Fine Dining
Experience Jacksonville's version of "date night" through romantic dinners overlooking spectacular views and delicious entrees...from there, who knows where the evening will lead? Once the sun goes down, heat up the night as Jacksonville offers the finest cuisine and a myriad of ways to bond with that special someone in both lively and intimate settings.
Dine with elegance in any number of highly rated bistros and restaurants. Two local favorites are located on the Southbank of Downtown Jacksonville. The Wine Cellar, a casual yet elegant eatery, with classic cuisine and innovative new world delicacies and, as the name suggests, an impressive wine list presenting a number of domestic and international vintages. Also, b.b.'s, tagged as "a groovy place to b" is just that with its trendy décor and uniquely prepared seafood, pizzas, pastas and meats. Make sure to save room for dessert...this hip bistro has countless ways to satisfy any sweet tooth and for that extra intimacy, order with two spoons.
Downtown's neighboring communities of San Marco and Riverside are also great dining spots. In San Marco, Bistro Aix, Taverna and Matthew's Restaurant are perfect for a great evening out. At the core of Bistro Aix is a passion for food and wine. Seasonal Mediterranean and French-inspired fare is the star of the show with an outstanding supporting cast of appetizers, desserts, and wines. Before dinner, enjoy an aperitif, martini or glass of wine at the sleek Onyx Bar. Taverna offers seasonal Italian cuisine with Mediterranean influences, serving over 20 wines by the glass and hand crafted local beers set in a warm, rustic yet sophisticated atmosphere. Matthew's Restaurant, situated just off San Marco Square, is another fine dining spot for a special, romantic occasion. This AAA Four-Diamond Award winner integrates Southern, Asian, Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern influences into the cuisine prepared in full-view of patrons in the restaurant's exhibition kitchen.
Jacksonville's beaches offer the epicurean some of the finest restaurants of the area, utilizing the proximity of the ocean's bounties with elegant touch. Among these, two true standouts are Roy's Jacksonville Beach and the Omni Amelia Island Plantation's The Ocean Grill. Award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi perfected the art of European technique and Asian cuisine to form Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine. With it's upscale decor and delicious sushi, seafood and steaks, this hotspot is a beaches favorite. Make sure to try Roy's signature Hawaiian Martini, but be weary of the drunken pineapple that accompanies each cocktail.
Travel up the road, to Omni Amelia Island Plantation for the culinary experience of The Ocean Grill, overlooking the magnificent Atlantic Ocean. First-class cuisine is immersed with native flavors to create the one-of a-kind menu. Listen to the waves rolling onto the beach below as you dine on the finest aged steaks, chops and seafood. Salt, found in the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, has an elegant oceanfront ambience offering over 300 wines and a Chefs Table: Unique, private “Seat in the Kitchen” dining experience with customized menu.
Looking to plan a romantic evening getaway for you and your love? Check out all of our romantic getaway packages!