Ariana Afghan Kebab

I’ve been to Ariana a couple times with friends and love the experience every time. It’s a cozy little restaurant staffed by the owner, a warm and kind Afghan uncle who always makes us feel welcome and even remembers our names. He’s always been extremely accommodating when we bring large groups, going as far as to keep the spot open for a little longer in order to make space for us. The food is really yummy and there are vegetarian options available. I also recommend the traditional tea!

This was my first time having Afghani food and it will definitely not be the last. I WILL BE coming back here. For drinks we got the dough, which was sooo refreshing an perfect in every way. We ordered the mantu as an app and the Kabuli Palow with lamb and the Beef Shish for entrees. Everything we ate was not just delicious but really truly amaaaazzzzinngggg. The lamb in the palow was sooo tender and falling off the bone. The beef shish was juicy. The mantu was warm and delicious with the meat and made even better by the flavorful sauce on top. This restaurant is cozy and the owner and his son are very kind and friendly. The customer service is great. The only thing to be said is the prices on the website menu are slightly lower than the actual restaurant menus. It's not enough to stop me from coming back, but that should be updated. Otherwise, what a perfect night. I cannot wait to come back here. AMAZING FOOD!!

I was in the mood for some Middle Eastern food and found Ariana. I had never tried Afghan cuisine before, so hubby and I decided to check it out on a Wednesday at around 5:45. There was no one dining at that time yet, since it was still a little early for dinner, but we didn't mind it. We weren't too hungry so we just ordered two things to share - the Aushak (boiled dumplings filled with leek and spices topped with yogurt and spiced meat) and Kebab Combination One (chicken breast, lamb tikka, and kofta kebab served with rice and salad). I really liked the dumplings. I probably could have eaten two of these. The dough for the dumpling reminded me of pappardelle, and I love pappardelle, so that could be why I enjoyed it so much. For the combo, the meats look dry but the only dry meat was really the chicken. The lamb and kofta were great, so next time, I would just order these. Don't forget to try their homemade hot sauces. I especially liked the green one. Prices are very reasonable for the Hell's Kitchen area. Can't wait to come back and try some more Afghan food!

Fantastic service of authentic flavors in a rustic setting. I enjoyed my lunch here but the price for one dish was way higher than I would’ve expected given the smaller portion size. I ordered a kabuli rice with a single, small, beef skewer and ended up paying $36 (with tip). I definitely think more people would’ve filled the seats during lunch if they had some sort of lunch special.

Very disappointed with the high prices and small portions. On top of that the food wasn't even that good. You can pay a 3rd of that price and get much better Afghan food and portions. For $30 plus you get a tiny portion with one skewer? No thanks!

Awesome awesome awesome! We first started eating here 31 years ago when we were living around the corner and every trip to back to NY we return for the amazing food. Sometimes it's a couple years before we are back, there was a 10 year stretch in there, but we've brought our kids and friends back over the years and it's always the best Afghan food we've had anywhere in the world. The basmati rice is fluffy, the raisins plump, the meats succulent, the salads fresh and the tastes perfect! And we love the starters and breads, and don't forget the amazing pudding dessert. Wali is such a great host! Try it for the scrumptious food and return for the great hospitality.

Really excellent food and service. Our waiter was very warm and the spinach sambosas were great. The white sauce and the red sauce were fantastic & the special rice with raisins was awesome.

Staff is very welcoming! Father and little son served us. They came often to check in and gave suggestions on what we should try. Their sauces are great, especially the green one.

This is one of my favorite spots in Hells Kitchen area if not my favorite Willi is a wonderful host and the food is omg out of this world. The pumpkin dumplings and kabobs are so delish!! Very worth a trip!

This was my first time trying Afghan food, so I don't have much to compare it to, but it was amazing! Such a cute family run restaurant, I felt so welcomed. The owner was kind and thoughtful which made me enjoy the meal significantly more. The food itself was also delicious. Wonderfully spiced and I adore the yogurt sauce. It reminds me of raita or tzatziki. We ordered some appetizers to start, some sort of warm dumpling dish and the samusa. Incredible! I ordered the aushak as my entree which I loved. I tried some of my friend's manto which was delicious as well (no surprise there!). Overall, I will definitely be returning!

I had heard so many good things about this place. And I absolutely love afghan food but this really did disappoint. Everything we got was all one note and not seasoned very well. Really disappointed but it's just my opinion and you should come try it out!

Really enjoyed the food here. It's a small, and I believe family operated joint. Service was a bit slow but the place was fully packed so nothing negative about it. Ordered the kebab combo 1 and it was plentiful and full of awesomeness. All the meats were well seasoned and flavorful. Afghan rice was delicious. Owner/mgr was very friendly and engaging. Can't wait to go back, highly recommend.

I was in the mood for some Middle Eastern food and found Ariana. I had never tried Afghan cuisine before, so hubby and I decided to check it out on a Wednesday at around 5:45. There was no one dining at that time yet, since it was still a little early for dinner, but we didn't mind it. We weren't too hungry so we just ordered two things to share - the Aushak (boiled dumplings filled with leek and spices topped with yogurt and spiced meat) and Kebab Combination One (chicken breast, lamb tikka, and kofta kebab served with rice and salad). I really liked the dumplings. I probably could have eaten two of these. The dough for the dumpling reminded me of pappardelle, and I love pappardelle, so that could be why I enjoyed it so much. For the combo, the meats look dry but the only dry meat was really the chicken. The lamb and kofta were great, so next time, I would just order these. Don't forget to try their homemade hot sauces. I especially liked the green one. Prices are very reasonable for the Hell's Kitchen area. Can't wait to come back and try some more Afghan food!

After seeing all the great reviews my visit was disappointing. I really enjoy afghan food and was in the mood for mantoo. I found all the dishes lack flavor. The service was nothing special for my visit. I wish I had a better experience and enjoyed the food more. I will be on the hunt for better afghan food in the area!

A repeat visit- spectacular. Excellent service, reasonable pricing. The owner is a consummate host.

Been here 3 times now because we really enjoy this restaurant. Twice we had the feast for 2 and loved the entire combo including dessert. This place is casual with a nice cozy atmosphere. The Kabuli Palow with the lamb and the Baudinjan Buranee was our favorite. But also really enjoyed the fried turnovers, the kabobs and then the Firnee dessert was a nice ending to the meal.

Excellent Afghani food with extremely friendly and knowledgeable service! They really go out of their way to make you feel welcome and are great at recommending dishes as well as portions for your table. We came for dinner and started with the spinach samusa (4 pieces/order), 2 orders of kadoo bolanee (pumpkin turnover, 1 large piece/order) and the baudinjan buranee (fried eggplant with tomato sauce and yogurt). We enjoyed each dish, but the pumpkin turnover and eggplant were our favorites as they had the most flavor. The white sauce (yogurt/mayo based?) and the spicy green and red sauce on the table went nicely with the turnovers (I recommend mixing all 3 together). The turnover was big and could be cut in half to be shared by 2 people. The spinach sambusa were small, maybe 2 bites each. The eggplant was good for sharing. For my entree I got the kebab combination platter I. The meats were cooked perfectly and had lots of flavor. Again, adding the white sauce and two spicy sauces really elevated the dish. I liked all of the different kebabs, but the kofta was my favorite. For dessert we shared the firnee (custard flavored with cardamom, saffron and topped with crushed pistachios). It was nice and refreshing, not too sweet and a great end to the meal. The prices are reasonable, not dirt cheap but not expensive and the portions sizes are what you would expect. We left feeling full and the bill was fair for all of the food we ordered. I would absolutely go back and eat everything again (as well as try other dishes on their menu). Be sure to go if you are in the area!

Food service and ambience were good . Appetizers were great. Entrees great too. Got whatever he recommended. Deserts were less than great. Seemed store bought. Otherwise would eat again!

Lovely spot with good decor, friendly service, and tasty food. I got the manto dumplings which are always a hit in my book. I also got the dough yogurt drink but it wasn't for me; I was expecting a sweeter drink, like a lassi, and it's much more savory/heavy on the yogurt flavor. It's not to say it's not good, just not my taste. I would definitely come back to try more food here though!

Hidden gem! We were visiting from Boston and wanted something quick but not fast food for dinner. I was looking for shawarma and then Ariana popped up! We've only had Afghani cuisine in Boston so we decided to try it. I've had manto before so I ordered it to compare. The one in Boston was better! This one was good though and I would recommend trying it. The dumplings were a bit too dry. We also got the lamb shank and it was soooo good! Wish it came with more sauce but the meat was delicious. We had the yogurt drink and coffee too! Service was prompt and friendly. Awesome find especially after a 5 hr bus ride!

Ordered takeout from here once. Pretty good spot. I got the tandoori chicken kebab and lamb curry. Both were good, lamb curry could have used a little bit more spice.

I was walking through Hell's Kitchen to find a unique restaurant cuisine to try, after a theater performance, and I stopped to read the posted menu on the window of Ariana Afghan Restaurant. The offerings sounded intriguing and delicious, so I decided to try it out. I am so very happy that I did! The small but very comfortable and pretty restaurant is decorated very nicely, and the owner/waiter is welcoming, efficient and never stops moving. He manages all 10 tables with expertise! I enjoyed the Kabuli Palow with lamb - absolutely delicious!! I plan to return and try something else on the large menu! Prices are quite moderate, as well!

Food was Delicious as we were treated with great friendly service ! We highly recommend Ariana for great afghan cuisine & great afghan hospitality ! Ambiance was fitting afghan culture & afghan music !

One of the most incredible (and one of my absolute favorite) restaurants in NYC! In a city full of culinary gems, Ariana sticks out by its unique, exotic and authentic flavors, its succulent and perfectly cooked meats, its cozy decor, and friendly personable service. Whether you're curious to try something different or are simply just hungry for some great food, Ariana is a foodies paradise and offers something unique and delicious for everyone! We recommend the Spinach Samosas, Kadoo Bolanee, the kebabs, and the Aushe Burida. All were to die for! 10/10 YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS PLACE!

Great food ! Great Afghan hospitality!! Enjoyed Our experience & highly recommend it !

Very pleasant dining experience at this cozy, quaint restaurant. The "Sumusa" - afghan homemade dumpling filled with ground beef, onion, garlic and spices, lightly fried, served with yogurt sauce - was a fine starter. The "Beef Tikka Kebab" - chunks of beef over special rice - was a satisfying entree. A few additional beef pieces would have been appreciated. Strong Afghan coffee finished the deal. Priced reasonably - especially for NYC. Friendly establishment as owner stopped by to say hello. A very positive gentleman - family and food first. Can't argue with that...

When I say this is the best meal I've had in NYC I am NOT exaggerating. The dumplings to the hummus to the LAMB (WOW) to the salmon. This was unbelievable. The dessert was phenomenal, super light. And the service is outstanding. I will be bringing every single person I know here!!

This is my first time trying out afghan food. I would say yummylious. Manto : steamed dumplings with chicken is so flavorful. Topped with bean and tomato sauce. I don't remember the name of the dishes we order but both are lamb curry mixed with eggplant for my friend and okra for me. The lamb is so tender, melt in your mouth. The gravy is super tasty. You wanna finish until the last drop Datan savory yogurt is on point too. Matched with the weather. Next time, definitely would try their famous kabab.

What a little gem! The food was delicious. I had the Kabuli pulao and my husband had the eggplant and potato curry. Everything was delicious and my husband said the food made him so nostalgic for home and was reminiscent to his mother's cooking, which I think is the ultimate compliment. Dessert was firni and WOW, you must get it. Two tea options on the menu, happy or excited tea, and it definitely made me happy. The decor was amazing (I wanted it all in my house). But best thing of all, was the owner. You can tell he puts his heart and soul into this restaurant and that he loves to feed people and share his culture. I could have stayed for hours. Highly recommend!

We decided to get some Afghan food tonight and tried out this restaurant, and I'm we are glad that we did. The owner of the restaurant greeted us like we were his long lost friend, and treated us like gold through out the night. The food was very well seasoned and full of flavor. I had been a long time e since I had real good authentic Afghan food like this. We finished our dinner with some tea and ferni. I highly recommend this place to my friends and family. I will be coming back in the near future to try some of the other dishes.

Server and the ambiance was amazing! Food was great, even if expensive compared to where I've been before. The server made us feel like we were long time customers, and really welcome. I definitely recommend!

3 of us came here for dinner on October 17, 2024. We were warmly greeted and were able to sit wherever we wanted. We were immediately brought menus and water. We ordered Spinach Samusa was my favorite of the two. Krispy outside with savory spinach filling. 4 to an order and the white sauce mixed with the red pepper sauce added that Pop in the mouth heat. Chicken Samusa this was delicious but, the spinach one was my fav. Mante with chicken...very hearty and tasty. We ordered the entree version since there were 3 of us. The lentils added an extra texture and layer of flavor. Salmon Kebob was done well. Salmon was still moist and the rice was tasty with a hit of yogurt sauce and red pepper sauce. Comes with a little salad Rice pudding dessert was creamy nutty and refreshing after the savory meal. Wally as he wanted to be called was courteous friendly and helpful throughout the meal. Oh and the Tea which I had hot was the perfect accompaniment for this meal. If you are in the area give them a visit.

Aushak was made vegetarian and it was really good. Great food. But very expensive. Got 3 appetisers and 1 main and the bill was $75. Service is really good and the manager/owner was really welcoming and sweet.

First time eating Afghan food, for what it's worth, and so I can't really offer any "expert" opinion here. I mean, I'm a big fan of putting meat on a skewer and grilling it, and to that end, both the lamb and the chicken we had here was excellent. I thought the palow was also delicious. Husband and I went with the "dinner for two," because, well, there are two of us, and we wanted to try a bunch of things. I thought the bolanee were good although greasier than I'd like. (Our meal had two: one with leek and one with potato. I preferred the latter.) I thought the eggplant appetizer was excellent, and that would definitely be something I'd get again. I didn't try the dessert, but husband ate it all. Indeed, it was clean plates all around, and for $60, I thought it was the perfect amount of food. Service was good -- the restaurant was packed on a Wednesday evening, and everything was handled by the owner (?) -- ordering, food delivery, payment, etc. I thought his level of attention was fine, particularly since it was so busy. I'd definitely recommend this spot -- small but friendly.

Great family run establishment. The owner to talkative and friendly and has words for all the customers! We tried the sambosas, lamb kebabs, and chicken tandoor. The meats were cooked well and was juicy. They selection of hot sauces were killer

Listen, I'm Afghan. Grew up eating this food. I've been in NYC this year and this is the only authentic Afghan food I have found. It's delicious and it feels like home everyone I go there. The manage is so kind and hospitable. Great service. The kabob combination was amazing. Great ambiance too. Will be back!

The foo is not delicious and the behavior of management team was very bad the guy bringing the food on the table he was rude

Delicious lamb shank, good service, friendly staff. Was just walking by and decided to give it a try.

I'm a big foodie and love to try authentic food from around the world. Came to NY with family and looked around for some good food. If you are afghan and know anything about Afghan food I highly recommend you stay away from this place. My God this guy was a fraud. I literally asked if the food quality is up to par with us afghans, Persian Uzbeks he said believe me I've been here for 33 years. I know what Afghan food is. No sir you don't all you know is Benjamins in your hand. You dint give a single ounce of thoughts about your customers. At least be truthful to your own people maybe you will not have to deal with this type of Yelp reviews. Anyways if you want real Afghan food stay away from here. Please sample the rice before you order and you know what I'm talking about.

Really homey resturant with good ambiance and cute interior. Has about 8 small tables. The food was very good although the portions sizes were a bit small compared to what I'm used to from afghan places. The kabuli pulao had a bit too many raisins for me but over all it was good. The star of the show was the beef Mantu dish, I really liked the ratio of lentils to meat to sauce in every bite. Lastly, I reallt enjoyed the waitstaff, Wali, he was very attentive. This place is also halal, the sign is a bit small when you walk in but it is there!

Went to dinner at Ariana before a Broadway show last weekend. It was my first time trying Afghani food, and when I looked at the menu it seemed like an interesting blend of Indian and Middle Eastern dishes with a good amount of vegetarian options. Ariana is a small, casual restaurant with reasonable prices. They have a structure for outdoor dining, but it looks like it hasn't been used for a while (or it's in the process of being built?). They serve everything with red and green sauces that I'll refer to as chutney because that's what they reminded me of. We ordered: Kadoo (pumpkin) Bolanee and Bolanee Kachalou (Potato) - Large triangular turnovers filled with pumpkin and mashed potato. We all enjoyed these, and my personal favorite was the potato. Spinach Samusa - Mini turnovers filled with spinach. These were okay, but tasted like they may have used frozen spinach. Potato Curry with rice - The curry was decent, but I definitely had to add a lot of "chutney" to amp up the spice quotient. Also, the side "salad" did not look the freshest. The service is friendly, but a little over the top. We were a group of four friends, and our waiter kept joking that the man who smiles the least would have to pay for dinner. Buy why did he assume that one of the men would be paying in the first place?! Anyways, the restaurant was packed by the time we left, so clearly it's a neighborhood favorite. Alas, I don't think I'll be back when there are so many other amazing restaurants to try. Follow me on Instagram for more veggie friendly reviews! @this_vegetarian_life

I've always wanted to try some authentic Afghan food. Thankfully I'd found out about Ariana located in Hell's Kitchen, NYC! This place is seriously a gem. The owner Rafi is such a friendly and welcoming Afghan. I'd enjoyed engaging with him in a friendly conversation as I asked about the menu. I can be so boring at times, but I'd wanted to try their chicken kababs and Afghan rice. So let me tell you my food was well prepared with care and that did not disappoint me. The quality of the chicken was literally so juicy and well flavored. And their rice was tasty I'm not sure if it's because there was raisins in it. It was my 1st time exploring such creativeness. The food here is lit. They serve in large portions which is always great. Totally affordable may I add. The decor inside the restaurant was impressive and stylish. Rafi mentioned he'd wanted Ariana to be dressed up like a typical Afghan's home. I'd felt the cultural vibes. Overall I had such a lovely time in this tiny, yet cozy cultural Afghan restaurant right here in the heart of NYC. P.S. their coffee was top notch!

Best food and environment! Wali and Rafi are the most personable ppl ever! Love this place so much. Dumplings are dream worthy!

Good food but dishonest management. Be sure to check prices of individual items and total cost at the end of your meal... owner likes to upcharge and pretends the total bill is higher than it is.

Aggressive obnoxious owner/waiter. Incredibly pushy. And the food was disappointing and flavorless.

This place was phenomenal. Every dish was so flavorful and unique. The cardamom ice cream was mind blowing and I could eat ten more bowls.

Oh, Ariana, We tried to dine with you Fri eve, but you were too busy. On Saturday at 4pm we made our move and were seated in your lovely, long, & narrow dining room. We started with your Baudinjan Buranee-- beautifully presented. I had your Lamb Chop dinner-- a generous plate of four mini lamb chops, basmati and salad. Your house yogurt /dill dressing drizzled on top... Your lighting is soft and ambient; your service is attentive. Thank you.

Adorable cozy restaurant with great food and service! First time having Afghan food and was delighted! The decor inside is very cozy and full of characters. The inside of the restaurant is relatively small with about 10 tables. It didn't feel cramped though. The place could get busy during dinner rush hour. The owner Wali was sprinting around when the business was really busy, but he was nice and engaged in conversations with people when things got more manageable. Found out that He's been here for 35 years! To start, the yogurt drink dough is a liquid-y yogurt drink with ice. You drink it with straw. The yogurt is seasoned with mint and cucumber. It has an interesting savory taste that adds depth to the flavor, and the tartness balances well with the herbal seasoning in it. I enjoyed it but could see how it might not be everybody's cup of yogurt lol The Aushak is kinda like boiled open faced wonton with leeks inside and topped with yogurt and meat sauce. I quite enjoyed it both flavor and texture wise! I wanted to try Aushe Burida since it's noodles, I was bit surprised when it came - it's pretty much Aushak but instead of the square shaped dumpling skin, it's cut into noodle shape similar to linguine. The Kabuli Palow is basically mountain of basmati rice on top of meat and then topped with thin carrots strips and giant sweet raisins! Then they give you a bottle of seasoned yogurt sauce to add to the dish on your own - I would drink that sauce by the bottle if nobody was watching! They have a green and a red spicy sauce condiments on the table - the green one packs quite a punch! Got firnee as dessert, it was a good custard but nothing too special though. And for your reference, Happy Tea = Green Tea, and Exciting Tea = Black Tea

The food was fantastic! We got Manto with beef, Kabuli Palow with lamb and beef sambosa. Everything came out quickly. Was fresh and well seasoned. The waiter who I am pretty sure is the owner, was really friendly and created a very welcoming "home-y" feeling. He also recommended the pudding, which we got, although I have no idea what it is called. I will definitely be going back to try more dumplings!

We've bee coming to Ariana Kebab for several years It's not large but very comfortable the food is always delicious! We travel from NJ to eat here ! The food ,the atmosphere ,the pictures ,the cultural items are all So fantastic! I look forward to returning there soon ! AAA+ Mr Amin from NJ

Went with more people. Had the spinach sambusa, tried the eggplant curry which had a bit of a kick, not a lot of eggplant in that dish unfortunately. Pumpkin curry was delicious. Other people in my party got the chicken breast kabob & they said the meat was tender & perfectly cooked. Also tried a sip of dough, which isn't my taste. Tasted like water down frozen yogurt. The person who ordered it did like it & said it was a refreshing drink.

It's definitely a small mom and pop shop...it was a sunny day in NYC and they have loyal customers but they deserve more (I will become one of them!) I tried the "Dough" drink - homemade yogurt, it's one of the owner's favorite but to me, it reminded me of sour cream which is probably where the homemade part came in. I won't recommend in my opinion. Next drink, we tried the "Happy Tea" it was pretty good, great to help digest the entree! It wasn't a strong heavy tea but it was very fragrant. We also ordered the kebab combination 1 - can't go wrong with that! Lol the yogurt sauce was great with it. My personal favorite was the Mantou (must must try!!!) - spice and flavor was just right!! I would definitely come back again. The pudding Firnee, was unimaginably fragrant, not too sweet and just right.

Absolutely amazing! It was our first time trying Afghan cuisine, and it did not disappoint. When going to ethnic places, I also really enjoy learning more about the culture as well. The owner was not only super friendly but also had a well of information about the culture. The lamb shank special was cooked perfectly and filled with flavor. Don't be fooled by the rice on top because you have a nice hunk of lamb waiting for you there . During your visit, make sure to keep some room for sweets. The Firnee and the Beghalawa were so appealing that I had both . The place is small and cozy, but still enjoyable with a large table of friends.

This is probably one of the worst restaurants we have ever been to. First of all, this is not an Afghani restaurant; they opened up an Afghani restaurant serving Mexican food. Second, the food is cold, and the test is terrible. Serving the leftover food to their customers makes us sick the night.

This is one of my daughter's favorite places & it's obvious why. We were seated immediately & felt right at home thanks to the friendliness of our server. The food was amazing & we really enjoyed our time here. We will definitely return!

Pathetic service. In all my years of dining out I've never met someone as rude as their staff. The guy literally kicked us out because we didn't want to order one entrée per person. Can't believe I walked 30 minutes to eat here based on the reviews, only to be treated so disrespectfully. Won't recommend it to anyone who values their self respect.

This was our third time at Ariana. We had the Baudinjan Buranee - and eggplant appetizer that was almost a religious experience. It's a simple dish, but obviously perfectly prepared with the very best ingredients. I think we could live on this dish. We also had the Lamb Kofta Kebab, which was probably the best kofta we've ever had, served over a bed of delicious rice. Both dishes were tasty and not greasy. The owner greeted us warmly and chatted with us for a while about how they survived covid -and were happy to see that they did!