Spring openings and new neighborhood favorites add flavor to lively dining landscape
The area’s thriving culinary scene leveled up for 2026 with new additions. Recently opened and soon-to-be arrivals are bursting with flavor, from savory seafood in historic Ortega to specially crafted coffee drinks in San Marco. Nashville’s famous hot chicken has also arrived in Lakewood. Whether you’re in the mood for upscale dining or a casual night out, there’s a little something for everyone; find your new favorite spot with this tour of the latest eats and treats about town.
The trip begins in the Fairfax neighborhood nestled between Ortega and Avondale. The vintage Fairfax gas station was originally set to become Duval Fish Company, but the anticipated eatery is undergoing another name change. Co-owner Tito Quiñones said the Duval Fish Co. will now be called The Buoy to avoid confusion with other similarly named Florida restaurants, and will feature a nautical theme and locally sourced, fresh seafood. Tentatively set to open in mid-to-late April, it will also be easy to spot.
“We chose ‘The Buoy’ because we are going to have a gigantic coast guard buoy in our landscaping,” Quiñones said. “It’s going to be big and bright red.”
A short drive from The Buoy is the recently redeveloped Roosevelt Square shopping center. Now Ortega Park, the busy complex is home to several new spots, including popular burger chain Five Guys, Panda Express with Chinese-inspired dishes, and Chicken Salad Chick, serving sandwiches and made-from-scratch chicken salads with southern favorites like pimiento cheese and egg salad. Candy Cloud has also moved into the complex, featuring creative specialty drinks that look as good as they taste along with lattes and soft-serve ice cream.
Traveling to the heart of Ortega, the former Village Store site – a historic Marsh and Saxelbye-designed landmark – is on its way to becoming Oxford Place. The southern-inspired restaurant will feature an elegant dining experience, seasonal recipes and specialty cocktails. Though an official date hasn’t been announced for this restaurant – brought to the neighborhood by the Brown family – it is slated to open sometime this spring.
Just north on US 17 from Ortega, the Murray Hill neighborhood features a Foxtail Coffee Co., a fast-growing artisan coffee shop. The Edgewood Avenue South location opened its doors in fall 2025 and boasts a variety of drinks, from lattes to cold brews, and pastries and handcrafted ice cream by family-owned Florida company, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream. Co-owner Ty Claggett said the Murray Hill shop has been an awesome location so far. The area’s former Maple Street Biscuit Company space has transformed into Calico Cactus and serves tacos, flavorful sides and a variety of mimosas.
In nearby Riverside, the Five Points district is getting new spring options, including a Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream location and Lukumades, a Greek donut shop, set to open in the longstanding Five Points Theatre building near new live music venue FIVE. On Lomax Street, Curry Guys has officially opened and serves a contemporary Indian menu.
Crossing the St. Johns River and heading into the San Marco area, Brine offers a fine dining experience with oysters, caviar and champagne. The restaurant is now expanding with a new structural buildout underway, while tented outdoor seating creates additional space for more guests to enjoy the atmosphere. Saleya Riviera Café is serving patrons in the heart of San Marco square. The French- and Italian-inspired restaurant is run by husband-and-wife chef duo Scott and Gabby Alters. Saleya opened its doors for lunch and dinner in November 2025 after the couple took an inspiring trip to Europe. Scott Alters said they enjoy “bringing new life” into a community they love to call home.
“We are just seeing a real rejuvenation of the neighborhood, and we’ve gotten to be witness to that,” he said.
Daily fresh-baked breads, Mediterranean-style dishes, and a curated wine list are some of the restaurant’s staples.
At nearby 1636 Hendricks Avenue, the Hard Pressed Burgers food truck is opening its first brick-and-mortar location next to Boudreau Wine and Company. Owners Eddie Evans and Justin Pa’ala envision a fun hangout spot for locals. When they got the opportunity to open in San Marco, Evans said they seized it.
Returning to the heart of San Marco, Café San Marco opened at 1440 San Marco Boulevard in February 2026, replacing former culinary staple Bistro AIX. The Cuban-inspired eatery owned by husband and wife David Revuelta and Daimi Morales serves breakfast and lunch. Bar San Marco opens within the venue in the evenings and serves cocktails and Spanish tapas. Wood-fired oven pizzas are also available.
Heading south into the Lakewood community, the Brown family has also brought a second Bold Birds Nashville Hot Chicken to the prominent location at the intersection of University and San Jose Boulevards and has served Nashville-style hot chicken and signature southern sides since opening in December 2025. Its neighbor, Southern Shores Seafood, a family-owned restaurant, opened in September 2025. Also in the Lakewood North Shopping Center is Mr. Gordo’s Tacos and Cantina, another December 2025 addition featuring Mexican staples like burritos and fajitas as well as margaritas. With successful locations in San Marco at the Publix shopping center, Murray Hill and Ponte Vedra, Foxtail Coffee also plans to open a Lakewood location in 2026. Claggett is looking forward to adding the coffee shop to another one of the area’s hospitable communities.
“We are very grateful to the local communities for welcoming us with open arms,” he said.
