We are repeat visitors. As usual the food was terrific the service warm , friendly professional. We always feel welcomed. Can't say enough good things about the place
Larysa
We celebrated our coworker's birthday yesterday, and it was a delightful experience. The ambiance was cozy and welcoming, with beautiful decor that set the perfect mood. We ordered a variety of appetizers and a few shareable big plates, and everything was absolutely delicious. The service was outstanding, and at the end of our dinner, the restaurant owner came over to ask if we needed anything and even made us Turkish coffee. We will definitely be coming back again!
Ann
Wait staff was very attentive and respectful. Meal was attractively presented and lamb cooked perfectly to medium rare. Descriptions of the dishes is very helpful. Thank you for a delightful experience.
Stacy
I was disappointed with my experience. While the food is consistently delicious, the service was definitely subpar. We had to wait quite a long time ... to get water. We asked for hot water with lemon. The server left a very hot teapot on our table. No offer to pour a scalding hot liquid; we were left to fill our own cups. The bread was hot and tasty — when we got it 30 minutes after we sat down. It took awhile for them to take our order. The food was lukewarm when we got it. The restaurant was quite busy. So I understand that attention and capacity were stretched thin. Each one of the examples of poor service that I've noted seems minute. But a string of instances of bad service add up. The Helmand had been one of my favorite restaurants — someplace I took out of town guests because I knew they would have a tasty meal in a place rich in decor and context. I'm going to have to find another “go to” restaurant.
Benjamin
We had a very nice dinner there, our first time. Food was very good, though I had hoped for more exciting variety of flavors, so nothing that I said "wow" about (hence 4, not 5 stars). Service was excellent. Restaurant is a bit more tightly packed and noisy than I prefer, but it is in a limited space, so totally forgivable, and not so loud that we couldn't converse. Prices were very reasonable overall.
JudithS
Great cuisine, very busy. Service was slow and less responsive than other restaurants- I gave up on having more water for example
Ivan
My friends and I enjoyed our dinner on March 22, 2025. I haven't been here for many years, but it was worth it! The appetizers, entrees, and desserts were delicious.
Richard
We love The Helmand...it's not just a meal, it's an adventure. The food is beautifully prepared, the service is attentive and friendly, and the vibe is simultaneously exciting and sophisticated, in a comfortable and casual sort of way. The room has been full the four or five times we've dined there and the guests are always engaged in high-spirited conversations that you might experience in extended family gatherings. It's lovely.
Kristen
Amazing restaurant! Having never had this kind of food, I can honestly say that any questions were met with a friendly and informative response. The flavors are amazing and the dishes perfectly balanced. Would definitely recommend.
Giovanna
I booked a table for 7 people on a suggestion of a friend - it was a success! The food is great (including vegetarian and pescatarian options) and the service very attentive and careful
It was our first time eating Afghan cuisine and very much enjoyed it. Our reservation was at 6:30 PM on a Wednesday evening and we were able to park on the street for free (non meters after 6 pm). The restaurant is inviting, with lovely decor, and hospitable staff. There were a variety of choices on the menu and it seems to have something for everyone. All the food was well prepared and presented by attentive servers. If you want to have different type of cuisine and a unique experience, then I recommend this restaurant in Cambridge.
Sunny
Nice place and vibe. Service was acceptable but unexceptional, less than informative. Took a second request to get bottle wine to the table. It basically arrived at same time as food. My date and I sat slurping water for 15 minutes. Food was tasty but protein portions very small. Lots of rice and mushroom. A few small pieces of lamb and chicken. Price, restrooms and seating good.
We came here a year ago and had a very nice dinner, but this time it was such a drastic different experience. The dinner started off great with our table for 11 ready for us, and their appetizer bread was delicious. We ordered 3 of the mantwo and kadoo each, and the kadoo was delicious. We placed our entree orders, and this is when the disappointment started. It was an hr before they brought the food, and during that time, my wife had asked 4 different times just for a water refill, but besides each person saying ok, no one came to refill. We noticed another table of diners leave because they weren't getting service. The food came, and the lamb entrees were awesome. I ordered an entree with beef tenderloin, and it had a bad burnt taste to the sear. Overall, we were disappointed by this dinner experience.
Food seems very expensive and not that good by my standard. Service was not the best. They put 3 people on a tiny table. We asked for one of the 4 tables that were empty and they said it's reserve. We ordered three appetizers and when they brought it they realize the three appetizer plates will not even fit on the table which supposed to be for three people. They finally decide to move to 4 person table. Food was mediocre at best. Won't go there again
medical S.
the service was amazing. Hamyoun was very attentive and quick. the food was great. I recommend
We are repeat visitors. As usual the food was terrific the service warm , friendly professional. We always feel welcomed. Can't say enough good things about the place
We celebrated our coworker's birthday yesterday, and it was a delightful experience. The ambiance was cozy and welcoming, with beautiful decor that set the perfect mood. We ordered a variety of appetizers and a few shareable big plates, and everything was absolutely delicious. The service was outstanding, and at the end of our dinner, the restaurant owner came over to ask if we needed anything and even made us Turkish coffee. We will definitely be coming back again!
Wait staff was very attentive and respectful. Meal was attractively presented and lamb cooked perfectly to medium rare. Descriptions of the dishes is very helpful. Thank you for a delightful experience.
I was disappointed with my experience. While the food is consistently delicious, the service was definitely subpar. We had to wait quite a long time ... to get water. We asked for hot water with lemon. The server left a very hot teapot on our table. No offer to pour a scalding hot liquid; we were left to fill our own cups. The bread was hot and tasty — when we got it 30 minutes after we sat down. It took awhile for them to take our order. The food was lukewarm when we got it. The restaurant was quite busy. So I understand that attention and capacity were stretched thin. Each one of the examples of poor service that I've noted seems minute. But a string of instances of bad service add up. The Helmand had been one of my favorite restaurants — someplace I took out of town guests because I knew they would have a tasty meal in a place rich in decor and context. I'm going to have to find another “go to” restaurant.
We had a very nice dinner there, our first time. Food was very good, though I had hoped for more exciting variety of flavors, so nothing that I said "wow" about (hence 4, not 5 stars). Service was excellent. Restaurant is a bit more tightly packed and noisy than I prefer, but it is in a limited space, so totally forgivable, and not so loud that we couldn't converse. Prices were very reasonable overall.
Great cuisine, very busy. Service was slow and less responsive than other restaurants- I gave up on having more water for example
My friends and I enjoyed our dinner on March 22, 2025. I haven't been here for many years, but it was worth it! The appetizers, entrees, and desserts were delicious.
We love The Helmand...it's not just a meal, it's an adventure. The food is beautifully prepared, the service is attentive and friendly, and the vibe is simultaneously exciting and sophisticated, in a comfortable and casual sort of way. The room has been full the four or five times we've dined there and the guests are always engaged in high-spirited conversations that you might experience in extended family gatherings. It's lovely.
Amazing restaurant! Having never had this kind of food, I can honestly say that any questions were met with a friendly and informative response. The flavors are amazing and the dishes perfectly balanced. Would definitely recommend.
I booked a table for 7 people on a suggestion of a friend - it was a success! The food is great (including vegetarian and pescatarian options) and the service very attentive and careful
Restaurantji Recommends
It was our first time eating Afghan cuisine and very much enjoyed it. Our reservation was at 6:30 PM on a Wednesday evening and we were able to park on the street for free (non meters after 6 pm). The restaurant is inviting, with lovely decor, and hospitable staff. There were a variety of choices on the menu and it seems to have something for everyone. All the food was well prepared and presented by attentive servers. If you want to have different type of cuisine and a unique experience, then I recommend this restaurant in Cambridge.
Nice place and vibe. Service was acceptable but unexceptional, less than informative. Took a second request to get bottle wine to the table. It basically arrived at same time as food. My date and I sat slurping water for 15 minutes. Food was tasty but protein portions very small. Lots of rice and mushroom. A few small pieces of lamb and chicken. Price, restrooms and seating good.
We came here a year ago and had a very nice dinner, but this time it was such a drastic different experience. The dinner started off great with our table for 11 ready for us, and their appetizer bread was delicious. We ordered 3 of the mantwo and kadoo each, and the kadoo was delicious. We placed our entree orders, and this is when the disappointment started. It was an hr before they brought the food, and during that time, my wife had asked 4 different times just for a water refill, but besides each person saying ok, no one came to refill. We noticed another table of diners leave because they weren't getting service. The food came, and the lamb entrees were awesome. I ordered an entree with beef tenderloin, and it had a bad burnt taste to the sear. Overall, we were disappointed by this dinner experience.
Food seems very expensive and not that good by my standard. Service was not the best. They put 3 people on a tiny table. We asked for one of the 4 tables that were empty and they said it's reserve. We ordered three appetizers and when they brought it they realize the three appetizer plates will not even fit on the table which supposed to be for three people. They finally decide to move to 4 person table. Food was mediocre at best. Won't go there again
the service was amazing. Hamyoun was very attentive and quick. the food was great. I recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Qabelee
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