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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Jacksonville's best

Family-owned salad spots

There is a sense of care in a meal prepared by a family that has been doing it for years. It is about finding a fresh salad in a place that feels like a home kitchen.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated May 2026
01
Syriana Grill image 1
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Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a family business atmosphere with a home-cooked meal feel and beautiful, inviting setting. Seating is top notch, supporting both casual dining and celebrations. Weekend buffet and hookah add to the relaxed, welcoming vibe.

Family ownership shows in the friendly atmosphere and personal attention from the owners. The lady owner Aida is very welcoming and hands-on.

Salads come with freshness and unmatched seasoning. The menu includes a good variety of sides like hummus, baba ganoush, and hot dolmas.

People are saying

"The buffet here has incredibly moist kabobs and flavorful Mediterranean food."

"I found the food here to be authentic and delicious."

"The side salad was refreshing with a light lemon and olive oil dressing."

Good to know

1

The buffet is available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12:30 to 7:00 PM.

2

Parking can be difficult, but there is additional parking in the back.

3

Prices are reasonable and affordable for a family dinner.

02
Lettuce Eat 1 image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant offers a big salad bar with fresh ingredients and an all-you-can-eat option at a reasonable price. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, with a waterfront view enhancing the dining experience. The place feels family-owned and unpretentious, focusing on healthy, affordable food.

Family-owned and operated atmosphere shapes the experience here. This local spot stands out for its genuine family involvement in daily operations.

Salads come from a very clean salad bar with a great selection including chicken salad, pasta salad, and seafood salad. Staff accommodate special requests like egg-free tuna salad and let you make your own size plate.

People are saying

"The salad bar was super fresh with plenty of toppings."

"This chicken soup feels like home, comforting and made with love."

"The family owned staff made me a special egg-free tuna salad."

Good to know

1

Lettuce Eat is a weekday-only salad bar open Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM.

2

They offer all-you-can-eat salads for $15 and to-go salads at $9 per pound.

3

Parking is street-based, so if you donโ€™t work downtown, you need to pay the meter before heading in.

03
House Italian Cuisine image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, family-owned Italian restaurant with a cozy, homey atmosphere and NY Diner feel. Staff includes family members working together, creating a warm, authentic vibe. Space recently expanded next door, offering more room while maintaining an intimate setting.

Whole family works there in various roles, showing clear pride in their food and service. The spot feels cozy and truly family owned.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the perfectly sauced pastas."

"This Family Owned spot serves huge portions of delicious, fresh Italian food."

"The Caesar salad was very good and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

The wait can be long without a reservation.

3

They offer dine-in, takeout, and catering services.

04
Tacos Doรฑa Maria 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic handmade dishes and generous portions creates a welcoming atmosphere enhanced by colorful wall art. The vibe suits both family outings and date nights, offering a lively yet comfortable setting. Fresh flavors and traditional recipes define the experience here.

Family ownership brings genuine authenticity and heart to the food. The business focuses on customer satisfaction through its family-run approach.

The taco salad stands out for its large size and delicious flavor. It pairs well with other items like quesadillas and burritos.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is always delicious and fresh."

"It's a family owned restaurant with genuine authenticity and heart."

"I found the chicken taco salad to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Thursday night, starting at 8pm.

2

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every Tuesday.

3

The restaurant is family-friendly and suitable for kids.

05
Hollywood Heroes and Subs image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small, cozy sub shop with a Hollywood movie theme and fun posters on the walls creates a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, adding to the relaxed vibe. The place feels like visiting a friend's house, tucked away with a hidden-gem quality.

A family-owned spot with a friendly vibe and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Chicken salad stands out with its freshness and simple preparation. The godfather salad and other options come with top-notch quality and appealing presentation.

People are saying

"This owner crafts sandwiches like an artist."

"It's family owned and feels like going to a friend's house."

"I found the chicken salad to be super fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the first floor of an office building, so look carefully.

2

Prices are fair for the quality of food offered.

3

The restaurant is casual and family-friendly, making it suitable for all ages.

06
Deerwood Bistro image 1

Family-run bistro with a homey vibe and cozy, welcoming atmosphere ideal for conversation and casual meals. Small beer and wine bar complements a self-serving beverage station. Known for exceptional breakfast and lunch offerings, including standout biscuits and fresh salads.

Pride and care show in every dish at this family-owned and operated spot. Warm, welcoming service creates a friendly, positive atmosphere throughout.

Salads come with fresh greens and a variety of toppings like avocado, blackened ahi tuna, and Hawaiian shrimp. Dressings include options like sesame ginger, and salads are prepared quickly and served fresh.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast dishes to be great and fresh."

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful."

"I loved their fresh, flavorful salads."

Good to know

1

Parking at Deerwood Bistro is always a problem due to its popularity.

2

The prices are reasonable.

3

The counter-order setup made it super convenient for those on the go.

07
Sapori Caffe image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop offers an authentically Italian atmosphere with simple, charming decor and warm hospitality. The space feels light and airy, suitable for quiet moments or socializing. It draws people seeking top-quality Italian pastries and coffee in a relaxed setting.

Italian food comes from a family-owned and operated kitchen. The business is run by family members who handle everything themselves.

Fresh salads come with mozzarella and other crisp ingredients. They pair well with sandwiches and are made fresh to order.

People are saying

"The coffee here tastes like authentic Italian espresso."

"This family owned spot feels like a trip to Italy."

"The salads here are so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 15-30 minutes during weekend brunch hours.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

The cafe offers free Wi-Fi, making it a great spot for remote work.

08
Noura Cafe - Lakewood University Blvd W image 1

Mediterranean restaurant with Middle Eastern decor and Lebanese spices on display creates a warm, cozy atmosphere that feels inviting and relaxed. The space is clean and well-lit, with smaller tables fostering a personal dining experience. It maintains a low-key vibe even when busy, encouraging casual conversations and a comfortable pace.

Family members run and operate the restaurant, keeping it truly family owned. The place serves Mediterranean and Arabic food with a local, personal touch.

Salads here feature a gigantic fattoush with a dressing described as like heaven. Options include fresh stuffed squash, beet, tuna tabbouleh, and Greek salad, often garnished with cheese and lemon juice.

People are saying

"I found the best authentic Mediterranean food here."

"The salads here are amazingly delicious and uniquely flavorful."

"This family owned spot has the best authentic Mediterranean food."

Good to know

1

The ordering process involves ordering at the register and receiving a number for your table.

2

Expect busy lunch hours after 12pm; arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

Prices are reasonable for the amount of food served.

09
Maschallโ€™s Kitchen Halal Afghan Cuisine and Catering image 1

Small, family-owned Middle Eastern restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with a quiet, relaxing vibe. The space feels homey and intimate, decorated simply with silver tablecloths and unique salt and pepper shakers. It hosts gatherings up to 50 people with a special catering menu.

Warm atmosphere and family ownership shape the dining experience here. The restaurant focuses on local, family-run business values.

Fresh mix of tomatoes, onions, cucumber, parsley, and lemon juice creates a bright, light salad. The Afghan salad stands out and pairs well with meat and rice dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The authentic Afghan food here is flavorful and tastes like home."

"The Afghan salad with tomatoes, onions, and cucumber is a highlight."

Good to know

1

The buffet is available on weekends from 4-8 pm with plenty of selections.

2

A Ramadan buffet is offered for $25 during the holiday.

3

Maschallโ€™s Kitchen has breakfast available on weekends.

10
Matt's Italian Cuisine image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, cozy Italian restaurant with authentic family-owned atmosphere and warm, welcoming vibe. Quiet and relaxing setting with antique knickknacks that create a homey feel. Neighborhood spot known for delicious New York-style pizza and classic Italian dishes.

Authentic, family-owned Italian restaurant with attentive service and an inviting, neighborhood atmosphere.

Salads come with a creamy Italian dressing and are served alongside large portions of pasta and bread. They complement dishes like chicken parmigiana and pepperoni pizza well.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, super tasteful, and made with great ingredients."

"I thought their pizza was the best I tried in town."

"I loved the salad and pizza here."

Good to know

1

Prices for pasta dishes range from $10 to $20.

2

The restaurant has limited wine and drink offerings at good prices.

3

Expect a casual dining atmosphere suitable for families.

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