Taverna — Restaurant in Jacksonville

I have been to Taverna several times and think their food is excellent, arguably the best in Jax, but my last experience needs to be shared. I dined here recently out on the patio with my wife and mom and we had an unfortunate accident in which our waitress spilled my wife’s wine in such a way that it actually sprayed red wine all over all three of our shirts. They handled it well initially: brought out club soda, moved us to a new table, and brought my wife a new glass of wine. The club soda was a nice gesture but we weren’t about to be able to tackle the severity of these Jackson pollack wine stains while at dinner wearing the clothes. Most likely our shirts were ruined. The rest of dinner went fine but when the bill came, I was shocked to see not a single discount. I had to ask our waitress to give us a discount on account of our shirts being ruined. A manager came out, having taken the wines off my bill. Imo, this is the bare minimum a restaurant should do for something like this happening, and one shouldn’t have to ask! I spent the next several hours doing stain treatments on our clothes. My shirt is wearable again but my wife’s shirt is toast. I hope this experience won’t be a stain on our relationship with Taverna, since we love their food and location on the San Marco strip, and all other experiences we’ve had have been positive.

UPDATE 6/1/25 A few days after writing this review, I received a call from Tina, the manager at Taverna. She apologized for our experience and explained that our treatment was not remotely up to their standard. At the very least, dry cleaning services should have been offered. She asked that we return to dine again so they can make it right. We took her up on this and came back in last Wednesday for dinner. We were expecting something like $50 off our check, but much to our surprise, Taverna paid for our entire meal. Not only that, every single dish was practically perfect. We felt like the judge's table on Top Chef. Thank you, Tina, and thank you, Taverna, for an amazing meal and for making this right in a big way. What was a negative experience will now be remembered as a positive one. We will most certainly...

My wife and I recently dined at Taverna in Jacksonville, Florida, and it was a fantastic experience that we’re still raving about. Tucked into the charming San Marco district, this place has a welcoming, rustic feel that’s both relaxed and refined—perfect for a cozy night out.

The staff greeted us with genuine kindness and made us feel right at home from the start. Their attention to detail and friendly demeanor added a special touch to the evening, without ever feeling intrusive. The ambiance, with its Mediterranean-inspired decor, set the stage for a memorable meal.

We both decided to go for the ribeye, and it was hands down one of the best decisions we’ve made. The steaks arrived perfectly cooked—juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, with that beautiful sear that locks in every bit of goodness. You could tell the kitchen takes pride in sourcing quality ingredients and letting them shine. The sides were just as impressive, complementing the richness of the meat without overwhelming it. Every bite was a reminder of why Taverna has such a stellar reputation.

Since we don’t drink alcohol, we skipped the wine and cocktail offerings—though I’ve heard they’re exceptional—and stuck with their non-alcoholic options. Even those were thoughtfully done, refreshing and a great match for the meal. It was nice to see they put care into every aspect of the menu, not just the headline items.

What stood out most was the passion behind the food and service. It’s clear Taverna isn’t just going through the motions—they’re crafting something special here. For a couple like us looking for a delicious, hearty meal in a warm setting, it was spot-on. We’re already planning our next visit, and I’d recommend it to anyone in Jacksonville who appreciates a great steak and a great vibe. Taverna is a...

So We stopped by Taverna for lunch on a rainy day, and it was the perfect haven. Despite being a quiet afternoon, the service was top-notch, thanks to our outstanding server, Richie. He was attentive, friendly, and ensured our glasses were always full. Richie's warm personality and genuine smile made us feel welcome and at ease from the moment we walked in. His attention to detail and ability to anticipate our needs was impressive, making our dining experience truly seamless.

Now, onto the food - WOW! The presentation, flavors, and freshness were all impeccable. We started with the potato appetizer, which was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, served with a side of creamy aioli that added a rich and tangy flavor. As a self-proclaimed potato lover, I was in heaven!

For my main course, I ordered the salad with grilled chicken, which was a work of art. The mixed greens were fresh and crisp, topped with juicy and flavorful chicken that was cooked to perfection. The dressing added a delightful explosion of flavors, with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Each bite was a delight, and I savored every last morsel.

My husband's steak was cooked to perfection, literally melting in his mouth. The char on the outside added a nice smoky flavor, while the inside was tender and juicy. He paired it with a side of parmesan truffle fries, which were crispy, cheesy, and utterly addictive. The truffle flavor added a deep, earthy note that complemented the steak perfectly.

Overall, our experience at Taverna was exceptional. The combination of outstanding service, exquisite food, and cozy atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination. Richie's exceptional service was the icing on the cake, and we can't wait to return and indulge in more of their...