Best Italian in Jacksonville, GO!

[ben says]

Recently had 3 Taverna Entree's: Salmon, Scallops, and Fettuccine + meatballs .

The Salmon was not just perfectly cooked but incredibly healthy.

Scallops were gorgeous and tasty.

Fettuccine house made .

Very, very good, and very comfortable atmosphere.

I used to be ambivalent towards Taverna, but I must say, the last time I was there I was pretty blown away. Best scallop dish I've ever had.

[Backroadbill]

I won't say they are outstanding but Gubio's on Old King's Road and Baymeadow's is quite good and for Americanized Italian food Perards out here in Whitehouse is very good.

[fieldafm]

I really like Enza's in Mandarin and Taverna in San Marco (which I would referance as having a hybrd Italian/Mediterranean-inspired menu).

Will have to try Santioni's. Always drive past it going to my mom's house, never had the urge to go in.

Went to Santioni's in Fleming Island and really liked it. Reminded me of one of my mom's old places.

I believe the lady friend has a column on the place in this week's Folio Weekly.

Thanks for the recommendation RaylanLongmire.

[JohnnyG]

I am a big fan of Dwight's Bistro on Penman.

[ronchamblin]

I eat at Jerry's LaCena at least once per week.  I went in tonight ... had some tea, waiting to order etc.  Several different parties arrived.  They were soooo busy.  After waiting for a few minutes, watching all the people arrive, I texted Jerry, saying I would be back another day .... that I didn't want to slow the girls down as they were already running to keep up.

The clientele tonight included some attorneys I know, some city council members, a physician I know, and several other parties.

I am certainly not an experienced connoisseur of Italian food.  And I don't know the degree to which Jerry's high volume should be considered to be a reflection of the quality of the food and service.  But surely, there is a positive correlation.  To suggest otherwise just wouldn't make sense.

I suspect that -- seeing the volume of business over the years, and from my usual seat up front, observing the satisfied customers departing, offering comments about returning soon -- the quality must be there in solid form. 

Therefore, given my observations over recent years regarding the repeat clientele, the apparent satisfaction consistently exhibited upon departure, and the sheer quantity of people dining in, I suspect that, if the truth be known, Jerry's LaCena would have to be considered one of the best Italian Restaurants in the city.  I can have no other opinion.   

[downtownbrown]

That's fair, especially considering the legendarily slow service at La Cena.  The fact that so many people I know have horror stories about waiting for food, combined with the fact that the restaurant survives, must mean that the food is worth the pain and struggle of actually getting fed there.

[ronchamblin]

I agree DTBrown that a long wait when one is in a hurry can be a horror story.

And you're probably correct about the occasional slow time in and out at LaCena, especially when they get overcome with walk-ins.  Actually, I suspect that most who frequent the place, do so expecting to simply enjoy the quiet and the music for a little spell.   

Those who want to eat-n-run at LaCena will probably be satisfied most of the time if they are not too busy.  But if anyone is in a hurry, and the place is real busy, a delay might be.

What might be a cause for occasional waits, and the pattern of consistent quality, is LaCena's practice of actually cooking food to order.  I've been to some "Italian" restaurants, and the "prepared early" taste and feel is clearly there.

In any case, I hope he stays put, as he's in the core, and its only two doors from my place.  I get hungry, and I need all the neighbors I can get. 

[RockStar]

I love a $17 split plate charge....

[ben says]

I love a $17 split plate charge....

lol!

[downtownbrown]

I agree DTBrown that a long wait when one is in a hurry can be a horror story.

In any case, I hope he stays put, as he's in the core, and its only two doors from my place.  I get hungry, and I need all the neighbors I can get.

I completely agree, and I hope he stays forever.  Word to the wise, though: this is not your pre-theater or pre-concert restaurant.  I've tried that and informed the staff when I made the reservation and when we were seated.  We allowed plenty of time. PLENTY. We nearly had to walk out.  Jerry didn't get that reputation by accident.

My wife and I call La Cena a "two bottle restaurant" because even without trying, the first bottle is gone before an entree shows up.

Excellent food, to be sure.

[ronchamblin]

The split-plate cost is a policy decision similar to my paperback minimum price in the bookstore.  Both policies ultimately function as subtle suggestions to some overly thrifty customers that perhaps they should consider other options.
 
I've made the conscious decision to eliminate customers who would, during repeated visits, complain about my minimum prices on the older paperback books.  I suggest to my overly thrifty customers that they might find the 50 cent or one dollar book at the flea market or the garage sale.

Every small business has its target market, or the kind of customer it attempts to cultivate so as to increase and maintain business strength.  And in most instances the business does not wish to cultivate overly thrifty or cheap customers simply because to do so would soon push their business into mediocrity and failure. 

Imagine how unhappy the established LaCena clientele would be if Jerry offered bargains to bring kids into the restaurant, and bargain two-for-one split-plate meals to bring in crowds of loud bargain hunters.  He would be gone in six months. 

Each of the cooked-to-order plates at LaCena usually has an abundant amount of food upon it.  The cost to prepare it is probably more than we might suspect, given the product cost ... overhead etc.  Therefore to invite splitting the plate by having a too-low charge for doing so, would encourage the split-plate practice, and would, in my opinion, weaken the financial strength of the business.

A businesses' policies, in prices or otherwise, are usually designed to engage a subtle selection process to cultivate the customers best suited to its operation.

For the customer, there is always a cost/value choice to make.  Although occasionally possible, one seldom can consistently get high variety/value at very low cost.   

[thelakelander]

Carrabba's at Regency is no more....

By Karen Brune Mathis, Managing Editor

Bloomin' Brands Inc. has closed its Carrabba's Italian Grill in Regency as it shutters 43 underperforming restaurants throughout its system.
A sign on the door at 9840 Atlantic Blvd. says the restaurant  is closed. Landlord DLC Management Corp. referred questions to Carrabba's, but its site plan online shows the space as vacant and available for lease.

Nation's Restaurant News reported Tampa-based Bloomin' Brands Inc. said Friday it had closed the locations, but did not say where, because of weak same-store sales at most of its casual dining brands.

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=549389

[Adam White]

Carrabba's at Regency is no more....

By Karen Brune Mathis, Managing Editor

Bloomin' Brands Inc. has closed its Carrabba's Italian Grill in Regency as it shutters 43 underperforming restaurants throughout its system.
A sign on the door at 9840 Atlantic Blvd. says the restaurant  is closed. Landlord DLC Management Corp. referred questions to Carrabba's, but its site plan online shows the space as vacant and available for lease.

Nation's Restaurant News reported Tampa-based Bloomin' Brands Inc. said Friday it had closed the locations, but did not say where, because of weak same-store sales at most of its casual dining brands.

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=549389

Does Stephen know about this? He'll be gutted - he reckoned they were one of the best restaurants in Jacksonville.

[Captain Zissou]

^ I was about to say the same thing.

[Ivegotasecret]

Big deal - another link in a corporate chain bites the dust.  Read Arbus about all the locally owned very good restaurants and patronize them.