Southbank Jacksonville is a vibrant hub brimming with culinary delights, and brunch is no exception. Whether you crave sophisticated elegance or casual comfort, this guide navigates the best brunch spots in the area, ensuring your next weekend meal is truly memorable. We've curated a list of twelve exceptional choices, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. This list isn't ranked, as the "best" brunch is subjective and depends on individual preferences.
Indulge in These Top Southbank Brunch Experiences
This section details each restaurant, highlighting its unique offerings and ambiance. Remember to check websites for hours and make reservations, especially on weekends!
1. The Bold Bean Coffee Roasters
Known for its exceptional coffee and laid-back atmosphere, The Bold Bean offers a delightful brunch experience. Their menu features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, with options like avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and pastries. The coffee, of course, is superb – a perfect complement to any brunch dish. They also offer a variety of teas and other beverages.
- Ambiance: Casual and relaxed. Perfect for a weekend morning with friends or family.
- Price Range: $-$$ (Moderate)
- Speciality: Locally-sourced ingredients and exceptional coffee.
2. The Restaurant at The Lygon Arms
For a more upscale brunch experience, The Restaurant at The Lygon Arms delivers. This elegant establishment offers a refined menu with creative brunch cocktails and dishes. Expect impeccably presented food and attentive service. Their mimosa selection is extensive and impressive.
- Ambiance: Upscale and elegant. Ideal for a special occasion or romantic brunch.
- Price Range: $$$ (Expensive)
- Speciality: Upscale brunch menu and extensive cocktail list.
3. River & Post
Located with stunning views of the St. Johns River, River & Post offers a picturesque setting for your brunch. Their menu is sophisticated yet approachable, with dishes ranging from classic eggs Benedict to more contemporary creations. The river views alone make it a unique and memorable experience.
- Ambiance: Modern and sophisticated with stunning river views.
- Price Range: $$ (Moderate to Expensive)
- Speciality: River views and contemporary brunch dishes.
4. Black Sheep Restaurant
Black Sheep provides a trendy and lively atmosphere, perfect for brunch with friends. The menu boasts a unique and flavorful selection of dishes, with many creative takes on brunch classics. The service is known for being friendly and efficient.
- Ambiance: Trendy and lively. Great for brunch with a group of friends.
- Price Range: $-$$ (Moderate)
- Speciality: Creative brunch dishes and trendy atmosphere.
5. Biscottis
This well-loved Jacksonville establishment consistently earns high praise for its brunch offerings. Biscottis offers a classic brunch experience with dishes like pancakes, waffles, and omelets. They’re known for their generous portions and reasonable prices.
- Ambiance: Classic and comfortable. A familiar and reliable choice for a great brunch.
- Price Range: $ (Affordable)
- Speciality: Classic brunch dishes and generous portions.
6. Metro Diner
A Jacksonville favorite, Metro Diner provides a consistently delicious and satisfying brunch. Their menu is extensive, offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes. They also boast friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Ambiance: Casual and friendly.
- Price Range: $ (Affordable)
- Speciality: Extensive menu and generous portions.
7. Ovinte
Ovinte offers a unique and exciting take on brunch. Their menu features globally-inspired dishes, showcasing fresh and seasonal ingredients. Expect interesting flavor combinations and creative presentations.
- Ambiance: Chic and modern.
- Price Range: $-$$ (Moderate)
- Speciality: Globally-inspired brunch dishes.
8. Burrito Gallery
For a more casual brunch experience, Burrito Gallery is a great option. Their menu focuses on, as the name suggests, delicious burritos, but they also offer other breakfast favorites. It's a perfect spot for a quick and tasty brunch.
- Ambiance: Casual and relaxed.
- Price Range: $ (Affordable)
- Speciality: Delicious burritos and other breakfast favorites.
9. The Floridian
The Floridian offers a sophisticated and stylish brunch experience with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their menu changes regularly to reflect the best of what's available, ensuring a constantly evolving and exciting experience.
- Ambiance: Stylish and sophisticated.
- Price Range: $-$$ (Moderate)
- Speciality: Fresh, seasonal ingredients and constantly evolving menu.
10. Sway
Sway delivers a unique brunch menu with Pan-Asian influences. Expect bold flavors and exciting combinations, offering a departure from traditional brunch fare. Their cocktails are also worth mentioning, carefully curated to complement the cuisine.
- Ambiance: Trendy and stylish.
- Price Range: $-$$ (Moderate)
- Speciality: Pan-Asian-inspired brunch dishes and innovative cocktails.
11. Taverna
Taverna offers a Mediterranean-inspired brunch experience, with dishes featuring fresh herbs and flavorful ingredients. Their menu features a variety of shared plates, perfect for a brunch gathering with friends.
- Ambiance: Lively and inviting.
- Price Range: $-$$ (Moderate)
- Speciality: Mediterranean-inspired brunch dishes and shared plates.
12. Ceviche
For those seeking a unique and flavourful Southbank brunch experience, Ceviche offers a vibrant menu of Peruvian-inspired dishes. The freshness of the ingredients and the unique preparation will awaken your taste buds in a very unique way.
- Ambiance: Vibrant and lively
- Price Range: $-$$ (Moderate)
- Speciality: Peruvian-inspired brunch dishes.
Finding Your Perfect Southbank Brunch
This diverse selection of restaurants ensures a perfect Southbank brunch experience awaits, regardless of your preferences. Remember to check websites for menus, hours, and to make reservations when necessary, especially during peak brunch hours on weekends. Enjoy!
