Ruz Bukhari - Afghan Cuisine — Restaurant in Jacksonville

First off, I wanna start by saying, I mean no malice in this review, there are good and bad things. I am not sure if I will return, though. I decided on this place as a nice lil date for me and my fiancee. I try to pick out places we have never been. So tonight I chose Levant Grill and Houkah Lounge. Upon entering, the atmosphere is very very quiet. It has a strange vibe, kinda reminiscent of an odd banquet hall of sorts, nothing really entertaining or engaging. In half of the restaurant, it seemed they attempted to make a party/chill area with a few strings of multicolored lights and some couches. The bar is kinda small and outdated. The floor of the restaurant was incredibly sticky. I went to find the restroom and there was only one, that I saw, the men's room, small, no lock on the door, no paper towels, and the dirty sink wouldn't drain. It was right across from another room labeled "do not enter" but my curiosity made me peek around the already open door. A hoarder's paradise of random tools and such with a couch and blanket in it...wonder why? I don't pry much. Anyway, after the bathroom thing, I asked and they do have another. You have to ask where it is cause there's no sign!

When we arrived there was a table full of guys and a guy at the bar. They left shortly after and I couldn't help but notice the table and bar stayed dirty throughout our entire stay. We tried the buffet. The food was pretty good, not hot but not cold either. The tabouleh was my favorite and the chicken wings. EVERYTHING on the cold bar had this strange oil on top tho. (Refer to photo.) For how little business they had, it took forever to get drink refills and hookah.

We did feel rushed. This place closes at 11 pm but at 8 pm, they were breaking the buffet down. Our hookah came nice and clean, tasted great. No issues there. We did see other customers come in and the atmosphere turned them off as well. They left within minutes of arrival.

I feel if this place doesn't step up their game, they won't last much longer. There are multiple places with similar food and hookah available with a much better vibe and decor. These places should be lively, not feeling like you're at a business luncheon or wake for a dead loved one. I had hoped for much...

Food was excellent, it was perfectly spiced with subtle flavors and the chicken was grilled perfectly very tender! Too often, at places like this their grilled chicken has ended up being dry, but not here. We would definitely come back just for the food.

After eating the food I definitely want this place to succeed, so I hope the below is taken as constructive criticism by the owners. And not a reason by anyone not to come.

The restaurant atmosphere felt a little worn down with inconsistent decor, and a bit dusty and sticky in corners. The flowers on the table were great and the solid glass and neat silverware in nice quality napkins was as it should be. The food looked way better in person than the menu pictures. And the yogurt drink (doog) looked and tasted fantastic. (The menu pictures looked like we were about to get greasy fast food, and I was nervous, but pleasantly surprised. Highly recommend getting some professional pictures and professional help to make your menu look less fast foody.) Some things that were left around looked a little sloppy. Eg. Paper goods piled in the corner, paper towel just tossed on the side of the sink instead of in the paper towel dispenser, duck tape holding wires in place, a grimy hand sanitizer bottle on the bathroom sink. I think a regular thorough cleaning, and some furniture, screens or basic decor to hide things like the paper goods and soft drink dispenser and some other odds and ends you have laying around would really help. Some simple prints to hide a few bathroom cracks and make sure that everything is properly cleaned to the corners and menus and high chairs and sanitizer bottles are regularly wiped down.

Also a little thing about water, having frequently lived overseas, I know that many places in Europe require you to buy the water. However, here in the US where the tap water is quite safe, most restaurants serve complimentary iced water. And this is generally the expectation for American customers, something small like having to pay for the rather small bottles of water could lead to American customers feeling offended and...

I have visited this restaurant many times within the last year and have always received great food and service. I have never ordered from the menu because the buffet always includes a variety of fresh, well prepared Turkish foods. Unfortunately, they have raised their price several times. It is now $14.99 on weekends...so I think. I say this only because the manager/owner (I'm not sure which one) will change the price depending on the day or how much business they are receiving. I am sure anyone will agree this is not a fair practice. At one time, the prices were posted outside the window so customers were aware of the price before ordering. Now, the buffet prices have been taken down. If price matters to you, please ask before ordering. The buffet is good...I'm not denying that but it is not worth $14.99 unless you are planning on eating five plates full. Now on weekdays the current quoted price is 10.99, but it is important to note there are no additional items on the weekend. The buffet is exactly the same, so in my opinion it is a far better value to eat there on a weekday. Again, I emphasize there are currently no posted prices, so the "nice" manager can quote a different price If he so well chooses to do so. Well, that's exactly what happened today... he quoted a $10.99 carry out buffet . (One med size box and 1 small box for salad, etc ). The gentleman swiped the card for 14.99. He changed it because we were taking it to go versus dining in. When I politely questioned him about it, he shrugged and said "sorry mam". Bottom Line... Good food but who wants to play pricing games. NOBODY! I would encourage people to try it if they like Mediterranean Cuisine but I would also encourage the owner to post a reasonable price and stick with it. I have a feeling the establishment will continue this practice based on his annoyed reaction when I questioned him. Please note, I was never rude nor did I overly fill the box...it wasn't even completely filled. To change prices on me was not professional. Yes , I know that food prices fluctuate -but...