★★★★★
Taverna has been our go-to for years. The bolognese is perfection and the wine list is exceptional. Service is always warm and knowledgeable.
Italian Restaurants · San Marco · Jacksonville
Taverna
01
The place
Taverna is an Italian restaurant and wine bar at 1986 San Marco Blvd in the San Marco neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida. The kitchen serves wood-fired brick oven pizzas, house-made pasta, and seasonal Italian and Spanish small plates. The dining room features an open kitchen, marble bar, and a 200-plus-bottle wine list with rotating European selections. Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday and brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11am (Sunday opens at 10am). Reservations are accepted through the website and OpenTable, and walk-ins are welcome at the bar. Street parking is available along San Marco Boulevard and in the Square. Takeout is offered through the restaurant's online ordering portal. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours Friday and Saturday.
Tucked inside San Marco Square, Taverna has been one of Jacksonville's most-cited neighborhood Italian rooms since 2009. The setting is sleek but warm — exposed brick, a long marble bar, and an open kitchen anchored by a wood-fired brick oven that pumps out blistered pizzas all night. It is a date-night staple and a regular stop for downtown chefs on their nights off.
Order the burrata to start, then a brick-oven Margherita or the bianca with truffle, followed by hand-rolled pappardelle bolognese or the daily risotto. The seasonal menu rotates with the Mediterranean larder, so expect Spanish-leaning small plates, house-cured charcuterie, and a short list of grilled fish and steaks. The wine list leans Italian and natural, and the bar program is one of the strongest in the neighborhood.
Reservations are recommended on weekends and during brunch — book through the website or OpenTable. The bar and a handful of high-tops are held for walk-ins. Street parking lines San Marco Boulevard and the surrounding Square; valet is occasionally offered on busy nights. Takeout is available through the site's online ordering. The patio is limited but dog-friendly when seated outside.
Wood-fired brick-oven pizzas
200+ bottle wine list — Italian and natural focus
House-made pastas daily
Open kitchen and marble bar
What to expect
Expect a polished neighborhood trattoria in the heart of San Marco Square — warm lighting, an open kitchen with a brick-oven centerpiece, an extensive Italian-leaning wine list, and a Mediterranean menu that rotates with the seasons. Plan on a 60–90 minute meal, dress smart casual, and book ahead on Friday and Saturday nights.
Then come for the photos
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The shop, in frames
Sponsored · Florida Hidden Spots
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What people are saying
★★★★★
Sat at the bar and watched the kitchen work. The bianca with truffle and the burrata were standouts. One of the best neighborhood Italians in Jacksonville.
★★★★★
Brunch here is a hidden gem. The frittata and the bread basket alone are worth the trip. Cozy, lively, and a great San Marco vibe.
06
Frequently asked
Does Taverna take reservations?
Yes — reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday nights and during weekend brunch. Book through taverna.restaurant or OpenTable. The bar and a few high-tops are held for walk-ins.
Is Taverna dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome at the limited outdoor patio seating along San Marco Boulevard. The interior dining room does not allow pets.
Where do I park near Taverna?
Free street parking is available along San Marco Boulevard and on the side streets surrounding San Marco Square. Additional public lots are within a short walk.
What are the most popular dishes at Taverna?
Guests most often mention the burrata, the brick-oven Margherita and bianca pizzas, the pappardelle bolognese, and the daily risotto. The charcuterie board and tiramisu are also frequent favorites.
What are Taverna's hours?
Taverna is closed Monday. Tuesday through Thursday 11am–9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am–10pm, and Sunday 10am–9pm. Weekend brunch begins at 11am (Sunday opens at 10am).
Does Taverna offer takeout or delivery?
Yes — takeout is available through the online ordering portal at taverna.restaurant. Third-party delivery in the San Marco area is available via DoorDash and Uber Eats.
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Closest spots by distance
Other places to fold into the same trip — measured straight-line from Taverna.
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From Instagram
@tavernasanmarco