Serenity Restaurant & Lounge

This place was such a beautiful place! The food was so incredible, so much flavor. It was seriously such an amazing atmosphere as well! 10s all around the board except their checkout system… I don’t like the whole “One Check Thing” just split the check but definitely go check them out.. so good 🤩😋 I will be going back!

Awesome food and atmosphere. Had great experience with the appetizers and the main plate was pretty much a show with the executive chef coming out. Hookah was on point and music and lighting were perfect. Would recommend and can’t wait to come back for the grand opening.

So the ambience is beautiful! 10/10 The music the dim lighting, decor and vibes are perfect! Very romantic. The food…not so much. I had the chicken and edamame. The edamame was very good and the seasoning on top was so good. The chicken…I didn’t really like the texture. My server, Mai Mai, was so nice and made sure we were good. I may come back but it was one of those “experience it once” places and come back maybe. Overall, very nice place.

As someone born and raised in Japan, I can confidently say their Japanese-style Karaage is incredibly authentic—juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crisp. The nigiri was fantastic, and the ribs and banging shrimp were absolutely delicious. To top it off, the Ube crème brûlée tasted like heaven. Highly recommend—10/10!

manuel m

Excellent drinks. Great service. The food was delicious and well prepared. Friendly staff. Few customers at the happy hour but perfect for conversation and drinks.

Stefany Velasquez

Hannah provided excellent and amazing service! She accommodated us and was consistent with her service. She answered all our questions. I came for my birthday everything was delicious. I’m so happy we came here.

Sasha Preston

My good friend Malik brought me to this restaurant to support his friend! From the moment I walked in I was impressed. Starting with the service and leading to the decor! This atmosphere was organic, vibrant, and very elegant! The music was great and the food was even better! Our server Mya did not miss a beat. All the staff members were very supportive of each other and this made the service impeccable! We got everything we needed and more. My son was comfortable and the hookah lounge was divided allowing us an opportunity to eat without interference from smoke. Super crafty idea. I absolutely recommend this spot! The food was great. Spring rolls, Edmame, Sushi, & all beverages were tailored to perfection! I’ll be back for sure!!!!

Kayla McEwan

Our server was Seth, he was very polite and his professionalism is out of this world, he recommended exquisite food because it was my boyfriend and I first time at serenity, overall experience was a 10/10 , definitely a vibe and a perfect date night !

Sammy Girl

The Shrimp Bao Buns were delicious. I also enjoyed the wings and Fried Rice. The Snapper was absolutely amazing.The atmosphere was amazing. The also offer Hookah

Darby

Our server Mimi was amazing. We had an exceptional dining experience, thanks in large part to our outstanding server. From the moment we were seated, she demonstrated professionalism, knowledge, and a warm attentiveness that truly elevated our evening. She was well-versed in the menu and offered thoughtful recommendations that reflected both an understanding of the cuisine and our preferences. We left not only satisfied with our meal but sincerely appreciative of the care and excellence we received. This level of service sets a high standard—and we look forward to returning because of it. Thank you Mimi for making my son’s birthday a great one!!! If I could give 10 stars I would. We appreciate you.

Emoni Bittle

The vibe is amazing!!! And the food definitely matched the vibe and was very good. Our server was Mimi and she’s was an absolute doll🥹 100000/10 would definitely recommend

Jade Armstrong

This was the most absolute amazing experience!! The food was crazy good, hot, fresh, and delicious. The drinks are strong and get you where you need to go! Try the magical hookah. It’s so yummy without giving you a headache. Sunny was our server and she was super sweet, bubbly, and knowledgeable. The owner even came over and thanked us for coming! It’s definitely a chill, laid back vibe. Nice music, comfy art deco couches and chairs. A separate section for the hookah imbibing so that the non smokers aren’t disturbed. The entire staff is nice and helpful if you need anything. I can’t say enough of how amazing this spot is. I wish nothing but success and prosperity for the owners and all employees! Thanks a bunch for giving these parents a great date night out 😊

Jeffrey Rios

Awesome food and atmosphere. Had great experience with the appetizers and the main plate was pretty much a show with the executive chef coming out. Hookah was on point and music and lighting were perfect. Would recommend and can’t wait to come back for the grand opening.

Aki A Tran

As someone born and raised in Japan, I can confidently say their Japanese-style Karaage is incredibly authentic—juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crisp. The nigiri was fantastic, and the ribs and banging shrimp were absolutely delicious. To top it off, the Ube crème brûlée tasted like heaven. Highly recommend—10/10!

Maria Otero

Came here to celebrate my 9th wedding anniversary. Our waitress was the manager Sunny and she took excellent care of us. The owner George came by to check in on us. Awesome service. Ambiance had a classy laid back vibe. Drinks/food/ hookah service 5 stars. Highly recommend for a date night or girls night out.

Mary M. Smith EI Enthusiast

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for our exceptional dining experience. We visited to celebrate my sister’s birthday, and the food and service were truly remarkable. The entire service team provided outstanding support, with a special commendation to Seth, our server. Seth embodies the essence of exceptional customer service. His patience and attentiveness were unparalleled. He took the time to explain the menu, check on us regularly, and ensured that our entire experience was enjoyable.

Shilah Easton

I had the best experience from the soft opening to becoming a returning patron. passionate dreams was the perfectly crafted drink, balance and flavor. Emma was the absolute best at her job and gave me more then enough reasons to want too return!

Ms. L. Ricks

While here in Jacksonville hanging out with the fam we tried this Lounge. What a cute concept 💡 with Hookah on one side and the restaurant on the other. Our reservation was for 10:30pm. We arrived 10:15pm and were immediately seated. Nice ambience with a fire DJ playing all the hits. Very much grown and sexxy undeniable. We had a BLAST!!! Also, vegan/vegetarian options. I relapsed on the 🍤 and it was a perfect cheat night because the tangy flavor on the skewer was very delightful to my taste buds😘

Miss Moe Dub

Omg! Where do I begin?!?! Ok short story, walked in to a beautifully decorated restaurant with dope ambiance and staff. Sunny was bursting with good energy and very attentive. Our server MeMe was amazing. She took care of us without skippping a beat! We had a great time and oh!!! The food is the bomb digity 😋 Not all poctured but the shrimp and sticky ribs are to drool for 🤤 The truffle fries and everything was so tastey 😋 we will definitely be back! I cant stop thinking aboit those ribs tho!!!

Had such a great time at Bar Serenity — Reneisha was AMAZING. The service was on point, the energy was perfect, and she made us feel welcome from the second we sat down. Drinks were 🔥 and the whole night was a vibe. Great personality, great recommendations, and she kept everything flowing smoothly even when it got busy. 10/10 experience — whole vibe.She said her last day before maternity leave is January 1st so get here before then!!!

Tyree Anderson

Had such a great time at Bar Serenity — Reneisha was AMAZING. The service was on point, the energy was perfect, and she made us feel welcome from the second we sat down. Drinks were 🔥 and the whole night was a vibe. Great personality, great recommendations, and she kept everything flowing smoothly even when it got busy. 10/10 experience — whole vibe.She said her last day before maternity leave is January 1st so get here before then!!!

Excellent food—don’t let the exterior, signage, or hookah bar vibe fool you. Never judge a book by its cover. This was some of the best food we’ve had in Jacksonville. My wife had an Old Fashioned that was made perfectly. We started with the Bang Bang shrimp—huge shrimp, lightly fried, with a great sauce. I ordered the ribeye with whipped potatoes and asparagus, and it was an outstanding plate. My wife had the Peruvian chicken with fried rice and sweet plantains. The chicken was well-seasoned, and the fried rice rivals some of the best Chinese restaurants we’ve eaten at. Will definitely be back.

My first time here and I really did enjoy it. I would never come to a spot like this on my own because I don't like hookah, but it was my friends bday and she wanted to go. It was a nice place to be. They had a DJ spinning some 90s 2000s R&B, everyone is having fun....it was a vibe! My only complaint was the food and drinks...the food was great, what they had left. I wanted brussel sprouts...they were out. I wanted to do the creme brulee to go, they couldn't accommodate because it was in a porcelain dish and not available for take out. I wanted a Guinness and a shot of Jameson to drink....out of both. I understand that sometimes things happen and maybe it was a busy Friday night to be out of these items on a Saturday. The service was spectacular. Victoria was so nice and very attentive. I would come back again if invited out❤️

E Smith

I arrived five minutes before opening. Sat in the area. If this was my business, I would’ve allowed someone to go ahead and be seated. As this was my first and only visit. I ended up walking out. I didn’t get to really try the food and I didn’t appreciating being asked if I had a reservation like I needed one. There was no one there. I hate when an establishment asked me that I know what they’re trying to do. They’re trying to recommend it the future you make a reservation for better planning on their part. I’m a spontaneous person. I guess I’ll have to try them again only because I do love sushi. I had no idea. They served sushi. Nothing about their establishment on the outside beach portrays this. I thought it was a nightclub and I walked in out of curiosity, knowing they had food and I was extremely hungry.

Alison Smith

My first time here and I really did enjoy it. I would never come to a spot like this on my own because I don't like hookah, but it was my friends bday and she wanted to go. It was a nice place to be. They had a DJ spinning some 90s 2000s R&B, everyone is having fun....it was a vibe! My only complaint was the food and drinks...the food was great, what they had left. I wanted brussel sprouts...they were out. I wanted to do the creme brulee to go, they couldn't accommodate because it was in a porcelain dish and not available for take out. I wanted a Guinness and a shot of Jameson to drink....out of both. I understand that sometimes things happen and maybe it was a busy Friday night to be out of these items on a Saturday. The service was spectacular. Victoria was so nice and very attentive. I would come back again if invited out❤️

Elliot Salzman

Excellent food—don’t let the exterior, signage, or hookah bar vibe fool you. Never judge a book by its cover. This was some of the best food we’ve had in Jacksonville. My wife had an Old Fashioned that was made perfectly. We started with the Bang Bang shrimp—huge shrimp, lightly fried, with a great sauce. I ordered the ribeye with whipped potatoes and asparagus, and it was an outstanding plate. My wife had the Peruvian chicken with fried rice and sweet plantains. The chicken was well-seasoned, and the fried rice rivals some of the best Chinese restaurants we’ve eaten at. Will definitely be back.

I walk in and wasn't greeted initially (which is fine). Asked to sit at the open bar. It was about 6min before I was approached. I was presented with menus. With a quick look over the selection wasn't bad at all. I was sitting next to a customer who was well over served and was harassing me about eating flowers off my plate. She then proceeded to control the music which really threw the vibes off for me. There were others at the bar who were clearly uncomfortable as she became loud and obnoxiously drunk. Then there were children there that were running around and it's 10pm at night at a BAR!!. The asparagus was ok. The burnt taste from the grill messed up the taste tho. Too add to it, you will be charged a 15% grat no matter the bill. That is actual robbery. I still tipped the bartender as she was nice. I won't go back here but I'm sure the regulars have a great time. 4/10 won't recommend.

Came here for a date night on Saturday. Great music. There was a saxophone player there. Our waitress was great. The truffles fries and Brussel sprouts are really good. The edamame was really salty I had to dip them in water. Our dynamite roll took forever to come out and the rice was gummy. I just chopped everything up to them being a new spot and very busy.

Johnnetta Foster

Came here for a date night on Saturday. Great music. There was a saxophone player there. Our waitress was great. The truffles fries and Brussel sprouts are really good. The edamame was really salty I had to dip them in water. Our dynamite roll took forever to come out and the rice was gummy. I just chopped everything up to them being a new spot and very busy.

Please note that this was on Valentine’s Day and multiple factors could have played a part…but it is still no excuse for the poor operational performance that we experienced. Serenity was a place that we were excited to experience due to the raving reviews on Google and TikTok. The atmosphere was beautiful when walking in and plenty of parking. Once we walked in, the perception started to dwindle. We had a reservation and the staff were not even ready to sit us. Now, we were about 10 minutes early to our reservation, but they started a list of people (there was probably about 6-7 parties in front of us) that walked in, with reservations, to seat us in the order in which we arrived….not by our reservation time….overall we waited a total of 46 minutes to be seated….with a reservation…. We were seated in the back by the speaker….hard to hear. Can’t enjoy a conversation. I felt sorry for the couple that was seated exactly in front of the speaker…the music kept stopping as it there was a shortage in the cords or on someone’s Bluetooth (but it did provide some relief at times). When we finally got a waitress…we decided to place our entire order…it was already frustrating at that point….We had to wait about 20-25 minutes to just get water. All other tables that were sat in the back got water except for two tables and the other table waited even longer than us. The food was okay…everyone raved about the bang bang shrimp, but it was my least favorite item. I have had better at chain restaurants. It was more like a sweet thai sauce than anything. No “bang” either. The sushi was pretty good! Drinks were okay….again….when ordering more drinks…it felt like a loss…we had to wait 30 minutes for the next round. I will say the staff were nice and apologetic. The hostess at the front did everything she could to help out. She did see that we (and others) were still not helped once we were seated and wore many hats (hostess, ordering, cleaning, etc.) I really felt the need to write this review, not to bash, but they may have been short staff or under anticipated the needs of the night. Please take this opportunity to review operations, staffing, training, professionalism, and management. Waitresses not attentive of which table has or does not have their order was definitely an issue. It was a very frustrating and chaotic environment at that time. I hope to give it another try on a regular night, but right now….my review stands.