Valentine’s Day is on Monday and the First Coast has some amazing spots for you and your sweetheart to go for a fantastic Valentine’s Day date. We decided to break our list down by neighborhood this year, highlighting a spot for each area.
Jax Beach
Dwight’s Bistro
Dwight’s Bistro is one of the best date spots at the beaches. Dwight’s is a small, intimate bistro with elegant décor. Their food is exceptional and they offer rich delicacies from start to finish. Try the crab cakes, pan cooked foie gras or chef’s cheese plate as an appetizer and finish with sea bass, filet mignon or a homemade pasta dish as an entrée. Dwight’s also has an extensive wine list to pair with your meal.
San Marco
Bistro AIX
Bistro X has been serving award winning French Fusion cuisine in the Bold City for over 21 years. The exposed brick walls provide the perfect romantic atmosphere and the eatery features both a wood fired oven and open chef’s kitchen. They also have an excellent wine list, selection of coktails and delicious dessert options.
Southside
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
The elegant and upscale restaurant serves up authentic Brazilian cuisine with menu items that include a variety of meats served in the traditional Southern Brazilian style and a variety of seafood, sauces and sides. They also have Brazilian style cocktails like the caipirinha, which is the national cocktail of Brazil.
St Augustine
Columbia Restaurant
Columbia Restaurant is located in the St. Augustine Historic District. The whimsical atmosphere is perfect for a date and they offer a variety of gourmet menu options, tapas, an extensive wine list and craft cocktails. St Augustine is known for its amazing eateries so it was tough to choose. The Marriott traveler put together a date night dining guide here which can be found here that offers several more perfect dining options for your St. Augustine date.
Avondale
Orsay
Orsay has consistently won awards for serving some of the best cuisine in the area. Their menu features a collection of dishes which are crafted using traditional French techniques with a Southern influence. The unique, vibrant atmosphere mixed with award-winning food makes it a perfect spot for a romantic meal.
Atlantic Beach
Mezza Luna Ristorante
This romantic beaches spot serves classic Italian fare along with a full bar service in three unique spaces. They host live music Sunday through Thursday from 6-9pm. If the weather is warm, you can dine al fresco on the covered patio.
Riverside
River and Post
River and Post is a fantastic Riverside restaurant which serves classic American dishes and delicious seafood along with craft cocktails and a great wine list. Enjoy a stunning view while enjoying a drink on their rooftop bar.
Mandarin
Enza’s Italian Restaurant
Enza’s is a local award winning favorite for classic Italian cuisine. The local owners and chefs are proud to serve delicious dishes that have been satisfying locals since they opened their doors in 2004. The atmosphere and the food make for the perfect date spot. We recommend you try the Chicken Parmigiana.
Lastly, what is Valentine’s Day without chocolate? Jacksonville has an amazing local chocolatier, Peterbrooke, and we were able to visit the shop last year and get a behind the scenes look at how the chocolate magic was made. Check out our video at the Atlantic Beach Peterbrooke and interview with one of their chocolatiers below.