City: Jacksonville, FL

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (904) 389-0330

Address: 887 Stockton St.

Description: Every time I even think about 13 Gypsies, I have to restrain myself from jumping in the car and racing over to sample whatever they’ve whipped up that morning. It’s just that good. Every bit of the bread, sausage, cheese, pasta, cured meats, mayonnaise, and crème fraiche at this Spanish-inspired eatery is made fresh, every morning, by hand. Chef Howard’s menu, ever-changing in its offerings, documents the migratory trail that the gypsies followed from India through Central Europe and into Northern Africa. Expect no fusion, no fuss–just good, clean, traditional flavors. Devotees know better than to show up unannounced—the restaurant only seats 14 inside and four outside, so the spots are heartily sought after, and the savory fare on the tapas menu ensures that tables are hard to come by. Items do run out, so an early-evening reservation is best to ensure that you have your choice from the full menu. Call by Tuesday morning if you want a weekend reservation. Open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, and from 5 to 9 p.m. for dinner. Open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, and from 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner. Sunday brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.