Afghan Restaurants near Bethesda, MD

“Firstly, I’m not sure why there are so many bad reviews for this establishment. I have been eating here for over 15 years now and this is hands down the best place to eat in the food court. It takes 10-15 minutes on an average for the kebabs because they’re made to order and not just microwaved like many other restaurants that have come and gone. Try the Indian restaurant next to Chick Filet and you’ll know. You get chick peas, rice, fresh salad and a freshly baked naan bread with the order. The staff is incredibly courteous and polite. My go to place for lunch!“

“One of my favorite restaurants! They have incredible options for gluten and dairy-free diners. Veggies instead of bread for dips, homemade almond yogurt to replace any yogurt in entrees. We had the mini tasting menu and there were very few adjustments needed. Absolutely delicious, especially the squash side, the lamb chops, the chicken in yogurt-based sauce, the rice with carrots and raisins, and tasty cocktails. Warm, cozy ambiance with a frequent sitar player.Dietary restrictions: Lots of gluten feee options and many dairy-containing options can be made dairy-free using their homemade almond yogurt.“

“My first time trying Afghan food and it did not disappoint. My favorite item of the night were the pumpkin dumplings. We had lamb with cilantro and lamb with okra. Everything on the menu you could tell was made fresh and will great ingredients. The lamb was tender and flavorful. We also finished dinner with cardamom ice cream which was absolutely delicious. The staff were super friendly and attentive. The inside of the restaurant was beautiful, definitely on the nicer side as far as dress goes. Highly recommend.Dietary restrictions: Per their website all menu items are halalParking: Located beneath the restaurant“

“Every bite we had here was delicious. Their Lapis Old Fashioned is delectable and Trilogy is a fun take on Mezcal. The Lamb Shank absolutely dissolved in my mouth. The Lamb Masala had incredible flavor and Mahee had a wonderful crust. We had a hard time deciding on the best dessert. The Cacao, Sheer Berenj, Sheer Yakh, and some pistachio cake were a perfect sweet finish.“

“When it comes to takeout, this kobab joint sets the bar high. The ordering process is seamless, and the packaging ensures that your meal arrives hot and fresh. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite on the go or enjoying a cozy night in, their takeout service makes enjoying their delectable kobabs a breeze. With every order, you're treated to the same quality and flavor that you'd expect from dining in. It's the perfect solution for satisfying your cravings without sacrificing taste or convenience.“

“The location in DC has better food quality.I tried the beef Koobedah and it is good. However the lamb and chicken kabobs were very dry and tough. I definitely had better at other kabob places. I hope they improve the quality of the kabobs. For now, I would consider other places for tender and well seasoned proteins.“

“The food here is wonderful. Their chapli kabob were my favorite. So flavorful. Their Chana masala were also really good.Was not a fan of their spinach curry at all. And I really wish they had real cups for water. They only had small Styrofoam cups and you have to fill up the water yourself from the corner. Very annoying and takes away from the dinner experience. Such an easy thing to fix as well, will have a lot of impact in the customer comfort.“

“This is such a cute and friendly neighborhood kabob shop! It is really clean. I ate the most delicious Qabili palow since I left Afghanistan. This is my test for any Afghan restaurant. The carrots were fresh-tasting, the raisins soft and sweet, the rice was fluffy and perfectly cooked, and it had lots of tender lamb chunks buried in the rice. Plus generous side of sabzi and lamb curry. I ordered side of man and got a complete loaf!Prices so reasonable. I will be back, and I recommend to everyone in Arlington to try this yummy food.“

“I recently had the pleasure of dining at this establishment and I must say, the manti here is absolutely delightful! The flavors were rich and authentic, and the texture of the dumplings was perfect. The portion size was generous, and the service was impeccable. I highly recommend trying the manti here for a truly satisfying culinary experience. Can't wait to come back for more!“

“I had the chance to order platters for an event, and they truly surpassed my expectations. The platters were beautifully arranged, and the guests couldn’t stop raving about the food. I was also thoroughly impressed by the exceptional service provided by the staff. They were attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure the food was ready for pickup on short notice.“

“Delicious kabob and vegetarian dishes! Fast and friendly service. And all at a reasonable cost! Outdoor seating! Amazing family-friendly dinner experience. Everyone in our family was happy - from kids to grandparents. Make sure to order the kadu and the bread.“

“Delicious, generously portioned, and reasonably priced food in Ballston is a rare treasure. The platters can easily feed two people and are protein-packed no matter which option you choose. The naan and chickpeas are especially wonderful. We'll absolutely be coming back again!!“

“Excellent Afghan Food and Service. The Quorma Seib (Apple Quorma) was delicious and will be ordered again and again. The kabobs were all cooked perfectly, and the Green Tea with Mint and honey was nice to keep it all washed down. Both desserts - The Toasted Almond Cake and Chocolate Firnee were Amazing! If you have not been here, now is the best time to go!Vegetarian options: Make sure you let them know of any Nut allergies.“

“So tasty, such a good value. The half chicken platter with rice and two sides is an amazing deal and SO delicious, as is their daily special (love their butter chicken and chana masala, also love their cabbage). I also love their burgers, hits the spot for when you just want that. Their Pakistani food is great, their American food is great. Been coming here since I was an undergrad at Howard and now I'm a med student here- this place survived covid for a reason and I'm so grateful it did. So so solid“

“Been coming here for a few years and it’s my fav kabob spot that’s close to home. The chicken is very tender and flavorful. The chickpeas are outstanding. Service is quick and friendly and portions are generous. Very happy customer here.“

“Absolutely love Shinwari Namak Mandi! This restaurant truly captures the essence of Pakistani cuisine. The Kabuli pulao is incredibly flavorful, and the chicken and mutton karahi are simply divine. The authenticity of the dishes is unmatched, making it a go-to spot in Virginia for anyone craving genuine Pakistani flavors. The service is excellent, and the ambiance adds to the overall dining experience. Highly recommend trying their delicious offerings!“

“Kabobistan catered for our event and the food and service were immaculate! So many selections were provided, friendly service every time we reached out with questions and adjustments, and such flexibility all around. Our guests could not stop raving about the food and came back for seconds and thirds! We will definitely continue to cater from them for our events and spread the word about this amazing restaurant. We especially appreciate Jawad and Hela, as well as the entire staff! Support this business every change you get!“

“Reliable place for kebabs and Middle Eastern food. Always fresh, tasty, and plentiful. I love the grilled chicken, the grilled Roma tomatoes, and the grilled veggies that has a nice mix of ingredients. A great local place with several locations s.“