No Need to Bring Your Silver and China with You to These 5-Star Restaurants in Jacksonville

We all have high expectations when it comes to restaurants we choose to dine out at, but that doesn’t mean that they always meet us where we’re at. The best way to find a restaurant that will truly meet all of your requirements of exceptional service is to take a look at the reviews that other regular people have left about that restaurant. We totally understand, though, that you may not exactly have a lot of time to peruse reviews on the internet, and that’s why we’ve stepped in. Below, you’ll find a compilation of some of the most highly rated, 5-star restaurants in Jacksonville.

About GiftYa

Everyone likes to make sure that they’re receiving the best quality possible when they go out to eat at a new restaurant, but sometimes with quality comes a higher price tag. If you’re on a tight budget but not quite willing to budge when it comes to the quality of your dining experience, we’ve got you covered. The folks here at GiftYa totally understand the stress of finding that restaurant that’s just right for you, and that’s why they’ve partnered with local restaurants near you to help provide you with e-gift cards to take a chunk off that final bill. Order one for your favorite 5-star diner today!

Black Sheep Restaurant

1534 Oak St | Riverside | blacksheep5points.com

What makes a restaurant truly exceptional? Is it delicious food cooked up with only the freshest of ingredients or the kind of service that makes you wonder if it will ever be worth it to cook your own meal at home again?

At Riverside’s Black Sheep Restaurant, their idea of an exceptional restaurant thinks a little bit outside of the box, combining both amazing food and kind, hospitable service to provide you with a dining experience that you’ll never forget and then elevating those with a modern, professional touch.

Whether you’re stopping by to enjoy some of their weekend brunch or to chow down on their dinner options, we’re pretty sure that you’ll never have a culinary experience quite like this one. 

While their style isn’t necessarily farm-to-table, they do prefer to use as many fresh ingredients as they possibly can, and they’ve even partnered with a number of local farmers to ensure that everything they put in front of you surpasses your expectations of delicious, well-presented food.

“This is a wonderful, chill spot - for a special date, a fun evening with friends, or a girls' night out...One of our favorite spots in Jacksonville :)” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa to Black Sheep Restaurant >

The Bread & Board

1030 Oak St | Riverside | thebreadandboard.com

If we had to describe our perfect restaurant, we’d probably choose something akin to an elevated deli and restaurant. Your options won’t ever be too limited, but if you’re not in the mood for something super heavy, you’ll always have the choice of a light sandwich at the ready.

The Bread & Board is one of these elevated deli and restaurants, offering up a combination of classic sandwich shop items, as well as a bit more fine dining for people who are looking for that little extra bit of oomph to make their experience as good as it can possibly be. 

For many people, the sandwiches here at The Bread & Board are an absolute must-try - the sandwich boards in particular - but if you’re hoping to get your hands on one of their chef’s original creations, you’re also welcome (and encouraged!) to take a look at some of their crew-inspired specials.

“Came here today with my friend for lunch and can honestly say it's 5+ stars...We will definitely be back to taste more of their yummy combinations, although may have to try a board the next time.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa to The Bread & Board >

Carmines Pie House

2677 Forbes St | Westside | carminespiehouse.com

It’s not often that you’ll find a good pie (of pizza that is!) in the Jacksonville area that isn’t made on top of hand-tossed fresh dough or a thin New York style crust. If you’re looking for something a little outside of the box when it comes to pizza around the city, look no further than Carmines Pie House. 

Far different from many of the pizza restaurants surrounding them, Carmines actually offers up their own rendition of Chicago style deep dish pizza - and many people have touted it as some of the best deep dish pizza in Jacksonville, and perhaps even the whole east coast.

They do have other styles of pizza on their menu, too, if deep dish isn’t quite your favorite, but when we say that the folks around here rave about this deep dish pizza, we really mean it. There’s a reason they have such high ratings on Yelp. Stop by for just a slice or even a whole pie to enjoy with your favorite people.

“Top line review:  Obviously, the best Chicago deep dish pizza in Jacksonville, and I'd also put them down as a contender for the best regular pie as well.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa to Carmines Pie House >

Hawkers Asian Street Food

 1001 Park St | Riverside | eathawkers.com

Sometimes the best restaurants you’ll find are made up of a diverse group of people who you never would have expected to come together. If you’re looking for a place to dine out that offers up delicious food from around the world with the addition of a fun, modern atmosphere with all the vibes, definitely make a trip out to Hawkers Asian Street food.

Started up by four fast friends whose families hailed from places like Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Florida, the folks behind this restaurant are about as different as you could imagine - but they’ve put together a pretty magnificent menu.

Inspired by trips that they guys whose families immigrated from Asian countries took as children, much of the menu features classic cuisine you might find on the streets around Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Vietnam. 

Influence from that one white guy from Florida, however, means that these dishes are catered specifically for an American audience - and by golly do those Ameriecan’s love them.

“By far my favorite restaurant in Riverside.  The vibe in here is very upbeat and charismatic, and everyone, even the staff seem to be having a great time.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa to Hawkers Asian Street Food >

Metro Diner

3302 Hendricks Ave | Mandarin | metrodiner.com

If you’ve lived in the Jacksonville area at any point in your life, you’ve probably at least heard of Metro Diner. It’s what’s known as a sort of local chain, and they all do brunch pretty well, but if you’re looking for the legend that started them all, take a trip out to the original Metro Diner in Mandarin.

The best thing about this restaurant is that it kind of caters a little bit of everything to satisfy everyone. While you might be looking for something fresh and innovative from the minds of the kitchen staff, your friend might be hoping for something a little more classic - and Metro Diner can do both (and very well)!

Have your breakfast at any hour of the day here, and if you’re feeling particularly funky, you’re also welcome to have your dinner early in the morning. The stomach wants what the stomach wants, and the folks here at Metro Diner aim to please.

“What can I say about the Original Metro Diner. This is the place that all the other Metro Diner's have to live up to! I enjoy this place, I work not too far from here so it's really easy to walk from my office to here.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa to Metro Diner >

BB’s

1019 Hendricks Ave | Southbank | bbsrestaurant.com

Whether you’re stuck in the seventies or you just really like the way the word “groovy” flows on your tongue, your new obsession is about to unfold when you walk through the front doors of BB’s. Award-winning according to visitors, regulars, and first-time guests alike, the food here at BB’s is something you’ll be talking about for days.

They are truly groovy, offering up both original, delicious recipes you’ll be itching to coax out of the chefs and one of the most extensive curated wine lists in the area (and their cocktails aren’t half bad either). While you’re here, you can enjoy anything they have featured on their static menu, but they also have a collection of daily specials that will have your mouth watering.

Stop by for a chance to unwin(e)d after a long week at work or simply to catch up with some friends in a nice, relaxing atmosphere. Don’t forget to try a bite of some of their decadent desserts made entirely in house while you’re here!

“BB's it's been awhile since I have been here (more like 3 years)  but happy to say you are still killin it. The service was outstanding and the food is still something we are still talking about days later.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa to BB’s >

Who needs reviews from critics when you can find some of the most accurate ones from the average Joe(sephine)? Sometimes the reviews from normal people say a whole lot more about how much you’ll like a restaurant than anything professional critics could ever say - and these are some of the top-rated restaurants in Jax. Let us know which one lived up to the reviews in the comments below!