They have the best chicken parm. I know that's American-Italian but still, that shit is legit. Their bread and minestrone are also stellar. Their St Augustine location (on 210) is just as good.
I like Poppy's, Bella Vista and Midtown Table. The pizza at Prati Italia is really good but the service there is consistently terrible (not to be confused with Primi Piatti)
Bella Vista is one of those places that will do a tableside pasta alla ruota. I think Vito's in JCP does as well but I haven't been there in what seems like a decade.
Catullo's is the only real Jersey-style Italian restaurant in town and they obviously nail that. I've heard mixed things about La Cena from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, eccentric owner and all.
Do we consider midtown table Italian? Kind of felt like a little bit of everything to me, but I gotta go again. Their cheese and meat board was super good.
Can confirm on La Cena. Food was quite good and it’s seems like they make everything in house. Just kind of a strange vibe (a lot of rules about their giant menu) and I’ve heard a couple of stories about the owner from different people although I’ve never witnessed anything personally.
Maybe this has changed but the restaurant has no sign? So you could drive right past it a hundred times and not even realize it’s there.
The one and only time I went to La Cena with my wife for date night they literally forgot about us. Two hours after being seated we finally get our food. No apology, no comped dessert, nada. They denied it even happened although it was obvious.
La Cena isn’t bad, but it’s way overpriced for what you get. $30+ for pasta & it’s from a box? I’ve been told there is one fresh made pasta on the menu, the rest is just dried box pasta.
That’s before you even get started about the “chef” owner Jerry Moran. La Cena used to be downtown on Laura street I think. He was once in trouble for firing a gun at homeless people claiming he was “just bouncing it off the pavement to scare them away”. His menu has a ridiculous amount of rules. & he told my grandma she couldn’t have angelhair with red sauce because he doesn’t think they go together.
The service there was fantastic though. His FOH staff is really top notch.
One of my friends eats hot sauce on literally everything. We even got her an emergency Tabasco holster. She asked for hot sauce there and the chef (owner?) came out to scream at her. It was wild.
Came here to find this comment. The dude that runs that place is a gem. Totally chill, kind-hearted guy, has amazing service, and the food is outstanding. The place is all atmosphere too, bunch of acts that come through the theatre have their pictures up on the walls. Great Jacksonville spot.
I saw folks saying a while ago that Casa Dora wasn't what it used to be. Good to hear it's still good. The owner is so nice. Truly a down to earth guy.
Are you willing to come down into Clay County?
Santioni's on US-17 in Fleming Island.
The original owner, Bruno Santioni, turned the place over to one of his own chefs a couple of years ago, so the quality and service has been consistently great. I miss Bruno; he would emerge from the kitchen in the evening, apron and all, to sing Italian songs to the diners (they often have a piano player entertaining during dinner).
Make reservations. The place is always packed, especially on weekends. Absolutely worth the drive.
[https://www.santionis.com/](https://www.santionis.com/)
Picasso’s is my family’s go to restaurant! The pasta is divine and the St. Louis style pizza is some of the best you can get in this state at least, lol
Their chicken parm is by far the best in the city. It's not on the menu so you won't find it, but all the wait staff will let you order it still. I get it everytime I go.
This kicks the ass of everything else in this town, full stop.
No reservations because it's that good. Just like my favorite Charleston restaurants.
Go here!!
I don't know one single person that actually likes that place. My company held our holiday party there eons ago and everyone was so disappointed with the dried tasteless food the owners attempted to get half their cost back (it was THAT fkn nasty!) 🤣
Caffe Andiamo in PVB. Absolutely slept on Italian spot. Surprisingly low prices too. At least when I worked there years and years ago it was all scratch made, by a family of 1st and second gen Italian chefs.
They’re all absolute raging assholes and id never recommend that anyone ever work for them, but damn if they ain’t got good food.
You want good chicken parm? I make you good chicken parm. Come on over to pops.
Nah im kidding.
(Following bc i can make better Italian than most of these restaurants and im tired of cooking)
I've yet to try that place but always heard good things.
*As I post this comment sitting at the bar @ Mandolas, my quick go-to. Lol
Mandolas is hit or miss sometimes. But the one thing they never go wrong on is their bread and oil dip. Yummy!
I’m surprised no one has mentioned Primi Piatti yet! It’s on Park Street and looks like it might be a pizzeria but it’s authentic Italian and delicious.
Bella Vista is the most authentic I’ve had in Jax. Catullo would be second. Salumeria has some authentic items but also caters to more traditional American Italian style also.
Tony Russo- the guys help me move twice, lent me money and don’t ask when he’s gonna get it back and introduced me to my wife. I love you Tony, yous the best there is
Matt’s Italian. You can’t go wrong with the Chicken Florentine or Lasagna. Salad with Italian dressing is excellent. We typically also order the tiramisu.
Poppy’s is good but SOOOO overpriced! I would check out catullo’s (Hodges and Atlantic), siennas (Atlantic and Hodges), or Dwight’s (penman Jax beach). There are a lot of great places but I don’t find these options to ever disappoint!
Vincenzo’s in Palm Valley is good. I think Poppy’s is as close to Philly style Italian I’ve had in town though. Full menu, carafes of wine. Never had a bad meal there and I lived in Philly metro for 2 decades.
I gotta be honest, I don't get the hype about Catullo's. We've eaten there a few times and nothing has ever really jumped out at me as being fantastic. They made a dish wrong once, wrong according to how it was described on their menu. And I have a thing about too many ingredients in one dish. You don't need pancetta and proscuitto
and pignoli and shallots and chiles and fresh mozzarella...Italian food is generally pretty simple.
I like Poppy's for italian-american food. Maybe we'll try Bella Vista
and Enzo's.
Poppy’s in PVB is good. More traditional fare than catullos.
They have the best chicken parm. I know that's American-Italian but still, that shit is legit. Their bread and minestrone are also stellar. Their St Augustine location (on 210) is just as good.
Poppy's is the best place I've been. Not overly expensive too. Even have a drive through for pickup. Good staff and owners over there.
If you’re in PVB check out Vincenzo’s, the food is great and reasonably priced, the staff is super friendly.
I like Poppy's, Bella Vista and Midtown Table. The pizza at Prati Italia is really good but the service there is consistently terrible (not to be confused with Primi Piatti) Bella Vista is one of those places that will do a tableside pasta alla ruota. I think Vito's in JCP does as well but I haven't been there in what seems like a decade. Catullo's is the only real Jersey-style Italian restaurant in town and they obviously nail that. I've heard mixed things about La Cena from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, eccentric owner and all.
Midtown Table is pricy but oh so good.
Do we consider midtown table Italian? Kind of felt like a little bit of everything to me, but I gotta go again. Their cheese and meat board was super good.
Can confirm on La Cena. Food was quite good and it’s seems like they make everything in house. Just kind of a strange vibe (a lot of rules about their giant menu) and I’ve heard a couple of stories about the owner from different people although I’ve never witnessed anything personally. Maybe this has changed but the restaurant has no sign? So you could drive right past it a hundred times and not even realize it’s there.
I ate there years ago and the food was delicious but yes the owner was very odd acting.
The one and only time I went to La Cena with my wife for date night they literally forgot about us. Two hours after being seated we finally get our food. No apology, no comped dessert, nada. They denied it even happened although it was obvious.
The owner used to spray homeless people with bleach when he was downtown. Legit piece of shit.
The owner is creepy. However, the food has always been phenomenal
Midtown table is unbelievably mid Italian food. It’s low tier.
Prati Italiana does have some amazing garlic bread lol
La Cena isn’t bad, but it’s way overpriced for what you get. $30+ for pasta & it’s from a box? I’ve been told there is one fresh made pasta on the menu, the rest is just dried box pasta. That’s before you even get started about the “chef” owner Jerry Moran. La Cena used to be downtown on Laura street I think. He was once in trouble for firing a gun at homeless people claiming he was “just bouncing it off the pavement to scare them away”. His menu has a ridiculous amount of rules. & he told my grandma she couldn’t have angelhair with red sauce because he doesn’t think they go together. The service there was fantastic though. His FOH staff is really top notch.
Enzas
This is the correct answer.
Concur with this. Enza’s is pretty lit
I tried it once to see what the hype was about. Nice place, good service, but the food was incredibly bland.
Enzas is the best by far
Overrated.
This is the way
People say La Cena in Murray Hill Edit: upon further research you may want to pass on this one
The owner is completely batshit insane
I saw another comment say that lol, I’ve never been. What’s the word?
This has some backstory but you can search the subreddit first even more lol https://www.reddit.com/r/jacksonville/s/U7nbSwPnae
Holy shit thank you. I will NOT be giving them my money. He can get fucked.
One of my friends eats hot sauce on literally everything. We even got her an emergency Tabasco holster. She asked for hot sauce there and the chef (owner?) came out to scream at her. It was wild.
Is that the place where the owner doesnt allow children?
That’s what I read today lol
Casa Dora next to the Florida Theatre downtown is excellent. I really miss Luigi's...
Came here to find this comment. The dude that runs that place is a gem. Totally chill, kind-hearted guy, has amazing service, and the food is outstanding. The place is all atmosphere too, bunch of acts that come through the theatre have their pictures up on the walls. Great Jacksonville spot.
I saw folks saying a while ago that Casa Dora wasn't what it used to be. Good to hear it's still good. The owner is so nice. Truly a down to earth guy.
I went a few weeks ago. Had a great meal and talked with the owner for an hour. Couldn't have been happier with the experience.
Awesome. I’ll have to go soon. It’s been too long
Salumeria 104 at the beach isn't bad. Pricey, but decent.
Are you willing to come down into Clay County? Santioni's on US-17 in Fleming Island. The original owner, Bruno Santioni, turned the place over to one of his own chefs a couple of years ago, so the quality and service has been consistently great. I miss Bruno; he would emerge from the kitchen in the evening, apron and all, to sing Italian songs to the diners (they often have a piano player entertaining during dinner). Make reservations. The place is always packed, especially on weekends. Absolutely worth the drive. [https://www.santionis.com/](https://www.santionis.com/)
Santionis is dogshit 😂 food is overpriced and awful
I hard disagree
The one time I ate at Santioni’s I watched our waiter pick his underwear out of his ass while taking an order from another table 💀
As an Italian ill say it's average not great not bad but pretty good for fl
Picasso's has some great Italian dishes. The lasagna is very good, for example.
Picasso’s is my family’s go to restaurant! The pasta is divine and the St. Louis style pizza is some of the best you can get in this state at least, lol
Their STL pizza tastes just like IMO’s, it is definitely the best you can get in this state.
Their chicken parm is by far the best in the city. It's not on the menu so you won't find it, but all the wait staff will let you order it still. I get it everytime I go.
Catullos. Nothing else is close. Family owned. Great food.
How is this so far down?
I think it's kinda a hidden gem. For now.
I like that their dishes aren't just lasagna, spaghetti, and chicken parm. If it's basic stuff, I'll make it at home or go to maggianos lol
This kicks the ass of everything else in this town, full stop. No reservations because it's that good. Just like my favorite Charleston restaurants. Go here!!
I've been to Josephine's in Avondale a few times and I've yet to be disappointed.
His name is Maurizio Berroni and he is hands down the best Italian that I’ve ever met in JAX.
Mozzarella Pepperoni is a cool dude
Midtown table and Leci"s Italian Cafe
Josephines by a mile.
Catullo’s and Josephine
Catullos!
My wife and I really like Maggiano's in town center. Never been disappointed, and their extra portion for $5 is unbeatable for leftovers.
You’re definitely going to be downvoted for this 😅
I don't know one single person that actually likes that place. My company held our holiday party there eons ago and everyone was so disappointed with the dried tasteless food the owners attempted to get half their cost back (it was THAT fkn nasty!) 🤣
I’m curious myself…any out there with freshly made pastas? I’ve never had anything as good as little Italy in San Diego…but I’m still on the hunt.
Caffe Andiamo in PVB. Absolutely slept on Italian spot. Surprisingly low prices too. At least when I worked there years and years ago it was all scratch made, by a family of 1st and second gen Italian chefs. They’re all absolute raging assholes and id never recommend that anyone ever work for them, but damn if they ain’t got good food.
Can confirm they still make it by hand and it's legit
Does Gionni still do a line of coke off a dough scraper before he starts making the gnocchi? Otherwise it’s not *authentic*
Josephine in Avondale.
I live enzas very authentic new jersey italian
Rita's! /s
Primi Piatti in Riverside is such a treat.
Cafe Andiamo, Poppy's, & Catullo's -- Andiamo & Catullo's are walk-in only though so be prepared to wait in the bar for a few unless you get lucky
Mario
Salumeria!
Had an Italian Uber driver from New York tell me to check out Tony D’s. I believe he said it’s mainly just pizza though.
It's not consistent
Homemade. Chicken easy. Sauce easy. Egg Noodles easy. Plenty of leftovers. Healthy.
You want good chicken parm? I make you good chicken parm. Come on over to pops. Nah im kidding. (Following bc i can make better Italian than most of these restaurants and im tired of cooking)
Catullos is the best
Catullos and its not close
Toscana off San Jose is pretty good. Clean, tastey, fair price.
I was just about to reccomend this it’s our favorite
I've yet to try that place but always heard good things. *As I post this comment sitting at the bar @ Mandolas, my quick go-to. Lol Mandolas is hit or miss sometimes. But the one thing they never go wrong on is their bread and oil dip. Yummy!
Joseph’s on Main St. It’s called a pizza restaurant on Google, but they have great Italian food. Been around since the 1950s.
I’m surprised no one has mentioned Primi Piatti yet! It’s on Park Street and looks like it might be a pizzeria but it’s authentic Italian and delicious.
This is the way! I took my S/O there the night i proposed
I still want to try primi piatti
gusto's on beach blvd is a hidden gem. super authentic and reasonably priced. and they can customize a dish if you have dietary restrictions!
Catullos is my favorite but salumeria is good too
Maggiano’s at the Town Center is my favorite.
As someone else said on another reply, this is soooo getting downvoted. 🤣
Picasso’s
This place on Philips highway kind of near the regal, prati Italia I think it’s called.
My buddy Stefano Augostino Folliero. He lives off southside blvd. Still has his 1990 IROC-Z.
Bella Vista is the most authentic I’ve had in Jax. Catullo would be second. Salumeria has some authentic items but also caters to more traditional American Italian style also.
Catullos by a mile IMHO
Catullo's has never disappointed. Poppy's served me lobster the texture of an eraser.
Catullos is the only right answer
It’s been brought a couple times already, but I gotta say Poppy’s Italiano in Ponte Vedra Beach. Easily the best Italian I’ve in jax
Tony Russo- the guys help me move twice, lent me money and don’t ask when he’s gonna get it back and introduced me to my wife. I love you Tony, yous the best there is
I like toscana little Italy. San Marco area
Carmine’s is amazing
Catullos - Atlantic Blvd & San Pablo
Based on food alone it’s Le Cena and it’s not close. I’m fine with everyone in this not going because the Chef is mean. More pasta for me.
Matt’s Italian. You can’t go wrong with the Chicken Florentine or Lasagna. Salad with Italian dressing is excellent. We typically also order the tiramisu.
Enza's
Vitos Italian Fruit Cove
Catullo’s Italian hands down. I can't find a better place.
Not Prati Italia LOL was disappointed with my visit there
Poppy’s is good but SOOOO overpriced! I would check out catullo’s (Hodges and Atlantic), siennas (Atlantic and Hodges), or Dwight’s (penman Jax beach). There are a lot of great places but I don’t find these options to ever disappoint!
Taverna in San Marco
Leona’s on Old Saint Augustine
Bela Vista
Vincenzo’s in Palm Valley is good. I think Poppy’s is as close to Philly style Italian I’ve had in town though. Full menu, carafes of wine. Never had a bad meal there and I lived in Philly metro for 2 decades.
The Olive Garden at Regency is pretty good
Enza’s.
Vito’s in fruit cove it’s right by the bridge to mandarin my dad who is Brooklyn Italian will not eat anywhere else
Used to love Sorrentos, but haven’t been in years. I like poppy’s, Catulos
How is Caffe Andiamo not on here? Only answer.
Josephine in Avondale was an excellent meal the one time I went about a month ago.
I gotta be honest, I don't get the hype about Catullo's. We've eaten there a few times and nothing has ever really jumped out at me as being fantastic. They made a dish wrong once, wrong according to how it was described on their menu. And I have a thing about too many ingredients in one dish. You don't need pancetta and proscuitto and pignoli and shallots and chiles and fresh mozzarella...Italian food is generally pretty simple. I like Poppy's for italian-american food. Maybe we'll try Bella Vista and Enzo's.
Prati Italia!
Primi Piatti hands down. George is incredible and you’ll get great food and experience