Jacksonville, Florida: Gemma Fish + Oyster, a promising new culinary destination, is slated to open on December 22 at the bustling East San Marco shopping center, situated at the crossroads of Atlantic Boulevard and Hendricks Avenue, adjacent to a Publix store. This expansive 6,500-square-foot, two-level establishment offers a diverse range of dining settings, including indoor, rooftop (covered), and alfresco options, with a total seating capacity of 225 patrons.
Behind this venture are the accomplished duo Chef Mike and Brittany Cooney, who also helmed the popular Ember & Iron located at 60 Shops Blvd., Unit 80, in the Shoppes of St. Johns Parkway in St. Johns. The culinary operations at Gemma Fish + Oyster are led by Chef de Cuisine Donald Dean, with David Moses as the General Manager.
The restaurant's raw bar is a highlight, featuring an array of oysters, salmon tartare, three types of seafood towers, caviar, and ceviche, with the option to order oysters à la carte. Appetizer selections include fried oysters with green goddess dressing, a sumptuous lobster and pimento cheese dip, and spicy mussels accentuating Calabrian chilies.
For main courses, guests can indulge in an array of meticulously crafted dishes such as Scottish salmon with pistachio mole, whole local fish with a tamarind chili glaze, a half-Moroccan chicken roasted to perfection and served with harissa yogurt and chermoula potatoes, and a rich grilled wagyu flank steak accompanied by beef fat fries, bone marrow butter, and bordelaise sauce.
The dining experience is further enhanced by a curated beverage selection featuring ten house cocktails, a comprehensive wine list, and a choice of 12 local craft beers on tap.
Initially operating from 4 PM to 10 PM daily, the restaurant plans to extend its hours to include lunch and brunch starting in January. Given the limited seating capacity during its opening phase from December 22 to 24 (operating at 50% capacity), reservations are highly recommended. They can be made through the restaurant's website, gemmafishandoyster.com, or the Resy app. It's important to note that the restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day but will return to total capacity from December 26 onwards.
Another welcoming dining establishment for the Jacksonville, Florida, area.
