The Ultimate Guide on Tunis Restaurants (Jacksonville, FL)

When it comes to flavorful Mediterranean food served with Southern hospitality, Tunis Restaurants in Jacksonville, Florida, stand in a league of their own. Locally famous and community-loved, Tunis isn’t just one spot—it’s a growing brand synonymous with fast-casual Middle Eastern cuisine, hearty portions, flavorful dishes, and unbeatable prices.

Whether you're a local craving a lamb gyro after a long day, a foodie discovering new flavor profiles, or just someone in search of a filling halal meal, this guide will give you everything you need to know about Tunis Restaurants in Jacksonville, FL. From the menu favorites and health-conscious options to the atmosphere, locations, cultural significance, and customer reviews, this deep dive explores why Tunis has captured the tastebuds—and hearts—of Jacksonville residents.

The Origins of Tunis: A Family Affair

Tunis Restaurant may look like just another Middle Eastern food joint at first glance, but its roots go deep. Family-owned and operated, the Tunis brand began with a simple mission: bring authentic Mediterranean street food flavors to Jacksonville while ensuring affordability and convenience for everyone.

Unlike chain restaurants that lose the soul of cooking, Tunis maintains a personal, home-cooked approach. Their recipes blend Lebanese, Palestinian, and broader Middle Eastern traditions, infused with modern American fast-casual sensibilities. The result is a dining experience that balances heritage with hustle.

Multiple Locations Across Jacksonville

The expansion of Tunis across Jacksonville is a testament to its success and beloved status. As of 2025, Tunis boasts several locations across the city, including:

Tunis – Atlantic Blvd: One of the original and busiest outposts, this location is perfect for dine-in, takeout, or late-night cravings.
Tunis – Southside Blvd: A favorite for nearby college students, workers, and busy families.
Tunis – Westside (103rd St.): This branch is praised for its speed and consistent food quality.
Tunis – Arlington Expressway: A go-to spot for those in the Arlington area looking for a fast, flavorful meal.
Tunis – Baymeadows Rd: Relatively new and rapidly becoming a local favorite thanks to its spacious interior and welcoming vibe.

These restaurants share a consistent menu and aesthetic, but each has its own local flavor depending on the neighborhood and clientele.

Signature Dishes: What to Order at Tunis

Tunis is best known for its massive portions and incredibly flavorful food. Here’s a breakdown of their must-try menu items:

1. Gyro Wraps and Platters

Beef/Lamb Gyro Wrap: Perfectly seasoned, juicy meat slices wrapped in warm pita, topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and house-made tzatziki sauce. Portable and filling.
Gyro Platter: Comes with rice, salad, pita, and your choice of meat. It’s a full meal with generous servings.

2. Chicken Shawarma

Marinated chicken cooked to perfection, sliced, and served in either a wrap or platter. A local favorite for its smoky, spiced flavor.

3. Falafel

Crispy on the outside, fluffy and herbaceous on the inside. Ideal for vegetarians or anyone craving a satisfying, meatless bite.

4. Kofta Kebabs

Ground beef or lamb mixed with herbs and spices, grilled on skewers. This dish is deeply flavorful and rich.

5. Hummus & Pita

A simple but must-have appetizer. Tunis serves a creamy, garlic-kissed hummus that pairs perfectly with warm pita.

6. Loaded Fries

Think of this as halal nachos: crispy fries topped with gyro meat, cheese, sauces, jalapeños, and more. A guilty pleasure and fan favorite.

7. Mixed Platters

Can’t decide? Go for a combo of gyro, shawarma, kofta, or falafel with sides. These trays are great for sharing or solo feasting.

Healthy Eating at Tunis: Yes, It’s Possible

While Tunis is best known for indulgent portions and bold flavors, it’s also surprisingly friendly to health-conscious diners.

Healthier Options:

Falafel Salad Bowl: Skip the pita and opt for a protein-packed salad with falafel and hummus.
Grilled Chicken Platter: Lean meat with rice and salad keeps things balanced.
Vegetarian Plates: Lentils, chickpeas, tabbouleh, and hummus-based meals cater to both vegetarians and vegans.
Wraps Without Sauce: Ordering your wrap with sauce on the side can help reduce calorie intake while still letting you enjoy the flavor.

Additionally, Tunis uses fresh ingredients and often cooks to order, allowing you to customize your meal based on dietary needs.

Halal and Cultural Sensitivity

One of the standout aspects of Tunis is its dedication to halal food preparation. All meat is halal-certified, meaning it follows Islamic guidelines for ethical slaughter and preparation. This makes Tunis a go-to for Jacksonville’s large Muslim population, as well as others who appreciate clean, ethically sourced meat.

Beyond food, the environment at Tunis is welcoming and culturally inclusive. Arabic music plays softly in the background. The décor, while simple, features subtle Middle Eastern design elements. The staff is respectful and often bilingual, making it easy to feel at home regardless of background.

Affordability: High Value, Low Price

One of the most impressive things about Tunis is its pricing. You’ll rarely pay over $15 for a full meal, and that includes protein, sides, sauces, and drinks in many cases.

Wraps start around $7–$9
Platters range from $10–$14
Loaded fries, salads, and other items typically under $10

Many locals choose Tunis over fast-food chains because it offers higher quality food for similar or even lower prices—plus it feels more homemade and satisfying.

Customer Experience: What Locals Say

Local reviews paint a vivid picture of Tunis’ strengths:

“Tunis is hands-down my favorite Mediterranean spot in Jax. The lamb gyro platter is enough to feed two people!”
– Google Review, 2024

“Always fast, always fresh. I grab a chicken shawarma wrap almost every week. Can’t beat the price.”
– Yelp Reviewer

“I was nervous to try something new, but Tunis blew me away. The flavors, the friendliness, the portions. I’m hooked.”
– TripAdvisor, 2023

While most reviews are glowing, common feedback suggests:

Busy during lunch and dinner hours (so ordering ahead is a smart move)
Limited dine-in space at certain locations
Occasional inconsistencies between branches (some customers say meat seasoning can vary slightly)

Still, even critiques tend to be minor. The brand’s overall reputation is overwhelmingly positive.

Best Times to Visit

Tunis locations are generally open from 11:00 a.m. to midnight, with some open later on weekends. If you're looking to beat the crowds:

Lunchtime (11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.): Can be busy with office workers and delivery drivers
Dinner rush (5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.): Especially packed on Fridays and weekends
Best times to go: Mid-afternoon (2:00 – 4:00 p.m.) or late-night (after 9:00 p.m.)

Online ordering through UberEats, DoorDash, and Grubhub is available at most locations, offering convenience for busy patrons or homebodies.

Tunis for Events and Catering

Got a party or company event? Tunis also offers catering services, with massive trays of shawarma, gyro, rice, hummus, and more. Many local offices and community groups turn to Tunis for meetings, family gatherings, or religious holidays like Ramadan and Eid.

Catering trays typically feed 8–12 people and include a choice of proteins, rice, salad, and sauces.
Pickup and delivery options are available.
Custom orders can be arranged with advance notice.

This makes Tunis not just a lunch spot, but a valued part of the Jacksonville event scene.

Community and Cultural Impact

Tunis plays an important role in Jacksonville’s diverse cultural fabric. With a growing Middle Eastern population in the city, Tunis provides not only food, but a place for people to connect with familiar flavors and traditions.

It’s not uncommon to find:

Families breaking fast during Ramadan at Tunis
Muslim youth groups gathering after evening prayers
Curious foodies engaging staff about new dishes and origins

In an increasingly global city, Tunis has become a bridge between cultures, offering flavor and hospitality to everyone who walks through its doors.

Hidden Gems and Pro Tips

Even regulars sometimes overlook these pro tips when dining at Tunis:

1. Ask for Extra Sauce on the Side

Tunis’ garlic sauce and white sauce are legendary. Grab extras to dip fries, pita, or just drizzle over everything.

2. Mix and Match Your Proteins

Most platters allow combo options. Try chicken and lamb gyro for a flavor explosion.

3. Don’t Skip the Baklava

The dessert menu is short, but baklava is worth saving room for—flaky, nutty, and sweet perfection.

4. Customize Your Spice Level

Love heat? Ask for spicy sauce or add jalapeños. Prefer mild? Request no hot sauce—it’s customizable.

5. Sign Up for Deals or Loyalty Cards

Some locations offer loyalty programs or text alerts for deals—especially useful for frequent diners.

Final Thoughts: Why Tunis Is a Jacksonville Staple

Tunis Restaurants have become more than just a place to eat—they’re a cornerstone of affordable, flavorful dining in Jacksonville. With its combination of generous portions, cultural richness, halal offerings, and neighborhood accessibility, Tunis is a perfect example of how immigrant-run businesses elevate the food scene in American cities.

Whether you're exploring Mediterranean cuisine for the first time or you're a seasoned foodie who appreciates authenticity, Tunis delivers on all fronts.

So next time you’re hungry in Jacksonville, don’t settle for bland or overpriced—head to Tunis, where flavor reigns, portions are plenty, and everyone eats like family.

Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur and musical artist A.L.I.A.S.

Tunis Restaurants: The Ultimate Guide