Locally roasted coffee is now caffeinating Jax Beach with the arrival of Bold Bean Coffee Roasters’ second location. Friendly baristas make their single-origin coffee feel accessible, and drinks like the orange blossom honey latte make it delicious. Plus, be on the lookout for their pastry chef’s expansion from a single pastry case to Knead Bakeshop, coming soon to Riverside.

Community Loaves recently made the jump from a booth at the weekly Riverside Arts Market to their own space. They're using the Murray Hill storefront to bake their fresh breads and pastries and to host community-building events like cooking classes and special dinners.

Jacksonville's preeminent food truck has found a permanent home in the happening 5 Points area. The menu has grown from just “semi-swanky tacos” to include local craft beers on tap, sides (like black beans with country ham and porcini broth), and the added unpredictability of Whim Wednesdays, when chef/owner Chris Dickerson cooks up whatever’s fresh.

The usually quiet Mandarin area is now home to a sushi restaurant making a lot of noise. Kazu Japanese’s remodel of a former Thai restaurant has been an upgrade both in terms of the space and the cuisine. Tantalizingly fresh fish on the menu and sushi-making classes teach patrons to appreciate what this coastal city has to offer.

Chef Tom Gray’s labor of love is still attracting crowds to the Town Center. In addition to the new daily happy hour and Saturday and Sunday brunch, constant updates to the seasonal menu ensure the experience always feels fresh. Recent specials have included cheese-stuffed fried squash blossoms and housemade sweet corn ice cream.

Silver Cow has been quickly adopted into the fold of great bars with great food along the King St corridor. Owner Regina Heffington, also known as blogger Jax Brew Bitch, hails from South Louisiana, so a little Cajun flair (and beer) permeates the menu in items like crawfish quesadillas made with Bold City’s Dukes Cold Nose Brown Ale.

With a menu of sandwiches and entrees all under $20 owner Kiley Efron has succeeded in changing the perception that Taverna is only about expensive dining. So fret not, the white tablecloths have come off at Taverna.

Jacksonville has no shortage of pizza places, but just-opened V Pizza is raising the bar. Wood-fired ovens handmade by third-generation artisan Stefano Ferrara turn out Neapolitan-style pizzas in under 4 minutes. The menu is strictly traditional (the restaurant has even applied for VPN certification), but the oven-roasted chicken wings with fresh lemon, rosemary, salt & pepper, and caramelized onions are fresh and exciting.