Jacksonville’s food scene isn’t slowing down. Two newcomers are open now, with seven more coming soon across Riverside, San Marco, the Beaches, Lakewood, Bartram Park, and the Northside. We’ve put the open spots first, then the rest by expected launch dates.
Open Now1) Southern Shores Seafood — Lakewood/San JoseAddress: 5613 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207Status: OpenHours (posted plan): Daily, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.Seats: ~90; beer & wine only
Why go: Casual, family-style seafood with Jacksonville-only additions: ribeye, grilled chicken, and a lump crab cake. Favorites include blackened mahi sandwiches, crab leg dinners, lobster feasts for two, and fresh chicken tenders.
Read the full article.2) Selaya Riviera Cafe — San MarcoAddress: 2006 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207Status: OpenCapacity: ~100 indoors; 14-seat curved barHours: Mon–Sat open 11 a.m.; lunch 11–3; mid-day & happy hour to 5; dinner 5–9; late-night menu Fri–Sat to midnight
Why go: European Riviera café from Chef Scott and Gabrielle Alters. House-baked Herbes de Provence bread, Niçoise and chickpea salads, socca, shareable Riviera-style dinners, and a Mediterranean-leaning wine/cocktail list.
Read the full article.Coming Soon3) Cill’s Cafe — Brooklyn/Riverside IndustrialAddress: 2140 Dennis St., Jacksonville, FL 32204Target opening: By Nov 1Hours (planned): Mon–Fri, 6 a.m.–4 p.m.Seats: ~20
What to expect: Breakfast and lunch with daily themes—Meatloaf Monday, Taco Tuesday, Jerk Chicken Wednesday, Ribs Thursday, Oxtail Friday—plus classics like burgers, chicken sandwiches, chili, and the food-truck favorite steak–egg–cheese bagel. Named for the owner’s grandmother; streamlined for quick service near the warehouse district.
Read the full article.4) It’s In The DNA Coffee — RiversideAddress: 2105 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32204Target opening: Nov 6 (backup Nov 13)Hours: Tue–Sun, 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
What to expect: Specialty coffee, sweet/savory crepes, toasts, and an eight-hour Japanese iced drip. Lounge seating; plants by Ray of Sunshine are for sale. Family-run; began as a 2023 mobile café.
Read the full article.5) The Dough Show — Bartram ParkAddress: 12681 Bartram Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32258Target opening: Second week of NovemberSeats: ~130 inside; 50-seat patio; first drive-thru for the brand
What to expect: Middle Eastern “smart casual.” Three pillars: Egyptian Fattir, Levant Bowls & Shawarma, and Turkish-inspired Mixed Grills. Average check $12–$13; open-kitchen “show.”
Read the full article.6) Bella Vista A’mare Italian Restaurant — Jacksonville BeachAddress: 3011 3rd St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250Target opening: Early DecemberSeats: ~125 inside; full bar
What to expect: Elevated Italian from Giovanni and Alysha Prignano. More emphasis on composed dishes while keeping Roman-style pizza. Full-service with a curated beverage program.
Read the full article.7) Baran Café — Southside/St. Johns BluffAddress: 3546 St Johns Bluff Rd S, Jacksonville, FLTarget opening: Early JanuaryHours (planned): Daily, 4:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.
What to expect: Middle Eastern lounge with falafel, shawarma, kebabs, gyros, baklava, and traditional teas. ~100 seats, hookah lounge, and alcohol planned. Contact: barroncafeinc@gmail.com.
Read the full article.8) Crazy Pita — Northside (Walmart Supercenter)Address: 13227 City Square Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32218Target opening: Feb 1 (second Walmart site ~1–2 months later; third targeted May/June 2026)Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day)
What to expect: Fast-casual Mediterranean—grilled skewers, rotisserie chicken, turmeric rice bowls, veggie sides. Kids options plus a new kefta patty. Community-minded via the Be Kind initiative.
Read the full article.9) Bold Birds Nashville Hot Chicken — LakewoodAddress: 5635 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207Status: Originally planned for October, appears delayedSpace: 3,000 sq. ft.; ~95 inside; ~20 patio
What to expect: Heat ladder up to “hotter than a mother clucker,” with tenders and a standout chicken sandwich. Scratch sides, desserts, house sauces; drinks include sodas, milkshakes, and beer. Lakewood hours TBD; Murray Hill runs Mon–Thu 11–8, Fri–Sat 11–9, Sun 11–3.
Read the full article.Fast Facts & Openings at a Glance
Open Now
Southern Shores Seafood (Lakewood/San Jose): Daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m. — Read the full article.Selaya Riviera Cafe (San Marco): Mon–Sat from 11 a.m.; lunch 11–3, mid-day & happy hour to 5, dinner 5–9; late-night Fri–Sat to midnight — Read the full article.
Coming Soon (by date)
Dining and Cooking