who makes the best rigatoni with sauce")