Ariana Restaurant
Afghan restaurant · Brighton ·
Lamb shank, rice specialties, and vegetarian dishes in upscale-casual decor
Lamb shank, rice specialties, and vegetarian dishes in upscale-casual decor
"If a group is looking for a calm, relaxed atmosphere, head to Ariana. Try the aushak, Afghani dumplings with a garlic and mint yogurt sauce. For a larger group, contact the restaurant about their private dining room." - Erika Adams
"Ariana stands out as a rare champion of Afghan food in Boston. You can’t go wrong with sharing a wide variety of foods here: from vegetable appetizers like the bowlawni (pastry shells filled with leeks, scallions, and spiced potatoes) and bamiya (pan-fried eggplant baked with tomatoes) to kabobs and kofta. The standout dish at Ariana is the qabili, a meltingly tender lamb shank with spiced rice." - Lala Thaddeus
"The Boston area doesn’t have many Afghan restaurants; fortunately, the few that do exist are quite good. I’d been meaning to try Ariana for years and noticed one night that I could get it delivered all the way across the river from Brighton to Somerville. Despite the distance, a little more than typically ideal for a delivery order, the food was excellent, particularly the bowlawni kaddo — fried pastry shells stuffed with pan-fried baby pumpkin, onions, garlic, and other seasonings, with mint yogurt. (When in doubt, order any pumpkin dish when dining at an Afghan restaurant.) —RLB Currently offering delivery and takeout, as well as indoor and outdoor dining. Closed Sundays. Order: Caviar / DoorDash / Grubhub" - Terrence Doyle
"This Afghan restaurant plans to resume indoor dining when allowed but is also positioned to add outdoor seating both front and back thanks to a prior city permit; it continues robust takeout and delivery through phone and third-party platforms." - Rachel Leah Blumenthal
"Trying Ariana for the first time was a revelation: the bowlawni kaddo — fried pastry shells stuffed with pan-fried baby pumpkin, onions, garlic, and seasoned with mint yogurt — was excellent, the mantu (beef dumplings) delivered the expected flavors even if the pyramid shape got a bit flattened in transit, and the surprise hit was the deeply flavorful challow (Afghan rice) that made a terrific next-morning breakfast; I’m excited to explore more Afghan dishes and can’t wait to dine in when possible." - Rachel Leah Blumenthal