San Marco, Jacksonville, offers a diverse culinary scene with several notable restaurants.
Nestled in the heart of San Marco, Gemma Fish + Oyster is suited to make your dining experience inviting and exciting. Bringing you an exceptionally fresh and diverse seafood menu, we are ready to showcase our passion by utilizing the freshest ingredients and seafood around.
Indulge in Gemma’s 12ft raw bar with 6 daily oyster selections along with house made ceviches, tartares, and poke.
Seafood not your thing? No problem! We’ve got plenty for you too. No matter what the occasion, be prepared for an experience filled with passion, warmth, and freshness.
Matthew’s Restaurant is a cornerstone of fine dining in San Marco, having been established for over 25 years. Under Chef Alexander Yim, it blends classic French techniques with seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients and sustainably sourced seafood. The restaurant emphasizes artfully plated dishes and offers an extensive, award-winning wine collection with personalized pairings. They accommodate parties of up to 10 guests in the main dining room, with private dining required for larger groups. Reservations for 7 or more guests need to be made by calling directly, and a reservation guarantee form is required for parties of 7 to 10. As of June 2, 2025, modifications to their tasting menus are limited, though they can still accommodate vegetarian, shellfish, fin fish, nut, and gluten-free preferences. A business casual dress code is requested, with guests not meeting it potentially seated in the lounge [1].
Taverna focuses on modern interpretations of classic recipes, both in its kitchen and at the bar. It utilizes authentic Italian ingredients, seasonal produce, and meats from local purveyors on Chef Sam Efron’s menus. The beverage program, curated by Kiley Wynne Efron, features a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, regional craft beers, and handcrafted cocktails. While walk-ins are accepted, reservations are encouraged for faster seating [2].
Rue Saint-Marc is located at the entrance to the historic San Marco Square, aiming to enliven the neighborhood restaurant experience with a blend of tradition and progress. The space is described as fashionable yet comfortable and lively. Chef Scott Alters and Beverage Director Gabrielle Alters lead an ingredient-driven menu and cocktail program, emphasizing quality products, local, sustainable farming, and handmade creations. The restaurant has specific hours, being closed on Tuesdays and Sundays, and has a policy of seating a maximum of 8 guests per party. They do not offer restaurant buy-outs, and booths cannot be reserved for parties of two. A business casual dress code is requested, with collared shirts for gentlemen and no flip-flops or workout clothes. Complimentary valet parking is available across the street at Matthew’s Restaurant [3].
Metro Diner San Marco is known for its large portions, bold flavors, and diner classics, offering breakfast all day. It gained national recognition when Guy Fieri featured its griddle-seared Iron City Meatloaf on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” The diner has received numerous “Best Of” awards from local publications like the Florida Times Union, VOIDMagazine, and Jacksonville Magazine for categories such as “Best Breakfast,” “Best American Restaurant,” “Best Brunch,” and “Best Comfort Food.” It’s conveniently located near the Jacksonville International Airport and is a popular spot before or after sporting events or cultural attractions in Jacksonville [4] [5].
These establishments collectively contribute to San Marco’s reputation as a vibrant dining destination, offering everything from fine dining and Italian cuisine to modern American bistro fare and classic diner comfort food [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6].