If you're looking for a taste of Italy in Jacksonville, you're in luck. Although the city has its share of chains, Jacksonville is also home to a number of locally-owned Italian restaurants -- many of which are family businesses offering made-to-order, homestyle Italian dishes.
1. Benito's Italian Cafe
Benito's is a family-owned and operated restaurant located in Jacksonville's Mandarin area. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and provides catering.
9475 Phillips Highway
(904) 538-0222
2. Enza's Italian Restaurant
Enza's was founded in 2004 by the husband and wife team of Mike and Enza Huff. The restaurant received the Open Table Diner's Choice award in 2010.
10601 San Jose Boulevard
Suite 109
(904) 268-4458
3. Vito's Italian Restaurant
Vito's, established by chef Giulio Teresi, is one of Jacksonville's best known Italian restaurants and has been serving the area since 1984.
3825 Baymeadows Road
(904) 737-9236
4. Vito's Italian Cafe
Unaffiliated with Vito's Italian Restaurant, Vito's Italian Cafe has been in the courtyard of the Jacksonville Landing for over 10 years. The restaurant features over 600 wine selections.
2 Independent Drive
Suite 174
(904) 355-0064
5. La Cena Ristorante
La Cena Ristorante is one of the few fine dining options in Downtown Jacksonville. The restaurant is only open for dinner and advance reservations are required.
211 North Laura Street
(904) 633-9255
6. Casa Dora Italian Restaurant
Casa Dora is located downtown, next to the Florida Theatre. The restaurant's motto is "Homemade is better." It's led by Chef Sam Hassan.
108 East Forsyth St.
(904) 576-8282
7. Pizza Italian
Pizza Italian is the oldest restaurant in Jacksonville's 5 Points district, having opened in 1976. The restaurant features 31 menu items, the majority of which are under $10.
1053 Park St.
(904)355-3820
8. Giuliano's Italian Restaurant
Giuliano's Italian Restaurant was founded by brothers Leonard and George Gjergji in 2007. Giuliano's is located in the Baymeadow's area and features a full menu as well as a lunch buffet.
9802 Baymeadows Rd.
(904) 646-1370
9. Tonino's Trattoria Italian Restaurant
Tonino's is a family-owned and operated restaurant offering made-to-order Roman style Italian Cuisine. Tonino's is only open for dinner. Be sure to check their website for a printable coupon good for $5 off any two entrees.
7001 Merrill Rd.
(904) 743-3848
10. Saucers Italian Cafe
Saucers, formerly known as Primo's Pizza, is a full-scale Italian restaurant offering New York style pizza and old world pasta dishes.
2640 Cesery Blvd.
(904) 744-5444
11. Mamma Lucia Restaurant
"Mamma Lucia" immigrated to the United States in 1990 and opened her restaurant in 2006. The restaurant prepares all of its meals with select organic ingredients uses natural, antibiotic-free chicken.
11380-10 Beach Blvd.
(904) 645-0081
