Starving Like Marvin in Jacksonville - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

The Shrimp, Okra and Wings were amazing. Hot Honey Lemon Pepper is this tip! A must when downtown Jax.

This was my first experience here. My food was cooked perfectly, but I don't believe it was fresh. The whiting fish had a weird taste like it had a long cooler life. I couldn't enjoy my meal,even tried to drench it in hot sauce. Being that the food was cooked super good, the environment was great,and the staff was very friendly I'll try it again different option.

Phylicia was warm, welcoming and friendly

Big portions of food and always fresh

When I walked in, I instantly noticed the cleanliness and great vibe. Good music, awesome customer service, and the food was on point. Out of the whiting, shrimp and wings the wet lemon pepper stole the mf show. My new official wing spot! Thank you!

Great atmosphere and service. Baby that snapper was fried right and seasoned. The shrimp are the best fried shrimp far and wide. I came from Tallahassee after hearing so much and now it will be my seafood stop.

Good Day, excellent lunch spot! Whole fried Red Snapper with bones ( none of that frozen fillets mess) for me was awesome Fast Courteous service! Reasonable price! I live in Orange park worth my drive … nothing like this in OP, Marvin open up a spot here save me and fam a drive… am retired US Navy… Country boys love fish wit bones !!!

Fresh and delicious!!! Huge portions. If you are looking for a great seafood place, this is it!

Not good. The fish was overcooked and chewy, I was extremely disappointed. The employees were also very loud and rude, they basically ignored us and helped others who walked in after we did. Will not be back...

Great food and the waitress was amazing very friendly, kind, knowledgeable about the restaurant. The food is fresh and delicious. Recommend it's a bit pricy but for the amount it's so worth it! Your plate is full and you will be too!!! High recommendation thank you for the great service and food.

Starving Like Marvin in is a fantastic spot for Southern comfort food! I had the wings and fries, and they were so fresh, hot, and absolutely delicious. The juice was tasty, though a bit on the sweet side if you like that. The only downside was that the service was a bit slow, especially during the busy lunch hour. I recommend ordering ahead if you're in a hurry. Despite the wait, the food is definitely worth it. If you're craving authentic Southern flavors, this is the place to go!"

The 8 piece Cajun ranch wings 🔥🔥🔥🔥

That place reminds me of Chicago. Busy Busy food looks better than the pictures, good music food taste good, nice size portions.I had a fried pork chop today wow good. I saw plates that look so good I wanted to order more stuff. I have only been there 3 times. I love it .I only eat fried food once a week, so far Starvin like Marvin is going to be my go to place every Saturday .Keep up the good work folks I wish you well God Bless

This place is very welcoming and clean The vibes are a 10 The food is a 20 shrimp and is big and nice size. Chicken wings are good, very flavorful. Must try 😋!

Great food will definitely be back....

The best and freshest seafood that is seasoned and fried to perfection! I’ve never been disappointed with my food.

I had the fried whiting and shrimp with okra dinner and it was delicious! My daughter had the 10 wings and fries. The meals were fresh, seasoned well and fried perfectly crispy. We decided to dine in and the nostalgic throwback R &B 80s and 90s music made my day! The hostess was professional , courteous and personable. I will definitely be back!

The cook did the best ever on my pork chop the best I've had. A very big thank you to the young man

Food is top tier. The owner and staff members are pleasant. Will be returning again

The food, wings and shrimp was very delicious. Tasted real fresh. I had the garlic ranch sauce on my wings. The shrimp tasted like wild caught mayport shrimp. I do not like farmed shrimp. You place your order at the counter, and I explained it was my first time there. Therefore they were patient while I reviewed the menu. Again, the food was delicious, and location was easy to find. Will return.

Absolutely the best place to eat. Fried fish, salmon croquettes, coleslaw, fried okra and house tea. I cannot express how seasoned and how fresh everything was. The owner’s (I think they were working) were the nicest most accommodating people. Please give them a try you will not be disappointed. And it was all still crispy on the 30 mile journey home.

Great food. Great service. High rating is well deserved.

Amazing atmosphere, professional and friendly staff. Delicious food!!!

Food always fresh, hot, and delicious.

Always amazing fresh food no matter what you get or time of day

Food is amazing with the largest serving sizes I've seen in awhile!!!

Food was so good, it looked like it was children working there, but they did a pretty good job.

We heard so many great reviews. We heard about the crab cakes. I can say, they were very good. The young men were very friendly.

Great seafood..some of the best fish I taste reminds me of my grandmother cooking

Just had dinner here today. The food, customer service, atmosphere, and did I mention the food. It was so good, hot and fresh..literally from grease to the plate. We were served extremely well by Jay, Marquez and Lil Marvin. They were a bomb 10 out 10! Thank You!

Our dining experience at Starving Like Marvin was nothing short of extraordinary. We had the pleasure of visiting the day after Father's Day, and we were absolutely blown away by the remarkable quality of every single dish we ordered. From the moment our plates arrived at the table, we were greeted with an explosion of flavors that left us speechless. Not only was the food scrumptious and delicious, but it was also served piping hot and in record time. The kitchen staff demonstrated their exceptional skills by flawlessly seasoning and frying each item to perfection. My husband and son couldn't resist finishing their plates, while I had the foresight to save a portion of my dish for later enjoyment. We had the opportunity to sample a wide array of delectable items, including succulent shrimp, mouthwatering wings, fluffy waffles, savory grits, perfectly cooked eggs, crispy onion rings, and the most delightful whiting fish. Every bite was a culinary delight that left us craving for more. The service at Starving Like Marvin was friendly and attentive, adding an extra layer of warmth to our dining experience. In fact, we were so impressed by the restaurant that we drove an incredible 66 miles just to savor their exceptional soul food cuisine. Let me assure you, every mile was worth it, and we are already planning our next visit. Starving Like Marvin truly goes above and beyond, exceeding all expectations. They have earned far more than a mere five stars in our book. If you're searching for a dining experience that will leave you with a lasting impression, look no further than Starving Like Marvin. 🌟

First Time visiting!! My son & I enjoyed 😉 it!

The service and the food was great. The employees were polite and professional. I will eat there again.

We had the wings (Buffalo) and fried shrimp. The food was well seasoned and perfectly fried without the extra batter and oil. Kudos! The restaurant is tight and not great on the eyes but the food certainly makes up for that. It would be great if they could expand the dining room area to accommodate more guests.

Great experience..fish was excellent!

The crab cake was surprisingly spicy, flavorful, and a good ratio of crab meat > filling. Though I was denied tartar sauce, they had a Cajun ranch dip that sufficed. The vibrant and helpful staff, including the music selection keeps the atmosphere welcoming. If ur in the mood for fried food in j-ville, this place is highly recommended. 💯🤟🏾🐺🖤

Omg the reviews are spot on went to try this place ordered 2 salmon and shrimp dinners 1 sweet and tangy chicken wing and a lemon pepper chicken wing and it was delicious I'm nervous with eating fish but the snapper was fried and seasoned to perfection. It was worth every penny definently going back the customer service was perfect and the music had me in there truly vibing. Please go and try them you won't regret it. Baby I added before and after pictured 😆

I came here because of the reviews, and they did not disappoint! The young staff were mannerable, attentive and hospitable! I ordered fish and shrimp.. oh my goodness! Seasoned to the T! The coleslaw was absolutely delicious. I will return again!

Spectacular customer service ALWAYS Fresh food Prime location located downtown Jacksonville I CANT GIVE THIS PLACE ENOUGH STARS 1000/10 Highly recommended Keep up the good job guys 👍🏽

I had lemon pepper wings and fries. The wings were season to the T!! The restaurant was clean and the service was awesome. I will be going again!

I must say this is one of the most best black own restaurant in Jacksonville Florida lets not leave out the best customer service. It has never been a time that I have visited the restaurant and not felt important. It’s a 💯 percent to me. Moving forward it’s not only a (5) star restaurant and this is what you call phenomenal. I am so grateful that I can go down stairs and have me some breakfast and lunch and dinner. Keep up the excellent job Marvin and your crew. I can’t thank you enough and May God continuing Blessing 🙏🏽 you and your family for the success that you have accomplished by being a part of City Place Apartments which is so convenient for me.

The food was great, especially the salmon croquettes.

The food is always so fresh && the staff is so friendly to top it off. I appreciate how accommodating they were. I felt like I was at capital Grille the way the young guy at the front counter took my food and bagged it up after I finished eating inside of the restaurant so I could take it to go . I felt like royalty. I didn’t have to lift a finger. The music was nice and the food is always good. My fav breakfast spot.

Everything is wonderful from the greeting coming in to the FOOD 😍😍 I had the red snapper. It was delicious. Biggest piece of fish I have ever had well flavored I do admit I wish I could eat there more. It is a bit pricey but definitely worth it.

I wanted to share our experience today 5-10-24. We walk and Marvin treated us like family coming in from out of town! He greeted us with the BIGGEST WELCOME and it scared us because we've never had a restaurant treat us that way. When he explained it to us, we received it in the manner in which it was given(love). This guy's attitude and love for his business makes you want to come back everyday. This is top tier service here and the food OMG the food so on point. Fried to sheer perfection and seasoned like no other. Thank youuuuuuuu Marvin for infectious smile and our delicious lunch/dinner! We are coming back! It's definitely FIVE STARS in our book!

First time trying after hearing all the hype,I ordered shrimp and fries and a crab cake. Crab cake was good a little spicy. Food was hot and fresh . Shrimp 🍤 tasted bland no seasoning. I give my overall experience a 7 out of ten. Would I go again? Yes because Id like to try the fish 🐟

Highly recommend this place. Went in Saturday afternoon and this was the best fried fish I have had since I moved here 4 Years ago. Swing by and give them a shot. You will not be disappointed….Go Jags!

Owner was extremely friendly and they know their stuff food wise, chicken was well seasoned, eggs were perfect. Generally very good, would recommend.

Got to give it to them. This food is so good. This is a hidden treasure downtown. Once you try this place, you will go back again

THE BEST FOOD !!!! If you want great service, and to be treated like family this is your spot.

Everything I ordered was delicious. It's hard finding a place like this that doesn't put lemon pepper seasoning on everything! Also the shrimp was amazing, no black veins and perfectly clean, unlike most places out here. The guys in the back were very courteous and were doing their job correctly, also. I'd recommend this place over any other place that's been out here for years. These guys here have an establishment running and it's doing wonderful in my opinion 😊

So proud to see my long time school Marvin doing great things with his food service business!

Absolutely delicious!!! Hot, fresh and friendly. Feels like a backyard family reunion. I work close and will be there once a week if I can.

They know how I love my corn nuggets lol everything is always fresh & hot ! They always greet you an have awesome energy!

Sooo, sooooo, soooooo freaking GOOD!!!! I mean SO GOOD. Everything is so deliciously good. Not overly seasoned/salty and not bland at all but just the right amount of flavor. I’m from a small island so I know fresh seafood…and this man knows what he’s doing!!! Cooked fresh to order. I indulged in 2 big whiting, huge shrimp, oysters, the burger was cooked to perfection! Fresh tomato, lettuce & onion to top it off. That crab cake was full of crab!!!! Omg. Pound cake so good and moist! My goodness. The red punch was good as everything else! I sat down and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I paid about $60 for everything and it was well worth it!!!

Great food, and plentiful, service was AWESOME, and atmosphere was good, I dine in.

The grits were soooo creamy, I didn’t have to add anything to my meal! Seasoned just right!

If you haven’t heard, go check out Starving Like Marvin! You will definitely enjoy the food, service, and atmosphere.

I didn’t take a picture of my food, I started eating soon as it hit the table. Fish and shrimp were fresh, fried golden brown and seasoned perfectly. Service was outstanding, we had a big group and they accommodated us and made sure we were comfortable. We will definitely be back.

The food was amazing! Thank you!

Food and service is excellent!!!

Friendly, fast, and really good.

I was visiting Jacksonville, Florida all the way from Georgia. I was recommended this place by someone who actually lives here. I’m happy to say I was not disappointed at all. The food was great, and the customer service was even better.

The food was exceptional and the service was spot on. It’s always a delight to have a great meal amongst kind personnel. Thank you.

I went to Starvin like Marvin on lunch break. The food is hot and made fresh. And I was able to dine in and make it back to work in a timely manner!

Food was amazing fresh made to order very friendly Again Food was amazing super Clean I wish I could show the empty containers and my Family is rather picky NOT ONE COMPLAINT DEFINITELY WILL return

10/10, the best restaurant downtown.

Starving like Marvin has the Red Snapper and Shrimp plus fries add a crab cake and drink. Starving like Marvin is the place to go for all First time visitors in Jacksonville and fried fish lovers. I didn’t post no pictures because I was trying to figure out how I was gone eat everything. The amount of food is astonishing. Local in heart of Jacksonville (downtown). Fresh fish crispy jumbo shrimp with soul tasting from every bite.

Starving like Marvin is a 10/10. No matter what you order. I ordered the red snapper and the size of it was unbelievable too big to finish. I was only able to eat the head and one half of it. The wait is not too long the cooks get right to it. If you reading this review go pull up @ starving like Marvin and taste the experience first hand.

Fresh Everything! Haven't tried anything that didn't taste good.

Food is amazing freshness served with a smile. My favorite is chicken and waffles with a side of crab cake

So I finally got around to trying the snapper and fries after so many posts or other comments saying it was the best. First off service needs some help. For these prices and location, I didn't expect that. Plus two young men were getting disciplined right there at the counter for everyone to hear. Second, yes the snapper was tasty but dang sure not worth $30 in my opinion. Part of my fish was found floating in the bag and the portion of fries was smaller than anticipated, they were just lifted on some foil to look like more. This item is overrated in pricing though. May try other options but yeah. I get this same thing elsewhere for $18-$20 or so for fish and fries, but I wanted to see what the hype was about and while taste was there it didn't match the bill.

The food was so good! We will be back!

1st time, loved everything ❤️ very friendly staff

Fresh hot food, friendly customer service, and nice clean environment.

In town for the day and came upon them just by chance. I had wings and fried shrimp. The shrimp fresh and delicious. My wife had the whole snapper sandwich. Fresh and Cooked to perfection. Met the owner and his son. Nice people. Lucky find.

Mr. Marvin, hus wife and son' s prepares foid and treats you like family. The restaurant is clean, good atmosphere, great owners interaction and the food is ON POINT! Our first visit after attending the Home and Patio show, we found "Starvin like Marvin" on Google with a 4.8 star review. We ordered the fresh whiting, shrimp, and crabcake. 5+ stars for everything! Everything was little to no batter so you can taste the freshness of the food. We intended to order chicken wings to go but the portions are HUGE! Our whiting plates seemed like 2 pieces of fish split in half ! Snapper plates are so large that the fish does fit in the plate. Not to mention Marvin, his wife and family make sure you are satisfied with your food. We enjoyed the food and the conversations with them. We are very proud of this family. Go in and support them! We don't live in Jacksonville but we have told all our friends who does live in Jacksonville. Will definitely be back! The only thing you will regret about "Starving like Marvin" is you wish you would have found him sooner.

It was excellent seasoned just right will return

Can’t go wrong with sweet and tangy wings, a side of fries and a roll. The red snapper is always a good choice as well.

Marvin is welcoming and fully involved in his business. We had the snapper and the shrimp. Both were made to order as is everything being served. The snapper was the best I’ve ever eaten. The fries were excellent. Even the customers were friendly.

They day a picture is worth a thousand words…I Guess there’s nothing left to say😁

I visited this place based on the recommendation of my sister and parents! The food was good. Cooked fresh. I had shrimp and fries. $13 (7 shrimp/ fries)! I'd visit again. I like the shrimp is fresh jumbo-sized shrimp! Fries seasoned as is, no extra seasoning was added bc none extra was needed. I didn't care for the tartar sauce- it was a bit too tart. However, their sweet and tangy sauce was really good 👌🏾. I didn't eat the roll so I don't have a review on that. Overall, the food and service was good!!!

This was my first time visiting today .I got the fried whiting , it was too salty. The onion rings and shrimp was ok ..I don't think I will be ordering again

Yeeeesss! THIS IS WHERE YOU WANT TO GO AND EAT! The food was good. First time visiting, but it will not be my last time eating here.

The food was fresh, crispy and delicious! The chef along with staff were welcoming and attentive. My mom has a very discerning palate and she enjoyed her meal of wings and shrimp. We'll definitely be back.

Shrimp and wings are delicious, get the hot honey sauce too.

Damn!! Best hot wings I've had in years!!

Went for the first time on 2/17/24 had the Snapper that fish was amazing…. The flavor on point the presentation was great, I love that place will be back…. Again and Again and Again 🔥🫡

If you're looking for an indulgent fried food experience you've come to the right place. My shrimp were fried to perfection and I totally enjoyed the experience.

This is our second time coming. The food is just as amazing as the first time!!! The red snapper is SO GOOD!! Crispy and delicious!!! My husband had the wings and he devoured them!!! The food is amazing!!

You won't be disappointed. The food is delicious 😋

This place has good service every-time I go and I enjoy everything on the menu

The food was awful! The place was being run by children! I will never go there again!

Mannnnnn get here ASAP if you have never tried it! We went to this location for breakfast and sat inside to eat. We ordered swai breakfast plate with shrimp and a bacon breakfast bowl. Once we tried the food, we ordered more shrimp just because it was just that good!!! Me and my partner CLEANED our plates and left nothing. I usually take photos for my reviews but after trying the first bite, I forgot I had a phone! The photos do not do this place justice. The customer service was on point. Everything was fresh. The shrimp were huge and cleaned. The grits were soft and seasoned. You will be full and would like to take a nap lol. We almost went right back for dinner! Definitely go to this place and you will not be disappointed!

The food was cooked to order but the wings were dark and the taste like they were fried at the house, shrimp were ok but this meal was overpriced

Everything was on point! Fresh food, well seasoned!Southern hospitality service. Met Marvin he greeted us and he made sure we got everything we needed.

This is the best seafood in jax period. I had the whitting and shrimp.

I love that the service was fast and the food was good and hot!!

A few words can express my experience. Excellent! A TRUE FOODIE.

Food was advertising as well as my taste buds were exploding with joy of satisfaction 😋. The atmosphere was so pleasant and family oriented and the music was. For grown folks. A must place to dine in or take out. Must try the delicious RED SNAPPER.