7 Most Romantic Restaurants to Take Your Date to in Jacksonville

When it comes to planning a romantic date with your partner, going out for dinner is always on the table. But what makes a restaurant “romantic”? Most people associate fine dining restaurants with mood lighting and low noise volumes to be the best places for a date. But for some couples, certain restaurants hold a special place in their heart even if it is a little rustic and laidback. It all depends on one’s personal preferences. For inspiration on where you should take your next date, check out these 7 romantic restaurants in Jacksonville.

Want to treat your loved ones to a special night out? Give them the gift of delicious food with a virtual GiftYa card. GiftYa cards can be applied to any of the below restaurants. You can also customize the amount of money you place on the card. But before you send it, don’t forget to add a special note to the recipient!

1. Restaurant Orsay

Classic French bistro known for its inventive cocktails

restaurantorsay.com

3630 Park St., Avondale

At Restaurant Orsay, couples can enjoy a unique atmosphere that offers a sense of elegance without the stuffy pretension typically associated with it. Restaurant Orsay’s French cuisine finds some of its inspiration from its Southern surroundings, making it perfect for couples who want to try something new. On the menu, you will find a mixture of traditional Parisian classes and Southern American-inspired dishes. 

Restaurant Orsay offers a fresh raw bar filled with cold water oysters fished from the northwestern and northeastern coasts. Brunch is offered every weekend and the dinner menu regularly changes with the seasons. In addition to its impressive food menu, Restaurant Orsay also offers an extensive wine list. 

“Our party ordered the following; bouillabaisse, tartare, raw oysters, escargots, shrimp cocktail, french pear, and the tai chi mule (or some kind of mule). Everything was impeccably delicious, and the escargots are my favorite escargots ever. I seriously couldn't get enough, and it makes me wish they had a location in Southern California.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa card for Restaurant Orsay. 

2. Black Sheep Restaurant

Casual restaurant serving fresh Southern cuisine

blacksheep5points.com

1534 Oak St., Five Points

Located on the historic Five Points block, the Black Sheep Restaurant offers handcraft food made from fresh ingredients and inventive cocktails. On the menu, you will find appetizing options like the Korean Beef Short Ribs and Springer Mountain Farms Chicken. 

You can also stop by the Black Sheep Restaurant for brunch. Savory dishes such as the Black Sheep Benedict and the Avocado Toast are popular options. An extensive selection of beer, wine, and cocktails are available to enjoy alongside your meal. 

“We love this rooftop so much! The food and service are wonderful too. Post COVID, their menu is slightly smaller,  but I loved the kale salad. The shrimp is fresh and local - yum! We love the beautiful view. This is a wonderful, chill spot - for a special date, a fun evening with friends, or a girls' night out.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Black Sheep Restaurant. 

3. Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse

Popular steakhouse known for its authentic Churrascaria

terragaucha.net 

4483 Southside Blvd, Southside

Have you ever tasted Brazilian barbecue before? If not, you are really missing out. For your first time experiencing Brazilian barbecue, more commonly known as Churrasco, you need to head to Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse. Each chef individually selects, butchers, seasons, and cooks every skewer to ensure it is delivered in perfect condition to your table. Gourmet sides and a salad bar offer delicious vegetables, cured meats, and cheeses to enjoy alongside your steak. 

“We celebrated my husband's birthday here last Friday. Our expired gift certificate which we got for free on Valentine's Day was still accommodated (I called and they confirmed it's fine. Thank you!) When we arrived, the service had not changed, still impeccably top-notch!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse. 

4. The Blue Fish Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Lively restaurant offering fresh seafood and a raw bar in a romantic atmosphere

bluefishjax.com 

3551 St. Johns Ave., Avondale

In the mood for seafood? The Blue Fish Restaurant & Oyster Bar offers some of the freshest seafood in Jacksonville. Along with an extensive oyster & raw bar, Blush Fish serves savory dishes including New York Steak Frites, Maine Lobster Ravioli, and Chicken Picatta. You can also order the fresh catch prepared your way for the rainbow trout, salmon, snapper, or swordfish. 

The Blue Fish Restaurant & Oyster Bar is also a great brunch spot. The Shrimp & Crab Benedict, Smoked Salmon Scramble, and Banana Fosters French Toast are some popular selections. Specialty cocktails such as the White Peach Sangria and Brunch Mimosa are perfect for enjoying alongside your entrees. 

“The food was perfectly prepared, the wine selection spot on, the table under the awning was distanced from the others and the outdoor fans much appreciated.   Our waiter had her mask on, kept a respectable distance, was kind, and helped create a wonderful overall experience.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Blue Fish Restaurant & Oyster Bar. 

5. BB’s

New American dishes served inside chic restaurant

bbsrestaurant.com 

1019 Hendricks Ave., Southbank

Located near downtown, BB’s Restaurant is a popular date spot for couples in Jacksonville. Dinner specials such as the Crispy Crab Cakes and Ahi Tuna Tartare are some of their most delicious and savory dishes. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, consider trying one of their signature sandwiches rather than their full entrees. 

Whatever you choose, just make sure you save room for dessert. Their desserts, like the Champagne Cake and Peanut Butter Mousse, are some of the best in the city. If necessary, you can share some with your partner. 

“Today was our first brunch at BBs. It was literally the best all-around brunch we've had, ever. I ordered the avocado toast with poached eggs, home fries, tomato bisque, and the $10 bottomless mimosas. My husband ordered the chicken and waffles. Every single thing we ordered was outstanding. Even something as simple as the avocado toast was amazing.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for BB’s. 

6. Town Hall

Lively restaurant in San Marco featuring a spacious outdoor patio

townhalljax.com

2012 San Marco Blvd, San Marco

For a laid back dinner experience filled with delicious cocktails and unforgettable food, head to Town Hall. Since its opening in the spring of 2017, Town Hall has gained a large fanbase for its vibrant atmosphere and savory dishes. 

Town Hall sources its delicious dishes using fresh ingredients from local farms, making it a perfect spot for a special night out. For dinner, you can treat yourself to some Housemade Pasta & Cauliflower or Cauliflower Steak. Brunch is also offered on Sundays from 10am to 3pm. If you decide to go to brunch, consider trying out their Fried Chicken Biscuit or Cali Omelet. 

“All of the staff is wonderful. Manager Corey and Chef Tom have assembled a caring & knowledge staff that are engaging without being intrusive. This was the first spot to come to mind when restaurants were allowed to reopen. Although I only had dessert, I savored every bite with a smile on my face - knowing a good friend had returned.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Town Hall. 

7. Matthew’s Restaurant

Contemporary restaurant in San Marco offering New American dishes

matthewsrestaurant.com 

2107 Hendricks Ave, San Marco

Want to treat yourself to an upscale meal? Matthew’s Restaurant offers a unique Chef’s Adventure Tasting Menu featuring six courses. As you move through each course, you will be able to fully experience the creativity and artistry that the chefs offer. In addition to each dish, you can enjoy a bottle of wine. Happy Hour is also offered and features great deals like $5 house wine and $3 domestics. 

“I went to Matthew's Restaurant for my surprise birthday dinner and it was SIMPLY AMAZING! This was the BEST meal I have ever had in my entire 34 years of living. Our waiter Luke was kind, welcoming, accommodating, friendly and sincere. He made us feel like he had been our family friend.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Matthew’s Restaurant.

What restaurants have you tried out in Jacksonville for date night? Let us know in the comments!