European Street Cafe has been selected by the City of Jacksonville to operate the café at the new Riverfront Plaza, bringing one of Jacksonville’s most recognizable, locally owned restaurant brands to the heart of Downtown’s reimagined riverfront.
The selection places one of Jacksonville’s longest-standing local restaurants at the center of Downtown’s riverfront transformation — and it is the first of many more restaurants to come along the St. Johns River. As Riverfront Plaza becomes the city’s newest gathering place, European Street Cafe will bring nearly five decades of trusted hospitality, familiar favorites and a welcoming atmosphere to the St. Johns River, creating a destination where people naturally come together.
Since the Zarka family took over Mr. Dunderbak’s at Regency Square Mall in 1980 and transformed it into European Street Cafe in 1990, the restaurant has become woven into the fabric of Jacksonville. Today, generations of families have gathered around its tables to enjoy great food, meaningful conversation and genuine hospitality. Soon, that same welcoming atmosphere will become part of Riverfront Plaza.
The Riverfront Plaza café will feature European Street Cafe’s signature overstuffed sandwiches, fresh soups and salads, decadent desserts, premium coffee, beer and wine, frozen treats, and kid-friendly offerings. Designed around both quality and efficiency, the café will provide quick grab-and-go service for Downtown employees during the workday while also creating an inviting destination for families, park visitors and eventgoers throughout the day and evening.
Riverfront Plaza is envisioned as a destination where recreation, dining, arts, entertainment and community life converge along Jacksonville’s waterfront. European Street Cafe was selected to play an integral role in activating the space and creating an experience that encourages residents and visitors to return throughout the year.
The new café will be thoughtfully designed to complement Riverfront Plaza’s year-round calendar of festivals, concerts, community events and waterfront activities, serving as both a convenient destination for Downtown professionals and a gathering place for families enjoying the park.
European Street Cafe was selected in a public and competitive RFP process. The café is expected to open by late fall 2026. Additional details regarding the café buildout, opening timeline and grand opening celebration will be announced as the project progresses.