Jacksonville, Florida is home to a diverse range of culinary offerings, and one cuisine that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years is Indian food. From traditional dishes like biryani and tikka masala to more modern takes on Indian cuisine, the city boasts a variety of restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences. If you’re interested, here are eight of the best Indian Restaurants in Jacksonville Florida.
5th Element Indian Restaurant
Found in Baymeadows, this simple Indian eatery offers an extensive lunch buffet consisting of popular traditional Indian cuisines – tandoori items, masala dishes, several varieties of naans and dosas, curries, and other delightful food.
The 5th Element Indian Restaurant strives to bring the best of Indian cooking and culture to the people of Jax through a culinary experience like no other. From the colorful and vibrant decors and atmosphere to the warm staff service, and to the rich and flavorful dishes, you’ll always experience a little of India every time you eat in the 5th Element.
Address: 9485 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Operating Hours: Open daily (11:00 a.m. – 9:45 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 448-8265
Website: https://www.my5thelement.com/jacksonville/
Maa Kitchen
If you’re looking for an Indian restaurant to share some South Indian food with family and friends, then Maa Kitchen is the right place for you. This restaurant serves authentic Indian delicacies – a variety of dosas, vindaloos, biryanis, masalas, and even Indian coffee or masala tea – as well as contemporary dishes including Indo-Chinese food like Chicken Fried Rice, egg fried rice, and Chilli chicken.
The place serves buffet during lunch, and only accepts reservations for dinner. The restaurant has banquet tables that are perfect for large groups, so bringing friends and families along for lunch or dinner is not going to be an issue.
Address: 8206 Philips Hwy st 25, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Operating Hours: Open daily (11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 990-9999
Website: https://www.maakitchen.com/
Masala Indian Cuisine
The restaurant offers a variety of Indian dishes, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. If you’re planning to go for a visit, be sure to try some of their most popular dishes including chicken tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, and biryanis. If you prefer a buffet, you can go during lunch.
The restaurant is elegant and modern with comfortable seating arrangements. The place is also known for serving generous portions and having a friendly service which is why it has continued to gain high praises from customers.
Address: 9825 San Jose Blvd #6, Jacksonville, FL 32257
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday (11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
- Friday – Sunday (11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 268-6499
Website: https://www.jaxmasala.com/
Minerva Indian Restaurant
If you’re looking for authentic Indian food, this restaurant provides delicious, traditional Indian cuisine. Their most popular dishes include Tikka Masala, Chicken Tikka Kebab, Veggie samosa, Tandoori fish, and Lemon Rice. However, they also offer a variety of dosas, biryanis, and other famous South Indian food.
For those who are watching their diet, Minerva also offers vegetarian delicacies that are healthier but just as delicious. They also
Address: 8661 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday (11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
- Saturday – Sunday (12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 503-1608
Website: https://minervajax.com/
Mesa
This relatively new restaurant is quickly becoming a hit with the residents of Avondale Jax because of its delicious authentic South Indian dishes and warm service. The little upscale restaurant has an atmosphere that combines traditional Indian ambiance with a bit of an American flavor creating an experience that is fresh and unique.
If you pass by, be sure to taste their sweet potato samosa, Kerala beef or Kerala shrimp, or the Kerala fried chicken, paneer curry, paneer biryani, and more. Better yet, book a table, meet Saji, the head chef, eat, and find out for yourself why Mesa is quickly becoming one of Jax’s top Indian restaurants.
Address: 4260 Herschel St, Jacksonville, FL 32210
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday (5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Website: https://mesajax.com/home
JaxSpice
JaxSpice is an Indian restaurant located in the San Marco neighborhood of Jacksonville. The restaurant offers a unique fusion of North Indian, Nepali, and Southern cuisine. JaxSpice is known for its chicken tikka, lamb chops, masala shrimp, and a variety of biryanis. They also offer vegan options like the chana masala and baingan bharta, as well as a full-service bar that serves cocktails, beer, and wine.
Aside from the delicious food, JaxSpice is also known for its friendly service and trendy atmosphere. Overall, JaxSpice is a great option for those looking to try unique and flavorful Indian cuisine in Jacksonville.
Address: 311 3rd St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 853-6217
Website: https://www.jaxspice.com/
Foo Dog Curry Traders
If you want authentic Indian dishes with no shortcuts, where all the spices and ingredients come from raw basic materials, then try the Foo Dog Curry Traders. This restaurant prides itself on whipping up your favorite Indian food from scrap. The chefs make everything from the spices, to the doughs, and everything else in between, so you get everything fresh. Also, since all ingredients are created from the kitchen, you get control over the taste of your food. Just put in your requests in the order, and let the chefs do their magic while you wait.
Address: 869 Stockton St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday (11 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
- Sunday (11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 551-0327
Website: http://www.foodogjax.com/index.html
Masala Mantra Indian Bistro
Masala Mantra Indian Bistro offers a wide range of dishes from different regions of India, including vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and seafood options. You will have plenty of choices for appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts. However, if you order, make sure to sample some of their popular dishes which include butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, biryani, and tandoori chicken.
Lunch is offered in a buffet that style. If you’re watching your weight, don’t worry because they include a selection of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes, rice dishes, naan, and dessert.
Together with the restaurant’s attentive service, simple yet modern ambiance, and flavorful dishes, the Masala Mantra Indian Bistro is going to take your Indian food experience to the next level.
Address: 12961 N Main St Unit -106, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday (11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
- Friday – Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 551-7809
Website: https://masalamantrajax.com/
Jacksonville has a lot to offer when it comes to authentic and flavorful Indian cuisine. Whether you are a fan of spicy curries or aromatic biryanis, there is a restaurant out there that will tickle your fancy – a restaurant that not only serves delicious food, but also offers a unique cultural experience that transports diners to the vibrant streets of India. So the next time you’re in Jacksonville and looking for a culinary adventure, don’t hesitate to try out one of these Indian restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I get my first time at an Indian restaurant?
There’s really no rule of thumb when it comes to eating Indian food. However, before you order anything, make it clear if you have any food allergies because Indian food are known for using plenty of spices during preparation. Nuts, for example, are some of the more commonly used ingredients in their cooking. So, if you have peanut allergy, you have to ask clearly about which dishes contain nuts and which ones don’t.
However, if you have no such allergies, you might want to try at least some of these popular Indian food – samosa, dosa, butter chicken, biryani, tandoori chicken or fish. These are some of the most recognizable Indian dishes.
Better yet, go for lunch buffets, so you can taste a bit of everything, just to get you started on Indian taste.
Do they serve alcoholic beverages in Indian restaurants in Jacksonville?
Yes, they do. Most Indian restaurants in Jax also offer a bar where you can choose from a decent list of beers, wines, and cocktails. However, it would still be wise to check out their online menu or call first just to make sure they have what you’re looking for.
Do Indian restaurants in Jax serve buffet?
Yes. In fact, most Indian restaurants in Jax offer buffer during lunch time. Dinner is not always buffet but this depends largely on the restaurant. Inquire ahead of time to learn about their buffet offerings and availability. Buffets are also on a walk-in basis so you can check out the buffet in person, if you prefer.
