So what is Jax's BEST Restaurant?

[blizz01]

I know this is broad - but overall, if you could recommend only one dining experience to an out-of towner, regardless of price or area, what would be Jacksonville's BEST thing going right now?  I'm inclined to lead off with Orsay.

[stephElf]

I really think that depends on the person.  Orsay is amazing.. and while it might feel comfortable to me, some people are going to feel uptight and uncomfortable there. 

I think you really need to have at least a few categories.

[Doctor_K]

I've yet to experience Orsay.  For me, it's still Biscottis.

[Lucasjj]

I'm with you on that. Whether its brunch or a nice dinner, I would go with Biscottis.

[Captain Zissou]

Because I love this place so much,  SUMO SUSHI!  I'm sure it is out-classed by many of the restaurants the various foodies that frequent this website will suggest, but for great service and a great product at a reasonable price, Sumo Sushi is the spot for me.

[Doctor_K]

Foodies.  Are those like hippies?

Because I'm admittedly not as well-versed in the locally-owned dining establishments as 'the foodies,' (thanks Ziss...love it!) I also like The Brick and Bistro Aix.  They're definitely in the Top 5.

[BridgeTroll]

Orsay, Aix, Biscottis, And I have a new fine dining fave... 11 South in Jax beach.  Very good!

[stephElf]

I've been wanting to check out a 11 south for months... one of these days.

[Shwaz]

Are we strictly talking about fine dining?

I love Beachside Seafood out in Jax Beach... it's definitely not fine dining but the out-a-towner’s that I've taken there rave about the food and always want to go again when they come back.

Chew is one of my favorite upscale places, Pom's in San Marco and the Thai Room at the beach are really good too.

[billy]

Goal Post Sandwich Shop in Avondale.

[blizz01]

Are we strictly talking about fine dining?

Nope - not necessarily; just best all around I suppose.  BTW, isn't it great that there's yet to be a chain mentioned.  I led with Orsay, but Mossfire is such a great casual choice as well.

[floridaforester]

I would have to chime in with 13 Gypsies-great food, intimate setting, great for sharing (tapas) & reasonable prices.  Also, although well outside my bubble, the Thai Room is always a very nice choice when we're at the beach.

[Ocklawaha]

For sure, AMTRAK. A restaurant with changing views and it's here 4 times daily.

BREAKFAST
TWO FRESH EGGS
Prepared up, over or scrambled. Served with your choice of grits or hash brown potatoes and white or whole wheat toast. - 4.00
MUSHROOM OMELETTE
Our chef will prepare a three egg omelette, filled with tender sauteed mushrooms. Served with your choice of grits or hash brown potatoes and white or whole wheat toast. - 4.75
SCRAMBLED EGGS
Prepared with egg beaters. Served with your choice of hash brown potatoes and white or whole wheat toast. - 4.00
FRENCH TOAST
An AMTRAK tradition. Two thick slices of egg-dipped french toast. Served golden brown with syrup or a savory blueberry topping. - 4.25
LIGHTER FARE
A toasted bagel with cream cheese served with fresh fruit and non-fat fruited yogurt. - 4.25
CEREALS
Your choice of hot oatmeal or Kellog's Frosted Flakes, Raisen Bran or Mueslix, served with 2% milk and white or whole wheat toast. - 3.25
PANCAKES
Three buttermilk pancakes, fresh from the griddle. Served with butter, and syrup or a savory blueberry topping. - 4.25
ON THE SIDE
Your choice of four strips of bacon or three turkey sausage links. - 1.50
LUNCH
BEEFBURGER
One-third pound, cooked to order. Served with or without cheese on a toasted bun, accompanied by lettuce, sliced tomatoes and onions, pickle spear and potato chips. - 5.00
BACON BURGER
The Beefburger, topped with crunchy strips of bacon, crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices. - 5.75
FRESH FRUIT SALAD
A refreshing selection of fresh fruit served on a bed of mixed lettuce. - 5.50
BARBECUE SANDWICH PLATE
An open-faced barbecued pork sandwich served on a toasted bun, with potato chips and pickle spear. - 5.25
STIR-FRIED VEGETABLES WITH BROWN RICE
A medley of fresh vegetables stir-fried with oriental spices and served on a bed of steaming brown rice. - 5.50
SOUP OF THE DAY
With any lunch entree. - 1.25
SOUP AND SALAD
A hot bowl of today's soup, served with a fresh garden salad and dinner bread. - 4.25
CHOO CHOO CHEWIES
For our guests under 12
Cheese ravioli, topped with tomato sauce and parmesian cheese, served with a mix of corn, green beans and carrots. Enclosed in a colorful box containing challenging games, riddles and sqecial surprises. - 3.75
DINNER
All entrees are served with a garden salad and dinner bread
ROAST PRIME RIB OF BEEF
Eight ounces of choice prime rib of beef, sliced by the chef to your order. The prime rib is served hot, au jus, with tangy horseradish cream sauce. - 13.50
LEMON HONEY CHICKEN
A half-chicken portion, seasoned and baked in a lemon and honey glaze. - 8.95
RED SNAPPER WITH CHARDONNAY CAPER SAUCE
A moist and mild-flavored fish fillet, baked and served with a Chardonnay wine sauce accented with the flavor of capers. - 11.95
Your choice of two with the above entrees:
Rice with Fresh Diced Tomatoes & Black Olives
Baked Potato ... Sugar Snap Peas ... Cauliflower Au Gratin

FETTUCCINE WITH MARINARA MUSHROOM SAUCE
A generous portion of hot fettuccine pasta topped with a tomatoe sauce, prepared with sauteed mushrooms, Cabernet Sauvignon wine and seasoned with traditional Italian spices - 7.95
CHOO CHOO CHEWIES
For our guests under 12
Fish sticks with macaroni & cheese are served with green beans and carrots. Enclosed in a colorful box containing games, riddles and special surprises. - 3.75
Salads are served with your choice of Honey French, Lite Italian, or Lite Ranch Dressing.

DESERT
Fruit & Cheese Plate - 2.75
Fresh fruit served with wedges of aged cheese.
Banana Nut Cake - 2.00
Old-Fashioned Apple Pie - 1.75
Vanilla Ice Cream - 1.50
Also served with a blueberry topping.
Pie a la Mode - 3.25
BEVERAGES
Freshly Brewed Coffee (regular or decaffeinated) - 1.00
Hot Tea (regular or herbal) - 1.00
Refills are served with no additional charge.

A Glass of Chilled Apple, Orange or Tomato Juice or Milk - 1.00


Margarine is available upon request.
Water is available upon request.
All prices include state and local taxes.
Amtrak accepts major credit cards.

OCKLAWAHA

[AndyR]

I know this is broad - but overall, if you could recommend only one dining experience to an out-of towner, regardless of price or area, what would be Jacksonville's BEST thing going right now? 

Clarks Fish Camp would give out of-towner the Jax experience

[Traveller]

My favorite restaurant in Jax is Pastiche in Avondale, but for an overall dining experience, I might recommend dinner overlooking the ocean at the Ponte Vedra Inn.