October 30th, 2025

Meet Lori Allen, St. Johns Magazine’s longtime food writer and culinary connoisseur. With more than 50 restaurant reviews to her name, as My Wandering Fork, Lori has spent years exploring the heart of our local dining scene—one unforgettable plate at a time. Her palate is as discerning as her prose is inviting, capturing the essence of each meal with a storyteller’s touch. From elevated coastal cuisine to the hidden gems only locals know, Lori’s taste for authenticity and flavor shines through every review. Here, she shares a few of her favorite local plates—in the foodie bucket list — each one a delicious reflection of St. Johns’ vibrant food culture.

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“If there’s one thing I love as much as exploring new places, it’s discovering incredible food that feels like a little celebration on a plate. Whether it’s something familiar that hits all the right comfort notes or a surprising twist that makes me pause. These are some of the dishes and bites I keep coming back to — the kind that make me smile every time my fork hits the table.”

Miss Cruffin French Bakery
445 State Road 13, St Johns
This is the only spot on the first coast where a muffin and a croissant come together to create the cruffin. They’ve mastered chocolate, butter, and flour — no passport to Paris needed. Swing by for a shot of espresso, a latte, or a cappuccino, and grab a fresh artisanal croissant or cruffin. Keep it simple. C’est simplement délicieux.


Romashka Euro Deli & Bakery
150 Fountains Way, St Johns
Eastern European products right here? Yup! My favorite part: the European chocolate aisle. All the chocolates we usually bring back from our travels — right here in our own backyard! Now I can curb those cravings for deep, dark chocolatey goodness that’s usually hard to find. Pair that with their freshly baked bread, and it’s definitely worth a visit.


Simone's Wood Fired Craft Kitchen
185 Murabella Parkway, World Golf
Check out Two of my favorite foods made fresh at Simones: Marina's Old-World Meatballs. Ground veal, pork, beef, fresh herbs, pomodoro sauce, and a blend of Italian cheeses. I can never pass up a good meatball — and these are some of the best in the area! And then there's the Beef Carpaccio — a rare find around here. Shaved raw beef, capers, Parmesan, house vinaigrette, and greens, all served with a grilled artisan baguette. If you’re a carpaccio lover (like me!), this one’s a must-try — fresh, flavorful, and perfectly done.


Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi
12553 Bartram Park Blvd #304, Jacksonville 32258
Fresh sushi, anyone? This spot offers all-you-can-eat sushi for both lunch and dinner — and yes, it’s as good as it sounds. We love going on weekends for lunch and making it our one big meal of the day. The sushi comes out in small plates, so you can sample a little bit of everything — plus enjoy hibachi, fried rice, and more all in one go. I’m all about the sashimi, hibachi steak, and fried rice — and after that, I’m satisfied for the rest of the day!


Bella Vista
540 State Rd 13 N, Fruit Cove
Start with the arancini, golden, crispy rice balls filled with creamy risotto and a hint of mozzarella that melts with every bite. They’re perfectly fried, impossibly light, and utterly irresistible. Next, the eggplant rollatini, thin slices of eggplant wrapped around a velvety ricotta filling, baked in a bright tomato sauce, and finished with bubbling cheese. It’s comforting, elegant, and exactly what you want from a true Italian kitchen. Pair these with a glass of red, lean back, and soak in the easygoing atmosphere, part trattoria, part neighborhood hangout , where every meal feels both familiar and special.

Poppy's Italiano
104 Ashourian Way ) Suite 101, St. Johns
If you know me, you know I love me some Poppy’s Italiano! Every dish gives me that cozy, home-cooked Italian meal feeling. But one of my absolute favorites and what I like to call a true mouth-gasm, is their Boursin Cheese Bruschetta. Think soft, garlicky, creamy Boursin cheese, fresh tomatoes, and a drizzle of bright, fresh pesto all piled onto crispy ciabatta. The crunch of the bread with the creamy cheese and those fresh flavors? Bite after bite... I can’t get enough.


Salento Colombian Steakhouse
Silver Leaf, 60 Silver Forest Drive, Suite 113
Calling all steak lovers! Of course I love a great steak but for me, the fat is everything. That’s where all the flavor lives! So of course its always going to be Ribeye. Salento’s serves up the perfect ribeye grilled to perfection and bursting with flavor. They use a house blend of spices with rosemary, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper that takes it to the next level. It comes with three sides and you get to choose from options like arroz blanco, frijoles rojos, cassava, ensalada, patacón, grilled veggies, arepa, papa criolla, or sweet plantains. It’s easily sharable, but I won’t blame you if you keep it all to yourself. Pair it with their recommended Argentinian Malbec, and suddenly, you’re transported, maybe not to a fancy steakhouse, but your taste buds will definitely think so.


Moon dog Pie house
116 Bartram Oaks Walk, Fruit Cove,
Love a great slice of pizza? Try the Moon Dog! I always go for pizza by the slice here, and here’s why: The slices are huge. The crust is perfectly crispy. I get to mix it up, one plain, one fully loaded. The cheese and crunch totally remind me of that classic Northeastern-style pizza I grew up loving. And if you’re ready to go all out, do not skip the Chicago-style pie. It’s legit, thick, stuffed with cheese, and seriously so, so, so good.


Chophouse at Nocatee
330 Pine Lake Dr.
Rooftop bar, anyone? Chophouse Nocatee has a really cool rooftop spot that’s perfect for an early evening happy hour. One of my go-to bites? Their Oysters Rockefeller, fresh oysters baked with creamy spinach, parmesan, panko, and a touch of Pernod. It’s the perfect bite after a long day. And yes, I’m back again with the carpaccio. I can’t help it! It’s light but packed with flavor. Its made with thinly sliced wagyu, black truffle vinaigrette, shaved parmesan, and fresh arugula. Simple, elegant, and so satisfying.

Trattoria di Bernardone
425 Durbin Pavilion Dr, St. Johns
I love the bar area in this little hot spot — it’s cozy, lively, and the perfect way to kick off the night. Start with a Basil Martini, made with their own basil-infused syrup, or go for the Espresso Martini, served in a goblet, rich, bold, and so delicious. All of their pasta is homemade using Italian-imported ingredients. And as a true olive oil and garlic gal, I had to get the Gemelli con Salsiccia e Funghi Aglio e Olio, “twins” pasta in a zesty garlic and olive oil sauce with Italian sausage and mushrooms. Garlic, sausage, mushrooms… what more could you want? It’s packed with flavor. I’ve also been told their Calamari is a must-try (and I love calamari), so I’ll definitely be heading back just for that. Why don’t you check it out too?


Al Dente
90 Shops Blvd, Unit 60 St Johns,
When dining here, you must get the mussels. It’s a big, warm bowl of fresh mussels drenched in a white wine sauce that’s just begging for a good bread dip. I always pair it with the garlic shrimp, so I can double-dip that fresh bread into both the herby, garlicky shrimp sauce and the mussel broth. Together, they’re basically a full meal. and an absolutely delicious one at that.