Bistro Aix, in historic San Marco

Tom Gray is one of the hottest culinary names in the Southeast, and his Jacksonville restaurant, Bistro Aix (1440 San Marco Blvd., 904-398-1949), is a must for visiting foodies. The spacious, elegant eatery in the city's historic San Marco neighborhood - just across the St. John River from Riverside - has two snazzy yet surprisingly casual dining rooms plus a romantic outdoor patio. For some of the most superbly prepared Mediterranean-inspired food in Florida, the prices at Bistro Aix are quite reasonable, and the service is A-one. There's a long and impressive wine list with a nice mix of spendy and affordable vintages, and the menu mixes small plates, wood-fired pizzas (there's a nice one with sausage, caramelized onions, tomatoes, and spicy harissa sauce), pastas, creative grills (such as oak-fired fish of the day over basil potatoes with olives and a tomatoe-artichoke beurre blanc). Consider the excellent cheese plate, either as a starter or a final note to your meal. The restaurant is open late, until 10 most nights and 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays; lunch and dinner are served. If you and your partner are looking for the ultimate romantic gay-date spot in Jacksonville, look no further.