Boyfriend and I went right after work in the middle of the week. There weren't many people, and the owner was out talking with patrons, was extremely friendly and attentive. We shared a pizza, and it was DELICIOUS! The dough was very good. It's a lovely place to sit, chat, and relax. read more

Great Food !!! We decided on Casa Dora off Forsyth road near the riverfront; I can't actually explain how my first impression differed so much from what we actually experienced. It's like walking into a small village eatery with music and memorabilia everywhere. It was a little dark, (I need light) and I'll admit I wasn't fond of the buffet style stainless steel hot bar set-up, because it made the food look unappealing in my humble opinion (looks are deceiving) The staff was an eclectic mix of people, and the owner fits the atmosphere perfectly. I'm trying to stay away from "Good fellows" and "Soprano" cliches Dawn had spinach lasagna and I settled for a couple of cheese pizza slices. The taste of the food truly betrayed what I was expecting. It was amazingly good and pleasant. A couple, and another gentleman walked in, looked around at the buffet set-up and they all abruptly left the restaurant. I'm quite sure they had that same feeling that I experienced before we were served our meal. (Thankful Dawn made me stay) I'm so glad we stayed... delicious is an understatement...it's great! (Just a little more lighting) read more

I drove from Mandarin from my dentist appointment to get more meatballs. They are in the fridge because I have a cold and my taste is off. I couldn't find parking because I didn't have my handicapped placard and the only other space was park and pay for $9.75. I paid after driving around 4 times. They are that good and I didn't come all that way. I didn't get any pasta but I wish I got their bread! However I picked up 2 fresh loaves at the Polish grocery off 295. I was wanting a dessert but decided against it. I'm not supposed to eat sugar so if I cheat, it's 1 bite a few times a day. Service was friendly and super fast, as usual. Looking forward to this cold going away. read more

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I tried a slice of pepperoni and you could tell it was fresh and full of quality ingredients. I would like to come back and try other menu items. They were pretty busy so it took a little while. This was the type of pizza I think ranch would pair really well to dip with. I didn't ask though! Next time! read more

Casa Dora Italian Cafe - Pepperoni slice was nice and fresh - Italian Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Old school downtown diner. Go. Talk with staff and friends. Food is classic Italian. Relax and support a local downtown place that has endured all the history of Downtown Jacksonville read more

Another reviewer described this place as "hole in the wall Italian". That was a good description. At the recommendation of my server, I ordered the chicken cacciatore -- tender chicken in a hearty, home-style sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta. The flavors were comforting and satisfying, and I ended the meal with a cream pie dessert topped with raspberry preserves that felt like a rustic take on flan. Service was a highlight. The host was warm, attentive, and eager to make recommendations, checking in just the right amount to make sure everything was enjoyable. That level of attentiveness made me feel well taken care of. The ambiance is less polished -- dim lighting, faux plants, handwritten bathroom signs, and a visible buffet counter by the entrance. It's more "hole-in-the-wall" than refined trattoria, but if you can overlook the ambiance, you'll find solid Italian cooking at a fair value. Conveniently located next to the Florida Theatre, it's a practical and satisfying dinner stop before a show. read more

Casa Dora Italian Cafe - Italian Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Very happy to write this review. Do not be fooled by the very basic interior of this restaurant. The food is incredible! I ordered my favorite dish, chicken piccata, and it was wonderful. The chicken is so tender you needed no knife. Freddie is the world's most pleasant and friendly owner you'll ever come across. I will be back many time over to try everything on his menu. Great experience! read more

Casa Dora Italian Cafe - The Dining Room. - Italian Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Very old school restaurant and authentic Italian food. Tastes amazing and I don't think the pasta is hand made though. I felt the lunch portions were small. read more

10/10 food is off the chain! Will make sure I stop by anytime I'm nearby. Perfect little slice of Italy right here in Jacksonville read more

Casa Dora Italian Cafe - If give this place 10 stars if I could. Service is awesome and atmosphere is just as good. - Italian Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Can't really rate it, as my daughter and I wanted to come for lunch, which the website said they were open. The open sign was on and hours listed indicated they were. As we were figuring out which door to go in, someone locked the door and turned sign off. This was 2 hours before website and hours on door they closed. After seeing the reviews, was really looking forward to trying; staff thought otherwise. read more

The wife and I happened upon this gem as my daughter rehearsed at the children's chorus. It is like taking a step back in time. The family run restaurant serves AMAZING authentic Italian food. I had a perfect veal Marsala, my wife ordered the blackened grouper picatta. The food was super flavorful. Dessert was had made and filled on site cannoli with a unique and surprising explosion of flavor. The staff was endearing and we got to practice our defensive Italian. Luckily it was a Tuesday evening and we had the restaurant to ourselves. Do yourself a favor, take a date there during the middle of the week, you won't regret it. read more

WONDERFUL place!! Owner and staff were incredible. Diner. Great food. Atmosphere is very fun. Would definitely recommend

Nothing like I thought it was going to be. The food was hot, fresh and delicious! I believe it was the owner that sat me and took my order and I went with his suggestions. Some of the best Italian I've had eating out! I was so full after the calamari and chicken Marsala but he talked me into limoncello cake! read more

Casa Dora Italian Cafe - 1/2 eaten Calamari - Italian Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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The truth is, I came in with excitement to get two slices of cheesecake. To wait not 5, not 10, but twenty minutes for a couple of disfigured, crustless, small pieces of cheesecake, for twenty ONE dollars and thirteen cents. Now truth be told, I actively yearn for cheesecake, and some may say I care too much for cheesecake. Quite frankly, cheesecake gives me a euphoric feeling of home. However, I stepped inside and felt distaste, and disrespect in the air. Then to be asked if I was crazy to buy two slices of cheesecake! Why should I be crazy to ask for two slices? Just to figure out they were mutilated and $21 And 13 cents. I left disappointed, changing my perspective of seeking out cheesecake forevermore. read more

I ordered take out from Casa Dora and it was amazing! The man who helped me at the bar was so friendly and welcoming. The home made Alfredo sauce was thick creamy and delicious. I couldn't even wait to take a picture before I took a bite of their awesome garlic bread. I don't visit Jacksonville much but I'll be sure to come back here next time I'm in town! read more

Casa Dora Italian Cafe - Chicken Alfredo - Italian Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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What a wonderful discovery! I went here two nights in a row--the first night for takeout on way to my hotel, and the second night with about 15 folks I encouraged from my conference! The first night there was just one person sitting down for dinner and I could order from the whole menu. The second night (a Wednesday) the restaurant was pretty busy even before we got there--all filed in line to choose from a little bit limited, partially pre-prepped selection. Not a complaint at all, delicious pizza, pasta, lasagna, and my fave shrimp piccata all ready to go. A couple of good wines to get by the glass. Host and staff couldn't have been nicer. We asked for and received a great selection of desserts to share. Super great service, we all felt glad to be there and all agreed the prices were super reasonable. I'd definitely go back the next time I'm in downtown Jacksonville! read more

Authentic Italian food! I had shrimp diablo. So so good! Hubby had chicken florentine! Love it! So nice!! Love all the famous people pics all over the walls! Signatures and all!! One complaint: it really hot in there in the summer. read more

Every staff member we interacted with was so polite and personable. They set us up with wine and food very quickly and it was delicious and not expensive at all! It is exactly what we were looking for! The restaurant reminded us of going to a family members home for authentic delicious dinner. We will be back and will bring more people with us! read more

Casa Dora Italian Cafe - Chicken Parmigiana Eggplant Parmigiana - Italian Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

I scanned a lot of the other reviews, both good and not-so-good, and I pretty much agree. Hasn't been long enough to see what the credit card is charged with - one worrying complaint, but we had a great overall time. It's quirky, old-school, a true hole-in-the-wall, and unexpected. I doubt there are many more places like this left in McAmerica. For that alone, it's worth a visit. The chef and house staff were all friendly and attentive. Food was tasty, and yes, salty, but not enough to keep us from cleaning our plates. Prices weren't posted so we really weren't sure what the bill would be. BUT, after having trouble finding a dinner spot downtown that wasn't understaffed or completely busting at the seams, we were grateful to find this spot at all. There were plenty of locals dining, but not packed and not too busy to provide attentive staff. Very kind to our kid. Give it a try. And say yes to the cheesecake! read more

Casa Dora Italian Cafe - a dirty plate with a fork and knife - Italian Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Extremely disappointing and would not recommend this restaurant. The service was slow and overall poor. The food is buffet style and many dishes were out or if they had any left it got microwaved before serving. The guy serving the food also was making the food which led to long wait on the line for the buffet. They were bringing out one dish at a time so when a new dish came out it was gone fast as not many options available. You didn't even know what the dishes were as there were no labels describing the dish. Silverware was out and it they had to search for utensils to clean on the spot to hand out. Kitchen was very messy with food all over. Bad hygiene etiquette also observed in the kitchen. read more

The food was fresh, flavorful and the service was quick and accurate. We stopped in prior to see Chris Botti for a pre-show dinner so the meals were predetermined and a quick grab and sit down style. The owner was very accommodating and willing to mix it up when asked if the entree desired wasn't in the lineup. We enjoyed our meals and then headed straight the Florida theater. Highly recommend, especially if you're heading to a show! read more

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Cool little Italian place that reminds me of home. Bread was out of this world! The best Chicken Francaise I've had in a long time. Great service as well. Definitely don't miss this gem. read more

Meeeh.. food was alright. Pasta was a little too sour and the fried zucchini in the combo basket was bland. Giving some stars for the mozzarella sticks, they were actually good. Service pretty bad. Waited for like 30 minutes to order anything after water (they also charge for water cups). Just in general waited a long time for service. Wouldn't really recommend.. read more

Casa Dora Italian Cafe - Chicken Piccata - Italian Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Scared I would get food poisoning. I also did not want to pay 13$ for a piece of lasagna that was heated in a microwave after sitting out room temp probably since lunch. Grabbed a menu and the guy said no menus only serving what was in this makeshift buffet line that is open and no coverings for the food. I walked out fast. read more

Came for a casual weekday dinner, was not expecting date night portions and flavor. Had the grouper piccata on veggies (I'm gluten-free); the sauce, the portion, just wow. Everything was wonderfully prepared; the grouper was offered as a special and I'm usually wary of grouper because it is so easy to turn it into fishy rubber, but went all out and it was absolutely worth it. Peeps at my table had the tortellini Alfredo, reported to be delicious, and the Mediterranean chicken, which I tried and was also amazing. It all looked too good and forgot to take pictures, but will next time because there will FOR SURE be a next time. read more

A nice atmosphere, food was very delicious. Met the owner and he was super friendly. Would definitely go back next time we are in the area.

The food excellent The service excellent The atmosphere sublime I love this restaurant Authentic Italian food read more

This is a funny place - delicious food, friendly staff, very casual cafeteria style dining. I was staying at the Hyatt for a conference and there are very few dining options in the area. After making a few calls and getting denied for my party of 10, my new friend at Casa Dora was happy to hold a table for us. We were a little surprised by the cafeteria style line that we went through to get our food, and surprised by the microwave used to warm it, but actually it was all really delicious! We had a few dietary restrictions in our group and they were happy to prepare whatever we needed. Very accommodating and we ended up having a great time in this very casual grab a meal kind of place. read more

Casa Dora Italian Cafe - Pesto chicken - Italian Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

We were greeted immediately, seated as soon as available, and the ambiance was completely charming. Three for three! Our pepperoni pizza was fresh and outstanding. Recommend highly. read more

In from out of town. Early dinner/late lunch 4pm. Sat down at a front corner table, party of 5. After about 10 minutes of no service we were told to go the back buffet of pre-cooked items sitting out for who knows how long. Felt sorry for the guy who slowly came up to take our orders. Our group ordered 3 slices, lasagna, chicken parm, 2 side salads. Mediocre lukewarm food. 5 Sodas in foam cups, no refills. Total $80, plus tip. Women's bathroom needs cleaning. Place overall needs a thorough scrubbing. Maybe the health dept could pop in. Not going back. read more

We called ahead to see if we needed a reservation and they told us to come on by. Upon arriving, we thought it was going to be your basic Italian food. WOW! We were pleasantly surprised. Fantastic service. Homemade food that was to die for. I wanted to clean my plate but I had to leave room for dessert. I chose the peanut butter chocolate cheesecake that she had just made. yummy. We will definitely be back. read more

Casa Dora Italian Cafe - Awesome homemade dessert. - Italian Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Was staying in the area for a conference and found this place on Yelp. Came in with some colleagues and the food was absolutely exceptional. Freddy, whom I believe is the owner, greeted us as we came in and we really enjoyed his kind of "old school" nature. You can tell he takes great pride in the authenticity of his food, staying true to his Sicilian roots (he shared that with us). We ordered a number of pasta dishes, I had shrimp and grouper in a piccata sauce over angel hair pasta, it was OUTSTANDING!! My colleagues also loved their food, which included mussels that I tried and were so delicious I contemplated ordering some for myself. And the desserts OMG!!!! All homemade and you could absolutely tell. The limoncello cake was so moist and the cream so delicious. Also really enjoyed trying the tiramisu, and I am not a fan of tiramisu, as well as the cannolis. Ambiance isn't anything fancy, it's very traditional Italian restaurant in a downtown area, but the quality of the food more than makes up for it. I HIGHLY recommend this place, planning to go back before I leave Jacksonville. read more

So this wasn't the place I would would've originally went to for spaghetti, but I didn't want to drive to the Southside. I parked in the lot across the street because there's never street parking here. I ordered Im advance online through Yelp. You get a large portion of the pasta and two helpings of garlic bread. The first night I ate it, it upset my stomach. Could've been nerves, or the fact I generally eat meatballs, or pork. Not sure what they were,not good to look at. There was not enough sauce to mix but, I added my own butter. Was filling for two days , lost freshness by the third but still edible. Next time I should her the lemon chicken pasta or chicken parm. read more

Casa Dora Italian Cafe - Outside paid parking lot - Italian Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Went to dinner with a group from a conference as they selected this place... What a downtown JAX gem! I got there late but was told when most of the group arrived the chef came out and talked about the menu and the fresh new desserts that were made that day. Everything looked great and I considered a slice of pizza, but the description of the Tortellini with bacon sold me. This 'bacon' was so thick it could have been mistaken for pork loin! It was perfect, authentic Italian in a small unassuming place. Don't pass up this one as you'll be sad if you do. 5-star food in a place many will pass over. read more

We ordered calamari, mussels and the chicken parm lasagna combo. The calamari was okay, good breading and almost over-cooked but still edible. The mussels were overcooked but the sauce was greatness. We only got seven of the twelve mussels on the menu listed - which really sucked. The chicken parm and lasagna tasted like salt and vinaigrette and that was it. I really couldn't stand my food, my partner thought it was decent. I'll never go back. Making these dishes at home would have been so much better. read more

When you crave an authentic Italian dining experience, look no further than this hidden gem in Downtown Jacksonville! The moment we walked in, we were embraced by the warm and inviting atmosphere, and the service was top-notch. The food? Absolutely divine! Each dish was crafted with love and care, and it showed. Kudos to Freddie, Sam, and Angie for creating a little piece of Sicily in Jacksonville for 31 years and making us feel right at home last night for our 9 year Anniversary dinner Our new La mia famiglia and favorite Italiano Ristorante in Jacksonville. By the way for all the people that say service was slow, eating at a quality Italian restaurant is not fast, it's an experience. Figure on a two to three hour feast! Don't rush, take time and enjoy! read more

Casa Dora Italian Cafe - Angie's homemade cheesecake with white chocolate sauce and strawberry's. And of course espresso. - Italian Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Great little place, popped in as I was picking up tickets at Florida Theatre. Chicken par was tasty and owner was very friendly and helpful. read more

The most authentic Italian place around! The atmosphere, food, and staff were amazing! I couldn't recommend this place enough. A hole in the wall for sure! read more

Great food and the owners were right there with answers for all questions. Friendliest staff we found so far in jacksonville.

This place has character, that's for sure. On one hand it feels like a 90s style cafeteria restaurant - it's been so long since I've been in one that I was a little disoriented - I just stood staring at the options behind the counter. No prices were apparent but on my way out I saw they did have menus available to see them. Staff/owner were extremely personable and very kind to my son. Chicken Parm, baked spaghetti with large meatballs, pepperoni pizza and cheesecake were all delicious. Food arrived quickly - just point to what you want and they put it in the oven to warm it up! read more