City Grille & Raw Bar — Restaurant in Jacksonville

We had the absolute best experience at City Grille! This was our second dinner outing of the week, this time celebrating a friend’s birthday with a party of 10. From start to finish, the service was superb. The staff was attentive, personable, and incredibly accommodating—never once did we have to ask for a refill or wonder where our server disappeared to. They were on point the entire night and even made fantastic menu recommendations.

Heads-up: gratuity is automatically added for large parties (which is totally understandable), but worth noting in case that’s something you care about. That said, the service was so outstanding we tipped above and beyond—it was well-earned.

To start, we shared the crab cakes—available in single or shareable portions. They were perfectly crisped, flavorful, and an ideal kickoff to the meal. I then had the octopus, and wow. If octopus turns you off, don’t let it—this dish is a game-changer. It’s just the tentacle (no head!), fried to a crispy perfection that reminded me of a shake-and-bake pork chop. Seasoned beautifully and plated over a bed of greens, northern beans, pesto, and tomatoes—hands down the best-cooked octopus I’ve ever had.

We also tried the Wagyu. At $130, the portion wasn’t visually impressive (the plating makes it look smaller), but it was undeniably delicious and prepared with care. For sides, we had the whipped mash—just $5, which is a steal if you’re ordering multiple courses. Honestly though, if you’re doing apps and entrees, sides can be skipped unless you’re splitting.

I ordered the Frutti di Mare Pasta, and it was a banger. Generous seafood, perfect texture, and a hearty portion—more than enough for two after appetizers. I’m eating the leftovers as I write this, and believe it or not, it’s even better the next day.

For dessert, they offer a verbal menu—important to note for guests with hearing impairments. We chose the chocolate cake (petite but rich, bold, and melt-in-your-mouth decadent) and the crème brûlée, which was underwhelming in comparison. The cocktails? Absolutely delicious—balanced, fresh, and classy.

Overall, City Grille delivered a five-star experience in both food and service. If you’re looking for an upscale, attentive, and satisfying night out—this place is it. We'll absolutely be...

I live walking distance to the restaurant and wanted to continue my pamper day. That included not cooking. I walked over and sat at the bar. The staff was very nice and attentive. Makenzie was my server. (Extremely sorry if I spelled your name incorrectly.) She was so great. She made sure I had everything I needed.

I ordered: *pineapple sidecar *old fashioned *half dozen raw oysters single crab cake petite 5oz steak (medium rare) *blue cheese butter *bone marrow butter *whipped potatoes *limoncello cake (to go) - although I snuck a taste at the restaurant

The steak was cooked perfectly, however it was lacking flavor.

The bone marrow butter needed salt but it was very smooth. The blue cheese “butter” was simply the Danish cheese you can buy from Publix for $5.69 . I paid $4 for a cube. I love my steak with blue cheese. In my opinion the saltiness of the blue cheese compliment it well. But in this case I was definitely robbed. No butter. Just cheese LOL.

I make it as a creamy sauce at home. Butter, heavy whipping cream, blue cheese.

Or compound the blue cheese.

The crab cake was cold and lacked so much flavor. The crab it’s self can only do so much and the Dijon mustard sauce was just that.

The whipped potatoes lacked everything. Long horn steak house has better potatoes. This taste like it was boiled in just water, then whipped with butter salt and a little whipping cream and I’m being generous with the whipping cream it could be milk.

The oyster were very fresh. The team that prepared the oysters was very nice and interactive, especially since I sat at the bar stool in front of their Station.

The Limoncello cake was PERFECT! Although for some that may have not had it before, it’s not a lot of cake but its so creamy and rich.

I would give the service and the team 5 stars.

I would give the food 2.5 (oysters not included)

And the drinks a 4.

I will return after the hype of the new restaurant dies down.

I also love they have an area to have drinks while you wait for a table or your...

We decided to wait awhile after opening for our first visit to City Grille and Raw Bar. We were able to get a same day reservation this past Friday at 6:15pm. When we arrived, thinking our reservation was early, the valet parking into the bank lot next door looked full. It was good to see the small lot behind and across the street is still a restaurant lot, but we got the last spot there.

The staff greeted us nicely and showed us to our seat. The decor was very nice, and it seemed the basic interior layout was similar to the Wine Cellar. We peaked outside to the back bar and patio which looked very nice. Our table was comfortable. Service came quickly and was pleasant.

Planning to eat beef, I ordered the Rhone wine by the glass, but I’ve forgotten the name. It was a fabulous red, and the only Rhone offered. I recommend. My wife and I ordered the same meal - escargot, 5 oz tenderloin, asparagus and wild mushrooms. The escargot was exceptional, in a garlic sauce with crunchy toast which was perfect. (We seem to place much judgement on a restaurant based on the quality of the bread.) The tenderloins were tender, tasty and cooked perfectly. The asparagus, as well, was satisfying. The only recommendation I have for the restaurant concerning the main course, is to replace the wild mushrooms on the menu with a sautéed portobello or white whole mushrooms. They would be much more flavorful and a better complement to the tenderloin. My wife ordered a desert which was a lemon rum cake with ice cream (I may be wrong). It was wonderful and I recommend it. She also had a glass of port.

With my two glasses of the Rhone, two escargots, two filets, shared apparatus and mushrooms, the port and shared desert, our total before tip was $176.

We left very pleased with the entire experience. We will be back soon, and believe this will be our goto restaurant when entertaining friends and out of town...