Mafor Mombo
Hi! I’m a Jacksonville native with family roots in Cameroon. I love discovering what makes Duval special, with hidden gems ranging from locally owned restaurants to new experiences.
Jacksonville, FL is growing every day and I always go for where the quality is! Quality shopping, quality experiences, and quality food. This is why I love to highlight locals restaurants, especially those with global flavor. Jacksonville is a city with a diverse range of cuisine owned by members of our community. Whether it be a fair, concert, restaurant, business, or festival, I enjoy bringing people’s attention to what’s going on so they can have it on their radar!
1. What do you love most about Jacksonville?
Having grown up in Jacksonville, I can truly attest this is a city filled with something everyone can benefit from. From the sunrises on the beach to sunsets along the river, there truly is something always something to do! Every section of Jacksonville has its own unique charm. Learning the history and supporting the businesses within each neighborhood is what makes Jacksonville thrive!
2. What is one thing you tell a visitor that they must see/do when in Jax?
I would say this depends on what you’re looking for! On a budget? Catch the Blue Angels Air Show or enjoy free activities like Yoga in the Parks and workshops at the Jacksonville Public Library. Looking for sports? Cheer on the Jaguars, Jumbo Shrimp, Icemen, Sharks, Sporting Jax, Armada, Waves or 95ers, then get active with the Gate River Run, indoor soccer, ice skating, go-karting, skydiving or a discovery flight. For golf lovers, see The Players or Constellation Furyk & Friends, then tee off at local courses or indoor golf simulators.
Want to shop? St. Johns Town Center, Kollect Jax and the Asian Night Market are great options. For history and culture, explore the Black Heritage Trail, USS Orleck, Ritz Theatre & Museum or Brumos Collection. For water adventures, visit American Beach, Hanna Park, Boneyard Beach or Huguenot Memorial Park, or take a river tour, hit the waves, walk the Riverwalk or book a fishing charter. For nature, explore the Jacksonville Arboretum, UNF Nature Trails, Castaway Island Preserve or Cradle Creek Preserve. For a taste of the countryside, visit Reina’s Ranch for fresh eggs or Blu by U Farm for blueberry picking. Animal lovers can visit the Jacksonville Zoo or try horseback riding and alpaca farms. And for the arts, catch a show with the FSCJ Performing Artist Series or Jacksonville Symphony, explore Duval Walls and MOCA or get creative with Riverside Art Walk, rug-making and sewing classes.
3. Where is your favorite local spot to eat?
Depends on what you are in the mood for! Good thing I have a list!
- Coffee & Baked Goods: Brew Five Points
- Burgers & Sandwiches: Carolina Jax, The Sandwich Shop
- Vietnamese: Q-Cup Boba Tea, Bowl of Phở
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Station (inside RD International Market)
- Dim Sum: Lucky Cat
- Indian: Masala Indian Cuisine, 5th Element
- Moroccan: EZ Eatz by Yaya
- Mediterranean: Tabouleh Cafe
- Greek: Athenian Owl
- Ethiopian: Asli Ethiopia and Eritrean Restaurant, Befikir Injera
- Nigerian: Kess Kitchen
- Mexican: Las Tapatías, El Tacotorro, Tacos Azcatl
- Turkish: Istanbul Grill and Bakery
- Southern Food: Soul Food Bistro, The Southern Grill
- Seafood: The Local, New Berlin Fish House & Oyster Bar
- Korean: Gang Nam
- Pizza: Mama’s Pizza & Grill, Cuban Pizzeria
- Japanese: Konbini Labo, Yan Sushi, Nomu Izakaya
- Filipino: Hello Lumpia, Kusina Good Eats, Mabuhay Asian Market, Fatboy Fried Rice
- Puerto Rican: Latin Creations
- Colombian: Delicias Colombianas Jax, El Parce BBQ Colombian Food
- Lao: Hit the Spot Laos Street Food
- Italian: Picasso’s Restaurant