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You haven’t enjoyed Jacksonville until you’ve ordered oysters from a local restaurant that specializes in fresh, tasty seafood. Whether you like simple, classic recipes or you want to try oyster recipes with a modern flair, the Jacksonville area has plenty of unique options to satisfy your craving. So skip the chains and head to these local businesses in town:
Cap’s on the Water
Cap’s on the Water offers fresh seafood dishes with an American and Mediterranean style. They don’t accept reservations, but they have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Start off your meal with an order of Oysters Rockefeller as your appetizer. These oysters come with shallots, spinach, cream, and bread crumbs for a perfect savory starter. Alternatively, start off with their spicier option: Vilano Oysters with spicy chili garlic.
Then try some of their raw oysters served on the half-shell or their garlic cooked oysters as you enjoy a clear view of the ocean. They feature a fresh catch menu and an extensive wine list. Request an outdoor table so you can enjoy your meal with a beautiful view on their expansive wooden deck. There’s plenty of shade and lighting so you can enjoy an early evening meal or a date during sundown.
Orsay
If you love French dining and fine cuisine, make Orsay the destination of your next date night. This restaurant offers award-winning French dishes with a southern twist. They offer delivery, takeout, and indoor dining so you can enjoy your meal on your terms. Repeat visitors love the raw oysters, which are sourced from Washington State, British Columbia, and the Eastern seaboard. Try them on their own, or order a raw bar platter of oysters, scallop tartare, and more.
Their roasted oysters with bacon, spinach, and Parmesan are a local brunch favorite. Pair your favorite way of eating oysters with upscale versions of classic dishes like lobster macaroni and cheese and sea scallops. We recommend scheduling a reservation, especially if you want to enjoy a Friday or weekend meal.
The Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar
Image via Flickr by jng104
When you’re in the mood for a classic American seafood restaurant with a full cocktail bar, book a reservation at The Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar. They have indoor and outdoor seating but are seating at a limited capacity, so make sure you save a table for yourself. This restaurant is just a couple blocks away from the ocean, and they take their oyster bar seriously, with $1 oysters during their 3:00-6:30 happy hour. Their raw oysters are sourced from Virginia. Try them with their famous truffle fries or fried mushrooms. You can also try their oysters in a fried oyster Caesar salad or stuffed with white cheddar, scallions, and bacon.
Dockside Seafood Restaurant
This highly ranked restaurant and seafood market is a classic coastal restaurant that serves delicious seafood. Dockside Seafood Restaurant is along Neptune Beach so you can enjoy a walk along the water’s edge before or after dinner. Enjoy either their outdoor seating or indoor dining; they don’t accept reservations, but they’re open every day of the week.
They serve delicious fried oysters, oyster po’boys, and oysters by the dozen (either raw or steamed). You can also enjoy other fish and seafood classics like fresh scallops, calamari, lobster tail, and fish tacos.
The Conch Shell
If you’re craving seafood dishes with a Caribbean inspiration, The Conch Shell right by Brentwood Park is the right spot. They’re only open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, but they take reservations so you can plan a great dinner for your next special occasion. Try their specialty conch dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in Jacksonville, like Conch Fritters with sweet potato fries and fried conch with their special sauce and lime juice.
When you’re craving both conch and oysters, order their combo plate of conch, shrimp, and oyster so you can have all of your favorite seafood at once.
The Big Crab Seafood Restaurant
If you love spicy Cajun food, head to The Big Crab Seafood Restaurant on the Southside of Jacksonville. There, they serve classic platters of seafood, corn on the cob, and potatoes, all doused in spices and lemon juice. They’re famous for their crab leg, crawfish, and oyster boils, and they’re just as famous for their selection of raw oysters. Make sure you come on Thursdays for their combo boil platter and their raw oysters by the dozen, and order their Hush Punch with your meal. No reservations are required.
The Juicy Crab
At The Juicy Crab, they serve top-notch Cajun and Creole seafood dishes that you won’t want to miss. Enjoy classic seafood boils, specialty cocktails, and refreshing frozen drinks. Locals recommend dining in and reserving a table or grabbing a seat at the bar for the restaurant’s great energy and atmosphere. They serve steamed and raw oysters by the dozen or half-dozen.
Rod’s Crab Shack & More
At Rod’s Crab Shack & More, customers can buy seafood fresh from Mayport. Order meals of classic seafood boils, steamed oyster trays, and even custom seasonings. But this business is more than just another restaurant with fresh oysters. It’s also a five-star seafood market with fresh ingredients you can use to cook your own favorite seafood dishes at home. Whether you have a secret recipe for roasted oysters or you want to make sure you’re cooking with the freshest ingredients in Jacksonville, Rod’s is open every day with a fresh catch. There’s no in-store dining, so you don’t have to worry about reservations or long wait times.
When you live in Jacksonville, finding a new seafood restaurant gem is always exciting (we also love finding top-notch BBQ restaurants in town). Our city’s oyster bars are incomparable, and restaurants offering new, savory twists on oyster classics are always waiting to be discovered. If you have a favorite oyster bar that we left off this list, tell us all about it. Our team of home chefs, seafood fans, and foodies are always looking for new restaurants to try and to spread the word on. If you’re at the oyster bar thinking about getting a new car, our Toyota team is here to help — contact us today.
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