Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Jacksonville

This was our second time dining at the Raintree Restaurant! And the reason we came back is because it is that good! My son and I always love to get the beef wellington dinner. It is literally one of the best beef wellingtons we have ever had! This time we had the muscles appetizer and let me tell you it was amazing. Everything we have ever ate at this restaurant is amazing! We took our service suggestion for dessert and got the banana crepe! It was dangerously good. And speaking of servers, our server Damien was fantastic! Definitely ask for him when you go! We also love the atmosphere inside the restaurant. And during this time of the year they have it set up so nice with all the Christmas decorations! Quick shout out to the managers and Hostess as well.. for some reason I got my reservation messed up and came way earlier than I was supposed to. Not only were they super accommodating but they were also super friendly about it. This restaurant is always on our list when we are in town!

If I could give 6 stars I would! Absolutely the best dining experience I have had in years, and it was lunch service on Christmas Eve. Jeff, our server, was outstanding. It’s rare, in fine dining these days, to fine an establishment that cares both from a culinary and service perspective. Jeff and the 11 South staff knocked it out of the park. We will be back and thanks to 11 South as you truly are a dining gem.

Our party was a little early for our reservation, however we were seated immediately. We were given light-up holiday hats for everyone in the party because we made a reservation online. So cool! The ambiance was lovely, all decorated for Christmas, a cool little bar, and awesome holiday themed cocktails. The waiter was very attentive. Amazing food! Get the burger! One of the best burgers I’ve ever had! The shrimp bisque was also quite good. My only negative is the price, but I’d rather spend $150 for a meal that supports a small business, with quality hand-crafted food than pay the same for a chain restaurant of the same predictable menu items. We love St. Augustine and come up every December for Night of Lights. We hope to visit Forgotten Tonic again next year!

Excellent service and food my husband my daughter and grandson sat at a lovely table in the room off of the bar, which was much more quiet than the bar area. The brussels sprouts are fantastic. The prime rib sandwich was great and the butter chicken was superb.!

From start to finish, everything about the High Tea was lovely! They even graciously accommodated a vegetarian! Everything was delicious, the service was 5-star. We’ll be back again.