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Gili's Kitchen

4.2 (92 reviews)
Closed • Closed
Updated a few days ago
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Services - Gili's Kitchen

Allergy-friendly catering

Gluten-free catering

Kosher catering

Gili's Kitchen Photos

Business Info

GILI'S KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Dogs allowed
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Gili's Kitchen

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Interior Decor
David A.

Gili's Kitchen is a great local restaurant right in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. The interior is clean, wood table and black accents, Jacksonville themed murals on the walls and just a great vibe. Service was excellent and everything we ordered was too notch. I ordered the Cuban, my wife a shawarma pita and both were excellent. The sweet potato fries may be the best I've had. Beer is available and all types of drinks via bottles, cans or from the soda fountain. The fact that they have so many vegan and kosher options is just a bonus. I'm sure we'll be returning and I highly suggest you give them a try.

Asian salad, pasta salad, Mediterranean salad
Alona Y.

Their catering is out of this world!! Fresh, clean, flavorful, colorful, moist, simply the best. Guests went for seconds and thirds. Any dietary requests they made possible and tasty

Inside seating options
Laura A.

Always happy to try a place new to us that is close by in downtown Jax and open on Sunday! We went for a later lunch and had a great meal. Clean and bright space with tables and window seating available. We ordered fountain drinks and waters, sweet potato fries to share, a Cuban and shawarma in a pita. Service was great, with refills offered often for both our waters and coke zeros, including to-go cups before we left. The Cuban was pressed and had great flavor. The sweet potato fries were so crispy on the outside and sweet and delicious on the inside. My shawarma in a pita was overflowing with chicken, vegetables and spices and tasted fantastic. Any wait to return and try some of the many other options on the menu.

Indoor seating
Christian K.

We stopped by Gili's Kitchen for lunch while exploring downtown Jacksonville. The location is convenient, and the interior is spacious with some interesting artwork on the walls. As we walked in, the specials were displayed on a big chalkboard, which added a nice touch. We were seated quickly and handed menus. I had read online that the prices were on the lower side, but they were higher than I anticipated. That said, the menu offered a good variety, and everything looked fresh and thoughtfully prepared. I was torn between getting a burger or some shawarma, but the NY Style Pastrami caught my eye, so I went with that, paired with fries. My friend ordered the Reuben burger and was surprised it came with vegan cheese, but I wasn't, as Gili's is a strictly kosher restaurant. One downside was that the fountain drink machine wasn't working, so we had to buy bottled drinks from the cooler. For someone like me who drinks more than I eat, having to ration my Coke Zero was a bit of a letdown. The food itself was a highlight. My pastrami sandwich was delicious, with tender, flavorful meat that you could tell was prepared with care. The portion size was solid, and the fries were a satisfying side. My friend also enjoyed the Reuben burger despite the cheese surprise. That said, I came in expecting to spend $10-$20 but ended up closer to $30 each for myself and my friend. While it's a bit more than I'd typically budget for lunch, the quality was undeniable. It's a rare occasion I'd come back, but it was great for what it was!

Lamb Kabobs
Chad B.

When in town for a conference we decided to take a group of 20 to Gili's. Although the place was small, they were happy to accommodate us and treated us like family. The chef was excited to cook for us and I asked the server what she suggested and she gave me a lot of options. We started with a plethora of apps that were amazing. The mushroom hummus and Naan was a standout. For my main course I had the Lamb Kabobs and I was not disappointed. Look at the picture and you will see for yourselves. This was a great escape from the corporate restaurants that are everywhere you go. If you are looking for some great Israeli food, this is the place. Say hi to the chef while you are there. Taste: 9/10 Quality vs cost: 10/10 Presentation: 10/10 ( based on the setting) Atmosphere and ambience 9/10 (very fitting for a small diner) Service: 10/10 Total: 48/50 = 4.8 = 5 star

Mark R.

I have to say this is probably one of the more tougher reviews for me to write. Our server and I wish I had her name was phenomenal, she was very pleasant kind and professional. She demonstrated compassion and a true liking of her job. That would be five stars. Regarding the food; my father had the New York pastrami sandwich (over $20) so he had very high expectations. I personally did not try it so I can only go by what he told me and he said the meat was very tough, some of it It difficult to chew. I had the chicken pita and I have to say there was not very much chicken in it in fact I thought they had forgotten about it until I found a small paper thin piece. Did not have much flavor so I was I will admit a little disappointed. Again our waitress was phenomenal I wish I had her name but here comes the most challenging part - as I was eating the fries I found a bug in the plate. Too big to be a flea and it did not have wings so therefore was not a net but it was a black bug that was crawling on the plate. I put my finger near it to make sure that it wasn't a crumb of some sort and it started to run. The owner said that though he did not see the bug he basically trusted me and he did discount our ticket. The challenge was the quality of the pastrami the lack of chicken but they have great service. This is why I had a hard time writing this review because if I were to do it solely on the waitress it would be a five if I was to do it totally on the food it would be two. After some time I may give it a try again.

Menu
Linda R.

Went directly from airport to Gili's based on their reputation. So much to choose from off the menu AND THEN there were about 5 yummy looking specials! We chose a pastrami burger and one of the specials, flank in pita, fries and Cole slaw, and a Yuengling from the beer cooler (they also have a soda cooler). Waiting on our food now, will get back to you. Wish I could say I loved it, definitely liked it well enough to come back if I'm ever in town again. The positives include that the space is nice; indoor seating includes counter space, tables ranging from 2-4 tops and 1 large table for groups and there are a couple of small outdoor tables, the staff is friendly, no wait, fairly extensive menu, food came fast and it was good. Negatives are, though the cashier is friendly, I couldn't always understand what she was trying to say (could be me) and she told us she'd bring us silverware and never did. The pastrami burger while excellent tasting was majorly messy, the fries were ok, the Cole slaw is very vinegary, the special sandwich was good- I was expecting more hummus & Israeli salad in it, but I suppose that might make it too messy for me so I suppose that's actually a good thing!

Matso ball soup
Susan T.

I wish I remembered how much I like Gili's when I'm downtown so I can visit more often. A perfect spot at ArtWalk for delicious food! Friendly staff, clean and fun background music!

Howard P.

Gili's Kosher Restaurant is in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. We went there for lunch on Christmas Eve and they were offering a Chinese menu, as well as their standard menu, this seems to be a tradition for Gili's. We ordered 3 dishes. They do have a large selection of vegan options and they cook to order so everything is customizable. Our server, Riki, was very pleasant and attentive. Pricing is a bit expensive, I am sure the cost of rent and the fact that it is kosher food has something to do with this. We sat outside, they have two small tables and 4 chairs total. Gili's also has takeout and offers catering. The panhandlers kept approaching our table asking for money. This made for an uncomfortable lunch. I would probably go back and eat inside after the pandemic.

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8 years ago

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6 years ago

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8 years ago

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8 years ago

Best kosher food in Jacksonville. I keep kosher so it's very difficult to find a place to eat that's kosher. Food is very good and fresh.

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8 years ago

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8 years ago

Had the upside down burger was fantastic along withers device,would recommend whether you eat kosher or not

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Ask the Community - Gili's Kitchen

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There's parking available on the city streets at and near the restaurant - you will need change for the parking meters.

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Kofta Cuisine - Dinner Menu (Sept2023)

Kofta Cuisine

4.7(27 reviews)
8.5 mi•Southside

So I've eaten here many times enough to say it deserves a 5 Star and more rating…read more They're not the closest restaurant to me but given the chance, I try to come here as much as possible. The goal is to try every item on their menu. It's Mediterranean (Turkish) cuisine folks, which I call "guilt free, healthy eats". What to try you may ask. If you are striving for that "Olive Garden Salad + Bread combo"... let me suggest Kofta's version which is the Coban Salad and Puffy Bread. They're not offered as an all you can eat combo, but it should keep you filled between the two. - Coban Salad (5/5): A must try, soooo delicious. Fresh ingredients. The dressing, I could drink them in shot glasses. - Puffy Bread (5/5): It's made to order. Comes out nice and hot and puffy. Plenty to share with others. - From the Grill menu. Kofta Plate, Chicken Shish, Adana Plate are all good choices (5/5) - Sandwiches/Wraps: Their Doner Wrap was just okay to me (4/5) Service (5/5): no complaints here Pricing (5/5): Best value when you eat during Lunch. But Dinner items are not too pricey. Lastly, Buffets are also offered...on Sundays I believe. I haven't tried it yet but it definitely gives me a great reason to come back to Kofta.

Found this restaurant on Yelp and arrived around 1:30 on a Wednesday. The restaurant was completely…read moreempty so we were a little hesitant at first. Inside, the waitress (who I believe is the wife of the owner of the restaurant?) kindly greeted us and seated us immediately. The menu was extensive, plus they sometimes have off menu specials like fish. We ordered the adana lamb and adana chicken, as well as the mixed appetizer plate and calamari. It was way too much food for two of us, but it was all delicious. The meat was a little bit salty, but it was balanced out by the rice and other vegetables on the plate. The mixed appetizers were delicious. I don't think I would order the calamari again. Overall, great Turkish cuisine, owned by Turkish couple who moved to the United States a few years ago.

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Kofta Cuisine - Dinner Menu (Sept2023)

Dinner Menu (Sept2023)

Kofta Cuisine - Dinner Menu (Sept2023)

Dinner Menu (Sept2023)

Kofta Cuisine - Dinner Menu (Sept2023)

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Dinner Menu (Sept2023)

Cataluna - Brussel sprouts

Cataluna

4.1(122 reviews)
8.7 mi•Craven, Southside
•$$$

had such a lovely birthday experience here, the complimentary champagne was a thoughtful and…read moreunexpected touch, and I truly appreciated them making my birthday feel special. The atmosphere was great, and the staff were welcoming. unfortunately, I wasn't able to try the food because the kitchen had closed around my reservation time. I had such a great experience overall and really appreciated the birthday gesture. I'd definitely love to come back and actually try the food next time.

I have been here once before right around when they first opened and I was impressed with their…read moreimprovements since. It wasn't bad before but it's much better now. Came for an early dinner with some coworkers and had a wonderful time with lots of yummy food and drinks. I had a Mediterranean sunset drink and it was so good. The watermelon with tajin as garnish was just top tier. We had bruschetta... amazing. Brussels sprouts, also amazing. And for my entree I had the short rib burger and it was enormous (I took half home) and delicious. I loved the presentation of it. The shoestring onions on it just leveled up the whole flavor profile. I'd eat this again for sure. Our waiter was also excellent and helped guide us on drinks we'd like. Checked in a good amount. But not too much. It was a great experience. The vibes are so nice too. It's so clean and really does feel quite upscale, esp for Jacksonville.

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Cataluna
Cataluna - Checks are delivered in booklets

Checks are delivered in booklets

Cataluna - Half Rack of Lamb

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Half Rack of Lamb

Othello - Sea Salt Olive Oil Bread

Othello

4.8(105 reviews)
1.1 mi•Downtown

Genuinely some of the best food I've had in Jacksonville and I can't believe this place isn't more…read morehyped! The ambience is beautifully curated with Mediterranean inspired decor, perfect for a lovely candlelit dinner. The service was amazing. The food is coursed out at a good pace and they pack up the tapas you didn't finish to take home later! Now into the best part - THE FOOD! This is a Jordanian restaraunt and as someone from the region, I'm quite critical - so let me tell you, this place did NOT disappoint. The harissa bread paired with the whipped feta dip genuinely changed my life and I think I will crave it forever. Everything we ordered tasted splendid and you can tell it was made intentionally. We also ordered the falafel, batata bravas, fattoush and roasted chicken. The flavors were fresh, perfect balances of warm spices and bright citrus. I still don't know how they managed to make the chicken simultaneously crispy and juicy. This has easily become my favorite spot in jax!

If you're looking for a unique dining experience in Jacksonville, put Othello in Springfield on…read moreyour list. This hidden gem offers an intimate indoor dining room along with a charming outdoor patio. I highly recommend making a reservation, as seating is limited. Othello is a tapas-style restaurant, and we loved ordering a variety of dishes to share around the table. It was the perfect way to experience different flavors, and every dish we tried was beautifully prepared, fresh, and packed with flavor. Even the less adventurous eaters in our group left impressed. Some of our favorites included the whipped feta (don't skip the bread for dipping!), the roasted half chicken, and the butterflied branzino, which was perfectly cooked with a delicious char and bright, fresh flavors. Every plate that came to the table looked as incredible as it tasted. The staff was welcoming, knowledgeable, and happy to answer any questions about the menu. One thing to know before you go: the chef has a very specific vision for each dish and generally does not allow substitutions or modifications. For example, one person in our group wanted the aioli removed from the tuna, but the dish was only served as designed. It's something to keep in mind if you have picky eaters or dietary preferences. We were so full after sharing so many plates that we had to pass on dessert, but that's just another reason to come back. Othello delivers a memorable dining experience with creative flavors, excellent service, and a fun, shareable menu. We'll definitely be returning.

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Othello - Beautiful bar

Beautiful bar

Othello - Butterflied Branzino

Butterflied Branzino

Othello - Smokeshow

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Smokeshow

Bodrum Mediterranean Kitchen

Bodrum Mediterranean Kitchen

4.7(333 reviews)
6.2 mi•Westside
•$$

I ordered from Bodrum Mediterranean yesterday evening on DoorDash. I went with the lamb gyro and a…read moreside of shepherds salad. I specially requested a dill sauce on the side, there was nowhere to add on so I was not sure if I would get it or not because there was nowhere way to charge. Everything was prepared fresh and my dinner was so tasty and flavorful. I even got the dill which tasted like it was prepared in house. Tasty! (The DoorDash driver was very polite and communicative as well, I added an extra $10 tip as DD sent two drivers and there was all this confusion, plus I added a frozen Coke from McDonalds. Sheesh..I really like those things). I don't very often get gyro (lamb) because usually when I do, I find it's never seasoned properly or it just seems like it's dry or artificial..like something is just...well, off. I was on the fence staring at the menu between 2 things for what felt like 45 minutes (in reality it probably was 10 but I was having physical hunger + head hunger so yeah = 45 minutes. Anyway, I was thinking I was just going to get something that really can't be screwed up much. Greek salad with a chicken shish kebab ( I guess given the right person, it can be messed up lol) but I'm SO glad I chose what I did. The lamb gyro pita sandwich. Their chefs know what they're doing and it was truly authentic. Reminded me of the food I used to get from this little adorable authentic Greek restaurant when I was living back home in Buffalo that was owned by the sweetest older couple. They lived there but were born and raised and Greece. They used to show me and my kids pictures of how it was back home in Greece, we met their beautiful daughters who came to Buffalo for college (which is why they uprooted their existence..aww so sweet!) and shared their stories with us. We went there almost daily and my oldest daughter ended up working for them. This felt like it was many moons ago. Nevertheless, my sandwich was real, my pita was soft, pillowy, warm. I would really love to come there one day and dine in. Bodrum is pretty much right around the corner from me. I bet the owners and employees are all really nice! You can tell when love goes into food. I graduated from culinary school myself, about 20 years ago. Sometimes I enjoy something so much and I just think back on those days when I was a cook and miss it. Miss the joy that food used to bring people. The togetherness at that table your entrees brought. You just know! Thanks for a great meal last night, with love and kindness going into it. I just felt your restaurant needed recognition. It is special when a meal not only fills your belly but warms your heart. Sharon R.

Excellent food! We…read morewere visiting the town and looked for a highly rated unique cuisine and found this place. The place is nice inside, welcoming and selling some cool things alongside the food items. We both had a platter, one with falafels and the other with the marinaded chicken. They played had incredible salad and a red cabbage salad. Both were excellent! The bread was sold and warm and very fresh too. Then there was some white rice included and it was delicious too! It was jasmine rice and very tasty. We will have more items in future visits. Also, the platters came with a cup of their lentil soup, which for us was slightly different as it must have been made with tomatoes. Stop here and give them a try. You will love it!

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Bodrum Mediterranean Kitchen - Small but spacious for big parties.

Small but spacious for big parties.

Bodrum Mediterranean Kitchen
Bodrum Mediterranean Kitchen - Counter area

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Counter area

Tabouleh Mediterranean Cafe - Chicken Shawarma شاورما

Tabouleh Mediterranean Cafe

4.6(399 reviews)
5.6 mi•Greater Arlington
•$$

As someone who loves Mediterranean food, and who thought they visited all the best places in…read moreJacksonville, I definitely spoke too soon. Tabouleh is quaint and casual on the inside. Bright, clean and has the character of a great local, family owned restaurant. The staff was extremely friendly and informative. You order at the register where you can see the clean and busy kitchen directly behind. Your food is then brought out to you and everything is made fresh. There are Coke products in a soda fountain and a refrigerator with sodas, beer and wine. We ordered the Vegetarian Platter. First, the best hummus and tahini in the area. The falafel is fantastic along with the gyro. I wasn't expecting the fries to be so amazing but they were crispy and seasoned so well. Everything hit, and this is a new go-to for us. If you're anywhere near Arlington and want great Mediterranean food, you must try Tabouleh. One of Jacksonville's best to me.

Fantastic food and great service. Order at the counter and they bring your food to you. We split…read morethe vegetarian platter to try many appetizers and each ordered a pita wrap with fries. Standouts on the platter were the warm grape leaves, the hummus, and the tabouleh salad. The falafel was tasty but a bit greasy. The spinach pie had great flavors but would have been better served warm. The pita was warmed and great for dipping in that delicious hummus. I have a new favorite hummus in Jacksonville. My chicken shawarma wrap was filled with chicken and so well seasoned. I have half left for another meal. The fries were crinkle cut but cooked crispy with a seasoning, really liked them. The place had seating options inside and outside too.

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Tabouleh Mediterranean Cafe - Inside seating

Inside seating

Tabouleh Mediterranean Cafe - Gyro with salad

Gyro with salad

Tabouleh Mediterranean Cafe - Great portion size for a Saturday lunch.

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Great portion size for a Saturday lunch.

904 Saffron - Yeah, we decided to get a gyro and this was the best gyro I have ever had.

904 Saffron

4.5(88 reviews)
0.2 mi•LaVilla
•$$

I've been seeing 904 Saffron everywhere lately so I have to try it, right? Ok, now I'm kicking…read moremyself for going so long without this delicious food in my life!! I walked over to the food truck, which was the longest part of my experience with them. The nice man at the counter informed me that I could order on the new digital screens, but asked what I was getting so he could start my order. Incredibly great service! I put in my order and paid right from the menu boards! For the best part is, I put in my phone number and received a text when my food was ready, so I didn't have to listen around for my name. A few minutes later, my food is ready and I'm on my way! It was still piping hot when I sat down to eat five minutes later. Fries were crispy, sauce was tangy and the shawarma was balanced. 15/10!! Overall, make sure you check the out, you won't be disappointed! And if you are disappointed by their food...it might just be you...

Tried 904 Saffron at FSCJ and was impressed by the variety on their menu. I decided on the lamb…read moregyro wrap with fries. After a short wait, my food was delivered, and I noticed a small container of red sauce included with the meal. I wasn't sure what it was at first, so I tried it with my fries. I originally thought it was curry, but it had more of a thin, runny consistency with a spicy kick. It worked okay with the fries, but I chose not to put it on the gyro. Unfortunately, the fries were the biggest disappointment. They were extremely salty and mostly made up of the small broken pieces you usually find at the bottom of the bag. The gyro itself was good, especially after adding some white sauce my friend received with her order. We ordered the exact same meal, so I was surprised that she received three sauces while I only received one. Overall, my first experience with 904 Saffron was lacking. Between the overly salty fries and the inconsistency with the orders, I expected a little more for a meal that cost over $15.e

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904 Saffron - Saffron Truck

Saffron Truck

904 Saffron
904 Saffron - Food truck vibes on a Tuesday afternoon...yes! Please!!!

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Food truck vibes on a Tuesday afternoon...yes! Please!!!

Gili's Kitchen - catering - Updated October 2026

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