3 Best Restaurants in Northeast Coast, Florida

Although the five area locations fit the criteria of a neighborhood pizza joint—cheap, casual, and frequented by locals—this funky-chic pizzeria looks more like a hangout for hipsters than Jacksonvillians low on dough (pardon the pun). The main draw is the pizza, particularly Al's gourmet white pie, but eggplant parmigiana, stuffed shells, and lasagna are also good.

Award-winning chef Tom Gray's menu of contemporary Italian dishes changes with the seasons at this local foodie hot spot. Share a Roman-style pizza at the chef's table or at the outdoor seating area beside the lake, or head upstairs to the bar for artisanal cocktails.

Homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and brick-oven pizzas are just some of the delights attracting locals and tourists alike to this casual Italian gem a few blocks from the beach. Giant chalkboards detail the fresh fish creations of the day, but it's tough to resist the pasta dishes such as papardelle cinghiale (handmade papardelle with wild boar, plum tomatoes, and fresh herbs). Italian-born owner–chef Simone Parisi uses locally sourced ingredients, with emphasis on the abundant seafood harvested by area fishermen. Meat lovers will be happy here, too, with items such as Tuscan ribs and a double pork chop stuffed with fontina and prosciutto. The airy dining room is anchored by the brick oven and open kitchen; the restaurant also has a small courtyard for outdoor dining.