Restaurants in Fairview Shores

When bartender Larry Raikes moved from Buffalo, New York, to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1982, he couldn't find a single sub—so he stopped mixing drinks and started making his own sandwiches. From that single sub shop, Larry's Giant Subs has mushroomed into an international fount of sandwiches. For each order, sandwich-makers pair provolone cheese with black Angus USDA–choice extra-lean roast beef, 98% fat-free ham, or other meats displayed in a 6-foot deli case. They also pile slices of all-natural, charcoal-grilled chicken breasts onto their signature bread, which is shipped in daily from Costanzo's Bakery in Buffalo.

Inside the shop, a huge statue of King Kong—the shop's mascot—towers over guests, secretly helping young diners to make their sandwich selection in exchange for bananas, and New York–theme memorabilia serves to remind them of their subs' heritage. For hosts and hostesses supplying their own ambiance, Larry's Giant Subs caters platters, 3-foot subs, and 6-footers that feed up to 30 people.

The wines come in reds, whites, glasses, and bottles. The prosciutto, which complements the wine, comes from outside the United States. And an outdoor patio means no one has to drink their wine or eat their prosciutto inside, unless they’d like to look at vino-themed artwork or keep their feet firmly planted in plush carpet. The staff cooks chicken or veal marsala, as well as a number of inventive pizzas, Italian flatbreads, and pasta smothered in ricotta, mozzarella, and parmigiana cheese or drenched in housemade marinara sauce. Bella Tuscany Ristorante Italiano has a Sunday brunch, and the staff can accommodate customers’ every need by offering delivery, catering, and carryout.

Baklava Grill takes a comprehensive tack when it comes to Mediterranean cuisine—the restaurant's menu includes foods plucked from countries all around the Mediterranean, including Italy, Greece, Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon. Stuffed grape leaves and spicy muhammara give diners a taste of the area's piquant flavor profiles before entrees such as kufta kebabs and vegetarian eggplant parmesan. The zuppa di pesce is a classic seaside offering full of seafood served atop lightly marinara-sauced linguine.

Chefs also build specialty pizzas in 17 varieties, including a pesto pie with fresh basil, pine nuts, and olive oil. A selection of hot sandwiches tempts patrons with everything from chicken shawarma to beef gyros. Aside from its dinner menu, Baklava Grill also offers custom Carvel ice-cream cakes and catering services for parties of 10 or more people, or at least 5 people who can clone themselves at a moment’s notice.

Plumes of hookah smoke scent the air of Zorba's Greek Taverna, where hints of jasmine, rose, and caramel mingle with the smells of garlic, tahini, and spices wafting from the kitchen. Slices of pita bread scoop up housemade tzatziki, and plates of moussaka layer eggplant, potatoes, and ground beef beneath béchamel and tomato sauces. An open flame licks marinated quail, and pepperoncini nestles beside gyro wraps, waiting to delight tongues with a slight kick. Greek coffee, beer, wine, and ouzo complement the dishes, and desserts such as baklava and three-layer chocolate cake end meals on a sweet note.

At the casual Khasiyat, owner Bhanu Chavda serves aromatic, vegetarian dishes from various parts of India, but most impressed the Orlando Weekly reviewer with her addictive Indian snacks that dominate much of the menu. Popular small bites include South Indian dosas, crisp and thin flour crepes filled with potato and onions and served alongside coconut chutney, and bhel poori, a tasty street food featuring puffed wheat, indian noodles, and diced potato and onions with a splash of chili. Patrons can also try North Indian dishes that feature rich sauces and Indian cottage cheese, such as paneer masala, or try a variety of flavors in a thali, or sampler plate.