mesa — Restaurant in Jacksonville

There limited menu includes a lot of Indian/American fusion dishes, and since the kitchen can focus in on a smaller menu that changes seasonally, the quality they're able to deliver is phenomenal. I was blown away by the quality and atmosphere, and especially the level of service and attention from the staff. We got to speak to the head chef and proprietress, I think her name was Pratti, and she was charming and sweet, and really showed a passion for excellent cooking. Our server, David, was extraordinarily helpful, as he had a lot of experience and knowledge of the menu and it's ingredients as well, and made fantastic suggestions to our group since it was the first time visiting for most of us. I had the Lamb burger, and I'm normally not a big fan of lamb, but I do like burgers, so I took a chance and picked a real winner, because it was excellent. The toasted bun had a crispness inside that didn't get soggy despite the juiciness of the patty and sauce, the arugula and greens on it were a perfect match for the flavors, the lamb was juicy and meaty without the common bitterness of lamb but still enough of the lamb "funk" to tell it's definitely lamb, and it all paired together extraordinarily well, the flavors harmonized instead of competing or overpowering each other. Our group of 7 ordered a wide variety of dishes and we all shared around, so I got to try many dishes. My brain doesn't retain names well, but the shrimp and grits, naan chips with pepper sauce and cheese, the curry salmon, and the parotta bread were all new and interesting, but most importantly delicious, experiences for me. But if I had to recommend a dish that is sure to please, the tamarind ginger chicken wings packed an astounding medley of flavors and textures into a bite sized package. Juicy chicken, super crunchy breading under a decadent sauce bursting with sweet and tangy flavor. I likened it to "Indian teriyaki" in that it packed sweetness and savoriness together in a unique and pleasing way. Fried chicken already has broad appeal, but these flavors on it are a must-try if you want to experience what this kind of fusion cuisine can offer.

Now, stellar food and service are great, but a 5-star review means it's the complete package, right? Of course. And by that I mean all the other features of a restaurant. The bathroom was clean and beautiful, and a pleasure to use, from the scented candles and soaps to the high quality paper towels available to use. The dining room was also tidy and charming, cozy but not cramped, with a beautiful mural on one side and windows with a view of the garden and outdoor seating under a nice canopy on the other, and their bar glistened in the light with it's array of bottles and glasses. The fusion Arnold palmer my mother ordered was dangerously tasty, in that it hid it's modest alcohol content well enough that you could easily find yourself ordering 3 more of them.

So yeah, 5 stars. They have earned their reputation. Go to Mesa. You will almost...

My two experiences here have been beyond fabulous. I love the spin on south Indian cuisine here. This restored home turned into a restaurant is such an inviting theme. You feel warm and welcome as soon as you walk in.

The service on both occasions - WOW; amazing. I actually happened to get the same server both times I visited out of luck. She was so patient and kind knowing it was our first time at the restaurant so of course we had questions, and wanted to know what items were some of her favorites as well. She gave great feedback and even let us know when the menu was changing based on upcoming seasons. I loved that. That’s actually the reason for the second visit. I wanted to try some of the fall appetizers and drinks.

I know many have tried Mesa and rave about it, but part of me still feels like this restaurant is slept on and more need to experience Mesa. I’m very excited to bring friends and family here. I love spending quality time off with my favorites catching up over delicious food and drinks at niche gems such as this. I definitely think it’s a love language of mine I’m happy to share.

My entree pictures, as well as dessert, and most apps are from Mesa’s summer menu, and they are now on their fall menu. From what I remember being told while there on my first visit - it seems like most entrees remain the same each season, maybe one or two small things are tweaked, and it’s the apps, desserts, drinks that change with the coming and going of seasons. Honestly it’s all good - summer or fall, it doesn’t matter when you visit because the entire menu is good.

I still Love Jax Spice for North Indian food, but Mesa is a much closer option location wise for me and the South Indian blend here is extremely unique and light. It’s almost like Indian food mixed with a little bit of Florida - you have fresh seafood, light and flavorful apps, drinks, etc. If you are sensitive to spice, don’t let that keep you from visiting. Nothing I ordered was overbearing and you can always tell your server how spicy or not spicy you would like your food as a precaution. I personally like spice so our meal was perfect for us, but we requested the entrees to include some heat.

First takeaways - Get the wing appetizer, and the carrot flatbread. Wings were crispy with some mild to medium heat , and the carrot flatbread is a mix of ricotta cheese, lemon, and hot honey - I could easily eat two of those for myself. The fresh fish and rice entree I had was a huge portion. I had enough to take home and eat the next day, and my dessert was not overly sweet - a nice subtle finish to an amazing meal. I’m excited to check out their happy hour from 5-6pm sometime soon, and looking forward to sitting on their outdoor patio once it starts to cool off...

An Absolutely Outstanding Experience at Mesa Restaurant!

I can’t say enough wonderful things about Mesa Restaurant in Jacksonville! This place has instantly become our favorite Indian restaurant in the city, and for so many reasons.

From the moment we walked in, we knew this was something special. The owner, Saji, personally came to our table to greet us - what incredible hospitality! Learning that she’s a dietitian and her husband is a doctor really shows in their approach to the food. They don’t use any seed oils in their cooking, which makes everything not only delicious but genuinely healthy too.

The food was absolutely phenomenal. To start, we had the ceviche and wings, both of which were equally impressive. My chicken curry was hands-down amazing - rich, flavorful, and clearly made with the highest quality ingredients. The absolute best curry in Jacksonville!

The international menu offers something for everyone while maintaining that authentic Indian excellence they’re known for.

But let’s talk about that coconut semifreddo dessert - WOW! It was the perfect ending to an already perfect meal, and they surprised us by making it complimentary for my girlfriend’s birthday. Speaking of which, the entire staff made her feel so special. Our waitress MJ was fantastic, and Krish, our runner, went out of his way to congratulate her and make the evening memorable. The service throughout was impeccable. Every staff member we encountered was warm, attentive, and genuinely caring. When we were leaving, Saji even checked in with us outside to make sure we got our complimentary dessert - that level of personal attention is rare these days.

As veterans, we also appreciated their military discount, which was just another example of how much this restaurant cares about their community.

Mesa isn’t just a restaurant - it’s an experience. The combination of healthy, expertly prepared food, outstanding service, and genuine hospitality makes this a place we’ll be returning to again and again. If you’re looking for the best Indian cuisine in Jacksonville with owners and staff who truly care about their guests, look no further than Mesa.

Highly, highly recommended! This is what dining out...