I drive by this shopping center everyday and frequently stop by the Starbucks at the corner and just discovered this restaurant few doors down! Was in the mood for some kabobs and decided to come here for dinner with a friend. This restaurant is tucked away in a small center in Fairfax. Loved the decor of the place. It's very calming. Has a little water fountain in the middle, and comfy seating along one part of the wall with pillows. It's just pretty. We got here pretty early for dinner. We started with some cocktails, mangotini and mazatini. They were alright, just the usual. For appetizer we got baba ganoush which came with the bread; baba ganoush was tasty! My friend and I both really liked it. For our entrées, we got a plate of lamb kabob and chicken kabob. The lamb kabob was our favorite. It was tender and juicy. The chicken kabob was also good. For dessert, we got Persian icecream. Our server told us that they make their ice cream there with saffron. It's a nice place, the comfy, calm vibe of the place is a win! read more

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Pleasant surprise! I was the only customer there when I arrived so that made me wearied however I did come after most lunch rushes so that might be it as well. Very cutely decorated with a water pond inside, love it. Ordered an appetizer, Briyani and lamb shank. Briyani was seasoned very well and the lamb was extremely tender. Lamb shank with the raisin rice was good but I felt like it wasn't as tender as the Briyani dish. The service was amazing and the gentlemen that assisted us was pleasant, available when something is needed and came to check in after. Gave perfect amount of space and everything was provided so we didn't have to ask for anything. read more

Absolutely amazed I waited so long to come here. The ambiance is awesome. It was empty today and it was easy to take it all in. The decor is simple but tasteful and well put together and staged. The trickling fountain in the middle was a nice background noise. The TV wasn't too loud and it was comfortable to sit in the booth. The food was great. Large slat of soft bread and dipping sauces came right out with my entrees side salad. The salad was a nice size, crisp, with delicious balsamic. The hummus was creamy and perfect. The falafel was also on point. I tried the biryani with chicken and the portion was gigantic! Had leftovers, which was great. Came out hot and flavorful just as I asked (adjusted it to be mild, which I didn't even have to ask for, they were mindful enough to ask me how I wanted it). I'd like to go back at night to see how the ambiance is and to try other items. I'm so glad I finally checked this place off of my list. read more

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For a restaurant, not bad. The interior is small, but absolutely gorgeous. The almost room length water fountain/pool with the beautiful teal wrap around booth seats accented with gold pillows are an excellent, excellent choice. Our server/host was kind enough to accommodate some of us with dietary restrictions, swapping out one type of rice for another or for salad instead. As is custom in most kabob houses, your table will be brought out a couple of Afghan style naans with a yogurt dipping sauce. Mazadar will give you this as well as a seasoned olive oil dipping sauce, neither of which will disappoint. I would say everyone in my party was satisfied with their order and I was quite content with chicken and kubideh combo. Perfectly cooked, but probably could have been juicer and seasoned a bit more. I for one am partial to most hole-in-the-wall eats, for their quick service, generous portions and almost always much better tasting dishes. However, if you're looking for a kabob restaurant in this area, Mazadar may just be your place. read more

Very nice restaurant atmosphere - feels a bit upscale, but jeans really are fine! Friendly, helpful, and informative staff. The kabobs are fantastic and filling. For those who like a milder flavored lamb, the qabali pulao was excellent and tender! Extra detail : I was going to go with my default of chicken kabobs in a panic (since there were multiple tasty-looking dishes) and the gentleman waiting on us was willing to help me choose the perfect meal or give me more time. He assured me that it wasn't a risk to try something new - if I didn't like it, he would bring me something else. That's when I chose the qabali pulao. I don't generally like lamb, but in this dish, the flavors are far more subtle and the lamb doesn't punch you in the face. (It does, however, melt in your mouth.) read more

Mazadar Restaurant - Afghan Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

Stop reading this and go there. The food was great, atmosphere great. I'd recommend a booth. The fountain is a nice touch. Service was great too. read more

Mazadar Restaurant - Afghan Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

Clean atmosphere with authentic food. Everything was well seasoned We tried a variety of dishes, the Mantu, delish! Did we talk about the Mahicha Palow--delish! Smooth and tender as a baby's kiss. Lamb karahi was wonderful. A medley of garlic, tomato and fresh ginger Wonderful! The manager himself came out to speak with us and was quite attentive. So much more I could say but it's time for dessert! read more

Mazadar Restaurant - Fountain and mosaic floors - Afghan Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

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Definitely a great spot for date nights or specials occasion. The decor and interior design give a chilled yet quite classy vibe. First time we checked out this restaurant in Fairfax area because I was craving for some stuffed grape leaves.... highly recommend for the food quality. We ordered meat mantu appetizer (definitely BEST thing in the menu!!), stuffed grape leaves (beware that it doesn't have the ground beef like grape leaves at some other restaurants I've been to), lamb shank karahi (really good, you can modify the spice level as well but suggest to do at least some spicy because otherwise it's pretty bland), and the chicken and ground beef combo kabob. I would say the chicken kabob is pretty juicy but the ground beef is not as good so we definitely would come back and try some other kabob options. I also had the pomegranate lemonade... very interesting but definitely needed for such a rich meal. Overall, we like the place and will come back to try the vegetarian options given how highly recommended they are on Yelp! 4 star because the service was very slow. read more

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Superb!!!! Definitely my new favorite restaurant!!! As soon as you come in the door it feels like a relaxing courtyard in Morocco. Plush seats, a bucking division. How did I not come here sooner??? The kubideh kebab with the upgraded rice read incredible!!! Perfectly cooked and juicy!!! Parked with a saffron tea--incredible!!! My new favorite tea!!! Also relished the in house made hibiscus lemonade!!!! And saffron ice cream for dessert. Cannot wait to come back!!! read more

I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant. Haven't had such an experience at any other place in a long time. The owner served the food himself and is a very humble person. Food was very fresh and was served without any delay. Freshly made chicken kadhai. The spice level was just about right. Neither hot nor too bland. Definitely recommend it! read more

Mazadar Restaurant - Persian ice cream - Afghan Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

Everything we had was fantastic ... including the service. Very welcoming. The tea was fantastic as was the Shrimp Kahari and Eggplant Stewart with lamb. Will be back to try out more. A hidden gem in Fairfax as you will not see this place from the road. read more

The food is OK. There is nothing authentic about it. I am shocked at the high ratings. The food is very bland. The chutney was very watered down and sour. Biryani had no spices in it, just bland yellow oily rice, add it was mostly bones, one small chunk of lamb. Falafel appetizer was a rip off. Falafel size of my thumb. Pretty disappointing, especially as the price point is up there. I would not order here again. So far, Zaffran has been the best afghan hands down. Lamb shank was dry. Kubideh was awful, didn't even eat it. Had a strange texture like they used fillers in the ground beef. Chicken kebab also dry. Bakhlave best part of the meal, although, again, their pricing is outrageous. The food in general was equivalent to a cheap buffet line read more

Mazadar Kabob has become the ONE restaurant I visit on a weekly basis. We usually eat in these days because the service is great and the owners are SO friendly. We usually order the mantu and chicken sambosas for appetizers - the mantu is ridiculously tasty, I don't even know how to describe it, but if you like mantu make sure you get it here! The sambosas are jam packed with fillings, perfect slightly crispy outside. Great for dipping in the yogurt sauce. I am having a hard time ordering anything but the barg kebab because it's so amazing that I can't resist it. My husband often gets the karahi - chicken or lamb he says they're both perfect. Their bread and rice is also divine - they don't load the rice up with butter BUT if you like it like that (yeah ok I do...) they'll happily add it in for you. We've also tried the hummus, baba ghannouge, bolanni subzi. In short, everything here is good. I have yet to be disappointed in any way. Don't forget to try the Persian Ice Cream!!! Looking forward to my weekly visit! read more

Mazadar Restaurant - Persian icecream - Afghan Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

Excellent food! Especially the Chopan kabob. It was cooked to perfection and had an amazing grilled taste. The portion size was a bit small, but still would go back as it tasted so good! read more

I have been here a few times with friends and our kids. The owner is wonderful and takes the time to chat and answer any questions we had, including food suggestions. My favorite item is the Chicken sambosa!! The hummus is great, the bread is warm. The kabobs are tasty as is the kofta. The decor is awesome with cozy seating (great for a date) and a water feature in the center of the restaurant. read more

Tried it for the first time and the inside of the restaurant is absolutely beautiful. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. Everybody was wearing a mask as far as I could tell. Good and tasty representation read more

Mazadar Restaurant - Veggie Sambosa, Chicken Kabob, and veggie Mantu - Afghan Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

Mazadar was an absolute fabulous restaurant! Our organization came in for a staff dinner and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. The restaurant was beautiful and the staff was so kind and courteous. I had shrimp karahi and the flavors were so delicious. The next time I come back to Fairfax, I would definitely visit again. read more

Really warm and welcoming restaurant. Had kabob skewers and Charon salad. Skip the eggplant spread and ask for hot sauce it really interesting and addictive. read more

Sometimes when I'm on the road I cannot sit in a restaurant. I need to grab take out, then rush back to the hotel to do more work. This was the case when I dropped by Mazadar Kabob. It was about 6pm on a Monday, and there were only a couple of people seated. I asked the manager what he recommended, and ordered a combo of Barg & Kubideh with rice, and some hummus. As I waited for my meal, it definitely looked decadent inside, but the prices were very reasonable. When I got back to my room, I dug into the food. So. Delicious. I don't give out too many 5 stars, especially when I just decide to take out, but this was some darn good food. And I got the feeling that I would have had some great service if I did decide to sit down and eat. I'll be here next time I'm in town. read more

This place is way way way better than the restaurants that came before it. New owner is phenomenal with an experienced chef. Beautiful interior, now with great food. Great for carry out or a business lunch or dinner. read more

So I came here because all of the restaurant week restaurants were fully booked out. As soon as we entered none of the servers were walking around despite the fact that every table was fully occupied. So we were in the entrance awkwardly standing there for about 5 minutes with all eyes on us. Then the server came out, and handed us menus. We sat down waiting for a table to be cleaned up for another 5-10 minutes. They did not give us our pita bread until I asked for it which was at least 10 minutes in. 2 stars off for poor service but I would give good recommendation for the food. I liked the falafel platter, and I loved how crunchy the falafel was on the outside and soft in the inside. The pita bread was freshly baked to dip into the humus. Ambience was okay, decor was nice with the fountain in the middle of restaurant. But If I do decide to come back I hope their waiters are around in the room to be called upon. More than half the time I was in the restaurant all the waiters were in the back kitchen leaving all the customers to fend for themselves. read more

Mazadar Restaurant - Afghan Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

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1. Ambiance: Classy, sexy, chic, and glamorous - this restaurant has it all! Upon entering the restaurant, you will find marbles and stones throughout the restaurant to create an elaborate setting that resembles the Mediterranean. In the middle of the restaurant lies a water fountain made out of stones. On the wall, there are beautiful imprinted wall designs. Furthermore, on the left side of the restaurant has classy booths that are set up like a lounge. This is a perfect restaurant for a date. 2. Food: Our table ordered the chicken sambosa, kubideh, and lassi. The chicken sambosa was crunchy with delicious fillings of chicken, coriander, onions, and peas. The kubideh kabob was tender, but not the most well seasoned kabob I have had. It needed additional herbs and dry seasoning to really emphasize the dish. I thought their rice was rich and tasty. Their bread was fluffy and perfect to dip with their yogurt sauce. The lassi drink is probably one of the best I have ever tasted. It was refreshing and not too sweet. 3. Service: I am uncertain of the manager's name, but this really is a team effort from the restaurant to help our table. The manager and another waiter waited on us and answered all of our questions. Customer service at its best and our table really appreciates it. 4. Costs: The chicken sambosa was $6.99, kubideh was $10.99, and lassi was $4.50. I thought the food was reasonably priced and appropriate to the portions provided. 5. Overall Experience: I had a wonderful time at this restaurant. Everything was great, despite a minor critique of the kabob. I will definitely be back to try other items on the menu. The highlight of my night was the belly dancer! The belly dancer performed for 30 minutes at 8:00 p.m. on Friday. She brought me in front of the restaurant and taught me a few moves. She was really nice and great at moving her body. Try to make it to this restaurant at 8:00 p.m. on Friday to watch the performance. Don't forget to tip her. Side Notes: N/A read more

Lady was sweet! I saw good reviews I decided to come treat my grandma here. The Restaurant was freezing and cold also tea was expensive but yummy. We were told the ash soup was fresh it was not. My grandma and I both had explosive the same night we couldn't sleep at all. Portions of kabob was small the portions in general were small. Will not be coming back ever! read more

I stopped by with my boyfriend for lunch one weekday. It was empty when we arrived, but as our lunch went on, two others came in. It's a nice place inside. Fountain and everything. Service was pretty good. Our waiter (the owner I believe) was very attentive and helpful. He suggested a few things for us to try. And we ended up both getting kabobs. I tried the chicken kabob that came with rice and he got the steak and chicken kabob. Im sad to say, I was disappointed with the food. It wasn't as great as I'd hope. The rice was so bland and there wasn't much flavor to the meat. The complimentary pita bread was so warm and soft though. I have to say the bread was my favorite thing there. read more

Mazadar Restaurant - Afghan Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

We've been here several times and have always ordered something different so we haven't settled on a favorite dish. But we have yet to be disappointed with any of the appetizers or main dishes. And the warm, complimentary bread that they serve is incredible. The service, too, has always been excellent. We can't wait to return. read more

Food 5/5 Lamb Karahi (mild) wasn't spicy at all, but it was amazing also lamb shank was too Both the meats were so tender and fall off the bone they were cooked perfectly Dessert 5/5 -Saffron ice cream is delicious -Rice pudding was good, nothing crazy as typical rice pudding would taste. Service: 5/5 -Both the owner and our server were very friendly and made us feel like home! Drink: 4/5 Only thing was Hibiscus lemonade was a little watered down Will definitely come back and recommend to others read more

Great atmosphere, tasty food ( children's chicken kebab, mezze platter, lamb soup, and the chia, was especially good) The water feature in the middle of the restaurant was great entertainment for the whole family. Service, was wonderfully friendly and attentive. I would definitely recommend this place. read more

Mazadar Restaurant - Afghan Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

The atmosphere was great, love the water foundation in the middle. The owners were there and they were very attentive. I ordered the baba ganoush for appetizer and it wasn't the best, for the price it wasn't enough and was barely enough for me...and I had to share with my husband. I ordered the chicken kabob and husband kubideh. He said it eas good nothing special. My chicken was good but it was hard to cut into, not tender like most kabobs I have had. Apparently the men's bathroom did not have any running water. Overall I wouldn't make a special trip out there, if I stumbled upon it I would check it out. read more

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Food was awesome, service very friendly and prompt. Awesome kabobs and very reasonably priced. I'll gladly go back!

Trued this place a few times. Food was delicious. Prices are reasonable. Did take out few times order was prepared right every time.

Just received our meal via Grubhub. The food was good but not amazing like all the other reviewers have mentioned. It tasted like standard kabobs you can get at Greek/Mediterranean chain restaurants but over priced. read more

Beautiful restaurant ambiance and decor. The staff was absolutely impeccable. Customer service was on another level. I got the spanakopita and I wasn't a huge fan but the staff was so kind and apologetic about it (particularly the older woman with the gray hair!) I would come back and I plan to go for the chicken and rice plate! read more

With so many ethnic restaurants in the greater DC area it is hard do find one with unique menu and a great setting worth coming back to. It is a blissful merger of several cuisines: Afghan, Indian, Persian, and Middle Eastern as we learned from the very friendly manager. The result is exquisite dishes with multitude of flavors. Many have already mentioned the unique decor, so I won't repeat just agree that it makes for a better experience to sit by pleasantly running water in a spacious hall. The presentation of the dishes is as good as the food. So far we've had Bolanee Kachaloo and Sambosa for appetizers, Vegetarian delight, Barg, Eggplant Stew, and Mantu for Entrees, and Firnee and Carrot Alwah for desserts on two separate visits - all delicious, unique, and generous - no exceptions! This restaurant is a must stop for any food lover visiting the area: REI Fairfax center on monument, Fairfax Wegmans, and Fairfax Merrifield nursery - it is definitely worth a visit, or better yet a regular call... IMPORTANT: GOOGLE MAP (and Yelp) DIRECTION ERROR - the driving directions last instruction is : "Turn right onto McKenzie Ave" which does not exist at that point. Just follow the instruction to 29, but turn into Robertson Farm Circle Instead of McKenzie - a small shopping plaza (the restaurant is also listed on the Plaza store board at the turn on 29) read more

I'm giving them a five because this place offers tasty food, great service, and an amazing atmosphere. I recommend getting anything with a lamb shank. The dishes I had, whether it was chicken or lamb, fall off the bone. All the flavors are authentic and very flavorful. The rice and other sides like hummus and eggplant are fresh and tasty. The drink selection is plentiful for both alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. Occasionally, they also have a belly dancing show which was very beautiful and entertaining. The atmosphere is very pleasant with couch seating around the sides and an elegant fountain in the center. The servers are also very nice and they smile when they talk to you. They come around at the right times to make sure everything is tasting good. Hard to find good service like this anymore. read more

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Really lovely place. Lamb dishes have been consistently excellent, and all the food I have had is consistently good. Wonderful service for both eating-in pre-pandemic, and takeout more recently. I'm not sure it is a full 5 stars extraordinary (I come from a family of teachers, there is always room for improvement), but the hospitality and service bumped them up. read more

This place is super pretty with a fountain in the middle, modern design and happy light colors. The koobideh was delicious and so was the manti, I would definitely come back if i am in the area. read more

Beautiful interior and great food. One of the best middle east dining places in northern Virginia area. Owners, two brothers(Sorry I forgot their names=(..) are very friendly and know how to treat their customers. read more

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Visited for the first time. Extremely friendly serving staff. However the food ordered were not up to our expectations. Kobeeda was dry hard as if it was an hour or long old after being cooked. My experience may have been bad due to Ramadhan and the restaurant being fully packed. I will try one more time in a month to evaluate one more time read more

Lamb biryanis is perfection, the lamb is super trendy and flavorful and the spices on the rice add a nice kick that really enhances the flavors. Their tzatziki is also the best I've had in the DMV (yes it's better that Zaytinya's). read more

This was one of my co-workers favorite spots when we worked in Fairfax. I've been here several times. The place is kind of neat, it has an interesting casual vibe and is very unique. Every time we went at lunch nobody else was there...it was weird, especially after seeing all the positive reviews on yelp. Its an A-Ok place, get the Kabobs Bob. read more

Mazadar Restaurant - So many delicious meats! - Afghan Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia