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Bistro Aracosia, Washington, DC

Bistro Aracosia

4.8
4.8
2681 Reviews
$30 and under
Afghan

Make a reservation

2 people
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

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Menu

Lunch Hours: 12pm to 3pm Tuesday-Sunday

Appetizers (Mazza)

  • 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

                                                                                                                                                                                      Last updated: August 31, 2024

                                                                                                                                                                                      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!

                                                                                                                                                                                      At present, Bistro Aracosia has no reviews. Please add a review after your dining experience to help others make a decision about where to eat.

                                                                                                                                                                                      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
                                                                                                                                                                                      7:00 PM
                                                                                                                                                                                      Booked 23 times today

                                                                                                                                                                                      Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                                                                                                                      Google Map for Bistro Aracosia

                                                                                                                                                                                      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

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