We discovered a Jacksonville, FL restaurant on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives a few years ago named 13 Gypsies. Somehow we have just not managed to time it right to visit as we drive through Jacksonville on our annual Florida road trip. That is, until this year.
I found a new disc golf course and 13 Gypsies was not too far away, so of course, we had to stop in for lunch before we played. I am so happy that we finally made it there. It was well worth the wait.
The tapas-style restaurant sits on a corner. They have seven tables and four counter stools. They serve beer and wine, but no cocktails. The staff was friendly when we entered and helpful with the menu. We were there a little later in the day so we had the place to ourselves.
I ordered the Roman-Style Gnocchi, delectable brick-style gnocchi, with a beautiful sharpness from the pecorino cheese, topped with mushrooms as well as a beef and mushroom stock. The dish was flavorful and rich. Chris had the Brown Butter Haddock with blistered tomatoes and shaved brussels sprouts. The fish was beautifully cooked and the brown butter sauce was rich and divine. We also shared an order of Roasted Crimini Mushrooms with garlic, rosemary, and arugula over a luscious saffron aioli, which was very good as well.
I couldn’t resist having dessert when I saw the Cherry Semifreddo with Dark Chocolate Ganache on the dessert board. It was a scrumptious dish, not overly sweet. The ganache was silky and I loved the crunch the toffee bits added.
Chris ordered the Mushroom Sevilla as his “dessert”. It may have been the tastiest dish on our entire trip. The mushrooms, served in a cream sherry sauce with goat cheese toast, were exquisite. The silky-smooth, beautifully rich sauce coated my tongue with happiness.
13 Gypsies is definitely in the top three restaurants that we visited on this trip and probably in the top five of my all-time favorites. If I had to describe their spectacular food in just one word, that word would be umami.
Cost for a beer, four small plates and a dessert $65.88.
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