Jacksonville's Riverside area features a number of impressive restaurants, so it was tough to narrow this list down. Here are some of the neighborhood's best eateries, with a preference for those locally-owned and operating.
1. Carmine's Pie House
Located in the heart of the King Street District, Carmine's is one of the best pizza joints in town. The menu is eclectic, featuring traditional Italian dishes, salads and virtually any kind of pizza you could want. Carmine's Pie House also serves wings, subs, paninis and desserts.
Carmine's is open Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. On Friday nights, the restaurant is often open later. On Sundays, it's open from Noon to 9 p.m.
2. European Street Cafe
European Street Cafe is a Jacksonville-chain with four locations across the city. The Riverside spot is on Park St. European Street serves up authentic European food and beverages, including over 200 beers. It also features gluten-free, raw and vegan-friendly menu options.
European Street Cafe on Park St. is open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
3. Sushi Cafe
Sushi Cafe is one of the few remaining original occupants of the Publix Plaza in Riverside's historic 5 Points district. It's a locally-owned and operated restaurant with reasonable prices and and a large sushi menu.
It's open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Sundays, it's open from Noon to 10 p.m.
4. Pizza Italian
Pizza Italian in 5 Points has been in business since 1976, the longest steadily-open merchant in the district. Pizza Italian is known for its authentic Italian food and reasonable prices. The menu features 31 items, most of which are under $10.
Pizza Italian is open Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Fridays, it's open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
5. Hovan's Mediterranean
Hovan's, also located in 5 Points, serves up authentic Mediterranean cuisine at a reasonable price. The restaurant is well-known for its outstanding lunch specials. Hovan's features hummus, falafel, gyros, tabbouleh and more.
It's open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
6. 13 Gypsies
13 Gypsies, located on Stockton St. next to Bold Bean Coffee, serves up traditional Spanish "Peasant Food." It was featured on the television show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." You can check out the television clip here. The bistro is quite small, and reservations are recommended to ensure timely seating.
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, and from 5 to 9 p.m. for dinner. On Friday and Saturday nights, it's open until 10 p.m. for dinner.
7. Kickbacks Gastropub
Kickback's Gastropub is one of the few places in Riverside to get a bite to eat after midnight. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. 7 days a week! It features a large selection with 84 on tap and over 600 bottled. Kickback's menu includes everything from blackened shrimp to chicken wings. It even features a "Vintage" menu for those on a budget, serving up Spaghetti-O's, grilled-cheese sandwiches and Top Ramen.
Kickback's is located on King St.
