JaxSpice at CR210 — Restaurant in Florida

Forget the tired tropes of turmeric-hued walls and sitar music on loop. Jax Spice isn’t just another Indian restaurant; it’s a revelation. Stepping inside, one is greeted not by kitsch, but by an ambiance that whispers of intimate evenings and shared secrets. It's a space that understands the delicate balance between casual comfort and refined elegance—perfect for a romantic rendezvous, yet welcoming to families with even the most discerning (read: two-year-old) palates.

But the true magic of Jax Spice isn’t just in its décor; it resides in the heart of its hospitality, embodied by a server whose name deserves to be etched in the annals of exceptional service: Julia.

Let me paint a picture: I entered Jax Spice with my wife and young child, prepared to navigate the familiar terrain of Indian menus. Instead, I was met by Julia, a culinary clairvoyant disguised as a waitress. She didn’t simply take our order; she engaged us in a conversation, a gentle interrogation about our past Indian food experiences, discerning our preferences with the precision of a seasoned sommelier pairing wine with a complex dish.

This wasn’t mere order-taking; it was an act of culinary curation. After a brief exchange, Julia, with an intuitive understanding that bordered on the uncanny, orchestrated our dining experience. I, a devoted fan of rich, creamy curries, was presented with the Lamb Korma. The lamb, impossibly tender, practically melted on the tongue, bathed in a velvety sauce that spoke of slow simmering and a masterful hand with spices. My wife, a connoisseur of the classic Chicken Tikka Masala, received a rendition that surpassed all expectations. Each dish offered a spectrum of six spice levels, allowing for a personalized heat experience—a thoughtful touch that speaks volumes about the kitchen’s commitment to individual tastes.

And then there was the naan. Oh, the naan! We sampled both the garlic and the “bullet” naan—the latter, a fiery, intensely flavorful flatbread that delivered a satisfying kick. Each bite was a testament to the tandoor’s mastery, a perfect complement to the rich curries.

While the food at Jax Spice is undoubtedly exceptional—worthy of every accolade bestowed upon it—it was Julia’s service that elevated the entire experience from a mere meal to a cherished memory. She anticipated our every need, attending to our two-year-old with a warmth and patience that deserves a medal of honor. It was clear that she wasn’t just going through the motions; she genuinely cared about ensuring our complete satisfaction.

Jax Spice isn’t just the best Indian food I’ve had in Florida; it’s a testament to the transformative power of exceptional service. It's a place where culinary artistry meets genuine hospitality. Living in Orlando, a considerable drive from Jax Spice, suddenly feels like an inconvenience. We will be making the pilgrimage back, not just for the exceptional food, but for the chance to once again experience the magic of Julia’s service. Five out of five stars doesn’t feel sufficient. Jax Spice, thanks to Julia and its masterful kitchen, has redefined the Indian dining experience. This is not just a restaurant; it’s a...

Edited review after second visit. Unfortunately the review has gone down to 3 stars from 4 stars. Last time only one thing went wrong and this time so many. They have done a great job at the beach location but looks like its tough to replicate the same value and service here in St. Johns. We had brought friends along with us to boast about this new place but it was a disappointment.

1. The server taking orders had lesser understanding of the menu items and how the spice level works, they tried hard to cover it with humor. If I have to point it on the menu then its a red flag, the place is supposed to provide a fine dining experience then owners have to work on this part. How do they expect their servers to recommend something if they don't know the menu well enough.
2. Our table didn't have cutleries and had to ask few times for them, once brought they just dropped it in middle of the table and left. They were not staffed enough to handle Sat rush.
3. Food quality went down. Gobhi Manchurian was not crispy at all, had a sweeter after taste, Panner tikka arrived cold and had no flavor to it. Those who ate Hariyali chicken were not impressed with that as well. The Aloo paratha was a hit the first time, I specifically came back for that but this time it was really disappointing. I would have rather ordered Naan instead.
4. Curries were not bad and that is what is getting the place 3 stars. They need to work on service, maintaining quality of food. If this doesn't change then I would rather drive all way to the Duval for better Indian food vs spending my money here. I really want this place to succeed because we want this to be our go to place in Saint Johns. Best of luck ! ------- first visit review----- Tried the new JaxSpice branch in Saint Johns. New place still at soft opening stage but has a great potential, specially in filling the absence of a NICE Indian restaurant in Saint Johns area. Decent service, nice ambiance, the food is tasty and the portion sizes are very good. If you enjoy spice level hot in Indian food then just order “Indian hot” because even “hot” is catered towards less heat tolerant palate and was milder than expected. All the curries we tried were made really well with a good balance of spices just less hot than expected. The most surprising thing was aloo parantha made tandoori style. Last time I ate that style was in an Indian dhaba. Gulab Jamun is served in a fancy style with some kind of coconut purée but taste was nothing special, that part needs improvement because Gulab Jamuns are kind of king of desserts in the Indian restaurants. Same thing for Veg Momos, the taste fell a tad bit below the expectations specially after highlighting Nepali cuisine. The Gulab Jamun and Momos took away 1 star. Which I hope can improve with time. I will recommend this place...

My Rating: 5/5 JaxSpice in St. Johns County

Located off State Road 210, JaxSpice epitomizes the best of North Indian, Nepalese cuisine, offering a stunning culinary experience that left me thoroughly impressed. From the moment I entered, the ambience of the restaurant exuded a higher quality, reminiscent of upscale venues. The warm greeting I received upon arrival set the perfect tone for the evening. I knew this was going to be a great evening!

I chose a cozy booth and started my culinary journey with a mango and rum cocktail. Reminiscent of a mango lassi, this delightful drink transported me straight to India. Throughout my visit, I noticed the ever-present owners diligently overseeing operations, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

As a very selective food critic, I make it a point to vary my choices to sample the best of everything on the menu. To test the range of the kitchen, I sampled a medley of appetizers, each dish more delicious than the last. The spices were perfectly balanced, showcasing the essence of North Indian and Nepali cuisine. JaxSpice has undoubtedly mastered the recipe for success.

The garlic roti and naan bread were highlights of the meal, perfectly buttered and a true testament to the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity. An Indian restaurant that gets its bread right is a gem, and JaxSpice certainly does.

For my main course, I opted for three entrées: a paneer, a butter chicken and a Chicken Biryani. Service and plating was very well done. The dishes? They were fresh, vibrant, and far from the frozen or lackluster alternatives found elsewhere. The flavors presented were rich and exciting, truly a delight for the palate. Compliments to the team!

Complementing my meal, I tried a unique cocktail from the bar—a blueberry gin and bourbon mix. It was strong, flavorful and provided a perfect conclusion to my dining experience.

JaxSpice’s menu ranges from vegetarian to exotic dishes, each layered with texture and flavor. Their team takes great care in the planning and preparation of meals, utilizing popular ingredients such as chilies, mustard seeds, gram flour, coconut, and yogurt.

The bar, while modest, offered a variety of intriguing options. This can all be perused using their online menu via digital tablet. A nice modern touch! Bravo! JaxSpice’s attention to detail and commitment to quality make it a standout addition to St. Johns County. They have successfully raised the bar for Indian cuisine in the area, and I eagerly anticipate...