Lilypad Cafe — Restaurant in Jacksonville

There is something about finding that out of the way gem that makes dining fun. Lily Pad is one of those spots.

I started this review before I finished, IT WAS THAT GOOD. I wanted to make sure that I did not forget a thing. I am not sure what we were expecting, but each course got better and better. I have no doubt that dessert would have been the piece de resistance but sadly by that time we were full.

The restaurant is small, maybe 10 or so tables and the service is personal and impeccable. The menu is not extensive, but what they do - they do amazingly well. But there was so good news/bad news going on the night we were there. Bad news was we were there late on a Sunday night and they were were out of a few things. Good news? The good news is we have an excuse to come back and try more of the menus.

What about the food:

Bread Service - home made, soft inside, crisp outside. Thick bread baked with herbs on top. Marinara - FANTASTIC, dip your bread, your meal, your thumb, your dessert, etc. in it. Thank me later. Cheesy Bread - bread with cheese on top, sounds simple but it was my ah-ha moment that what came later was going to be good, REALLY GOOD. Thin bread topped with cheese. Ceasars Salad - fresh lettuce, fresh garlic, just AMAZING. I am considering making this my meal on my next visit. Chicken Fettuccini - my son ordered this on his second visit, he was astounded and he is really picky. ONE OF THE BEST items on the menu. Chicken Parmesan - my son's go to dish for comparison, he thought it was THE BEST he had had in a very long time. He has had hundreds, I know, I paid for them all. Eggplant Parmesan - they pointed out it was not "crisp" which is the way I like it. But it was DELICIOUS, which I like better than crisp. I am ordering two next time and then driving up into the mountains and eating them both alone. I don't want anyone to see what a pig I can be with good food. Haddock - another delightful dish, fish topped with a thick flavorful crust on risotto and charred zucchini. The zucchini was not to my liking and the risotto was bland but the fish was AMAZING.

We had not planned to stop, but there was a significant wait at the Palms so we thought we would try to get in. RESERVATIONS ARE STRONGLY SUGGESTED and we were lucky to get in,...

My wife and I went to the Lillypad Cafe for our anniversary. We tried to find a restaurant in Fernandina Beach where we live but we could not get a table anywhere. My wife had heard of the Lillypad Café but we had never been there. We called and were able to get a spot. Google maps took us past the place by five miles. After calling the cafe, we were able to get on the right track. We hoped all the hassle would be worth it.

I ordered the eggplant parmigiana; my wife ordered the haddock. The eggplant parmigiana with the meat sauce and was the best I have ever had. The haddock was very excellent as well. The owner was our server and was very friendly and we were well attended to. We have no regrets that we could not get reservations and a closer restaurant. We have high hopes in going back soon and taking some friends with us. The Lillypad is close to the ferry...

My husband had the Chicken Valaria and orders this every time. All orders are cooked individually per order. They make their own pasta and sauces using fresh ingredients. I had the Steak Parmagiana, and highly recommend this dish. The garlic bread is made fresh daily. The portions were generous and we had left overs to take home. The restaurant is small so can't really accommodate a large group. Everything is extremely clean. The owner is friendly and the service was great. The food was delicious. We were pleased with our dining experience. They have an extensive wine list. The owner, Valerie is an excellent hostess. The other owner is the chef and does all the cooking himself. There isn't a sign to mark the restaurant but this little place is a jewel and destined...