Bistro Aracosia

4.8

2681 Reviews

$30 and under

Afghan

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 24, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 23 times today

Neighborhood gem
Vegetarian-friendly
Good for special occasions

Bistro Aracosia is a critically acclaimed authentic Afghan gourmet and Chop House located in the Palisades neighborhood of Washington, DC. Aracosia has been acknowledged as 1 of 50 best restaurants in the nation for Vegetarians on Forbes Magazine, written up and reviewed by top food critics from the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine and numerous other publications. Bistro Aracosia has been awarded 100 Best restaurants for 2 years in a row in the Washingtonian.
Aracosia accommodates any diet and is proud of taking cooking back to its origins. Chef Sofia Masroor diligently ensures top grade quality cuts of meat and the freshest produce in the market. All foods prepared at Aracosia are prepared with love. No artificial ingredients MSG& or preservatives are used, nor do we cook anything with nuclear such as microwaves and pre-made stations. Full Bar , extensive Wine and Beer menu Come and experience authentic and classical Afghan Gourmet and hospitality at its finest.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Afghan, Vegetarian / Vegan, Middle Eastern
Hours of operation
Tue–Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 363-0400
Website
http://www.bistroaracosia.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Sofia Masroor
Catering
Please call us at 202-363-0400

Location
5100 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC 20016
Neighborhood
Palisades Northwest
Cross street
Dana Place
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Kosher, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

12 Washington, DC restaurants that our local editor loves

Popular dishes

Bistro Signature Mix Grill Mazza$20.95
Marinated and charbroiled lamb shoulder chops, lamb rib chops, lamb tenderloin and beef tenderloin, served with spicy fresh herb chutney
Mix Grill Mazza$15.95
Marinated and charbroiled salmon, ground beef, beef tenderloin and lamb rib chop, served with avocado yogurt
Hot Mazza Assortment$16.95
Aushak, mantu, baadenjaan, kadoo, topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne Vegetarian option available
Quroti$9.25
Afghan bread topped with a minced beef and lentil qorma, yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Baadenjaan Bouranee$9.94
Roasted eggplant topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Kadoo Bouranee$9.94
Butternut squash topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Carrot Slaw$7.95
Julienne carrots cooked with brown sugar and cardamom, chilled and tossed with fresh citrus
Potato & Leek Turnovers$9.94
Stuffed with potatoes and leeks, fried until crisp, served with a side of avocado yogurt
Sabzi Turnovers$10.95
Stuffed with slow cooked greens, fried until crisp, served with a side of avocado yogurt
Kadoo Turnovers$9.94
Stuffed with butternut squash, fried until crisp, served with a side of garlic yogurt
Samarooq Turnovers$10.95
Stuffed with mushrooms, fried until crisp, served with a side of avocado yogurt
Sambosa$10.95
Stuffed with a minced beef and lentil qorma, fried until crisp, topped with powdered sugar and cardamom
Pumpkin Dumpling Appetizer$10.95
Steamed and stuffed with butternut squash, topped with a minced beef and lentil qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Aushak Appetizer$10.95
Steamed and stuffed with leeks and scallions, topped with a minced beef and lentil qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Mantu Appetizer$10.95
Steamed and stuffed with spicy minced beef, topped with a carrot and pea qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Sabzi Dumpling Appetizer$10.95
Steamed and stuffed with slow-cooked greens, topped with a spicy bean medley qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Samarooq Dumpling Appetizer$10.95
Steamed and stuffed with mushrooms, topped with a spicy bean medley qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Seekh Kabob Appetizer$10.95
Marinated and charbroiled ground beef, served with cucumber and dill yogurt
Lamb Tenderloin Appetizer$12.95
Marinated and charbroiled, served with cucumber and dill yogurt

Burgers & Wraps

Bistro Burger$12.95
Marinated and charbroiled ground beef, mixed greens and spicy herb ketchup on a toasted brioche bun with a side of a spicy tomato based chickpea qorma, topped with fresh cilantro
Seekh (Ground Beef) Wrap$12.95
Marinated and charbroiled ground beef with mixed greens, spicy herb chutney and avocado yogurt in a lavash wrap, with a side of a spicy tomato based chickpea qorma, topped with fresh cilantro
Chicken Wrap$12.95
Marinated and charbroiled chicken breast with mixed greens, spicy herb chutney and avocado yogurt in a lavash wrap, with a side of a spicy tomato based chickpea qorma, topped with fresh cilantro
Salmon Wrap$14.95
Marinated and charbroiled salmon with mixed greens, spicy herb chutney and avocado yogurt in a lavash wrap, with a side of a spicy tomato based chickpea qorma, topped with fresh cilantro

Soup & Salad

Bistro Signature Lentil Soup$8.94
Minced beef, lentils, chickpeas and mung beans, topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint, cayenne and fresh dill
Bistro Salad$9.94
Mixed greens, bell peppers, tomatoes, croutons, bleu cheese crumbles and walnuts, tossed in a balsamic dressing
Mixed Green Salad$8.94
Mixed greens, bell peppers, tomatoes and croutons, tossed in a balsamic dressing

Entrees

Braised Lamb & Greens$19.95
Braised bone-in lamb shank served with saffron infused basmati rice and slow cooked greens, topped with fresh dill
Qabuli Palou$19.95
Braised bone-in lamb shank served with seasoned rice topped with carrots and raisins and a side of roasted eggplant topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Risotto & Lamb$19.95
Braised bone-in lamb shank served with spicy short grain rice, chickpeas, lentils and kidney beans topped with fresh dill
Aushak Entree$16.95
Steamed and stuffed with leeks and scallions, topped with a minced beef and lentil qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Pumpkin Dumpling Entree$16.95
Steamed and stuffed with butternut squash, topped with a minced beef and lentil qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne Vegetarian option available
Mantu Entree$16.95
Steamed and stuffed with spicy minced beef, topped with a carrot and pea qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne

Qormas (Stews)

Chicken Lawaan$14.95
Boneless chicken thigh in a garlic yogurt based stew, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Chicken Sabzi Lawaan$15.95
Boneless chicken thigh in a garlic yogurt based stew with slow cooked greens, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Chicken Ryehaan$15.95
Boneless chicken thigh in a garlic yogurt based stew with diced tomatoes, topped with fresh basil, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Saffron Chicken$16.95
Boneless chicken thigh in a yogurt based stew infused with saffron, lemon and fresh dill, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Afghania Chicken$15.95
Boneless chicken thigh in a spicy tomato based stew with eggplant, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Chicken Aracosian$15.95
Boneless chicken thigh in a spicy tomato based stew with eggplant and garam masala, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Rumi's Chicken$15.95
Boneless chicken thigh in a sweet and spicy tomato based stew, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Lamb Shank Moghuli$19.95
Bone-in braised lamb shank in a spicy tomato based stew with eggplant, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Lamb Shank Sabzi Moghuli$20.95
Bone-in braised lamb shank in a spicy tomato based stew with slow cooked greens, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Veal Lawaan$21.95
Boneless veal in a garlic yogurt based stew, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Veal & Mushrooms$22.95
Boneless veal in a garlic yogurt based stew with mushrooms, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Veal & Mushroom Sabzi Lawaan$22.95
Boneless veal in a garlic yogurt based stew with slow cooked greens and mushrooms, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Veal Ryehaan$21.95
Boneless veal in a garlic yogurt based stew with diced tomatoes, topped with fresh basil, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Veal & Nakhoud$22.95
Boneless veal in a spicy tomato based stew with chickpeas, garam masala and cinnamon, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Afghania Veal$21.95
Boneless veal in a spicy tomato based stew with eggplant, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Veal Moghuli$21.95
Boneless veal in a spicy tomato based stew with eggplant and garam masala, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice

Chops & Kabobs

Lamb Tenderloin Kabob$25.95
Marinated and charbroiled, served with qabuli rice and a side of roasted eggplant topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Frenched Rack of Lamb [Chopaan]$22.95
Marinated and charbroiled lamb rib chops, served with seasoned rice and a side of a spicy tomato based chickpea qorma, topped with fresh cilantro
Lamb Shoulder Chops$22.95
Marinated and charbroiled, served with qabuli rice and a side of roasted eggplant topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Lamb Chop Duo$24.95
Marinated and charbroiled lamb rib and shoulder chops, served with qabuli rice and a side of roasted eggplant topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Aracosian Lamb Platter$33.95
Marinated and charbroiled lamb tenderloin, lamb rib and shoulder chops, served with qabuli rice and a side of roasted eggplant topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Bistro Signature Kabob$24.95
Marinated and charbroiled lamb rib chops and beef tenderloin, served with qabuli rice and a side of roasted eggplant topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Lamb & Beef Tenderloin$26.95
Marinated and charbroiled, served with qabuli rice and a side of roasted eggplant topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Beef Tenderloin Kabob$22.95
Marinated and charbroiled, served with seasoned rice and a side of a spicy tomato based chickpea qorma, topped with fresh cilantro
Beef Tenderloin & Chicken$20.95
Marinated and charbroiled, served with seasoned rice, saffron rice and a side of a spicy tomato based chickpea qorma, topped with fresh cilantro
Seekh [Ground Beef] Kabob$14.95
Marinated and charbroiled, served with saffron rice and a side of a spicy tomato based chickpea qorma, topped with fresh cilantro
Chicken & Ground Beef$16.95
Marinated and charbroiled, served with seasoned rice, saffron rice and a side of a spicy tomato based chickpea qorma, topped with fresh cilantro
Chicken Breast Kabob$16.95
Marinated and charbroiled, served with saffron rice and a side of a spicy tomato based chickpea qorma, topped with fresh cilantro
Boneless Juicy Chicken Thigh Kabob$16.95
Marinated and charbroiled, served with saffron rice and a side of a side of a spicy tomato based chickpea qorma, topped with fresh cilantro
Salmon$17.95
Marinated and charbroiled, served with saffron rice and a side of slow cooked greens topped with fresh dill
Surf & Turf$22.95
Marinated and charbroiled salmon and beef tenderloin, served with seasoned rice, saffron rice and a side of roasted eggplant topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne

Vegetarian & Vegan

Afghania Baadenjaan$14.95
Roasted eggplant in a spicy tomato based stew with eggplant, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Baadenjaan Moghuli$14.95
Roasted eggplant in a spicy tomato based stew with eggplant and garam masala, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Sabzi Moghuli$14.95
Slow cooked greens in a spicy tomato based stew with eggplant and garam masala, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Sabzi Lawaan$14.95
Slow cooked greens in a garlic yogurt based stew with slow cooked greens, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Nakhoud & Mushroom Lawaan$13.95
Spicy chickpeas in a garlic yogurt based stew with mushrooms, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Nakhoud & Mushroom Sabzi Lawaan$14.95
Spicy chickpeas in a garlic yogurt based stew with slow cooked greens and mushrooms, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Afghania Nakhoud Chalou$13.95
Spicy tomato based chickpea qorma with garam masala and cinnamon, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron rice
Baadenjaan Chalou$14.95
Roasted eggplant topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne, served with saffron rice
Kadoo Chalou$14.95
Butternut squash topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne, served with saffron rice
Sabzi Chalou$15.95
Slow cooked spinach, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip leaves and cilantro, topped with fresh dill, served with saffron rice
Qabuli Combination Platter$17.95
Four variations of our vegetables: sabzi, nakhoud, kadoo and baadenjaan, served with qabuli rice
Risotto with Eggplant & Butternut Squash$17.95
Spicy short grain rice, chickpeas, lentils and kidney beans topped with fresh dill, accompanied with sides of roasted eggplant and butternut squash topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Aushak Entree [Vegetarian]$16.95
Steamed and stuffed with leeks and scallions, topped with a carrot and pea qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Pumpkin Dumpling Entree [Vegetarian]$16.95
Steamed and stuffed with butternut squash, topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Samarooq Dumpling Entree$16.95
Steamed and stuffed with mushrooms, topped with a spicy bean medley qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Sabzi Dumpling Entree$16.95
Steamed and stuffed with slow-cooked greens, topped with a spicy bean medley qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Bamya Chalou$15.95
Spicy tomato based stew with okra topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron rice
Kabob-E-Samarooq$16.95
Marinated and charbroiled portobello mushroom, zucchini, onions and tomatoes, served with saffron rice and a side of a spicy tomato based chickpea qorma, topped with fresh cilantro

Additional Sides

Yogurt with Cucumber & Dill$5.95
Nakhoud Side$5.95
Spicy tomato based chickpea qorma with garam masala and cinnamon, topped with fresh cilantro
Baadenjaan Side$5.95
Roasted eggplant topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Daal Side$5.95
Spicy lentils topped with fresh dill
Sabzi Side$5.95
Slow cooked spinach, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip leaves and cilantro, topped with fresh dill
Kadoo Side$5.95
Butternut squash topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Qabuli Side$5.95
Seasoned basmati rice topped with julienne carrots & raisins
Palou Side$4.50
Seasoned basmati rice
Chalou Side$3.50
Saffron infused basmati rice

What 2,681 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

District of Columbia
Best Value

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Bistro Aracosia is a standout gem in Afghan cuisine. Known for its "amazing flavors" and "impeccable service," it offers a delightful dining experience with a charming ambiance. The menu features a variety of "savory vegetarian options" and "tender meats," making it perfect for both vegetarians and meat lovers. Highly recommended for special occasions!

2,681 Reviews

B
Bill
Washington DC
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Excellent food. Liked the ambiance. Overall service was good but server was a little slow.
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s
stacy
Washington DC
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service and food were exceptional! The vegetarian options were plentiful and truly delicious
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T
Toby
Philadelphia
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was fantastic and flavorful. The servers were very kind, helpful, and polite. What a great experience!
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E
Elizabeth
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, attentive service, and much less noisy than most DC restaurants. It's become my go-to restaurant here.
Is this helpful?
M
Momtaz
Washington DC
47 reviews
5.0
47 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food , service and ambience. Thank you. Keep up the good work.
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K
Kim
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time to try Afghan food. Server was very helpful in making suggestions. We shared the dumpling sampler appetizer which gave us 3 different tastes each. The pumpkin dumpling was to die for! My husband loves lamb so he chose the Dhood Palou and was very happy. I'm less of a lamb fan and went with Veal & Mushrooms Sabzi Lawaan and loved it. The decor showcased Afghan crafts and art tastefully. We will definitely be back soon!
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F
Frederick
Washington DC
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Pumpkin dumplings are out of this world; beef tenderloin is as well. Our meals have always been exceptional, and service is terrific.
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S
Steve
Washington DC
31 reviews
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Always a great experience. We are always impressed with the bold and assertive flavors. Menu is extensive and thoughtful. Portions are generous. Service pleasant and efficient.
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g
giuliana
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a wonderful experience with longtime friends who I hadn’t seen in years. Staff was very accommodating and friendly. I left my sunglasses at the table and when I returned to retrieve them they were already dialing my number to let me know. Food as always was delicious. Don’t wait. GO!
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J
Jay
Washington DC
175 reviews
vip
4.0
175 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Great food and we had a really nice server too. This is a neighborhood favorite.
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FAQs

Bistro Aracosia offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 363-0400.

Bistro Aracosia is rated 4.8 stars by 2681 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 24, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

5100 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC 20016

Additional information

Cross street
Dana Place
Neighborhood
Palisades Northwest
Hours of operation
Tue–Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Afghan, Vegetarian / Vegan, Middle Eastern
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Sofia Masroor
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Kosher, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.bistroaracosia.com/
Phone number
(202) 363-0400
Catering
Please call us at 202-363-0400

Featured in

12 Washington, DC restaurants that our local editor loves

Bistro Aracosia

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

12 Washington, DC restaurants that our local editor loves

Salmon

Saffron Chicken

Chicken Wrap

Appetizers (Mazza)

Bistro Signature Mix Grill Mazza$20.95

Mix Grill Mazza$15.95

Hot Mazza Assortment$16.95

Quroti$9.25

Baadenjaan Bouranee$9.94

Kadoo Bouranee$9.94

Carrot Slaw$7.95

Potato & Leek Turnovers$9.94

Sabzi Turnovers$10.95

Kadoo Turnovers$9.94

Samarooq Turnovers$10.95

Sambosa$10.95

Pumpkin Dumpling Appetizer$10.95

Aushak Appetizer$10.95

Mantu Appetizer$10.95

Sabzi Dumpling Appetizer$10.95

Samarooq Dumpling Appetizer$10.95

Seekh Kabob Appetizer$10.95

Lamb Tenderloin Appetizer$12.95

Burgers & Wraps

Bistro Burger$12.95

Seekh (Ground Beef) Wrap$12.95

Chicken Wrap$12.95

Salmon Wrap$14.95

Soup & Salad

Bistro Signature Lentil Soup$8.94

Bistro Salad$9.94

Mixed Green Salad$8.94

Entrees

Braised Lamb & Greens$19.95

Qabuli Palou$19.95

Risotto & Lamb$19.95

Aushak Entree$16.95

Pumpkin Dumpling Entree$16.95

Mantu Entree$16.95

Qormas (Stews)

Chicken Lawaan$14.95

Chicken Sabzi Lawaan$15.95

Chicken Ryehaan$15.95

Saffron Chicken$16.95

Afghania Chicken$15.95

Chicken Aracosian$15.95

Rumi's Chicken$15.95

Lamb Shank Moghuli$19.95

Lamb Shank Sabzi Moghuli$20.95

Veal Lawaan$21.95

Veal & Mushrooms$22.95

Veal & Mushroom Sabzi Lawaan$22.95

Veal Ryehaan$21.95

Veal & Nakhoud$22.95

Afghania Veal$21.95

Veal Moghuli$21.95

Chops & Kabobs

Lamb Tenderloin Kabob$25.95

Frenched Rack of Lamb [Chopaan]$22.95

Lamb Shoulder Chops$22.95

Lamb Chop Duo$24.95

Aracosian Lamb Platter$33.95

Bistro Signature Kabob$24.95

Lamb & Beef Tenderloin$26.95

Beef Tenderloin Kabob$22.95

Beef Tenderloin & Chicken$20.95

Seekh [Ground Beef] Kabob$14.95

Chicken & Ground Beef$16.95

Chicken Breast Kabob$16.95

Boneless Juicy Chicken Thigh Kabob$16.95

Salmon$17.95

Surf & Turf$22.95

Vegetarian & Vegan

Afghania Baadenjaan$14.95

Baadenjaan Moghuli$14.95