When you walk into a lunch spot and one whiff takes you back to grandmas kitchen, you know you've landed in a great place. At Sun Deli, farm fresh ingredients come together with the finest Boar's Head Brand deli meat to produce the "Best Subs Under the Sun". Try made from scratch soups, prepared fresh daily along side a versatile menu of great sandwiches like BLTs, hearty Meatball, and the classic Club. You can also enjoy chicken, egg, and tuna salads prepared the old fashioned way or if you are feeling adventurous you can detour off the menu for favorites like "The ? Mark" where they'll surprise you with whatever they feel like making you. A visit to Sun Deli is ideal for a quick lunch break and a menu that consistently hits the mark.
Recommended for Lunch because: Sun Deli's laid back vibe and consistently great subs make lunch time satisfaction a sure thing.
Amy's expert tip: If you're in a hurry text your order ahead to beat the lines.
M Shack reinvents the diner with their stylish motif and foodie friendly menu. Serving up burgers, shakes, and more in their signature style M Shack is a collaboration of fine dining restaurateurs Matthew and David Medure. Known for their impeccable taste the brothers took a more casual approach to M Shack bringing the old fashioned diner to a modern crowd with combinations like the Portobello Truffle Burger, The Medurable (topped with foie gras and carmalized onions), and the Asian Burger. The Kale Salad is a popular lighter option along with the Cross-fit Burger, and Marinated Chicken Breast Sandwich. If you're looking to indulge be sure to top your order off with truffle fries, or one of their hand spun milkshakes including Pecan Pie, Peanut Butter, and Banana's Foster. The fresh lemonade will quench your thirst as well as more adult beverages from their beer and wine selection.
Recommended for Lunch because: M Shack brings the modern foodie a burger they can celebrate.
Amy's expert tip: M Shack's burgers are made fresh daily from all natural, hormone free beef.
Put a little spice in your lunch break at local favorite Taco Lu. Known for their flavorful street fare style tacos and a bountiful selection of tequila, Taco Lu is a colorful destination for any time of day. Diners enjoy the eclectic decor hanging from the ceilings, and displayed on the walls in the form of larger than life murals. Taco Lu's fresh ingredients and unique combinations make tacos like the Carne Royale, the Baja Fish Taco, and the Spicy Bird fan favorites. Enchiladas, Quesadillas, and Salads also grace the menu. For a quick lunch or a social afternoon with friends Taco Lu is the the kind of place you can kick back, and dig in to some great tasting food in a fun atmosphere.
Recommended for Lunch because: Taco Lu's local cult following make it a true Jacksonville favorite to put your must visit list.
Amy's expert tip: Try the Mexican street corn for melt in your mouth goodness.
At Biscottis' lunch goers indulge in an inventive menu full of well crafted American and European classics with a charming Southern twist. Enjoy the casually sophisticated bistro setting while dining on signature salads complete with made from scratch dressings, along with small plates ideal for sharing, tasty sandwiches and gourmet pizzas. Lunching on the weekend? Give Biscottis' decadent brunch a try with favorites like Creme Brulee French Toast, Blueberry Pancakes, and Breakfast Burritos that are sure to satiate your appetite. When your sweet tooth comes calling you're sure to be impressed by Biscottis' famous dessert case full of decadent treats like Bread Pudding, Cupcakes, and a host of Petite Desserts. Biscotti's has been a local favorite for over fifteen years, and as such is a definitive must visit in Jacksonville.
Recommended for Lunch because: Biscottis is a local favorite for it's casually elegant ambiance and consistently great fare.
Amy's expert tip: If you aren't sure what to order, the small plates and petite desserts are a great place to start.
Taste the finest in Pan-Asian street fare in the convenience of one location at Hawkers Asian Street Fare. Situated in the trendy Five-Points business center, Hawkers is conveniently located in the midst of shopping and entertainment. Adventurous foodies flock to Hawkers for it's shareable small plates dished out in generous portions meant for sharing. Order from a variety of selections representing regions across Asia such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea and more. Fan favorites include the indulgent Roti Canai, Stir Fry Udon Noodles, Spicy Edamame and don't forget the yummy Thai Tea or their creative Trio of Creme Brulee. Hawkers brings some of the worlds best street fare to the neighborhood and delivers it with great service and loads of cool factor.
Recommended for Lunch because: Hawkers small plates make perfect lunch portions and are great for sharing with friends.
Amy's expert tip: Go slightly before or after the peak time to avoid long the lines.
Escape on your lunch hour for an intimate tea time at Ashes Boutique and Tea Garden. Tucked away in Jacksonville Beach near quaint antique shops, and charming boutiques, the tea room at Ashes is a popular hideaway. Enjoy tasty bite sized sandwiches and fresh salads, along with quality tea, and sweet concoctions. Do a little shopping in the boutique before or after and leave with elegant treasures unique to the tea room. Perfect for a girls afternoon, dress up and tea for the little ones, or a private business lunch. At Ashes Boutique and Tea Garden you'll find quality food prepared with Southern grace and and a relaxing setting free of the usual lunch-time hustle and bustle.
Recommended for Lunch because: Ashes Boutique and Tea Garden crafts tasty tea times in a relaxing setting perfect for an intimate lunch out.
Amy's expert tip: Reservations are suggested as there is limited seating available in the intimate setting.
Enjoy an eclectic menu featuring seasonal creations sourced from the finest local purveyors at Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails. Tempting taste buds with their coast to coast inspiration, the menu pairs fan favorites like the reimagined Chicken + Waffles, and Sloppy Joe alongside more adventurous offerings like Seared Octopus, and Chicken Livers. Moxie's impressive building showcases in design and construction the story and heart of the owners. The Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails concept was built around a full circle philosophy starting with eco friendly construction and advanced conservation practices built into the entire operation system of the building, and rounding out in the absolute best locally sourced ingredients prepared from scratch every day. A meal at Moxie is not only full of flavor and great taste, but also a whole lot of heart. That's the kind of dining we can all get behind.
Recommended for Lunch because: Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails is in a convenient location featuring a menu that both pleases the taste buds and inspires the senses.
Amy's expert tip: Covered outdoor seating is offered on both the first and second floors for great al fresco dining.
If you are looking for a downtown lunch destination, Olio is a must visit. This loft style restaurant serves an upscale menu in a trendy atmosphere. Elevated favorites like the Deep Dish Quiche and Duck Grilled Cheese impress lunch goers with farm fresh ingredients and an inventive flair. It's evident that extra thought goes into every detail of each dish, with daily specials revealing innovation and tasteful balance for adventurous foodies looking to discover something new. Conveniently located on the corner of East Bay and South Market St., Olio meets the demand of the lunch time rush while dishing out heaps of flavor.
Recommended for Lunch because: Olio's loft style digs give it a cool atmosphere, while the elevated lunch menu impresses the palette without breaking the bank.
Amy's expert tip: Try the fresh ginger ale for a unique spin on a classic favorite.
Enjoy fine dining in a sophisticated setting with great value at Eleven South Bistro and Bar. Known for their intimate ambiance and date night draw, Eleven South boasts a lunch menu that's just as popular. Standard favorites supply the menu and are supplemented with a rotation of seasonal creations crafted to inspire and delight your tastebuds. Guests enjoy casual outdoor seating on the covered patio which keeps pleasant temps year around, with plenty of indoor seating offered as well in the elegant dining room. The service is impeccable and the wine list is the winner of many impressive awards. The menu is inspired by creations from around the world leaning heavily on Mediterranean and European influences, with a scratch kitchen utilizing the freshest local ingredients. For business or pleasure a lunch at Eleven South Bistro and Bar is full of flavor and sophistication without a trace of pretentiousness.
Recommended for Lunch because: Eleven South Bistro and Bar impresses with a sophisticated fine dining menu offered at an incredible lunch time value.
Amy's expert tip: If you enjoy a glass of wine at lunch ask your server to recommend a pairing from the award winning collection.
One of Jacksonville's most sought after lunch spots is also one of it's most humble. The French Pantry is a cozy little nook located off the beaten path in a more industrial corner of Jacksonville's corporate sector. The menu changes daily with specials posted along chalk boards and post-it notes which line the bakery case. Generously portioned sandwiches, bruschetta, and salads keep diners returning for French inspired cuisine with a Southern American twist. Guests aren't afraid to pile into any available seat turning the dining room into a family style gathering where co-workers, friends, and family bond over a shared love of The French Pantry's indulgent menu selections. Finish your visit to The French Pantry on a sweet note by ordering one of the made from scratch pastries like the popular Wedding Cake, Blueberry Torte, or decadent Cheesecake.
Recommended for Lunch because: The French Pantry dishes out decadent lunch dishes made with the freshest ingredients and served up with ample TLC.
Amy's expert tip: The line starts forming at 10:30 am so get there early to secure a seat when the doors open.