Afghan Bistro

The food was super delicious and the service was amazing! My favorite was the Qabuli rice with lamb. I would order this again next time too. I didn't give a 5 star because the space is pretty small and they try to fit a lot of seats in so the space is a bit tight. The people walking in and out of the restaurant and the waiters kept bumping into our table and also bumping into me.

This place sets the bar and is an absolute treasure. The food, service, and atmosphere are all amazing. My wife is vegan, my kids are picky, and I LOVE KABULI PULAO. All of us left happy and full with leftovers too. Every single person that works here is calm, peaceful, funny, and welcoming. It’s my favorite place. If I get to choose where to eat this is where we’re going.

The food was great. The bread that we started with was good, and it came with four sauces to dip into. My main course was some leg of lamb that was on some rice topped with raisins and pistachio. It was wonderful. The lamb was really tender and didn't even need a knife to cut.

It was our second visit. The service and food were excellent! The staff was very nice and friendly. The atmosphere of this restaurant was very good too! Nice decorations and no loud music. We ordered the lamb dishes. The meat was so tender!! The sauce was perfect, with good carb and protein combinations. My husband and I love this restaurant. We'll definitely come back here.

If you haven’t become a fan of Afghan food and its exhilarating spices you’re missing out. I ordered the braised lamb shank and it did not disappoint. Definitely, a favorite in DC.

I had the pleasure of dining at Afghan Bistro an Afghan restaurant that truly celebrates the rich, diverse flavors of Afghanistan. From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted with warm, inviting aromas and a welcoming atmosphere. The menu was a delightful journey through traditional Afghan cuisine. For the main course, I opted for the Kabuli Palaw, a national dish of Afghanistan. This aromatic lamb , garnished with raisins and carrots, was cooked to perfection. The lamb was tender and succulent, beautifully complemented by the sweet and nutty flavors of the rice. It was a dish that truly showcased the depth and complexity of Afghan spices and cooking techniques. The service at was impeccable. The staff was knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about sharing their culture through food. They recommended dishes and were more than happy to explain the ingredients and preparation methods. Afghan bistro is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the rich culinary landscape of Afghanistan. The food is authentic, flavorful, and lovingly prepared, the ambiance is cozy and inviting, and the service is excellent.

Wow! Such a great food and super nice staff with great suggestions and so polite. You really get a taste of Afghan culture with the decorations and style of the place. They accommodate vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free. They even brought carrots for dipping in place of the bread. I highly recommend them. Beautiful plate display and the food is above and beyond. Very clean and they wear gloves to clean and also change the gloves every time. My second time was nice, but I removed a start cause I didn’t realize the place has a bar in the middle. A bar does not belong in a family friendly restaurant.

My boyfriend and I stopped in after he found this place. I spent a couple of months in the Middle East as a teen and have LOVED the food ever since. He suggested we go check it out and it was phenomenal! The appetizer was delicious, the food was amazing. It's a little more of a pricey place, but the food quality supports the price and the portion size was excellent. The service was fast and friendly. Definitely stop in here!

My boyfriend and I stopped in after he found this place. I spent a couple of months in the Middle East as a teen and have LOVED the food ever since. He suggested we go check it out and it was phenomenal! The appetizer was delicious, the food was amazing. It's a little more of a pricey place, but the food quality supports the price and the portion size was excellent. The service was fast and friendly. Definitely stop in here!

This place really is a hidden gem! I've driven past this place multiple times and have never thought of stopping by until a friend of mine recommended it. My friends and I stopped by on a Thursday afternoon and were seated promptly. The waiter and waitresses were very attentive and knowledgeable of the menu items. The complementary bread and dips were delish! I ordered the beef tenderloin - the meat was tender and flavorful. To top off the night, we ordered the tres leches cake, which is my favorite dessert. The food and service were GREAT! This was my first experience trying afghan food and was very pleased - thank you, Afghan Bistro!

A hidden gem. I thought twice about entering, as the outside looks questionable and being in a somewhat rundown strip mall makes you wonder. There are not many choices around, so I entered.. this is one of the best afghan places I have ever been. The prices are very reasonable and the flavors do not disappoint. The staff were welcoming and pleasant. I strongly suggest you try this place out if you are in the area.. The one less star is because you have to overcome the outside appearance to actually get inside..

Horrible food. Got salad instead of chickpeas. Bear in mind, I called twice before I ordered. The seekh kabobs are burned to a cinder. Will never order from here again.

Their food is so good, first time trying Afganistán food and it was 10/10 everything. I got the chicken kabob with chickpeas.

Came here with my family for a late lunch on a Saturday. We made a reservation but were a bit late and they were very accommodating because it wasn't too busy at 3pm. I want to start off by saying that the staff here is sooo nice!! We had great service and such a great experience. They start you off with warm afghan bread with 4 dipping sauces ranging from sweet to spicy. We orders the spicy lamb shank special, the lamb chops, chicken breast and the kabob. Everything was delicious we really enjoyed our food thoroughly. The lamb chop and the lamb shank were my favorite from what we ordered. I would def recommend coming here and plan to go again myself! The inside is small but cozy and clean. It's a bit of a hidden gem but they have other locations in DC and McLean where they even provide live music on the weekends!

Hidden gem that is a tiny Afghan restaurant inside of a strip mall I came here on a Friday night. I was fortunate that I had the foresight to make a reservation because they had to turn a few walk-in's away Complimentary bread that comes with 3 different dipping sauces. It was all very tasty, but some of the sauces were also pretty spicy so beware Have a large menu comprised of a variety of unique dishes Service was great and food came out very quickly It is a little pricy, but the quality of the food makes it worth it My only complaints are that there were a few tendons in my chicken, I got a drink that just tasted like straight vodka, and the tables are very small

Had a great dinner at Afghan Bistro! The staff and owner were very friendly and have good recommendations. I ordered the chicken karahi because it was a spicier dish which was good. The chicken was marinated and cooked well and there was a lot of curry given. I didn't really taste any spice but still good. Other dishes that were ordered were rumis chicken, lamb shoulder chops and juicy chicken thighs. When we were seated bread and dips were provided. The bread was really good and the three dips given were all different which gave a nice variety. Overall this was a good spot!

What a pleasure to come back! I've been missing Afghan Bistro's fantastic food and was ecstatic to have the opportunity to enjoy it again. What I got: Leek & Scallion dumplings - 3* stick with the pumpkin dumplings, those are supreme! These were alright. I gave the meat topping another try but was reminded I wasn't a big fan of it. Rumi's Chicken - 5* fantastic! The chicken is the perfect moistness, the flavor was out of this world and the rice was the perfect quantity. I saved some to eat again tomorrow!

Started off with their complimentary bread and assorted Dumplings. For my entree I got the Lamb Shank Moghuli and for dessert I finished off with the Saffron Sheer Birinj. All the food here was amazing! The lamb was fall off the bone tender and super flavorful. The bread was also perfectly toasted and I loved the variety of sauces they provide. The rice pudding dessert was just ok, probably just not my cup of tea. Great small family owned Afghan restaurant! Restaurant is definitely on the smaller size, so make sure to call ahead or prepare to wait.

This place is amazing... trust the reviews and give it a try. FOOD: Beef tenderloin + Lamb and Beef tenderloin DRINKS: Peach Martini + Lemonade DESSERT: Chocolate cake From the food to the service, I have no complaints really. The BEEF TENDERLOIN is the best I've ever had, like seriously I recommend trying it. SERVICE is just amazing here... can't beat it.

While this place is a bit pricy, I think their food is well worth the cost. I had the Saffron Tea, Saffron Chicken, Leek and Scallion Dumplings with meat. While I found the dumplings forgettable, the Saffron Chicken might be one of the best chicken dishes I've had in my life. So flavorful, beautifully presented, and the chicken was perfectly cooked to fall apart in your mouth. So good! The employees were all incredibly helpful and sweet. They gave us appreciated suggestions on the LONG menu. Some notes: The space is small, so be prepared to sit VERY close to another party. Also, while ordering was quick, the food took quite a while to come out. Know that this is not the right choice for a quicker dinner.

Afghan Bistro was a delight. I was surprised by how fancy it was. The inside was set up nicely with table clothes, candles, and the deliberate decor. We were seated and immediately were served bread accompanied by four different dipping sauces. We got the dumpling appetizer (it was great!) and I ordered the chicken sabzi lawaan (one of the slow cooked stews). For dessert, we ordered the pistachio cardamom milk cake, it was absolutely delicious. I would definitely get again.

Stumbled upon the gem, thanks always to Yelp, after a great round of golf at Ft belvoir. Just a couple of miles outside the gate, we called around 4 to confirm they were opened We were welcomed and seated;it's an intimate bistro nestled inside a "strip" of unassuming stores. The server was knowledgeable and we let him choose our drinks and took his advice on the food choices. My golfing buddy had never eaten Afghan and is a pescatarian, but had no issue finding delicious options and really enjoyed her food The bread "dips" were interesting and unique to my Americanized palette. No need to ask what they taste like, cause to compare it to American food would be a disservice Actually, if you are American and not used to eating anything but American, I'd highly recommend stepping out your comfort zone and trying something new...this place will not disappoint

Very unassuming, but don't judge a restaurant by its strip mall! The owners utilize every inch of the small space and for good reason - the place was filled the entire time my family was there for dinner. Really impressive menu, especially the vegetarian selection. All the food was excellent - no one had any complaints. The dessert menu was tempting, and while it wasn't listed (because they had trouble finding someone who made it well enough) the baclava was wonderful.

Amazing and authentic food with such rich flavors and aromatics! I ordered the chicken subzi lawaan which is the perfect balance of spices with the fluffy rice. I also tried the firni as my curiosity peaked to try something new. I will definitely return to try more dishes more their well put together menu. Service is definitely top notch, my only concern is closely situated the tables were to each other for this small location. There is ample parking by the restaurant and it is just off the highway for easy access.

This is an out of the way spot worth visiting. It's in a nondescript building with plenty of free parking but what really helps is how your made to feel when entering. Everyone is welcoming and shows true appreciation. It's a decent sized restaurant with a comfortable setting and nice decor. The food is great. We started off with the hot Mazza assortment (assorted appetizers) and everything was delicious. I ate the lamb duo and found it equally delicious (I cleaned my plate). My wife loved her lamb shank moghuli.

Went here with friends who had been before. I had not heard of it before. Food was amazingly good, we shared many appetizers and each ordered a different entree. I had a Chicken stew with rice, took half home and ate it for dinner the next night. A bit far from home for me, but definitely worth the drive. One of our friends from Boston, who was with us, looked at my dinner, and said "I ordering that next time " we all laughed, because we knew he meant it!

One of my favorite restaurants ever!!! Appetizers, entrees, and desserts are so flavorful and the staff is always welcoming. Highly recommend!!!

Oh my god. The food was amazing. Don't let the location in a strip mall turn you off. If you don't have a reservation you're probably not getting seated. Huge group and everyone loved their meals. Also the table bread is to die for and they just kept refilling it. All of the dips for the bread are nice but the cilantro avocado is good to the point I could honestly just eat it straight. It would be a good side dressing for literally anything on the menu. They didn't have baklava when we were there because their preferred baklava guy was out of the country and they couldn't find anyone local who met their standard. So after hearing that I know I need to come back and get my mind blown by this baklava once their guy is back in town.

I loved this quaint and cozy place as I walked in to sit down. The food was very tasty on spices. I ordered the ground chicken and beef. I upgraded the side dish to butternut squash for $2.00 more. It was well worth it. We ordered an appetizer made with beef and lentils pastry with powered sugar on top. Surprisingly, this combination was delicious. They provide you with bread and four different dips. All were good, but I enjoyed the spicy red one the most. The wait staff is very attentive. I would recommend reserving a table before arriving because there is not a large amount of seating. Parking is free.

I can't imagine Afghan good getting better than this. It's not just authentic (I ate meals In Afghanistan), but it has extra flair. Squash is used liberally and with a perfect hint of sweetness in some dishes. I ordered the lamb shank and was impressed. Our attentive waiter said it slow cooked over 18 hours. The meat fell off the bone and had the right balance of protein to fat. My wife had beef and chicken, and both meats were juicy and well-seasoned. It is nice that the restaurant has alcohol and great service. It feels contemporary. I did not expect this, as the restaurant was located in a strip mall. Based on the intersection of flavor, price, and service, Afghan Bistro deserves five stars. It is worth the trip.

Loved the free bread/dip appetizer and the lamb kabobs were amazing perfect. The outside hides what a really good restaurant this truly is.

Food here was delicious!!! Great service and ambiance too. Will definitely plan on coming back to try other dishes.

This place is amazing and rightfully famous. Everything from the food to the service was a great experience and thoroughly thought-out. When you first sit down, they bring you a basket of bread and four different sauces to try - this was a nice surprise and we had a lot of fun sampling the different sauces. Hot Mazda Assortment ($13) - these were an assortment of dumplings with different flavors and sauces. Perfect for sharing between four people, and really interesting flavor combos. The butternut squash was a favorite here. Lamb Shoulder Chops ($19) - the side of rice, carrots, and raisins on this was an interesting combo but it went well with the lamb chops, which were tender. You can definitely taste the charbroiled part of this as well. Lamb Shank Moghuli ($19) - this was my favorite thing that we got. It's the one with the foil in the picture. The sauce was super creamy and reminded me of butter chicken, which was definitely a plus. The lamb was also super tender here.

If you haven't had Afghan food before, you are in for a rare treat. Afghan Bistro is one of my favorite spots in Alexandria. As a vegetarian, I appreciate its wide variety of vegetarian options. I also like the intimate feel of the small restaurant, which lends itself to long conversations over a delicious meal--and I assure you: it will be delicious. I love a bread course, and Afghan Bistro delivers with thin fluffy bread that you can dip to your heart's delight in multiple sauces, like a spicy. cilantro sauce and a mango chutney. On my last visit, I had the sabzi turnovers with a yogurt sauce. The crispy pastry, the savory interior, and the sauce were an incredible blend of flavors and textures. For my entree, I had the Baadenjaan Moghuli, an eggplant and tomato stew served on a bed of rice. It was packed with more flavorful spices than I could identify--and I loved every comforting bite. I don't actually like rice, but I found myself digging into the m rice again and again because it was seasoned beautifully. I recommend this restaurant often, and I'm looking forward to my next visit.

4.5 Stars for Aracosia's sister restaurant. Delicious Afghan Food. Weekday Lunch: They were out of Mantu, so we got the combo dumplings and subbed pumpkin dumplings instead of what would've been mantu in the combo dumpling appetizer platter. Chicken and Beef Kabob Combo - both of the meats were very tender and the chickpeas were cooked just right. I couldn't finish my massive platter and took it home and was so surprised it was still tender the next day. Service was on the slow inattentive side, but everything else (complimentary fresh hot bread and lunch dishes) was on par. Thank you.

I've had this bistro on my list for a minute and when the SO says he'll chauffeur me around for the weekend, I take advantage of it, lol. First stop for take-away is Afghan Bistro. It's in an unassuming shopping strip. The first thing I noticed when we drove up were the welcoming string lights. The bistro stands out from the other store fronts because of the lights. I walked in and was immediately greeted with a friendly "welcome" and smile. I placed my take-away order and was immediately presented with a hot cup of rose water, saffron tea. What a pleasant surprise...the floral notes were delightful. I usually add honey to my tea, no need. The patrons eating in appeared to be in deep conversations. I liked the peaceful ambiance. My order came out relatively quickly. While running additional errands I couldn't resist snagging a piece of a Pumpkin Dumpling...OMG! The delicately light dumpling shell, lightly sweetened butternut squash was delectable with a hint of mint. Once we arrived home and even though there were clear reheating instructions I dove into the Hot Maza Assortment. Those flavors! My favs: Baadenjaan, Kadoo and Aushak, oh and don't sleep on the Pumpkin Dumplings! I felt SO HEALTHY after eating. The SO and I are planning a return visit for date night.

The food here is five star and the customer service rates a 10. Very affordable. Highly recommend.

Service here is really attentive and friendly! I came here for the first time to meet my dad for lunch and we spent the first about 10-15 minutes chatting instead of choosing what to eat, but this did not bother our server/waiter who still came over a few times to ask politely if we were okay and/or ready to order. My dad got the lamb chop duo and I got the frenched lamb chops. Mine came with rice and chickpeas and his came with an eggplant side dish. His first reaction was not pleasant - he'd never had eggplant before - but by the end of the meal he had eaten the whole thing! I also cleaned my plate bare and my only wish is that I had a better chickpea:rice ratio, but this was a lunch portion and the perfect amount of food overall. After we finished eating and paid we sat at the table chatting for about 15-20 more minutes and never felt like we outstayed our welcome. The hospitality at this place is great. The food is seasoned/spiced well and the lamb chops were soooo tender. Afghan Bistro is a home run In my book.

DISCLAIMER: This is a review that was stuck in drafts for a few months, but my experience is still useful. I found myself in the area, hungry, late (for COVID times) and found some amazing reviews for Afghan Bistro. After quickly skimming reviews and photos, my hopes were high. After a bit of scrambling to choose the items for an order in the quickly closing 30min window before closing, I called in to place the order. I asked first if it was too late to order as I didn't expect them to have to go to extra effort, and they said it was no problem at all...that I could order anything on the menu. So, I first attempted to order their highly recommended special at the time (I don't recall what it was specifically), but they said they were out. Then I went with the second most recommended, and they said they were out. So, I decided to go with one of my favorites, Mantu (spicy beef dunplings). I am very familiar with Afghan cuisine, and what I received was clearly not what I ordered...nor did I recognize what it was, so I assume it was some non-standard special dish. It was well-prepared lamb tenderloin, on a very small bed of rice and julienned carrots with meat sauce on the side and a sliver of store-bought naan (surprised that it wasn't fresh naan). I suppose it may have been a variant of Qabuli Palao, but it wasn't what I ordered...nor was it recognizably traditional Qabuli Palao - which is one my favorite dishes. While what I received was delicious, it was not what I ordered. It was also way more expensive than expected given the portion sizes and the restaurant location...and posted menu price. I believe that my order was the last order sent to the kitchen - which they said would not be a problem - so I'm not sure how I got a completely different dish than I ordered. Other than that, the restaurant was homey and warm, and the servers were very friendly. I doubt that I will return because I can get Afghan dishes that are just as delicious (with larger portions) closer to home for less - where I know what I am getting - but it was worth a try. For those who are on the fence, it's worth the effort as long as you make sure that your order is correct. Since this was a last minute, to-go order, I had no recourse but to take what was given as they were closing...but I imagine the sit-down experience may be much better. I hold no ill will against them, as it was probably a simple mix up, but I couldn't give 5 stars for a wrong order. Stay safe, and keep yelping! P.S. - Thank you to the business for reading and responding to my review. More businesses should pay as much attention! When I am back in your area, I will take you up on your invitation to try again!

Phenomenal. Do yourself a favor and order right now. This is our second time ordering carry out, and I think it may be even better than the first. We ordered: - Kadoo Chalou - Sabzi Chalou - Aushak Entree (Vegetarian) - Baadenjaan - Yogurt with Cucumber & Dill The kadoo is *chef's kiss*, but gets a real challenge from the sabzi chalou. The aushak were also . And not for nothing, the plain saffron rice can stand on its own too! We're definitely repeat customers from here on out.

Exceptional food, great service. Love this place. Any of the lamb dishes are amazing. The chicken is delightful. The spices are perfect.

A definite must try! Their lamb in any way you prefer will be delicious! We've tried at least 5 or 6 different plates here and we loved them all! My favorite is the lamb chops, and my boys' favorite is the lamb shank. One star each for food/drinks, service, cleanliness, atmosphere and the "wow" factor!

I love Afghan cuisine and while I typically go to their sister restaurant in a Aracosia, as it is closer, I have been to Afghan Bistro a few times when in the area. While I miss my beloved Helmand back home, this spot definitely fills that void. It's cute and welcoming with excellent service and food. The first time I visited I got takeout. I ordered the chicken karahi and kadoo boulanee, both of which were delicious. More recently, I ordered the baadenjaan chalou and sabzi boulanee. I love sabzi and stuffed into fried dumplings makes love it even more. The eggplant was tasty with plenty of leftovers. Their bread is great, as are their chutneys. The mango one is my favorite. I want to get the veggie platter and dessert next time I visit. If you are looking for excellent Afghan dishes, Afghan Bistro is your place.

Upon the recommendation of a friend who lives in the area, I met a colleague here for a workday lunch and I was so glad I did! The ambience is inviting, with quotes from the poet Rumi (a favorite of mine) and comfortable seating. My colleague was a bit lost and during my wait I received plenty of chilled water, plus pillowy, crunchy flatbread with three dipping sauces. The smell made it so hard to wait for her! When we finally arrived we chose pumpkin dumplings from the appetizer menu and I got a vegetarian entree of chickpeas and mushrooms in a creamy tomato sauce over basmati rice. The dumplings wrappers were the most tender and light wrappers I have ever had. I'm a fan of if all sorts of filled snacks from empanadas to Korean mandu and these dumplings are my new favorites! They require a fork to eat and I am here for it! My entree was hearty and warmly spiced but not at all hot. I was a little bummed that the rice did not have the carrots and raisins I thought it would. Maybe I was not clear when I ordered. ‍ Service was attentive and unobtrusive. Our cardamom tea was served quickly and our water glasses refilled quickly. I'll definitely be back!

Just stopped here on the way down to the carolina's and were amazed at how good their food was. The Beef Tenderloin wasn't on the popular list but should be. It was the best Beef Tenderloin I've ever had. The service was great beyond was nice.

Always a solid eat. We have done take out a number of times. And had them cater parties for us. Highly recommend.

Wow! This is incredible Afghan cuisine... fabulous! This Afghan Halal restaurant in an obscure strip mall just south of Springfield proper, is incredibly deceiving when arriving to their parking lot. Look hard and you'll find it. But once there you'll experience some of finest Afghan Cuisine ever - it's no wonder Afghan Bistro has received numerous awards. The moment you walk in you are warmly greeted by this family-owned and operated homey and relaxed establishment. You immediately feel the vibe of the family surroundings. As for the food, Wow! Afghan Cuisine unifies much of the Indian, Central Asian, and Persian foodways and cultural characteristics. Every item of the many we experienced were exceptional! We enjoyed some of the best Sambosas ever. This minced meat stuffed pastry chalk full of tasty lentil gorma fried perfectly with slight toppings of powdered sugar and cardamom were yummy. My Wife's fave, Pumpkin Dumplings, were superb. These delicately steamed with a magnificent stuffing of minced meat, lentil, tender and flavorsome butternut squash, seasoned with mint and cayenne were superb. My selection and I am tremendously pleased with it was the Veal and Mushroom Sabzi Lawaan. Marvelous taste, stupendous preparation, and an amazing presentation of this veal fillet in a yogurt-based stew of greens, mushrooms with cilantro. Everything was served with an amazing saffron-infused basmati rice like I've never had before! If you love Afghan Cuisine or if you're new to it, this is the place for you.

Excellent food and drinks, small place but worth the stop. Love the bread and dipping sauce

In a simple strip mall with driving the only option to getting to this place in Springfield, but definitely worth the journey! My wife had spent a year in Afghanistan so she knows the food fairly well. She had the Lamb Tenderloin Kabob and I had Afghan Nakhoud Chalou and we both split pumpkin dumplings. Everything was outstanding with amazing portions and a huge helping of bread and sauces. We have eaten at fancy Afghan restaurants in DC and Georgetown, but this place beats them all! To top it off, we told them we were celebrating our anniversary and the gave us glasses of champagne for free. Left a large tip because our service was also amazing despite them being packed at 2pm, when we arrived. We will definitely be returning soon.

A great place. Ignore the strip mall setting- the food is the real deal. They have some amazing dishes- and the work they put into them is clear. Additionally, the wait staff is kind and gracious. Make a reservation- it fills up fast.

I had a wonderful meal at Afghan Bistro last night. The restaurant was located in a little plaza which had parking. The interior was cozy and was decorated with beautiful paintings. Staff was friendly, attentive and helpful. My sour Cherry limeade was good, kind of reminds me of eating a popsicle. The complimentary bread was good although I wish I was a little warmer and came with 4 different sauces. The star of the night were the lamb chops and beef tenderloins. They were fragrant, seasoned just right with nice grill marks! The beef tenderloins were juicy and cooked perfectly! The side of Kadoo was good but was a bit on the sweeter side. The carrots on the rice were also sweet. My friend substituted the Kadoo for a side salad which went very well with the dish. I would definitely come back again just for the tenderloins and lamb chops! We got the rice pudding and firni (eggless tart) which were both a little bland imo so if you're going to order dessert, I'd suggest the cardamon cake. It was slightly similar to tres leches with the sauce on the bottom and had a good drizzle of berry sauce on the plate. Prices were very reasonable here! Def a must try if you like afghan food!

Just piling on here to say the almost 5-star rating is 100% earned. One of the best meals I've ever eaten and wonderful staff who were attentive and efficient, despite the fact the restaurant was packed. Food was SO fresh and flavorful, spices were plentiful, but not overwhelming, and all the dishes were flat out comforting. Even wowed my vegetarian sister who said she now has a new favorite place!

Let me tell you about the Afghan Bristo and my awesome server Zak!!! If you EVER, EVER, EVER want authentic Afghan food please make this restaurant top on your list. Every dish my table ordered was absolutely delicious!!!! If this would have been take out, I would have been at home licking the containers . Where can I start my description of this fine establishment??? The appetizers were superb.... The pumpkins dumplings were so tasty. I probably should keep this restaurant a secret, but whelp ‍ I let the cat out of the bag! Bon Apetite!

I remember first discovering Afghan Bistro about a year ago when looking up middle eastern restaurants on Yelp - it had 5 stars with 500 reviews which screamed "must try." It's a shame that this is only my second time back, but it was just as amazing and memorable as my first. You start out with the bread and a variety of dips that range from fresh to spicy. I encourage you to mix and match different dips, and you can also ask for more. For appetizers, we ordered Pumpkin Dumplings and Quroti. The dumplings have a wonderful pumpkin texture with just the right amount of sweetness, steamed perfectly. Quroti has a resemblance of lasagna, and tastes absolutely amazing, creamy and aromatic - the yogurt puree is just . As for the entree, the Lamb Shank Moghuli not only looks spectacular but tastes amazing - the portions are also immense. The lamb is super tender and perfectly cooked - tears right off the bone and melts in your mouth. The cilantro topping adds another layer of flavor. I think an appetizer with an entree is the perfect portion for two people. The quality, service and $$ are honestly as good as it gets. 5/5, I'll definitely be returning shortly.

This place is a lovely gem and I can't believe it took me this long to find it. It's quite a mix of good solid charming food, along with a lovely authentic decor, as well as great service. The minute you walk in, the ambiance strikes you as something welcoming yet exotic, as if you're transported to a far away place. Now for the food, the hot mazza appetizer is divine. Each of the four dishes - spicy beef dumplings, roasted butternut squash bouranee, roasted eggplant bouranee, and leek dumpling - were so unique and jam packed with flavor that left you craving for more. The lamb chops were also divine and perfectly cooked. Lastly, I would say the sauces are something to be desired. When you ask for a doggy bag, they even pack you more. How lovely!

Afghan Bistro is the best kept secret in Springfield. The owner is kind and welcoming and the food was AMAZING. I would go back 100 times. Make reservations.

Found this place in the strip mall next to where I usually get pizza. We decided to try it and it was amazing. I've never had Afghan food before, but everything we ordered was fresh and tasted great. Great isn't even the right word. The food was phenomenal. The staff is very friendly too. Perfect for a date night.

Solid food and experience at Afghan Bistro. Visited with a friend on Wednesday evening for dinner. I was a first timer but will definitely be back. Bread and dips were brought to our table shortly after we were seated and We started with the Hot Mazda assortment. So many delicious flavors- my favorites were the spicy beef and leek dumplings. We decided to split the main course and followed one of our servers recommendations and ordered the Lamb Shank. Wow. The lamb was cooked to perfection and the sauce was delicious. The portions were nicely sized and we ended up full but one look at the dessert menu and decided to keep going. We ordered the rice pudding and baklava for dessert. I've had messy/gooey baklavas in the past and appreciated that this one wasn't sticky and tasted fresh. The rice pudding was delicious as well. service was great and the staff was very personable.