Baymeadows Road is home to Jacksonville’s newest hotspot for food and nightlife. Inspired by the Mediterranean’s fresh flavors and decadent spaces, Dua Restaurant and Lounge launched in June and is celebrating a grand opening on Saturday, March 1 st from 4pm to 2am with music by DJ Jorch, fire dancing, Happy Hour with wine and appetizer specials from 4pm to 6pm, and more. Located at 8532 Baymeadows Road in Jacksonville, Dua offers a secluded dining room and a luxurious lounge experience for enjoying cocktails and hookah.
“We wanted to create a space here in Jacksonville inspired by my home country, Albania,” explained co owner Aleksander “Alex” Lukaj in a statement, who is also one of the owners of the new downtown Jacksonville music venue and nightclub, Decca Live, and owns Dua Lounge with Mikel Gavoci. “From the clean lines and modern décor to our fresh and unique menu items and cocktails, we’re bringing the Mediterranean to the Bold City.”
Dua, pronounced do-ah, means “love” in Albanian, and the entire aesthetic exudes the emotion. The patio is filled with fresh flowers and citrus trees that delicately scent the area. The space is divided into two distinct areas, each featuring a dedicated bar. The dining area serves a curated menu of dishes with a distinctly Mediterranean influence. Appetizers include Salmon Bites and an abundant Dua Charcuterie. Exquisitely prepared main courses include tender Center Cut Filet and savory Fettucine al Funghi. The lounge space has comfortably appointed couches and intimate booths, with a selection of classic cocktails and a wine cellar with vintages from the vineyards of Greece, Italy, Spain, and beyond. Hookah is available in the Lounge and on the patio. Dress at Dua Restaurant and Lounge is smart business casual and does not include hats, sweats, joggers, or tank tops.
“When we found this space on Baymeadows Road, we knew that it was the perfect place to build Dua Lounge” says Lukaj. “Since we opened last summer, Jacksonville has embraced our intentions of creating a chill yet fun vibe reminiscent of a night on the Mediterranean. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic night out, time to gather with your friends, or even a place to celebrate with our different private events spaces. We can’t wait to welcome everyone who hasn’t experienced Dua Lounge, or those who keep coming back, during our Grand Opening on March 1 st .”
