When I first came to Jacksonville, I thought there wouldn't be many places to eat.

But after a few months, I realized that the city is so large that there are actually quite a few dining options. From seafood to Southern barbecue, brunch, Italian, Mexican, and Asian cuisine, you can find just about everything. However, unlike LA or New York, the restaurants aren't all clustered in one area, so it's important to know where to go.

If you want to have dinner in a nice atmosphere, I think of Riverside and Avondale first. These neighborhoods have old houses and lots of trees, giving Jacksonville a unique vibe. Around Park Street and Five Points, there are brunch spots, burger joints, pizza places, cafes, and bars, making it easy to eat and then walk around.

If you're looking for a more relaxed date or a nice dinner for an anniversary, San Marco is also a good choice. There are restaurants and cafes around San Marco Square, and the neighborhood itself is beautiful, making it great for a post-dinner stroll. Jacksonville is a city where it's hard to get by without a car, but in these neighborhoods, you can enjoy walking around after parking your car.

If you want a newer and more sophisticated atmosphere, many people head to St. Johns Town Center. There are so many restaurants around the shopping mall that it's convenient for family dining, with options ranging from chain restaurants to steakhouses, Italian, and Asian food. On weekend evenings, the parking lot fills up quickly, so it's better to make reservations at popular spots.

One thing you must try while living in Jacksonville is seafood. Especially if you head towards Mayport, the atmosphere changes completely. The St. Johns River flows into the Atlantic Ocean, and it's still an active fishing area, with Mayport shrimp being a signature local dish in Jacksonville.

At casual seafood spots near the harbor, you can enjoy dishes like fried shrimp, fish, and crab in a relaxed setting. You can expect a hearty meal of freshly caught seafood rather than the fancy plating you might find at upscale restaurants.

Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach also have many seafood restaurants and bars, making it easy to combine beach visits with dining out.

Another fun aspect of Jacksonville's food scene is Southern cuisine. Even though this is Florida, Georgia is right above it. So, you can easily find typical Southern food like fried chicken, barbecue, grits, cornbread, and collard greens.

At soul food restaurants, you can experience the Southern food culture that locals have enjoyed for a long time, rather than just touristy options.

For Koreans, the options for Korean food are honestly not that plentiful.

However, if you explore the Southside and Beach Boulevard areas, you can find Korean and Asian restaurants. You can enjoy basic dishes like bulgogi, bibimbap, stews, and Korean barbecue. If you expand your search to include Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese food, the options increase significantly.

To save on dining costs, make good use of lunchtime. Even at the same restaurant, lunch menus can be cheaper than dinner, and many places offer discounts on food or drinks during happy hour. These days, even at regular restaurants, a dinner for two can easily reach $50 to $70 with tax and tip.

And on days when there are Jaguars home games, downtown and the area around the stadium change completely. Restaurants and bars get crowded before the game starts, and parking becomes a hassle. If you're not going to the game, it's a good idea to avoid that time frame.

Ultimately, dining in Jacksonville is about the fun of exploring the neighborhoods. For atmosphere, think Riverside and San Marco; for convenient dining while shopping, head to St. Johns Town Center; and if you're craving fresh shrimp and fish, go towards Mayport and the Beaches.

If you explore a few places, you'll quickly realize that this city has more dining options than you might expect.