Jacksonville

Come for a hearty Sunday brunch—desserts are a standout, especially the blueberry-pecan waffles. — Travel + Leisure

Sleek yet cozy, this hip bistro is as popular with corporate types looking to close a deal as it is with young lovebirds seemingly on the verge of popping the question. — Fodor's

Highlights include a create-your-own cheese-and-charcuterie spread "for the table"; house-made pasta with local fish and shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and peas; seared duck breast with duck confit bread pudding. — Fodor's

This contemporary French bistro recently earned a James Beard nomination for its house-made charcuterie, a raw bar that features oysters from both coasts and the Gulf. — Where

Lively local favorite with soul-warming Southern French cuisine. — Gayot

For dinner, book a garden table by the St. John River, and order the escargot with creamy garlic-saffron sauce and the house-made flatbread. — Travel + Leisure

This fish camp features gators and turtles inside and out. — Gayot

For a main course, choose from blackened Cajun snapper or several other treatments of fish, shrimp, chicken, and pasta. — Frommer's

This rustic fish camp has been serving every imaginable kind of fresh-off-the-boat seafood since 1969. — Frommer's

Named one of the best restaurants in the area, Ocean’s 60 offers fresh seafood selections like scallops, soft-shell crab or blue-crab crusted flounder. — Where

This hip Mediterranean draw is overseen by husband-and-wife team Sam and Kiley Wynne Efron. — Gayot

Award-winning cuisine is served against panoramic views of the harbor and marshlands. — Where

Regulars remark upon the freshly made pasta, polenta appetizers and variety of sauces. — Where

Get a taste of the widely-known Salt Life lifestyle with seafood choices like a fresh-tuna "poke bowl," fresh specials, a raw bar and a sushi bar. — Where

This national chain serves great seafood and steaks in a beautiful waterfront setting. — Where

These brews come with savory fare and topnotch waterside views. — Gayot

A muy caliente spot to celebrate Cuban cuisine and get to the bottom of an icy mojito. — Gayot

The restaurant dishes out southwestern food in a historic storefront—try the chipotle-doused crab cakes. — Travel + Leisure

Pick from dozens of sandwich options like gyros, wraps and signatures like the Blue Max: smoked pastrami and corned beef with hot mustard, melted Swiss, sauerkraut and blue cheese. — Where

Certified Angus steaks, seafood, live Maine lobster, pasta, chicken and vegetarian entrées make up the mouthwatering menu at this upscale local favorite since 1988. — Where