Ariana Afghan Kebab Restaurant

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.