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    Bamian Restaurant

    3.7 (513 reviews)
    ModerateAfghan, Buffets, Halal
    Closed 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Order Bamian Restaurant Takeout or Delivery

    Bamian Restaurant Photos

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    BAMIAN RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Classy
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Bamian Restaurant

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    Kabob + Qawbuli Palau

    Hospitable host and server Delicious menu options and large portions Fresh bread with generous portions

    Beautiful decor .
    Doaa M.

    Amazing food. Fancy dinner hall. Service was great and very polite servers. Great ambiance. Food cooked to perfection.

    Samosas, Chickpeas, lamb qorma, rice and kabobs

    The Samosas, Lamb Qorma, Biriani rice, Kabob, Chickpeas and Eggplant Stew were fenomenal!! I had the pleasure of eating at the Iftar buffet and let me add it was a full house. The service was amazing, waiters were tending to literally everyone at a timely manner. Very polite service!! Tea and Firni (Custard) was the cherry on top! Come here to celebrate or just feast with family and friends!

    Kang C.

    Highly recommend. I am glad I tried this place. So much flavor, and NOT dry and overcooked. My number one pet peeve is overcooked dry food.

    Joyce W.

    Searching for a dining spot that can satisfy a crowd? Look no further than Bamian in Falls Church! They specialize in authentic Afghan cuisine served in generous family-style portions. You can order a la carte but we decided to go family style with bread, salad, a huge mixed kabob platter, and rice. The kabobs were flavorful, tender, and juicy. We also got hummus on the side as an appetizer to go with the freshly made bread, which is super rich with chickpea flavor and a tinge of fresh olive oil. Even with our hungry group of 8, we still had leftover containers packed with deliciousness to take home at the end of the meal. Everything we tried was bursting with traditional spices and flavor. I would especially recommend Bamian for big parties because they have a lot of big round tables for indoor seating.

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    6 months ago

    It was sooooooooooooooooo good you should go their the food was good and the people was nice

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    1 year ago

    I love this place. Masoud was a great waiter. Food delicious as always! Try the Kadu and the aushak if you haven't tried them before

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    3 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    6 months ago

    Excellent food and amazing service. Very friendly staff and nice setting. I highly recommend!

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    1 year ago

    Business owner information

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    Gul Ahmad A.

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    11 months ago

    Gereat food and excellent service. Especially Light(her name) she is wonderful. Keep on your excellent customer service

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    1 year ago

    Great place gave me a good experience and very clean and nice and such nice workers 10/10 place

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    1 year ago

    Food, service and hospitality were all excellent! Well done and continued success to the team. Keep it up and people will always return

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    1 year ago

    Had a great meal of chapli kebab, aushak, and eggplant, followed by a spiced tea. Very nice staff and quiet booths.

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    3 years ago

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    Gul Ahmad A.

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    Page 1 of 13

    Ask the Community - Bamian Restaurant

    Is buffet available?

    Last time I was there - they had lunch buffet. Just call them and ask.

    Are there private rooms available?

    There are no private rooms but they have private booths with curtains which provides privacy for a small group or you can rent the entire restaurant for your event.

    View All 3 Questions

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    Aracosia McLean - Qabuli Combination Platter - this was ok. The channa and eggplant were good.

    Aracosia McLean

    4.8(478 reviews)
    6.6 mi
    $$$

    Loved my lamb dish! Surprisingly reasonable pricing when you at opening/lunch too!…read more Nice cozy but elegant vibes. Great to take out your family or significant other. Interesting art on the wall and nice bathroom. Park on the parking garage below or on the side street/lot nearby. Make sure if you don't finish your lamb and ask to put it in a takeaway box go specify that you want your lamb scraps. Learn from me because my waiter tossed all my lamb and just boxed up the rice likely thinking I was done with them. Big bummer since I was looking forward to my leftovers but oh well.

    Overall it was a good experience! We absolutely loved the bread and the difference sauces that…read morewent with it. The pumpkin dumplings and pan fried veggie filled dumplings were great as well. I thought my salmon wrap and the chickpea side was ok. Interesting flavors for sure. As for the service, there was always someone filling up our waters and our waiter was very nice checking in every now and then. The only downside of the experience is at the end when the waiter was boxing up all the food for us. Very sweet that they do this but when boxing up my partners food, they only boxed up the rice and they got rid of the lamb that he was looking forward to eating more of later. So that was kind of a disappointment for us. I think if we go again, we would request to box our food ourselves since I'm not sure why they decided to get rid of all of his lamb.

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    Aracosia McLean
    Aracosia McLean
    Aracosia McLean - Bread - good.

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    Bread - good.

    Arlington Kabob - Beef Kofta Kabob Ground beef, mixed with chopped onions and seasoning, char-grilled.

    Arlington Kabob

    4.6(439 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$

    High Protein, Strategic Eating…read more If you are navigating a serious health journey or, like me, currently in the middle of a "Biggest Loser" contest to start the year, Arlington Kabob is a strategic goldmine. Under normal circumstances, I would happily indulge in their fragrant basmati rice and that delicious, fresh-baked tandoori naan. However, staying disciplined requires a different approach, and the team here makes it effortless. The High-Protein Order Hack: I ordered the Chicken Shawarma platter but requested a total carb-swap. I asked to replace the rice and naan entirely with a double portion of vegetables. I went with the chickpeas (channa) and the sautéed spinach. The result is a nutrient-dense, high-protein win. The chicken is lean and perfectly charred, the chickpeas provide steady energy and fiber, and the spinach adds great flavor and micronutrients. The 50% Strategy: Even without the bread, these portions are significant. I ate exactly 50% of this platter for lunch, which provided an estimated 38g of protein and 450 calories. It is the perfect meal for someone who wants to feel satisfied but stay strictly within their caloric and macro goals. Community Inspiration: I have to give credit to local Northern Virginia foodie Mya Yoon. Her social media posts documenting her own health journey and "smart eating" choices inspired me to start looking at local menus through a more intentional lens. Following the modifications she shares online has been a game-changer for my own progress. Service & Vibe: The staff here deserves a specific mention. Despite my request to skip the core staples of their menu (rice and bread), they were helpful and happy to modify the order to meet my goals. It is rare to find a spot that is both a neighborhood staple for comfort food and a reliable partner in a weight-loss journey. Everything was delicious as always. If you are looking to stay on track without sacrificing quality or flavor, this is the place to do it.

    About a 2-2.5: We were really excited to check out Arlington Kabob, as this place has been around…read morefor a while, and it seems to be a local favorite. We came here for an early lunch, and we ordered: +a Combo Platter for 2 - this came with chicken kofta, beef kofta, and a choice of chicken, lamb, or beef kabob - we went for the beef; for the sides, we went for the potatoes and the lentil soup, and for the rice, we went Quabli style Out of all the meats, we thought the chicken kofta had the best flavor; both the beef kofta and the kabob were just 'okay'; the beef kofta had a more game-y flavor - not sure if they had mixed it up with lamb first; the beef kabob was overcooked and dried out, more on the chewy end, which was not enjoyable. The Quabli-style rice didn't really enhance anything - the carrots were way too soft, and there were hardly any currants, which was disappointing. Potatoes were forgettable, as they were bland; the lentil soup was piping hot, but could have had more lentils - it seemed like just broth with just a spoonful of lentils in it. The white sauce was more dill-heavy and ranch-like which didn't complement the kabobs and the kofta at all. There was complimentary tea for those who dine-in, which was nice, but the tea wasn't steeped well and was too watered down. Staff were friendly, and there's limited parking in the tight strip plaza lot. +chicken kofta +game-y beef kofta +dried-out/overcooked beef kabob +avoid the Quabli style rice +friendly staff +limited parking in lot available

    Photos
    Arlington Kabob
    Arlington Kabob - Beef Kofta Kabob Ground beef, mixed with chopped onions and seasoning, char-grilled.

    Beef Kofta Kabob Ground beef, mixed with chopped onions and seasoning, char-grilled.

    Arlington Kabob - Beef Kofta Kabob Ground beef, mixed with chopped onions and seasoning, char-grilled.

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    Beef Kofta Kabob Ground beef, mixed with chopped onions and seasoning, char-grilled.

    Afghan Restaurant  - Lamb kabob

    Afghan Restaurant

    4.4(54 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    Came for the Sheeryakh, but had such delicious, authentic Afghan food! I'd give 4.5 stars for some…read moreconstructive modifications to make in the future related to service, but overall amazing food! I left with a full belly and a happy heart. Got a combo of chicken kabob and shami kabob along with a side of their borani banjan/eggplant dish. The eggplant was honestly one of my favorite things- it's a must get in my opinion. Homey dish with incredible flavors! Their naan is fresh and pairs well with it. The chicken was good, but I've had better honestly. The shami was a little disappointing as I expected more flavor and it was slightly dry, but good. Their rice was so tasty and I loved the sweetness coming from the carrots an raisins. Of course, the sheeryakh was great- quite a big portion for one person, but I loved the texture. It tastes very similar to the Indian/South Asian/Pakistani ice cream, "Kulfi." CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK: Service needs improvement. The whole time I was there I had to keep looking for waiters to make eye contact with to ask for menu, water, paying, etc. It took about 10 min or more for me to have to call a busy waiter over just to look at the menu- no one came over on their own. Things just took time for a Saturday night- plus they were hosting an event on top of this. Needless to say, I've never had service like this, but the vibe and food made me be not as harsh. Despite the service, this place is a must try for authentic Afghan cuisine. Can't wait to try more of their menu (and the borani banjan again) in the future!

    The chicken bowl was amazing. Friend loved the spinach and we got the chickpea. The star of the…read morenight was the eggplant dish! We have had it at other restaurants but this place topped it!! Way too stuffed to get dessert but the ice cream looked phenomenal!

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    Afghan Restaurant
    Afghan Restaurant
    Afghan Restaurant  - Tea party set with Afghan cream roll and cake

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    Tea party set with Afghan cream roll and cake

    Lapis - Pistachio ricotta cake

    Lapis

    4.3(1.2k reviews)
    6.7 miAdams Morgan
    $$

    Omg what an experience…read more Truly some of the best food I've had in a very very long time. The shrimp dumplings really stole the show for me. They were melt in your mouth good and I really enjoyed that the shrimp was the main flavor I could taste in the filling. Sometimes that can get lost. The dough itself too was rich and full of flavor, as well as the sauce on it!!! The lamb tikka was also delicious. The lamb was cooked to absolute perfection and that paired with their rice? YUM!!!! The ambiance of the place was also super unique and cool, we got sat downstairs which I was a bit hesitant about because of the no windows but it was such a vibe and I really loved it. The service was fantastic. Our waiter gave us many recommendations and explained many dishes which was super helpful. Our table was always clean and our water cup always full. If you can come here I definitely recommend

    Food was very good. Service was pleasant but waited too long for attention, drinks, food, etc. Not…read moreawful. Just too long. Noise is the biggest downer. We were in the basement. Could barely hear people at my table. We had three deserts. The pistachio cake was very good. The rice pudding was tasteless. Then there was this warm, gelatinous dome that I could not swallow. But the sliced almonds on top were okay. The people at the next table left without eating theirs. That should have been a clue. Also, make reservations.

    Photos
    Lapis - Dining area

    Dining area

    Lapis - Aushak Afgan Dumplings

    Aushak Afgan Dumplings

    Lapis - Lamb Kebob

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    Lamb Kebob

    Afghan Bistro - Chocolate cake

    Afghan Bistro

    4.7(1.1k reviews)
    8.5 mi
    $$

    Craving lamb. Submitted my order via their website. Arrived at the restaurant and we were greeted…read moreas we walked in. The restaurant's decor is culturally appropriate. We arrived early evening and they had a candle and tablecloth on each table. I ordered Baadenjaan Bouranee, luscious eggplant dish; Frenched Rack Of Lamb, perfectly cooked, tender and flavorful; and Pumpkin Dumpling Entree, perfectly sweet, smooth interior and perfectly steamed dumpling wrapper. I will continue to support this establishment.

    We were able to get reservations to this restaurant earlier in the day, but I would highly suggest…read moregetting reservations ahead of time because we saw people get denied when they just walked in. When we walked in, we were greeted very nicely and sat quickly. Our server was new and it was her first day so she couldn't really give any recommendations which wasn't the best, but the manager came out and was able to help with describing some of the dishes and giving great recommendations. Most of the people that we ate with ended up with some type of lamb dish and the lamb was phenomenal. The rice was delicious. The eggplant was delicious. We got a bunch of appetizers. Everything was on point. Everything tasted super fresh and overall we had a very nice experience. The food also came out very quickly. The overall ambience was very nice very home type vibe and it is a smaller restaurant for limited tables One of our friends that we went with since we haven't seen each other for a long time was really craving a beer and kebabs which sometimes a little bit harder than one would anticipate but they served alcohol as well as delicious food so win-win here. So overall, I would highly recommend this place if you want delicious Afghan food, but of course remember to book in advance .

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    Afghan Bistro - Inside. Quaint and cozy

    Inside. Quaint and cozy

    Afghan Bistro
    Afghan Bistro - Peach martini

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    Peach martini

    Bistro Aracosia - Mini Taste of Aracosia - Chicken Sabzi Lawaan, Rumi's Veal, Lamb Chops, Beef Tenderloin, Nakhoud, Kadoo, Banjaan, Daal

    Bistro Aracosia

    4.7(383 reviews)
    5.4 miPalisades
    $$$

    I've visited bistro aracosia twice. The food is always amazing and the service is also great…read more Everyone is kind and friendly. The bread comes out with four different sauces in the beginning which is nice. We got the assorted dumplings which were very flavorful and delicious. The lamb rack is to die for and the saffron chicken is also very good. I preferred the other two entrees over the lamb moghuli but it might be because I'm not a huge fan of the smoky flavor. The restaurant has a cozy and comforting atmosphere and is pretty quiet. Will be going back again:)

    Perfection. Everything I have tried in this special Afghani restaurant is done perfectly…read more Delicious, fresh, beautifully presented, colorful, nice atmosphere and very clear and friendly in regard to vegan/ vegetarian and other dietary options. I highly recommend this restaurant to vegetarians and vegans. Excellent service and the food is truly mouth watering. I love their outdoor patio and they have heaters outdoor for cooler weather. A must try for sure! My general rating system: 1 star: I would stay away 2 stars: Has some good things about it but I generally don't recommend. 3 stars: Pretty good. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back but a decent place 4 stars: Great place. I would go back. 5 stars: I highly recommend stopping whatever you are doing and making plans to try it out! An Evie favorite!

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    Bistro Aracosia - Dining room

    Dining room

    Bistro Aracosia - Dumpling Assortment - Spicy Beef, Leek & Scallion, Pumpkin

    Dumpling Assortment - Spicy Beef, Leek & Scallion, Pumpkin

    Bistro Aracosia - Pomegranate and cardamom tea

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    Pomegranate and cardamom tea

    Bamian Restaurant - afghani - Updated June 2026

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