Ruz Bukhari started as a family passion project and has deep roots in authentic Afghan tradition. Its founder, Mohammad Wais—also known as Haji—first opened a Ruz Bukhari restaurant in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 1997. In 2016, he brought that heritage to Florida through Bold City Kabobs and, by 2021, rebranded the Jacksonville location as Ruz Bukhari. This expansion transformed a Mediterranean-style eatery into a vibrant, full-service destination for Afghan cuisine and hookah .
From the moment you walk in, Ruz Bukhari greets you with the aroma of signature dishes like Bukhari rice with grilled chicken or lamb, smokey shish kebabs, mantoo (steamed meat dumplings), and rich curries. The food is cooked fresh daily, using quality, locally sourced ingredients that highlight Afghan flavors and hospitality .
More than just a restaurant, Ruz Bukhari doubles as a lively hookah lounge and event venue. It offers a full bar, Turkish coffee, specialty drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere that can seat up to 150 guests. The restaurant is also well-regarded for catering weddings and large events, reflecting its role as a cultural centerpiece in Jacksonville’s community life.