Bistro Aracosia

4.8

2734 Reviews

$30 and under

Afghan

Make a booking

2 people

13 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 20 times today

About this restaurant

Neighbourhood gem
Vegetarian-friendly
Charming

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

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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
Area
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, Gluten-free Options, Kosher, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

12 Washington, DC restaurants that our local editor loves

Popular dishes

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

Burgers & Wraps

Bistro BurgerUSD 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) WrapUSD 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 WrapUSD 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 WrapUSD 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 SoupUSD 8.94
Minced beef, lentils, chickpeas and mung beans, topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint, cayenne and fresh dill
Bistro SaladUSD 9.94
Mixed greens, bell peppers, tomatoes, croutons, bleu cheese crumbles and walnuts, tossed in a balsamic dressing
Mixed Green SaladUSD 8.94
Mixed greens, bell peppers, tomatoes and croutons, tossed in a balsamic dressing

Entrees

Braised Lamb & GreensUSD 19.95
Braised bone-in lamb shank served with saffron infused basmati rice and slow cooked greens, topped with fresh dill
Qabuli PalouUSD 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 & LambUSD 19.95
Braised bone-in lamb shank served with spicy short grain rice, chickpeas, lentils and kidney beans topped with fresh dill
Aushak EntreeUSD 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 EntreeUSD 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 EntreeUSD 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 LawaanUSD 14.95
Boneless chicken thigh in a garlic yogurt based stew, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Chicken Sabzi LawaanUSD 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 RyehaanUSD 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 ChickenUSD 16.95
Boneless chicken thigh in a yogurt based stew infused with saffron, lemon and fresh dill, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Afghania ChickenUSD 15.95
Boneless chicken thigh in a spicy tomato based stew with eggplant, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Chicken AracosianUSD 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 ChickenUSD 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 MoghuliUSD 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 MoghuliUSD 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 LawaanUSD 21.95
Boneless veal in a garlic yogurt based stew, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Veal & MushroomsUSD 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 LawaanUSD 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 RyehaanUSD 21.95
Boneless veal in a garlic yogurt based stew with diced tomatoes, topped with fresh basil, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Veal & NakhoudUSD 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 VealUSD 21.95
Boneless veal in a spicy tomato based stew with eggplant, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Veal MoghuliUSD 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 KabobUSD 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]USD 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 ChopsUSD 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 DuoUSD 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 PlatterUSD 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 KabobUSD 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 TenderloinUSD 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 KabobUSD 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 & ChickenUSD 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] KabobUSD 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 BeefUSD 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 KabobUSD 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 KabobUSD 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
SalmonUSD 17.95
Marinated and charbroiled, served with saffron rice and a side of slow cooked greens topped with fresh dill
Surf & TurfUSD 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 BaadenjaanUSD 14.95
Roasted eggplant in a spicy tomato based stew with eggplant, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron infused basmati rice
Baadenjaan MoghuliUSD 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 MoghuliUSD 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 LawaanUSD 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 LawaanUSD 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 LawaanUSD 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 ChalouUSD 13.95
Spicy tomato based chickpea qorma with garam masala and cinnamon, topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron rice
Baadenjaan ChalouUSD 14.95
Roasted eggplant topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne, served with saffron rice
Kadoo ChalouUSD 14.95
Butternut squash topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne, served with saffron rice
Sabzi ChalouUSD 15.95
Slow cooked spinach, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip leaves and cilantro, topped with fresh dill, served with saffron rice
Qabuli Combination PlatterUSD 17.95
Four variations of our vegetables: sabzi, nakhoud, kadoo and baadenjaan, served with qabuli rice
Risotto with Eggplant & Butternut SquashUSD 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]USD 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]USD 16.95
Steamed and stuffed with butternut squash, topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Samarooq Dumpling EntreeUSD 16.95
Steamed and stuffed with mushrooms, topped with a spicy bean medley qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Sabzi Dumpling EntreeUSD 16.95
Steamed and stuffed with slow-cooked greens, topped with a spicy bean medley qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Bamya ChalouUSD 15.95
Spicy tomato based stew with okra topped with fresh cilantro, served with saffron rice
Kabob-E-SamarooqUSD 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 & DillUSD 5.95
Nakhoud SideUSD 5.95
Spicy tomato based chickpea qorma with garam masala and cinnamon, topped with fresh cilantro
Baadenjaan SideUSD 5.95
Roasted eggplant topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Daal SideUSD 5.95
Spicy lentils topped with fresh dill
Sabzi SideUSD 5.95
Slow cooked spinach, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip leaves and cilantro, topped with fresh dill
Kadoo SideUSD 5.95
Butternut squash topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint and cayenne
Qabuli SideUSD 5.95
Seasoned basmati rice topped with julienne carrots & raisins
Palou SideUSD 4.50
Seasoned basmati rice
Chalou SideUSD 3.50
Saffron infused basmati rice

What 2,734 people are saying

Bistro Aracosia reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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

4.9Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

District of Columbia
Best Value

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Bistro Aracosia is a cherished gem offering "delicious food" with flavors that are "fantastic" and "memorable." The "service is outstanding" and consistently "attentive." Diners rave about the "amazing dumplings" and "succulent lamb." The ambiance is "cozy and elegant," making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Highly recommended!

2,734 Reviews

K
Ken VIP
Washington DC7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always an excellent experience no matter which of their restaurants we dine at.
Is this helpful?
J
Jody
Washington DC16 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Attractive dining room,great food, goof service and price. We’ll be back
Is this helpful?
A
Ambassador Riyad VIP
Washington DC99 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious, spicy Afghan food, in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
S
Steven
Washington DC20 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We hadn't been here in quite a while, no particular reason it just fell off our radar. I have absolutely nothing to complain about. We had a 7:30 reservation and we were seated immediately and given a choice of tables. Service was prompt and efficient. The food was quite good. Really can"t ask for anything more. We enjoyed it enough to return.
Is this helpful?
S
Sara VIP
Washington DC11 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Tasty food Good service What more could you want!?
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P
Paul VIP
Washington DC21 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food. Complex, enticing flavors. Nice ambience and service, fair prices.
Is this helpful?
M
Mark VIP
Washington DC24 reviews
5.0
Dined on 23 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Wonderful restaurant -- excellent food that is unique in flavors and preparation -- first rate and highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
K
Karim
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on 21 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Tallya always a great host 🚀🚀✅✅✅🚀🚀 —————————————/—-
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S
Steve VIP
Richmond5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everyone is very nice and the food is really good.
Is this helpful?
K
Karen
Washington DC17 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is one of my favorite DC restaurants-- Good food, good service and a lovely atmosphere.
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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 2734 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

13 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 20 times today

Order delivery or takeout

5100 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC 20016

Additional information

Cross Street
Dana Place
Area
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, Gluten-free Options, Kosher, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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

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Bistro Aracosia

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

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Salmon

Saffron Chicken

Chicken Wrap

Appetizers (Mazza)

Bistro Signature Mix Grill MazzaUSD 20.95

Mix Grill MazzaUSD 15.95

Hot Mazza AssortmentUSD 16.95

QurotiUSD 9.25

Baadenjaan BouraneeUSD 9.94

Kadoo BouraneeUSD 9.94

Carrot SlawUSD 7.95

Potato & Leek TurnoversUSD 9.94

Sabzi TurnoversUSD 10.95

Kadoo TurnoversUSD 9.94

Samarooq TurnoversUSD 10.95

SambosaUSD 10.95

Pumpkin Dumpling AppetizerUSD 10.95

Aushak AppetizerUSD 10.95

Mantu AppetizerUSD 10.95

Sabzi Dumpling AppetizerUSD 10.95

Samarooq Dumpling AppetizerUSD 10.95

Seekh Kabob AppetizerUSD 10.95

Lamb Tenderloin AppetizerUSD 12.95

Burgers & Wraps

Bistro BurgerUSD 12.95

Seekh (Ground Beef) WrapUSD 12.95

Chicken WrapUSD 12.95

Salmon WrapUSD 14.95

Soup & Salad

Bistro Signature Lentil SoupUSD 8.94

Bistro SaladUSD 9.94

Mixed Green SaladUSD 8.94

Entrees

Braised Lamb & GreensUSD 19.95

Qabuli PalouUSD 19.95

Risotto & LambUSD 19.95

Aushak EntreeUSD 16.95

Pumpkin Dumpling EntreeUSD 16.95

Mantu EntreeUSD 16.95

Qormas (Stews)

Chicken LawaanUSD 14.95

Chicken Sabzi LawaanUSD 15.95

Chicken RyehaanUSD 15.95

Saffron ChickenUSD 16.95

Afghania ChickenUSD 15.95

Chicken AracosianUSD 15.95

Rumi's ChickenUSD 15.95

Lamb Shank MoghuliUSD 19.95

Lamb Shank Sabzi MoghuliUSD 20.95

Veal LawaanUSD 21.95

Veal & MushroomsUSD 22.95

Veal & Mushroom Sabzi LawaanUSD 22.95

Veal RyehaanUSD 21.95

Veal & NakhoudUSD 22.95

Afghania VealUSD 21.95

Veal MoghuliUSD 21.95

Chops & Kabobs

Lamb Tenderloin KabobUSD 25.95

Frenched Rack of Lamb [Chopaan]USD 22.95