Top Five New Neighborhood Restaurants in Jacksonville’s Riverside, Avondale, Murray Hill, and San Marco (2025 Edition)

Jacksonville’s food scene is having a moment, and nowhere is that more evident than in the cozy, tree-lined streets of Riverside, Avondale, Murray Hill, and San Marco. In 2025, these neighborhoods have welcomed a fresh crop of locally owned restaurants—each with its own story, flavor, and neighborhood spirit. Whether you’re a lifelong local or just hungry for something new, here are five must-visit spots that are already making waves.

1. Willow & Vine (Riverside)
Tucked into a sun-dappled corner of Riverside, Willow & Vine feels like the kind of place you stumble upon and instantly want to tell your friends about. Chef-owner Mariah Jensen, a Riverside native, left her job in New York’s restaurant world to bring her love of seasonal Southern fare back home. The menu changes weekly, but the pecan-crusted catfish and heirloom tomato salad have already become local legends. On a recent visit, I overheard a couple celebrating their anniversary, marveling at the homemade peach cobbler. It’s the kind of spot where every meal feels like a special occasion.

2. The Blue Porch (Avondale)
The Blue Porch is exactly what its name suggests: a welcoming, sky-blue bungalow with rocking chairs out front and laughter spilling out the windows. The owners, a husband-and-wife duo who met at a Jacksonville farmers’ market, focus on farm-to-table comfort food. Their fried green tomato BLT is the talk of the neighborhood, and their Saturday brunch draws a loyal crowd. Don’t miss the stories scribbled on the chalkboard wall—locals share their favorite memories of Avondale, making every visit feel like a reunion.

3. Hearth & Harvest (Murray Hill)
Hearth & Harvest has quickly become Murray Hill’s new gathering place. Walking in, you’re greeted by the scent of wood-fired pizzas and a mural painted by local artists. Chef Diego Morales, known for his creative twists on classic dishes, sources ingredients from nearby farms. The roasted beet and goat cheese pizza is a standout, and the communal tables make it easy to strike up a conversation with neighbors. One regular told me he’s never left without making a new friend.

4. Juniper Table (San Marco)
San Marco’s Juniper Table is a love letter to Mediterranean flavors, dreamed up by chef-owner Lila Farouk. Inspired by her travels and her grandmother’s recipes, Lila’s menu is packed with bright, fresh dishes—think lemony grilled chicken, roasted eggplant dip, and baklava that melts in your mouth. The cozy, plant-filled dining room is perfect for lingering over a glass of wine. On opening night, Lila’s grandmother was there, beaming as she watched guests savor her family’s recipes. It’s a place where heritage and hospitality shine.

5. The Corner Spoon (Riverside)
Last but not least, The Corner Spoon is Riverside’s new breakfast and lunch gem. With its cheerful yellow façade and vintage diner vibes, it’s already a favorite for morning coffee runs and leisurely weekend brunches. Owner Sam Park greets every guest by name, and the menu is full of playful twists—like sweet potato pancakes and citrus-infused cold brew. Locals say it’s the kind of place where you come for the food but stay for the sense of community.

From Southern comfort to Mediterranean magic, these five restaurants are proof that Jacksonville’s neighborhoods are brimming with creativity, flavor, and heart. Next time you’re looking for somewhere new to eat, skip the chains and savor the stories—and the meals—at these local gems.