
9862 Old Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, FL
Staff has given verbal assurance of halal status.. From a reader: 'Meat packages come from a local chain supplier and have a clear 'Halal' sign on them (personally observed). Please be advised that some items of the menu (e.g. chicken nuggets, alcohol-containing sauce) are NOT halal.'
The Barakat family has an establish history in catering and hospitality which dates back to the 1930s when John (Hanna) Barakat established 'Al Ahweh' in the picturesque village of Ain Ebel in the mountains of South Lebanon. In 1948 John's eldest son, Joseph (a true entrepreneur) took over and expanded the operation to include hospitality, catering, entertainment and retail. Joseph's four sons came to Europe to pursue higher education and after successful careers in catering, hospitality, retail and investment banking, the four brothers set up the UK operation in 2002. The first restaurant was opened on the Fulham Broadway and instantly became a local favorite. In 2008, Joseph's younger brother, Pierre established Mandaloun on the other side of the Atlantic in Jacksonville, the largest city in the sunshine state of Florida. WARNING: Belly dancing occurs on selected nights; call in advance if you wish to avoid.
9862 Old Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, FL
This restaurant had all the signs of a non-zabihah restaurant, a huge bar and belly dancers. I would recommend all brothers and sisters to not go here, I don't believe the owners are Muslim. The food was not that great.
First of all this is NOT a Zabiha restaurant and it has belly dancers dancing between the tables. Unfortunately I learnt that only after eating there. So technically it doesn't belong on Zabiha.com. But as far as the taste goes, it was very good, the owner was very hospitable and makes it a point to move among the tables spending time making conversations with the guests.
As a family owned and run business, Mandaloun serves the most authentic Lebanese food in Jacksonville (my opinion). Very clean restaurant, excellent service, and always fresh food. They specifically excel in Mezza and grills. One of our favorite cuisines in which we dine frequently.