Casa Dora Italian Cafe

I love non-​chain restaurants, when it’s good. Staying at the Hyatt & close by the hotel staff recommended Casa Dora. Salmon piccata was delicious. Others in my group ordered Grouper & Stuffed Chicken Breasts w Crabmeat. All say it wonderful. Garlic bread was best bread (homemade). Tiramasu for dessert & cappuccino was fantastic. I can’t wait to go back again…

Love the service and the food was right-​priced. Stayed open late to accommodate our group after the show. So good to support a neighborhood place

On another evening out while at my Jacksonville conference we went to eat at this restaurant. It had a «neighborhood» restaurant feel and the cafeteria selections looked decent but were limited. The paper menu during our visit was not something that you could use.
We had a couple of slices and a salad, which turned out to be pretty good. Atmosphere of restaurant is «interesting» and furniture could be updated and replaced. I sat in two different chairs that were suspect as to their ability to old my weight (190#).
The Overall impression was not bad, just expected something a little more updated and a broader selection of food.

You never know when the next gem of a place will pop up. In this particular instance I have been in Jacksonville since 1989 and have made many trips to this area. I have never even given this place a second thought or for that matter a first. We were downtown at the Florida Theater for my oldest son’s graduation ceremony. He was graduating from J-​Tech as a charter student. The invitation mentioned Hors d’oeuvres so we anticipated a decent display that could tide us over until we get home. The fruit and cheese platters were not even appealing, let alone accessible with the mass of people present. By this time the hunger feeling need to be quenched.
I pulled out the smart phone and fired up the Unilocal app to see what was appealing near by. Casa Dora popped up with a 4 star rating and was a short walk from the Florida Theater where we were.
We walked in to the small true Italian décor where we were greeted and seated by the owner Freddie. 15 minutes went by after being seated without a single waitress to take our drink appetizer order. We watched Freddie bring order after order out of the kitchen and visit with the customers providing that personal touch. Any other time I might have become irritated by that lack of attention, but I took that wait and see mentality. Good thing because Freddie came over as though we were family and began giving us the run down on the menu specials. There were so many great things on the menu that it was hard to choose. once I heard what Freddie had to say it was time to make that hard choice. We opted for the crab stuffed mushrooms and the mozzarella sticks. These mozzarella sticks were the very best I have ever experienced. Picture with me a block of cheese that is sold at your favorite retailer. It appears that they slice the cheese into sticks bread them and then a bath in the deep fryer. Awesome!!!
I elected to try the Grouper Picatta. Incredibly fresh flavor. However the Grouper was under cooked in the thicker portions. It wasn’t enough to fuss over so I didn’t complain. We also ordered a large cheese pizza, It was quite tasty. Being a Chicago native I have my bias when it comes to pizza. Not to say this isn’t good mind you, because it is.
I would encourage anyone who decides to visit this place to have patients. It will certainly pay off. Freddie will give you that one on one attention you deserve. He can certainly use some extra hands in this place but at the same time, I believe it will take away from the experience.
I would return here to take in the rest of the menu items. Great job to Freddie and his staff. Thanks

The food was amazing! But the owner is what made this an incredible experience. As he put it, «Life is all about the people.» He practices what he preaches. Great dinner!

I eat here 2+ times per week and just love the food, staff, and atmosphere. The pizza is closest to NY quality I have found in Jax. The buffet presentation allows for a quick hot lunch, which is a huge plus during the week. Freddie is the hardest working man in Downtown: 6 days a week… Open to Close. Recommend the lasagna, baked ziti, and pizza. The chicken parm is good, but wish the portion provided on the sub was larger. Don’t walk by this gem while downtown.

Wow. Just… wow. So many incredible items to choose from, and that doesn’t even include the specials (I hope when I come back the Shrimp and Scallops Alfredo will be available to try). I always judge an Italian restaurant by its lasagne, and ordering the Tour of Italy gave me that opportunity (along with Chicken Parmigiana and Ricotta Stuffed Shells) with zero disappointment. The sauce over all three was amazing; a bit of a bite but with a sweet tanginess that lasted just long enough for the wine to complement it. So maybe this restaurant’s appearance isn’t the be all end all, but when you’re sitting next to a picture of the owner and James Gandolfini (RIP, Tony Soprano) and the food is this great, who cares? Come for the food. You’ll be back. I know I will. Multiple times.

The food is great, people are sweet and the price is just right ! The proportions are juuuust right and there’s nothing I would change. I got the stuffed crab meat and garlic bread Alfredo, a Thursday special. It’s nice and cozy and seems to be a local restaurant which is a total plus !

Truly a local and super delicious joint. The pizza is amaze balls, hahahahaha, and i have never used that term. Freddie is awesome. He needs more help, but the wait is worth it. Pizza is DELICIOUS!
«That’s what she said.» Freddie

We came with a party of 9 with no reservations. We we’re really well received. The wine selection was really good and the food was outstanding ! The cook was so good he came to us to introduce his dishes himself. Wonderful experience. If you want a good Italian pasta and fish and a nice cozy atmosphere this is the right place for you!

Went here last Friday night around 8PM. Never had the chance to eat. We sat down right away and the place didn’t look too busy. Waitress dropped off waters but that was the last time anyone there acknowledged we were there. We sat there for 10+ minutes waiting for someone to take our order. Not only did no one ever take our order but no member of the staff even acknowledged we were there. They did look short staffed but a restaurant should never be short staffed on a Friday night. The kicker for us was we saw the one waitress come out twice with food for other tables and twice she had to go back to the kitchen with the same food because apparently they were screwing up orders. We just got up and left at that point. They did seem to have a decent menu with reasonable prices and more than likely their food is good but the service stunk the night we were there.

How did we never know this place was here? It’s now our go to stop for a slice of pizza before a concert at the Florida Theater. Their pizza is pretty good! I haven’t had an opportunity to try their other dishes.

Finally tried it! Been living across the way for 7 months and finally we walked in tonight. They always say you can judge a restaurant by its bread service. You’ll get the authentic Italian bread here! I had a perfect chicken piccata and a peroni. Freddie was extremely accommodating even though we came in late. It’s now the neighborhood Italian go-​to for us, cheers!

Great authentic Italian style restaurant. Very casual and cozy. Great owner and great staff. Awesome spot to stop in for lunch or dinner while downtown working or sightseeing. You have to be a fan of authentic Italian restaurants. No, its not gonna feel or taste like Pizza Hut or Domino’s. This is the real deal. I will most definitely be back!

What a find in downtown Jax, homemade (and I mean HOMEMADE) Italian food!!! Half the price (if not more) than some foo-​foo Italian eatery and the food is spot on… pasta was cooked perfectly, the Pesto Chicken was tasty and the Chicken Cacciatore was wonderful too. Even the Salad dressing was Home made (ok, do we get the message here).
Freddy, the owner will hook you up with whatever you desire… and you won’t be disappointed

They call this place the restaurant to the stars and for good reason. Every celebrity that comes through The Florida Theatre has no choice but to enjoy the amazing homemade Italian food. But the biggest celebrity of them all is the man behind the counter, simply known as «Freddie!»
“Who loves ya baby?”

This little place was open late after a great concert at the Florida Theater. All they were serving were slices but it was great! I am so glad they are located near the venue and the parking garage. It really saved me having to drive anywhere else just for a late pick me up. Friendly employees and clean. There are lots of signed photos of celebrities who have eaten there. The bands park their tour buses directly in front of the restaurant so you never know who you may see/​meet!

This spot is so legit. It’s the NY vibe where you grab dinner before or after a show. If you’re checking out the Florida Theatre you check out Dora. It goes hand in hand like Dora and Boots. Like Dora and Swiper. Italian and pizza.
BUT no lie I’ve never tried the pizza. I walk in I see the chalkboard deals of the day. I make my way to the back. I see pizza then I see … and everything else always wins out.
Grouper Florentine, Stuffed Chicken Marsala, Stuffed Baked Grouper… clearly I like when good food is stuffed into more good food. Favorite has to be the Eggplant and Chicken Paramaigan. But the golden touch are the sweet dessert. They are heavy — exactly how they are suppose to be. You pick up a slice and it feels like a solid pound of goodness. Rich, thick icing coated velvety delight.
All of that with a television basing sports. This place made me a fan. You check it out in the Spring and you’re watching basketball, then stroll in during the summer and grab a soccer game with the regulars. There’s always some kind older dude in the back ready to debate who’s the best player and tells you a story about the greatest that played the game. It’s small, it’s a little cramped and dark. I love this joint.

I have seen Casa Dora some many times. I have parked out front before but I ended up next door and gave most of my money away. I have even eaten here way back when I worked with my Father in the family business. Today I parked out front agin and didn’t go next door. I walked in and was kind of confused. I looked around and was greeted or guided by nobody. I saw the hand written sign on the sneeze guard over the lunch quite fix meals. Pizzas, spaghetti sauces, stuffed ziti, and a few other dishes. I looked at the sign and it said tell the guys what you want and move down the line. Go over there and pay Freddie. So I ordered and went over there to see Freddie. Freddie and I talked for a bit and I found out that he is quite a nice guy that really loves what he does. Now this place os located on the other end of the block from the Florida Theater and by looking at the walls they all have come in for a meal. If you want pizza or spaghetti and meatballs or maybe some lasagna with meat or vegetables they have to all. I decided to go with a sandwich which to tell you the truth was really good. Freddie said that he would make it after I ordered it. First off the bread was amazing soft but had a slight crunch to it. Just the way it is supposed to be. There was plenty of meat but not too much the lettuce, onions, and a house vignette added that little zing. I will say that I sure wish that I would have come in a lot sooner. I will not ever park in front of this place again without going in.

Italian soup Nazi…
Be nice, order correctly and do not talk back and you will get your soup or Italian food in this case.
The owner is a piece of work and so is the food. Cafeteria style is a bit unusual along with personal descriptions of each offering and finally the microwave finish.
Authentic Italian food ala New Jersey neighborhood style with the attitude. It was all good and there was some decent wine to wash it down.