Afghan Kabob House Experience A recent Saturday lunch at Afghan Kabob House with four people was marred by a complete lack of hospitality, despite the restaurant being empty. The owner, appearing overwhelmed, provided unwelcoming service, making awkward comments and practically throwing plates on the table. While the food itself was excellent—fresh, flavorful, juicy kebabs and delicious bolanee—the poor service significantly detracted from the dining experience.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
Judith Vasquez
The staff makes connections with people. The bill always seems reasonable here. Their quality was truly remarkable. The employees provide pleasant interactions with pleasant appearances. They run a good restaurant and I'm glad I experienced it.
The food was simply wonderful. We had the dumplings with the ground beef sauce, palau (rice with carrots and raisins, perfectly savory and sweet), zucchini (tenderly cooked with a tomato onion sauce), and pumpkin. The owner was kind. What a gem !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
maya
BEST dinner I've had in NYC ever!!!! the kebab and chicken korma was cooked to complete perfection. The veggie options were flavorful and delicious. All foods were served hot and fresh from the kitchen. The restaurant staff is kind and patient. We didn't feel rushed to put in orders or anything. We will certainly be coming back every opportunity we get.
Shekhar Iyer
Walked into Afghan Kabob House on a Friday evening with a party of two. The place was completely empty, and no one was there to greet or seat us. Eventually, the owner came out from the back, but unfortunately, there was zero hospitality. He seemed overwhelmed, doing a dozen things at once, and without any explanation asked us to move to a different table “for expected guests”—even though the entire restaurant was empty. It felt unnecessary and unwelcoming.
After we placed our order, he began making awkward comments, then said he was “not going to say anything,” which made the interaction even more uncomfortable. When the food was finally brought out, he practically threw the plates on the table with no warmth or friendliness—first the appetizer, then the mains.
That said, the food itself was excellent—fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The kebabs were juicy and perfectly seasoned, and the bolanee appetizer was delicious.
I’d absolutely recommend this place for takeout. The quality of the food deserves recognition, but the service was a 0/5 and really brought down the entire experience. I hope the owner can take this as constructive feedback—when the restaurant is empty and customers walk in, it’s a chance to make a great impression, not drive people away.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
Melissa
Nice owners and very accommodating. Service was well paced and the food was nicely prepared and presented. Not 100% crazy about the ordinary but substantial mixed salad (think 1970s diner food) but otherwise our meal was terrific.
Ayman Idrees
Very tasty food and very fairly priced.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Combo Kebab
Kamdish Afghan Wedding
Very bad customer service and very tasteless food. This was our worst experience in New York.
robert
Terrific meal in a nice quiet atmosphere. Owner is very friendly and gives great service. Highly recommended!
Robyn
The restaurant has no ambience but that was the least of why we disliked it. The owner was rude. There is no liquor so he suggested we go to a nearby liquor store to get wine. He did manage to “find” a bottle of wine he said other patrons left behind. But it was downhill after that. The salmon kebab was over cooked and tasteless. The half tandoori chicken was also dry. The owner continued to be rude. There was a bit of a mixup when we paid the check and instead of being polite he nastily said he didn't understand what we were saying. He also told us that we did not give enough of a tip based on the wine he provided. We will never go back there and I suspect he won't remain open for very long.
Ugly food they charge me too much just for that nasty rice please please please don’t waste your money and time you will regret.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Rachel Rippey
This food is some of the best in the area! Everything is tasty and clean - never feel weighed down, even after a big meal! Delicious and consistent every time. So glad they found a new home - the new space is small, but feels like your family dining room. Take out is also excellent and packaged well. The tandoori chicken is incredible (so juicy) and the tandoori codfish is divine! The pumpkin is also a must try, either as a side or in place of rice. Can’t say enough about the food & service - just such a gem that we are proud to have in the neighborhood!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mohammed Alsalman
I’ve had Afghan Kebab House on my must-try list for ages, and I finally had the pleasure of visiting this exquisite restaurant on a chilly Saturday evening. After spending a fun day with friends, there was no better way to cap it off than indulging in some of the finest Afghan cuisine in the city.
I had originally made reservations for myself and my Afghan friend, and despite running late, the restaurant was wonderfully accommodating. From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of the heart of Persia. The interior was adorned with Afghan rugs, antique decor, and stunning artwork that beautifully showcased Afghan and Persian heritage. The ambiance was soothing and instantly made us feel at home.
We decided to go for a mix of traditional Afghan stews and kebabs, ordering:
Aushak Ghoshti Kabuli Palau Naringe Palau Chicken Korma Doogh Every dish was exquisitely prepared. The meats were tender, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The Aushak Ghoshti stood out with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and unforgettable flavor—it’s still etched in my memory! The rice dishes, Kabuli Palau and Naringe Palau, were a perfect symphony of spices, with the latter showcasing an incredible blend of sweet lamb stew and zershek (barberries), paired perfectly with barbari bread. The Chicken Korma was rich, hearty, and deliciously satisfying.
The authentic flavors felt as if they were lovingly crafted in a traditional Afghan home, staying true to their roots. Afghan Kebab House has set a new benchmark for Afghani cuisine for me, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit!
Special shoutout to our amazing servers, Izmar and McKinsey, who were kind, attentive, and incredibly helpful with recommendations. Their warmth and positivity truly elevated the dining experience.
It’s surprising that this gem only has a 4-star rating on Google Maps—it deserves nothing less than a full 5 stars! If you’re searching for authentic Afghan flavors in the UES, look no further. Afghan Kebab House is a must-try. I’ll definitely be coming back again and again!
The decor of the restaurant was beautiful, our server—who I believe was the owner for the restaurant—was very kind and attentive, and most importantly, the food was delicious. All the dishes were perfectly seasoned and cooked. Great place. Highly recommend!
Afghan Kabob House Experience
A recent Saturday lunch at Afghan Kabob House with four people was marred by a complete lack of hospitality, despite the restaurant being empty. The owner, appearing overwhelmed, provided unwelcoming service, making awkward comments and practically throwing plates on the table. While the food itself was excellent—fresh, flavorful, juicy kebabs and delicious bolanee—the poor service significantly detracted from the dining experience.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
The staff makes connections with people. The bill always seems reasonable here. Their quality was truly remarkable. The employees provide pleasant interactions with pleasant appearances. They run a good restaurant and I'm glad I experienced it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Lamb Chops, Okra, Afgan Dumplings, Chocolate Cake
The food was simply wonderful. We had the dumplings with the ground beef sauce, palau (rice with carrots and raisins, perfectly savory and sweet), zucchini (tenderly cooked with a tomato onion sauce), and pumpkin. The owner was kind. What a gem !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
BEST dinner I've had in NYC ever!!!! the kebab and chicken korma was cooked to complete perfection. The veggie options were flavorful and delicious. All foods were served hot and fresh from the kitchen. The restaurant staff is kind and patient. We didn't feel rushed to put in orders or anything. We will certainly be coming back every opportunity we get.
Walked into Afghan Kabob House on a Friday evening with a party of two. The place was completely empty, and no one was there to greet or seat us. Eventually, the owner came out from the back, but unfortunately, there was zero hospitality. He seemed overwhelmed, doing a dozen things at once, and without any explanation asked us to move to a different table “for expected guests”—even though the entire restaurant was empty. It felt unnecessary and unwelcoming.
After we placed our order, he began making awkward comments, then said he was “not going to say anything,” which made the interaction even more uncomfortable. When the food was finally brought out, he practically threw the plates on the table with no warmth or friendliness—first the appetizer, then the mains.
That said, the food itself was excellent—fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The kebabs were juicy and perfectly seasoned, and the bolanee appetizer was delicious.
I’d absolutely recommend this place for takeout. The quality of the food deserves recognition, but the service was a 0/5 and really brought down the entire experience. I hope the owner can take this as constructive feedback—when the restaurant is empty and customers walk in, it’s a chance to make a great impression, not drive people away.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
Nice owners and very accommodating. Service was well paced and the food was nicely prepared and presented. Not 100% crazy about the ordinary but substantial mixed salad (think 1970s diner food) but otherwise our meal was terrific.
Very tasty food and very fairly priced.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Combo Kebab
Very bad customer service and very tasteless food. This was our worst experience in New York.
Terrific meal in a nice quiet atmosphere. Owner is very friendly and gives great service. Highly recommended!
The restaurant has no ambience but that was the least of why we disliked it. The owner was rude. There is no liquor so he suggested we go to a nearby liquor store to get wine. He did manage to “find” a bottle of wine he said other patrons left behind. But it was downhill after that. The salmon kebab was over cooked and tasteless. The half tandoori chicken was also dry. The owner continued to be rude. There was a bit of a mixup when we paid the check and instead of being polite he nastily said he didn't understand what we were saying. He also told us that we did not give enough of a tip based on the wine he provided. We will never go back there and I suspect he won't remain open for very long.
Restaurantji Recommends
Ugly food they charge me too much just for that nasty rice please please please don’t waste your money and time you will regret.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
This food is some of the best in the area! Everything is tasty and clean - never feel weighed down, even after a big meal! Delicious and consistent every time. So glad they found a new home - the new space is small, but feels like your family dining room. Take out is also excellent and packaged well. The tandoori chicken is incredible (so juicy) and the tandoori codfish is divine! The pumpkin is also a must try, either as a side or in place of rice. Can’t say enough about the food & service - just such a gem that we are proud to have in the neighborhood!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve had Afghan Kebab House on my must-try list for ages, and I finally had the pleasure of visiting this exquisite restaurant on a chilly Saturday evening. After spending a fun day with friends, there was no better way to cap it off than indulging in some of the finest Afghan cuisine in the city.
I had originally made reservations for myself and my Afghan friend, and despite running late, the restaurant was wonderfully accommodating. From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of the heart of Persia. The interior was adorned with Afghan rugs, antique decor, and stunning artwork that beautifully showcased Afghan and Persian heritage. The ambiance was soothing and instantly made us feel at home.
We decided to go for a mix of traditional Afghan stews and kebabs, ordering:
Aushak Ghoshti
Kabuli Palau
Naringe Palau
Chicken Korma
Doogh
Every dish was exquisitely prepared. The meats were tender, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The Aushak Ghoshti stood out with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and unforgettable flavor—it’s still etched in my memory! The rice dishes, Kabuli Palau and Naringe Palau, were a perfect symphony of spices, with the latter showcasing an incredible blend of sweet lamb stew and zershek (barberries), paired perfectly with barbari bread. The Chicken Korma was rich, hearty, and deliciously satisfying.
The authentic flavors felt as if they were lovingly crafted in a traditional Afghan home, staying true to their roots. Afghan Kebab House has set a new benchmark for Afghani cuisine for me, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit!
Special shoutout to our amazing servers, Izmar and McKinsey, who were kind, attentive, and incredibly helpful with recommendations. Their warmth and positivity truly elevated the dining experience.
It’s surprising that this gem only has a 4-star rating on Google Maps—it deserves nothing less than a full 5 stars! If you’re searching for authentic Afghan flavors in the UES, look no further. Afghan Kebab House is a must-try. I’ll definitely be coming back again and again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Naringe Palau, Afgan Dumplings, Salad
The decor of the restaurant was beautiful, our server—who I believe was the owner for the restaurant—was very kind and attentive, and most importantly, the food was delicious. All the dishes were perfectly seasoned and cooked. Great place. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kabuli Palau, Lamb Chops, Afgan Dumplings
This was BYOP and had amazing food. I highly recommend it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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