Restaurant Orsay

Located in the heart of Jacksonville, Restaurant Orsay has earned its reputation as a must-visit dining destination since its inception in 2000. Owner and Executive Chef Jonathan Insetta created the French Brasserie-style restaurant to bring French cuisine to the First Coast. His dedication has made the eatery a top Jacksonville restaurant.

Chef Jonathan's approach is unique because he incorporates Southern influence to craft French bistro-style entrees. The result is artisan fare, which is the talk of the town. 

A key component to the restaurant's success is using fresh, local ingredients and ensuring seafood and meats are responsibly sourced. Such commitment serves the community and rewards patrons with delicious dining experiences.

The menu changes seasonally, which is another quality that makes Orsay a Jacksonville favorite. Add the curated wine list with selections from private vineyards, and you know you're in for a fantastic dining experience. 

Additionally, the downtown location makes Orsay the perfect dining choice after visiting the nearby Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. 

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or dining with friends, Restaurant Orsay offers "...elegance without pretense."

Vibe

The newly painted charcoal gray facade of Restaurant Orsay makes the peach and orange-colored sign pop. The black awnings and industrial-style lights looping from the roofline tell you you're in for a creative dining experience. 

Round the corner, and you pull into the entrance off the main street. On your right is a hand-drawn mural that's yet another hint of what awaits inside. To your left is a shaded and covered patio offering al fresco dining when the weather suits. 

When you enter, think of a French countryside bistro, not a stuffy, white-linen tabled dining room. Wood is the featured design element in Osray, with a beamed ceiling, wainscot, bar area, and columns. 

The tables are simple in design, adding to the atmosphere not being pretentious. Several dining areas are available, with the more formal offering booths. No matter where you sit, this is where you could dress to impress or show up with a T-shirt. All are welcome!  

The atmosphere at Restaurant Orsay is designed to enhance every bite and sip. It's ideal for a delicious meal before a show at the Florida Theatre or after exploring the sights and sounds that make the First Coast a popular vacation destination.

Restaurant Orsay: Menu & Drinks

Start your journey through French and Southern-inspired fare with something from the raw bar, like the Marinated Calamari. This starter features chilled calamari with Nicoise olives, capers, fresh tomato, and parsley and is finished with basil oil. It's a flavorful dish as visually stunning as a Jacksonville sunset.

While they only serve lunch on Saturday and Sunday, you'll find sandwiches, craft burgers, and flavorful soups and salads. Another pick is any of the house-made charcuterie, like the Charcuterie Plateau. This charcuterie comes with Dijon mustard, red onion marmalade, house-made bread and butter pickles, cornichons, pickled pearl onions, and toasted baguette. 

A top pick among the entrees is the Bouillabaisse, a rustic and hearty take on the traditional Provencal seafood stew. The saffron-tomato broth is rich with fresh fish and shellfish and comes with grilled baguette and rouille. For the ultimate experience, try the Grand Bouillabaisse with Maine lobster, scallops, and other assorted treasures from the sea.

The Carolina Trout is an entree exemplifying French cooking techniques with Southern ingredients. A North Carolina trout is sauteed in a lemon brown butter vinaigrette and served with haricots verts, roasted fingerling potatoes, and toasted Marcona almonds. It's the perfect meal after exploring the Beaches Museum.

Regarding drinks, the full bar can accommodate any cocktail request, but when one thinks of French cuisine, wine is the obvious choice. The wine list at Restaurant Orsay showcases vineyards that respect the land, fruit, and winemaking process. You'll discover handcrafted, lower-production, privately owned wines that pair with the dishes served. 

Restaurant Orsay is a popular Jacksonville eatery that captures the essence of French and Southern cuisine. You'll discover culinary masterpieces in a laid-back bistro setting that will enhance your Florida vacation.