When I set up to write this blog post about the BEST BRUNCH IN JACKSONVILLE, I was thinking about the best way to approach it, should I only talk from personal experience? should I ask my friends for their favorite spots in town? or should I ask my Root-mates? I decided to go with the latter. I know not everyone is a big fan of brunch, because what do you order, breakfast, lunch, or both? It can be confusing, and brunch is also known as the “most dreaded meal in most professional kitchens” but I know that my Root-mates are huge fans of this dining experience, so hopefully, this post will serve as a guide for you, and will get you to try THE best brunch in Jacksonville.

One of MaryAnne’s favorite spots for brunch is ORSAY. Her first date with Gerry was there, so it’s a special spot for both, she says: “You can’t go wrong with the deviled egg selections, in-house pastries, and of course, the grand mimosa! If you can, try to get a spot outside for a more casual/weekend feel”. Outside it is MA!

Orsay Restaurant, photo credit, instagram @orsayjax

Erica loves eating brunch at Prati Italia at St John’s Town Center, she also recommends grabbing a table on the patio (when the weather is nice) with a Mimosa or Bloody Mary in hand and ordering the Fontina Meatballs as an appetizer. It doesn’t matter the time of day, her go-to meals are the breakfast bowl, veggie omelet, or the fried chicken biscuit * chefs kiss *.

yummi drinks at prati italia. photo credit, instagram @pratiitaliajax

The District SPR in Springfield is hands down Emily’s favorite brunch spot, she likes to reserve a private yurt or enjoy the outdoor garden for a truly relaxing atmosphere while enjoying live music (see a pattern here? My Root-mates are outdoorsy). Emily claims “you can’t go wrong with the Maple Bacon Deviled Eggs, the Charcuterie Board, and the Champagne Tower.

charcuterie board. photo credit: instagram @thedistrictspr

Alaina’s choice is Taverna in San Marco, and I agree with her! The ambiance at Taverna, is unbeatable whether seated indoors or out. She highly recommends ordering the Poached Eggs or the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes paired with Mimosas (go easy on the OJ!). My personal favorites are the Prosciutto Scone and the Taverna Benedict Florentine.

Terry’s Grill is Jamie’s favorite spot to get brunch, she said “It gives you the feeling of a small-town place in a big city”. Biscuits & gravy is her go-to order. I haven’t been here, but their ½ Pound Patty Melt with Grilled Onions and Provolone looks delicious!

Katie’s favorite spot is Southern Grounds. She loves to order a Mimosa or Coffee with their amazing Grits Bowl. Amanda seconds The District SPR and loves eating brunch at Metro Diner (on Hendrick’s Ave) because it has a quirky interior and they have a creative take on the classics, especially Eggs Benedict. Another must try here is their Chicken and Waffles, you can trade their Waffles for Croissant French Toast, they top it with strawberry butter and it’s to die for! Did you know you can also BYOB (bring your own booze)? Now THAT’S A PLUS!

photo credit: instagram @southerngroundsco

Here is a quick list of other places mentioned by my Root-mates:

Biscotti’s/ Jacki

Silkie’s Chicken & Champagne Bar/Ariana and Lauren

Bistro Aix, Community Loaves and Le Petit Paris Café/ Sidney

photo credit: @lepetitparisjax instagram

Coop 303, The Local/Erica.

*You can click on each restaurant’s name to go to their website, read their menu and locations.

By the way, have you watched The Big Brunch? it’s an eight-episode series on HBO Max, if you haven’t, turn your TV on and do it right now, it’s a cooking competition that tasks chefs with making brunch, the show is in the hands of “Schitt’s Creek” co-creator Dan Levy, and it is yummy, funny, and warm. So go ahead, ENJOY!

I must go, writing this blog post made me hungry.

Dany Amparano @danyamparanorealtor

Root Realty Blog