Gahwa Café — Restaurant in Jacksonville

Gahwa (the word for coffee in Arabic) Cafe is not your everyday coffee shop. As you enter, it's as if you are walking into a new cultural experience without the expense of traveling to Istanbul. On the wall is a 3-D rendering of an actual shrine in Istanbul. It's as if you're actually there. Having been specially designed for this location, it is made of cloth, not wallpaper. It took the installer three days to hang, making sure to remove all bubbles. Costing several thousands of dollars, it is the most expensive item in the shop and plays an integral part in creating a calming atmosphere of peace and serenity.

Situated on the counter is a small island of heated sand. A specially designed cup holds the thick coffee, which is then buried deep into the hot sand, causing the coffee to boil in a matter of seconds. It's fun to watch and resembles hot chocolate boiling in a pan. The sand is much hotter below the surface which is why the coffee boils so quickly. This method was first used by the Bedouins in the desert and it's the standard for making Turkish coffee today.

Imported from Istanbul, the coffee is flavored with Cardamon and is served in a demi-tass cup perched on a white ceramic swan. It is absolutely delicious and offers a new experience for coffee drinkers. It also comes in decaf, which according to the Cafe's owner, Husham Husein, is equally delicious. Regular coffee is also served, but you shouldn't pass up the opportunity to experience this delightful Turkish coffee.

The food is a mix of Mediterranean and American cuisine. I had the home-made hummus platter and pistachio Baklava for dessert. It was delicious!

Displayed in the pastry case is the most tantalizing assortment of tasty sweets, many of which are overnighted from Istanbul. It was hard to choose just one. I look forward to going back several times so I can try them all.

There's a special section where you can sit on the floor on lavish sofas, as they do in many Middle Eastern and Oriental countries. This is a great place to come on your own or bring a special someone. Unlike many restaurants, here you can have a private conversation without having to shout over the din of clattering dishes and other diners. There are games to play, a large bookshelf with a variety of books, and even a guitar if you want to play music.

Gahwa Cafe is that rare place where you can just sit, relax, and enjoy good food in a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. If you do stop by, be sure to tell Husham Pat...

To say I was pleasantly surprised walking into Gahwa Café would be a HUGE understatement. While visiting Jacksonville for a long weekend for a weekend seminar I searched for things to do and asked for recommendations. When I was directed to and excited to try a Turkish Coffee experience I sought out Gahwa Café. At first I had a group of 5-8 who set out to join me and one by one they altered their plans until I ended up going on my own.

Strategically arriving at a non peak hour Sunday late afternoon I was greeted by the owner and operator as I walked in. A brief introduction and taking perch at the bar I realized I was the only guest, I ordered a double per the owner’s recommendation and some baklava. We exchanged a few polite pleasantries and as I enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere while my coffee cooled I settled in to enjoy the space and company for all they offered.

All of this said, I came to thoroughly explore and experience the legendary delicacy of Turkish Coffee and Arabic Tastes and hospitality.

I was not disappointed.

It was an honor and absolute pleasure to meet and talk with Husham, the owner, as I experienced my first sample of his culture. I was delighted to find a kindred spirit in this dear man and our conversation carried us through the vast corners of everything that is, was, and could be as we only scratched the surface of life’s intricacies while the depth of our discussions grew. The coffee and pastries were delicacies in their own right, however I will return at next opportunity to visit a new friend.

Husham is the real deal, authentic in his being and his generous hospitality knows no bound. My only regret is that my home is so many hours away as I would absolutely carve the time to visit more regularly if possible.

He has curated a beautiful space for special occasions and small gatherings and I hope those who may truly appreciate its beauty will do so often.

I look forward to returning and bringing friends with me. I’ll be sure not to be in a hurry and look forward to making the most of this...

The coffee is amazing! They even have DECAF lattes, in case you don’t drink caffeinated beverages at night! I enjoyed the gyro platter two times I went there. I had it plain, not in a sandwich; they asked if we wanted bread; and my sister had it and it was excellent. The gyro platter ha a generous amount of meat; a nice salad; and delicious hummus! Yummy all around. The coffee is so good that it would be worth going to Gahwa, even if the food wasn’t as yummy as it is. They even have Turkish sand coffee! If you like dates at all, I definitely recommend the stuffed dates, made by the wife of the husband-and-wife team. The dates are stuffed with walnuts and a wonderful mixture with a yogurt base. They’re naturally sweet, because of the dates, but aren’t loaded with added sugar, so they’re delicious, but not too sweet. The stuffed dates are served as a plate of four—so incredible! I also tried and enjoyed the lamb dish served with perfectly seasoned Mediterranean rice. Excellent. We love Gawah, because it addresses all of your senses: tasty food; beautiful aromas; warm, delicious coffees, nice music, beautiful colors, comfortable seating, all provide a nice visual experience, as well as comfort, satisfying tastes an sounds, and pleasant, personal service. Wonderful atmosphere, yummy food and beverages. A beautiful...