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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Jacksonville's best

Family-owned seafood spots

You trust a family-run kitchen to handle seafood with the respect and attention it deserves.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated May 2026
01
House Italian Cuisine image 1
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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.

Shrimp scampi stands out with its fresh seafood and well-balanced sauces. Pastas feature non-fishy seafood that pairs well with the dishes.

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 seafood in the pasta was super fresh and not fishy."

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.

02
Sake Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, family-run Japanese restaurant offers a calm and welcoming atmosphere with generous portions and reasonable prices. High school students often help, adding to the homey vibe. Known for fresh sushi and fried sushi options, it maintains a clean and comfortable setting.

Family ownership creates a personal touch in service and atmosphere. Staff operate the business with a close-knit approach that feels welcoming and genuine.

Seafood Kimchi soup stands out with rich flavors. Rock shrimp and shrimp tempura sushi rolls offer crispy textures and fresh taste.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing, some of the best sushi I've had."

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious and always fresh."

"The Seafood Kimchi soup was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu is available with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Sake Sushi closes at 10 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Parking costs $5 in the nearby garage on 18th Street.

03
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.

Creamy crab and shrimp bisque offers a slight kick and plenty of seafood. Shrimp and grits come out soft and buttery. Hawaiian Shrimp salad features fresh greens and pineapple salsa with sesame ginger dressing.

People are saying

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

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful."

"The seafood, especially the shrimp and grits, was so soft and buttery."

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.

04
MI CASA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with Aztec-themed murals and black light-illuminated paintings creates a unique, beautiful atmosphere. Live music and multiple TVs add to the vibrant, welcoming vibe. The space feels clean and well-appointed, offering an authentic and visually engaging dining experience.

Family ownership shapes the place with local roots and hands-on operation. It feels personal and connected to the community.

Shrimp features prominently in several dishes like the spicy shrimp burrito and shrimp fajitas. Papas Guanajuato offers a mix of chicken, steak, or shrimp over fries with queso, sour cream, and guacamole.

People are saying

"I found the most authentic Mexican food I've had in years."

"The tacos here are delicious and tender."

"The seafood here is delicious, especially the Papas Guanajuato."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

2

The restaurant can only serve 30 people at a time.

3

The cost of a meal is extremely reasonable.

05
The Cuban Place Restaurant image 1

Small space with chic decor and Cuban vibes offers a quiet, welcoming atmosphere. Music plays softly, featuring Cuban tunes that complement the peaceful setting. Cleanliness stands out, creating a comfortable and stylish environment.

Family ownership shapes the experience here, with Domingo, the owner, personally taking care of guests. This private, family-run restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service.

Whole fried fish stands out with its fantastic flavor. Garlic shrimp appears in multiple dishes, including a top notch sauce and plantain cups with shrimp offer a delicious surprise.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Cuban and tastes homemade."

"The garlic shrimp here is delicious and they use a generous amount."

"This family-owned spot serves the most authentic, flavorful Cuban food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portions for the price.

2

Prices are reasonable for individual meals.

3

The restaurant is clean, quiet, and family-friendly.

06
Primi Piatti image 1
Italian restaurant

Classic Italian interior creates a quaint, intimate atmosphere with beautiful lighting and a homey style. The space feels romantic and nostalgic, offering a mellow and pleasant vibe. Guests enjoy a small, clean setting that emphasizes authentic Italian charm.

A quaint spot run by a family, this place keeps a family owned vibe throughout. The business stays true to its roots as a family owned restaurant.

Seafood dishes feature fresh mussels with a flavorful sauce and tender, flaky fish. Shrimp options like scampi and spaghetti come with the right tenderness and balanced lemon and butter flavors.

People are saying

"The angel hair pasta here is freshly made and cooked just right."

"The seafood here has an awesome, intimate atmosphere."

"It's a quaint, family-owned restaurant."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends due to limited seating.

2

Expect a warm, family-like atmosphere during dining.

3

The restaurant is known for its authentic Italian cuisine.

07
Sumo Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, intimate sushi spot with a quiet, tranquil atmosphere and soothing music creates a romantic, calming vibe. Decor and setup evoke a Japanese hole-in-the-wall feel, offering a hidden gem experience. Tables feature built-in burners for warm bowls, adding a unique touch to the dining.

Family ownership means the restaurant is operated by the family with friendly staff and fast service.

Shrimp tempura stands out with its crispy texture and pairs well in rolls with peanut sauce and cream cheese. Shrimp fried rice offers a flavorful kick, while the shrimp sauce adds a rich taste unlike typical watery mayo-based sauces.

People are saying

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

"It's a great family-owned place with super friendly staff."

"The seafood here is so fresh, I'd rate it 10/10."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and available near the restaurant.

2

The lunch special is very affordable and offers good value.

3

Expect large portions, especially for sushi rolls.

08
Fong's Chinese Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Takeout-only Chinese spot offers large portions at very reasonable prices with a consistent quality of food. The atmosphere is simple and unadorned, focusing on efficient service rather than dining ambiance. It attracts those seeking reliable, family-owned options with generous servings.

Small and family owned by a mom, dad, and their son, this place shows clear dedication in its food preparation. It offers a friendly atmosphere with affordable portions.

Shrimp appears in several dishes like the house special fried rice and shrimp with garlic sauce. Fried dumplings and eggrolls often accompany seafood orders.

People are saying

"You get so much food for the price, it's amazing."

"It's a friendly, family-owned place with incredible portions."

"The Seafood portions here are giant and the price is great."

Good to know

1

Fong's is takeout only, so you cannot eat inside the restaurant.

2

It is best to call ahead or prepare to wait for your order.

3

The portions at Fong's are large and can feed multiple people.

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