Bistro Aracosia

Afghan restaurant · Palisades

Bistro Aracosia

Afghan restaurant · Palisades

5100 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC 20016

Highlights

Warm, casual space serving up traditional Afghani fare such as grilled kebabs, breads & dessert.

5100 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC 20016 Get directions

bistroaracosia.com

@bistroaracosia

Reserve

@eater

"At this Afghan restaurant in the Palisades, leek and scallion aushak are steamed and topped with beef and lentil sauce, mint, and yogurt puree. There’s also a steamed pumpkin dumpling that comes with a choice of yogurt garlic sauce or minced beef." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Aparna Krishnamoorthy

Where to Find Dumplings of All Kinds in D.C.

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@eater

"Omar Masroor, founder of Bistro Aracosia, appointed women in his family to run the restaurant and other family establishments as a defiant act against gender roles in Afghanistan." - Stephanie Carter

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@eater

"This Afghan grill in the Palisades offers call-in and online ordering for a long menu full of kebabs, lamb chops, leek and scallion dumplings, butternut squash, and more. An early bird special for orders placed between noon and 3 p.m. includes an appetizer, entree, side, and dessert for everyone ($18.95 per person, four-person minimum). There’s a $10 delivery fee." - Gabe Hiatt

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Melissa Rosa

Google

We had never tried Afghani food before, and I am so glad we did. The staff was so friendly and helpful with any questions we had. They recommended the Mini Taste of Arocostia for our first time. Everything was FANTASTIC!!! The food was cooked perfectly. The service was great! We never had to ask to have our beverages filled up, because they were already on top of it before we had to ask. They packed all our leftovers into boxes for us for our way home. We will definitely be going back!

Taylor Friedman

Google

My first experience with afghan food and certainly won’t be my last. It’s like a cross between Indian and middle eastern cuisine. Expect kebabs and chops. I’m not local to this restaurant but I was in the area and heard about this place from a friend. Very nice, comforting atmosphere. I ordered the chicken and beef kebab. The beef was the highlight for me. So tender and beautifully marinated. Came with a side of rice and chickpea curry. Prices are very reasonable, especially for the area. Definitely worth a try if you’re in the palisades neighborhood of dc.

Jenny H

Google

Came here for dinner on a Sunday night. Food here was delicious- great place to try different Afghan dishes. We started off with the assortment of dumplings (all of the dumplings are delicious!! Our table’s favorite was the Aushak.) For entrees, we ordered the chicken sabzi lawaan, lamb shank moghuli, veal & nakhoud, and bistro beef tenderloin and lamb chop. All of the stews were super flavorful. Personal favorite was the lamb shank moghuli, which was tender with the meat falling off the bone.

Greg

Google

I am currently sitting here contemplating the meal I just had at this amazing restaurant. It would be an understatement to say that this food is simply amazing. The flavors, the spices, the perfectly cooked lamb that fell off the bone and finally the cardamom cake were each just spectacular. And the service was so pleasant with recommendations and descriptions of the menu. What a treasure to have enjoyed this meal. Thank you to all. PS: do not miss any of the dumplings

Susan Prolman

Google

I visited Bistro Aracosia last night (January 29, 2023) because this family-owned Afghani restaurant recently added a two-page VEGAN menu. Wow! Their vegan food is delicious. Rich, filling, and perfectly spiced. They even offer vegan savory yogurt. The ambiance is warm and inviting. The service was excellent, including from the owner's daughter who seated us. The only room for improvement is that no dessert is listed on the vegan menu. I understand Bistro Aracosia offers vegan sorbets.

Brandon Crall

Google

Everything about our experience was amazing! The staff was friendly. The atmosphere was great. The food was AMAZING! I haven't had vegan food with such amazing flavors in a long time. This restaurant is a new favorite. Highly recommend.

Gregory Granato

Google

I only regret that I can give Bistro Aracosia only 5 stars (or that I have given other restaurants 5 stars in comparison). They have many options for carnivores and vegetarians. The food here has layers and nuances that are hard to describe. It is as if Mediterranean food married gourmet Indian food and they had a child. I have eaten near the Champs-Élysées in Paris, in the Trieste district of Rome, on Mount Lycabettus in Athens, in the Mountains of Crete, in the Medina in Tangier Morocco, and many more; this is the best food I've eaten. The atmosphere is great as are the acoustics, we enjoyed quiet conversations in a busy restaurant.

Zac Gonzo

Google

This is a a great find for delicious Afghan food served in a warm and friendly environment. The service is very attentive without being over the top. Everything is explained. The bread is served with four dipping options - all yummy though one is very spicy/hot - which we were warned about! The dumplings are fresh and the spices really make the flavor come live. The deserts are flavorful and there are lots of coffee drink and wine portions. The wood, lamps and fabric add to the ambiance and the tables are specked out well so that you can hear the people at your table easily. I'll return.