Some restaurants surprise you with one great dish. Others deliver a memorable experience from start…read moreto finish. Our visit to Biscottis in Jacksonville's Avondale neighborhood managed to do both. We were greeted warmly when we arrived and seated immediately, and the atmosphere had a welcoming energy that made the restaurant feel like a true neighborhood gathering place. Susan ordered the Quiche Lorraine, and after the first bite we both knew it was something special. The crust was delicate and buttery while the filling was rich and perfectly balanced. It was so impressive that we awarded it our Culinary Duo Best of the Best dish recognition, which is something we reserve for truly standout dishes. Peter went in a different direction and ordered the Sweet Potato Pancakes with house made white cheddar hash browns. The pancakes were flavorful and comforting, and the hash browns were crispy with bold cheddar flavor that made them impossible to stop eating. Another thing we appreciated was learning that Biscottis carries the Slow Food First Coast Snail of Approval, recognizing restaurants that support sustainable agriculture and local food traditions. The service throughout the visit was cheerful and attentive, and the staff seemed genuinely happy to be there. If you enjoy restaurants that combine great brunch dishes, incredible desserts, and a lively neighborhood atmosphere, Biscottis is definitely worth visiting.

Pretentious and overrated…read more I wanted to like this place - it has such a hype. But the food is terrible. The burger is greasy/wet, it is drenched in a bland cheese sauce, the meat is underseasoned, and the patty has no sear. Definitely not worth anything near the $21 cost. The salmon BLT is served on bread that is cut so thick you're mostly just eating old/stale bread, and the sandwich is also greasy. Their french fries come drenched in a disgusting garlic oil and cheap grated parmesan. It's bad cooking dressed up to look fancy without any understanding of the basics. The restaurant fits as well. Its ugly artwork is accompanied by furniture that looks like it was ripped out of a Le Pain Quotidien. The cakes look amazing, and the bar is nicely designed and well stocked, but neither saves the drab surrealist-cafeteria vibe of this pretentious establishment.

This self service place comes in clutch for the morning coffee while I was visiting…read more I didn't try any of the food but the menu is pretty big and there's a lot of good looking food coming off of the line. It was pretty slammed when I was there so the employees were in the weeds for sure. But I was happy with my espresso. The location is right in the 5 points area so the walk factor is legit. The seating outside is probably my favorite part. Who doesn't like sitting on picnic tables in the end right.

My wife and I were looking for a healthy option for lunch as we were traveling ... and found this…read moreplace. Organic products throughout the menu, as well as some gluten free options ... which was exactly what we were looking for! When we arrived, we found this pleasant environment with ample seating outside. As we began to review the menu, the manager of the shop was very friendly and helpful in navigating their menu. Ultimately, I decided to sample the bacon, egg, and cheese wrap. It was quite good. I believe they used a cheddar that was a bit strong for my taste and would have preferred some milder cheese options (like provolone). Regardless, it was tasty. My only complaint (and this may be specific to me) is that they did not have a cola flavored diet drink to offer. Yes, I admit, I need my Diet Coke with my meal. So, I had to walk around the corner and find a place to sell me a soda. Other than that, a great option for a meal.

Another great visit here. Richard was taking care of us,…read more and cranked up our appreciation of this place even more-! he's great guy all around - we forgot our "to-go" soda, and he came running out after us with it. We tried the Devil Dog Frickles (Ooorah!) which are lightly battered fried pickles and a nice sauce (I added a bit more ketchup to the sauce... - that's just me) 1 these are good! The Chicago Pie l, after a bunch of visits, still makes it worth the 45 minute trip here. Love the atmosphere and the newly renovated bathrooms !! Keep up the great work folks!

Great size and tasting salad! This is my favorite salad at Carmines and they give you a lot of…read morebang for your buck. The dressing is great! It's also so busy here, but I understand why. Richard provided great service and I hope to go back and try the pizza soon.

I've gone my entire teenaged and adult life ordering maybe 3 burgers over a couple of decades, now…read moreI wake up thinking about the texture, taste, thickness, seasoning and freshness of the beef at Pinegrove Market and Deli! My go-to is the Hoss burger, because I love the onion rings and special sauce, but their steaks (ribeye and tenderloin) are also perfectly aged and fresh off the butcher block. This is a small deli with seating tucked away on a neighborhood street where you're guaranteed to be greeted with a friendly smile by someone willing to answer any questions you may have. It's an older building but they're serving up bistro quality food. The menu is written on the wall to the right of the register, but they also have a printout. If you're prone to decision overwhelm and don't want to order 14 things, you can also look at the menu on their website! If I lived in walking distance, I'd come here twice a week. They also sell beer, wine, salads, sandwiches, and chicken tenders and fried fish! Can you tell I'm obsessed with this place?!

First off, if you're looking for something locally owned this is your spot. Everything feels like…read moreit's family and regulars only. Which, don't let that intimidate. That just means the service, and atmosphere is welcoming to every one. I felt very welcomed and approached by multiple people to ensure my visit was going well. Which feels nice when you're deciding to eat local at a place that is 100% mom and pop vibe. You can choose to eat in, or take to go. I decided to order the 16oz ribeye and sit out on the patio. The patio is not accessible from the inside ordering area. So be aware of that for drink refills and such. But they manage to still bring you your food and check on you occasionally. And for a more of a self serve place, that was more than I was expecting. The steak was cooked to perfection. Not overly seasoned, and I'd say just the right amount. Veggies weren't undercooked or over cooked. I planned on not eating half and saving a little for later. Well it was too good to do that haha. All in all a good meal and can't wait to be back.

We visit European Street Cafe often. It's my daughter's favorite place and quite frankly, it's a…read moregreat to pick up a quick dessert. I've reviewed European Street before but, I wish I could do three reviews for this place. I feel it is the nearly the best at some things, and good at others. The service is always excellent. Whether you're dining in or carrying out, everyone is always pleasant, service is quick, and the crew always seems to provide great reheating advice. The interior is quaint and casual with a beautiful bar, and a really unique store that sells candy and beer from all over the world. Sometimes I go just for that. It's a really cool experience. The outside eating area here is probably the best around. Nicely decorated area, tables and umbrellas and just a great place to eat on a nice day. Dogs are welcome, which is a plus for us. The beer selection and Happy Hour specials are the best around. If you like beer, this is the best place you could go in the Riverside/Avondale area. It's also a very underrated location for dessert. You could stop in to grab something from their cake, pie or cookie selection. The cookies are INCREDIBLE. I've also had the carrot cake (very nice), the peanut butter chocolate pie (solid) and their pecan pie (very good). The menu for food is vast, there are a ton of choices, it centers around sandwiches (there are salads as well) and there's something for everyone. I've always liked the fiery turkey sub and the mufaletta. They're really solid. Very good breakfast sandwiches as well. When you get a side of chips though, it is literally chips out of a bag. I feel like they could probably do something better there, but that's my only constructive criticism. We stopped by last night for a cookie. It's a dessert, it's massive. If you carry out, 15-20 seconds in the microwave and dig in. The flavors range from standards (chocolate chip, peanut butter, white macadamia) to really unique creations (German chocolate, carrot cake). We'll be back, more pics next time, but I wanted to give some love to what is perhaps the best Happy Hour location around. Give them a try.

I have been to the Park Street location many, many times and today will be my last. The waiter was…read morerude. The manager was rude. My sandwich had yellow mustard dripping from it. We sat outside as I had my service dog with me and I had previously been told that she was NOT allowed inside, doesn't matter that as a service dog she should be allowed anywhere I go. The waiter gave me a lot of guff because I put her on my lap when I was finished eating so that she would stop whining for food (which was sub par). The waiter told me to read the rules that stated that dogs are not allowed on laps (there is no such rule). The waiter then proceeded to tell me that he knows others who live in my building who have told him that we have been thrown out of other places (gossipy cashier who pretends to be a friend). Anyway, the food is nothing to write home about. The tables are never wiped down between customers. This particular waiter and his manager are downright rude and irritating. There are so many other places to go, including the European Street Cafe in San Marco where they are much friendlier. My companion told me that her late husband had trouble with this waiter, too. Skip it. There are just too many good places to go to bother with these folks who apparently get up on the wrong side of their beds all too frequently. And they are the only place in town with patio rules!!! Next, they will ban children.

First off let me say, Mashallah we have a business lead by a Jordan. This team is so charismatic…read moreand ON TIME when it comes to early am orders in person. I wouldn't advise sitting down and eating at early hours but I would definitely recommend you coming in if you have a hankering for: Cheesecake French Fries Beef, rice and peppers Delicious sauces Uplifting atmosphere Hosts that sing Professional treatment Fair pricing I wish this place had music and a way to tip in their payment system. Keep up the good attitudes guys, you are running a successful business

This place is super convenient. They have a drive through and the food comes up pretty quick…read more The menu is larrrrge. They have so many types of food it's pretty wild. The seating area inside has enough seats for you and your friends. The drive through though is clutch. If you're looking for food fast, and you want the option to get a bunch of different types of food... this place is for you.

I soon will be a resident of 5 Points and so happy Hovan Gourmet is within walking distance…read more Today I had the VEGETARIAN Hovan with delicious Tabbouleh. They have a great patio for dining and people watching.

Hovan Gourmet Mediterranean is a Five Points staple that never disappoints. Besides having some of…read morethe most enviable outdoor seating around, their service and the food is stellar. We did carry out on this day and unlike some other Five Points locations, it's easy to find parking, even on a Friday afternoon at peak dinner time. Everything they do is solid, their gyro, pita and falafel rank amongst the best in the area. They must do their pita fresh and on site. It's just amazing and perfectly accents what might be the best gyro around. If it's a nice day, you're in the Riverside area, and craving great Mediterranean food, Hovan is a must. If it's not a nice day, eat inside or carry out. I highly recommend you give them a try.

Cava is a go to for me and I love the healthy option ! I…read morewill say the location of this cave is great because it's in the heart of riverside but it also means they get super busy . I went on 10/25 around 8pm and they were slammed with people in line but I will say they were getting people through decently fast . If you take anything from this, always get the pita chips with a salad! The pita chips are always to die for and at one point I heard they were doing cinnamon and sugar pita chips, but I'm not sure how true that is .

This location always has great customer service. I really enjoy all the different protein and…read moresauce options. It's always fresh, delicious, and well priced

A great little smoothie bar located in the lobby of the Winston Y. You don't need to be a member…read moreto patronize BlissFuel. These smoothies are packed with healthy ingredients, not merely sugar, fruit juice, or sweetened frozen yogurt. I asked the server what was the lowest in calories/sugar and he suggested the off-menu Keto smoothie (almond milk, blue berries, strawberries, and unsweetened Greek yogurt. It was very good for being low sugar. The shop has other healthy local snacks, coffee, and tea as well. And there are a few tables inside and more outside. If I'm ever in this area, I will come again!

After a great workout I decided to stop & try a smoothie. It's so convenient being right in the…read moreWinston YMCA lobby. The staff were very friendly & helpful. As I was waiting I was talking to another customer who is addicted to their cheese pies. It looks delicious. They offer smoothies, super smoothies, juices, juice shots, salads & other baked goods like muffins & cheese pies. All their breads are baked fresh at their San Marco location. I tried the Bruce Lee a green smoothie with pineapple, kale, yogurt, ginger, vanilla & banana. They don't add sugar so you taste all the ingredients. The taste is awesome. A 16 oz is $6.95. They made it while I waited, not long. I stopped by after 1pm and it was not very busy. I plan to return and try their salads & cheese pies. Hope they get the support to continue offering these tasty & healthy goodies.

I work across the River from the Laura St location located in the Vystar building so I decided to…read morecome here for lunch recently as we wanted a healthy option. Enter Tossgreen! If you have a hankering for a healthy light-ish lunch this is it. Before I get into the good stuff aka the food: they validate parking in the building!! The street parking is metered and can be hard to find so take advantage of the free parking! I opted for the curry cauliflower bowl and absolutely LOVED IT. I wish I had gotten a picture but it was so good that I gobbled it down before I even thought of it! I loved the contrast of the pickled vegetables and the roasted cauliflower. If you're feeling spicy you can change the chicken out from regular to spicy. My two colleagues both got the Thai crunch salad which they also really enjoyed. They also changed their chicken out from regular to spicy. **The line at lunch is pretty long as a heads up so I recommend ordering ahead if you are in a time crunch**

Stopped in for the first time Wednesday and wish I never did. Not only did the tikka sauce taste…read morelike pure tomato sauce only, my stomach turned after a couple bites. I went back downstairs to speak to someone but by that time they were busy. I didn't have time to wait in line so I tossed it out and wrote them on Facebook and IG because their site doesn't have a contact us form. No one got back to me. I did not like the taste of the food at all and something about it tore my stomach up. First and last visit. Worst $19 plate I've ever had.