Bistro Aracosia

Name: Bistro Aracosia
Address: 5100 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20016
Telephone: (202) 363-0400
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8

1993 Reviews

$30 and under

Afghan

Top Tags:

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 12, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 28 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(202) 363-0400

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Afghan, Vegetarian / Vegan, Middle Eastern
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Mon 5:00 pm–9:00 pm 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

The Best Restaurants in Washington D.C.

Experiences

Mini Taste of Aracosia
$44.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Are you struggling to decide what you want for dinner tonight? You can have it all with this amazing spread of our favorite dishes. We call it "Mini Taste of Aracosia", it includes three of our qormas (stews), two of our marinated meats, two variations of basmati rice and four of our roasted vegetables.

Popular dishes

Quroti$6.95
Traditional Afghan dish with toasted Afghan bread, topped with minced beef & lentils, finished with a warm garlic yogurt sauce, dried mint & cayenne
Baadenjaan or Kadoo Bouranee**$7.95
Choice of roasted eggplant or butternut squash, topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint & cayenne
Potato & Leek Turnovers (Boulanee)$6.95
Stuffed with potatoes & leeks, pan-fried until crisp, with a side of avocado chutney
Sabzi Turnovers (Boulanee)$7.95
Stuffed with our slow cooked greens, pan-fried until crisp, with a side of avocado chutney
Kadoo Turnovers (Boulanee)$6.95
Stuffed with roasted butternut squash, pan-fried until crisp, with a side of garlic yogurt
Sambosa$7.95
Stuffed with minced beef & lentils, pan-fried until crisp, topped off with powdered sugar & ground cardamom
Bistro Signature Mix Grill Mazza*$18.95
Marinated & charbroiled lamb shoulder & rib chops, lamb & beef tenderloin, served with fresh herb chutney
Mix Grill Mazza*$13.95
Marinated & charbroiled salmon, seekh ground beef, beef tenderloin & lamb rib chop, served with avocado yogurt chutney
Carrot Slaw**$6.95
Sweet julienne carrots tossed with fresh citrus
Pumpkin Dumplings$8.95
Steamed & stuffed with butternut squash, topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint & cayenne
Leek & Scallion Dumplings (Aushak)$8.95
Steamed & stuffed with leeks & scallions, topped with minced beef & lentil qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint & cayenne; Vegetarian option available
Spicy Beef Dumplings (Mantu)$8.95
Steamed & stuffed with spicy beef, topped with carrots & peas qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint, & cayenne
Lamb Tenderloin*$10.95
Marinated in our house spices, charbroiled to perfection, served with cucumber & dill yogurt
Seekh Kabob*$7.95
Ground beef marinated in our house spices, charbroiled to perfection, served with cucumber & dill yogurt
Hot Mazza Assortment$18.95
Leek & scallion dumplings (aushak), spicy beef dumplings (mantu), roasted butternut squash bouranee (kadoo), roasted eggplant bouranee (baadenjaan), all topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint & cayenne

Burgers & Wraps

Bistro Burger* / Beef + Lamb$11.95
Marinated ground beef, mixed greens & spicy herb ketchup on a brioche bun, with a side of kachaloo
Ground Beef Wrap* / Lamb$11.95
Marinated & charbroiled beef, with mixed greens, fresh herb chutney & avocado chutney in a lavash wrap, with a side of kachaloo
Chicken Wrap$11.95
Marinated & charbroiled chicken, with mixed greens, fresh herb chutney & avocado chutney in a lavash wrap, with a side of kachaloo
Salmon Wrap*$13.95
Marinated & charbroiled salmon, with mixed greens, fresh herb chutney & avocado chutney in a lavash wrap, with a side of kachaloo

Soup & Salad

Bistro Signature Lentil Soup**$7.95
Minced beef, lentils, chickpeas & mung beans, topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint, cayenne & fresh dill; Vegetarian option available
Bistro Salad$7.95
Mixed greens, bell peppers, tomatoes, croutons, bleu cheese & walnuts with balsamic vinaigrette
Mixed Green Salad$6.95
Mixed greens, bell peppers, tomatoes & croutons with balsamic vinaigrette

Entrees

Leek & Scallion Dumplings (Aushak)$19.95
Steamed and stuffed with leeks and scallions, topped with minced beef & lentil qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint, and cayenne
Spicy Beef Dumplings (Mantu)$19.95
Steamed and stuffed with spicy beef, topped with carrots & peas qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint, and cayenne
Pumpkin Dumplings$19.95
Steamed and stuffed with butternut squash, topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint, and cayenne
Braised Lamb & Greens$27.95
Braised bone-in lamb shank, served with slow cooked spinach, kale, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip leaves, dill & cilantro, accompanied with saffron infused basmati rice
Qabuli Palou$24.95
Braised bone-in lamb shank, served with seasoned basmati rice, topped with julienne carrots & raisins, accompanied with baadenjaan
Risotto & Lamb (Sholah)$24.95
Braised bone-in lamb shank, served with chickpeas, kidney beans & lentils (sholah), fresh dill

Qormas (Slow Cooked Stews)

All qormas are served with saffron infused basmati rice (chalou). Upgrade to seasoned basmati rice with julienne carrots & raisins $1.50

Chicken Lawaan$20.95
Garlic yogurt based stew topped with cilantro
Chicken Sabzi Lawaan$21.95
Garlic yogurt based stew with sabzi greens topped with cilantro
Chicken Ryehaan$20.95
Garlic yogurt based stew with basil & tomatoes
Saffron Chicken$22.95
Saffron & lemon infused yogurt based stew topped with dill
Chicken Karahi$21.95
Spicy tomato based stew with eggplant, topped with cilantro
Chicken Aracosian$21.95
Spicy tomato based stew with eggplant & garam masala, topped with cilantro
Rumi's Chicken$20.95
Sweet & spicy tomato based stew, topped with cilantro
Lamb Shank Sabzi Moghuli$29.95
Spicy tomato based stew with sabzi greens & garam masala, topped with cilantro
Veal Lawaan$27.95
Garlic yogurt based stew topped with cilantro
Veal & Mushrooms$27.95
Garlic yogurt based stew with mushrooms, topped with cilantro
Veal & Mushroom Sabzi Lawaan$28.95
Garlic yogurt based stew with mushrooms and sabzi greens, topped with cilantro
Veal Ryehaan$27.95
Garlic yogurt based stew with basil & tomatoes
Veal & Potatoes$27.95
Spicy tomato based stew with potatoes, topped with cilantro
Veal Karahi$27.95
Spicy tomato based stew with eggplant, topped with cilantro
Veal Moghuli$27.95
Spicy tomato based stew with eggplant & garam masala, topped with cilantro
Lamb Shank Moghuli$28.95
Spicy tomato based stew with eggplant & garam masala, topped with cilantro

Additional Sides

Barta$7.50
Garlic yogurt & roasted eggplant puree
Jaan-E-Ama$6.95
Mirepoix of fresh tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, cucumbers, and cilantro, tossed with lemon juice and blended together with yogurt
Yogurt with Cucumber & Dill$5.95
Yogurt infused fresh dill and cucumber
Qabuli Rice$8.95
Seasoned basmati rice topped with julienne carrots & raisins
Baadenjaan, Kachaloo, Kadoo or Sabzi$8.95

Chops & Kabobs (Marinated & Charbroiled Meats)

Upgrade to seasoned basmati rice with julienne carrots & raisins $1.50. Upgrade to baadenjaan, kadoo or sabzi $2. All sides topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint & cayenne pepper

Lamb Tenderloin*$24.95
Served with seasoned basmati rice, topped with julienne carrots & raisins, with a side of baadenjaan
Frenched Rack of Lamb (Chopaan)*$19.95
Rib chops, served with seasoned basmati rice, with a side of kachaloo
Lamb Shoulder Chops*$18.95
Served with seasoned basmati rice, topped with julienne carrots & raisins, with a side of baadenjaan
Lamb Chop Duo*$20.95
Rib & shoulder chops, served with seasoned basmati rice topped with julienne carrots & raisins, with a side of baadenjaan
Aracosian Lamb Platter*$30.95
Shoulder chops, rib chops, and tenderloin, served with seasoned basmati rice topped with julienne carrots & raisins, with a side of baadenjaan
Bistro Signature Lamb Chops & Beef Tenderloin*$22.95
Rib chops and beef tenderloin, served with your choice of palou or qabuli rice, with a side of kadoo
Lamb & Beef Tenderloin*$24.95
Served with seasoned basmati rice, topped with julienne carrots & raisins, with a side of baadenjaan
Beef Tenderloin*$18.95
Served with seasoned basmati rice, with a side of kachaloo
Beef Tenderloin & Chicken*$17.95
Served with a combination of both palou & chalou, with a side of kachaloo
Ground Beef (Seekh)* / Lamb$12.95
Served with saffron infused basmati rice, with a side of kachaloo
Chicken & Ground Beef*$15.95
Served with a combination of both palou & chalou, with a side of kachaloo
Chicken Breast$15.50
Served with saffron infused basmati rice, with a side of kachaloo
Boneless Juicy Chicken Thigh$15.50
Served with saffron infused basmati rice, with a side of kachaloo
Salmon*$16.95
Served with saffron infused basmati rice, with a side of sabzi topped with fresh dill
Surf & Turf*$20.95
Salmon & beef tenderloin, combination of both palou & chalou, with a side of baadenjaan

Vegetarian Qormas (Slow Cooked Stews)

All qormas are served with saffron infused basmati rice (chalou). Upgrade to seasoned basmati rice with julienne carrots & raisins $1.50. Substitute almond yogurt $1

Baadenjaan Karahi**$13.95
Spicy tomato based stew with eggplant, topped with cilantro
Baadenjaan Moghuli**$13.95
Spicy tomato based stew with eggplant & garam masala, topped with cilantro
Sabzi Moghuli**$13.95
Spicy tomato based stew with sabzi greens & garam masala, topped with cilantro
Kachaloo & Mushrooms Lawaan**$12.95
Garlic yogurt based stew with potato qorma & mushrooms, topped with cilantro
Kachaloo & Mushrooms Sabzi Lawaan**$13.95
Garlic yogurt based stew with potato qorma, mushrooms & sabzi greens, topped with cilantro
Sabzi Lawaan**$13.95
Garlic yogurt based stew with sabzi greens, topped with cilantro

Vegetarian Entrees

Baadenjaan Chalou**$13.95
Roasted eggplant bouranee topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint & cayenne, with a side of saffron infused basmati rice
Kachaloo Chalou**$11.95
Roasted potato bouranee topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint & cayenne, with a side of saffron infused basmati rice
Kadoo Chalou**$14.95
Roasted butternut squash topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint & cayenne, with a side of saffron infused basmati rice
Sabzi Chalou**$13.95
Slow cooked spinach, kale, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip leaves, dill & cilantro, with a side of saffron infused basmati rice
Qabuli Combination**$16.95
Qabuli rice with sides of sabzi greens, butternut squash (kadoo), eggplant (baadenjaan), and potatoes (kachaloo), topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint & cayenne
Leek & Scallion Dumplings (Aushak)$13.95
Steamed and stuffed with leek & scallion, topped with carrot & pea qorma, garlic yogurt, dried mint, and cayenne
Pumpkin Dumplings$13.95
Steamed and stuffed with butternut squash, topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint, & cayenne
Spicy Risotto with Eggplant & Butternut Squash**$15.95
Risotto with chickpeas, lentils, and mung beans topped with dill, sides of both eggplant & butternut squash bouranee topped with garlic yogurt, dried mint & cayenne

What 1,993 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
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

District of Columbia
Best Overall
District of Columbia
Best Food
District of Columbia
Best Value
District of Columbia
Neighborhood Gem

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G
Goldie
Washington DC
51 reviews
vip
3.0
51 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food3service3ambience3
I was disappointed after looking forward to dining here again. I had yummy memories of the Afghan bread that is brought to the table but it tasted like paper. And I had decided to be healthy and order salmon which I had had before and thought it was a good choice amongst all of the other delicious menu items. My friend and I thought the salmon was dried out and the yogurt saffron sauce didn’t help make it any tastier. I won’t give up on the restaurant though. I hope this dinner was just served on an off night. But I hope the restaurant is reading their reviews and get back to offering yummy food.
A
Amazing
Washington DC
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food. Fresh and tasty and feels healthy. Service is excellent-friendly and responsive without overbearing. Great value.
TC
TCVoon
Washington DC
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always one of my favorite restaurants in DC. The $22 Taste of Afghan lunch is an excellent combo - with lamb, beef, chicken, egg plant, etc. Service is excellent as expected.
K
Kat2023
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Brianna is a lovely person. We enjoyed having her as our server. Nice if ceiling fans could be added outside to make things cooler & provide breeze for less bugs.
DW
DavidW
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I'd never had Afghani food before and HOLY WOW was it good. Our waiter Hossain was fantastic in his recommendations and attention to detail. Their signature grilled lamb chops and beef tenderloin was remarkable, the selection of dumplings we had for a starter was just one step beyond, and every bite in every course was transcendent. The service was tip-top, and the food was aces back-to-back. Every single dish was as different as it was delicious. I'm definitely returning for more.
Y
4Yummy
Washington DC
63 reviews
vip
5.0
63 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had not been to Bistro Aracosia for the last couple of years due to Covid concerns. Oh, how we missed it! Until we had lunch there this week. A table of 4 with the accompanying couple on their first visit to the restaurant. It was wonderful to be back and great fun for the newbies. The delightfully delicious food with a vast array of choices to choose from (lamb, beef, chicken, vegetarian, dumplings and other appetizers) was as amazing as ever. The mixed grills, samplers and side dishes offer the best of tastes in Afghani food. Sharing is inevitable and the words, “Here, you gotta try a bite of this,” are repeated throughout the meal. The warmth and helpfulness of the staff continues to be a hallmark of Bistro Aracosia. And, the redo of the restaurant’s dining rooms (made sometime during our absence) was a great touch. All 5 stars! It felt so good to be back again. It is simply and consistently one of best restaurants in the D.C. area.
M
Marion
New York Area
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love Karoo
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible food and service as always! I love the ambiance inside during dinner time. There was an issue with how one of our dishes were cooked - but the staff were extremely attentive and rectified the problem. Can’t wait to come back!
CA
CarolineA
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
So so good! I really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to go back.
h
hammer
Philadelphia
13 reviews
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall3food4service3ambience2
Very tasty dishes and attentive staff but rushed and noisy atmosphere.
NY
NYCdine
Washington DC
140 reviews
vip
5.0
140 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first visit to Bistro Aracosia. Our server suggested the appetizer and entrée sampler but we explored on our own. The Spicy Beef Dumplings appetizer was delicious. Both of our entrées the Lamb and Lamb and Beef Kabobs were fixed to perfection. For dessert we had the Rice Pudding and Baklava. We will be adding the Bistro to our neighborhood dining.
SF
SFC1
Washington DC
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
Bistro Aracosia had everything you could want from a neighborhood restaurant - lots of street parking, good food that is fairly priced, and very helpful and friendly wait staff. My go-to spot for lunch with a friend.
DC
DCDiner
Washington DC
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went with a group for a birthday dinner. One diner had gluten intolerance and the wait staff handled it very well identifying dishes or alternatives that would work for the group. All the dishes we had were great and the desserts as well. Thank you for a great dinner!
EF
ElizabethF
Washington DC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sumptuous good, attentive service. A great place to dine!
DL
DonaL
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Small portion of rack of lamb but very tasty. Nice staff and atmosphere. They gave us a piece of delicious pistachio cake for a birthday which was nice.
S
Sandy
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always, Bistro Aracosia was awesome. My only complaint is that they aren’t closer to my house. Perfectly delicious food.
AD
AsmaD
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was outstanding. Staff was attentive but never rushed us and made thoughtful suggestions about our dishes…
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful restaurant. Delicious food and hospitality.
ZY
ZobairY
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always, the food and service at Arocosia is superb. One of the best restaurants in DC.
MD
MDHounds
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 20, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Great food with very reasonable prices. It's a new favorite!
LA
LenaA
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a family favorite and ONLY restaurant we consistently return to!
S
Sweeneys
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious! Great service. Nice cocktail selection. I recommend the cocktail with cherry juice. Don't recommend sitting outside in July or August it is hot and buggy. We have visited 4 times in the last 3 months.
e
eater
Washington DC
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Excellent Afghan food. Perhaps more spicy than I experienced in the region, but good nonetheless
DT
DavidT
Washington DC
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Very delicious food in a charming setting with extremely attentive service as well as generous portions. Glad I could finally get a reservation!
Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 20, 2022Thank you for dining with us, we are glad that you enjoyed it!
KE
KevinE
Anchorage
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 17, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
This is ridiculous that I have to write something
S
Sunny
Washington DC
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We very much enjoyed our meal. The butternut squash dumplings are absolutely excellent. The service was very attentive and the dessert delicious as well. All in an excellent meal with a variety of delicious spice combinations.
Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 20, 2022Thank you for taking the time to write us! We are glad to hear that you enjoyed dining with us! We appreciate your support.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent as usual, good food and good service
Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 20, 2022Thank you, we appreciate your support and kind words!
o
ovid
Washington DC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent menu, well prepared savory dishes in casual ambiance. Fabulous service.
Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 20, 2022Thank you, we're glad to hear that you had a great experience with us!
PM
PeterM
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Outstanding service and the food was better than good but not really outstanding. We sat outside and the street traffic noise was loud but the restaurant can’t help that. Restroom needed attention.
Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 20, 2022Thank you for your feedback, we hope to see you again soon!
F
Foodie
Washington DC
10 reviews
1.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
We have eaten at Bistro Aracosia several times and loved the food. Unfortunately, this last time yesterday it was a huge disappointment. The sambosas and other turnovers were soggy, as opposed to the very crisp which made them so delicious. The service was poor to the point that the server disappeared and had to be summoned by one of his colleagues in order to pay the bill. Sad to say we will not be going back.
BR
BRBR
Washington DC
54 reviews
5.0
54 reviews
Dined on July 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
delicious. chose the sampling menu for appetizers and main courses. bountiful servings.
1
1oldsrfr
Washington DC
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on July 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of our favorite restaurants in DC. We sat outside to fee safe, as the COVID variant is now emerging.
M
Mary89
Atlanta
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on July 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience. Food is delicious. Service is warm and welcoming. Highly recommend.
Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 20, 2022Thank you! We are glad that our staff took good care of you during your visit and that you enjoyed our food! We appreciate your support.
N
Nandinig71
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went to Bistro Aracosia on a Sunday night, sat outside. We ordered an appetizer and 4 entrees, more than enough for our party of 4. The food was excellent, really good vegetarian options. Our favorite entrees were the Sabzi Chalou, really flavorful greens with dill and the salmon. The only thing I felt was a bit over priced was the potato and leek turnover. They were tasty but very small, only 4 per serving. If you’re hungry, think you would have to order a few different kinds of turnovers. Our server was wonderful, very sweet and great energy.
MP
MichaelP
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Unique menu. Food was delicious. Only drawback was that outside tables were right on MacArthur Blvd
MS
MichaelS
Washington DC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is was exceptionally tasty, with many options (as always). Our servers could not have been better -- engaging and helpful in exactly the right measures. Outdoor dining was lovely.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We really enjoyed this restaurant. It is beautiful inside and the food is terrific. The wines we chose were also very good.
SL
SharonL
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great Afghan food. Large menu. Friendly service.
CK
ClaireK
Washington DC
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great and lamb shank was wonderful as usual.
RJ
RobJ
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious Afghan cuisine, served in a very comfortable, exotic setting. I had the Lamb Shank Moghuli, which was delicious. The lamb was tender, the eggplant was not mushy, and the seasoning was heavenly. The portion was enough for dinner and another meal to be named at a later date (or midnight snack). My spouse had the Surf and Turf and she loved both the tenderloin and the salmon. Again, enough to take home and make another meal later. We shared the Leek and Scallion Dumplings Appetizer [Aushak], which were fantastic. Our server, Noah, was very attentive, and made sure that we understood the menu and answered any questions we had.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

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 1993 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 12, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 28 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(202) 363-0400

5100 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC 20016

Additional information

Cross street
Dana Place
Neighborhood
Palisades Northwest
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Mon 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
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

The Best Restaurants in Washington D.C.

Bistro Aracosia

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

The Best Restaurants in Washington D.C.

Mini Taste of Aracosia

Pumpkin Dumplings

Lamb &amp Beef Tenderloin

Lamb Shank Sabzi Moghuli

Appetizers

Quroti$6.95

Baadenjaan or Kadoo Bouranee**$7.95

Potato & Leek Turnovers (Boulanee)$6.95

Sabzi Turnovers (Boulanee)$7.95

Kadoo Turnovers (Boulanee)$6.95

Sambosa$7.95

Bistro Signature Mix Grill Mazza*$18.95

Mix Grill Mazza*$13.95

Carrot Slaw**$6.95

Pumpkin Dumplings$8.95

Leek & Scallion Dumplings (Aushak)$8.95

Spicy Beef Dumplings (Mantu)$8.95

Lamb Tenderloin*$10.95

Seekh Kabob*$7.95

Hot Mazza Assortment$18.95

Burgers & Wraps

Bistro Burger* / Beef + Lamb$11.95

Ground Beef Wrap* / Lamb$11.95

Chicken Wrap$11.95

Salmon Wrap*$13.95

Soup & Salad

Bistro Signature Lentil Soup**$7.95

Bistro Salad$7.95

Mixed Green Salad$6.95

Entrees

Leek & Scallion Dumplings (Aushak)$19.95

Spicy Beef Dumplings (Mantu)$19.95

Pumpkin Dumplings$19.95

Braised Lamb & Greens$27.95

Qabuli Palou$24.95

Risotto & Lamb (Sholah)$24.95

Qormas (Slow Cooked Stews)

Chicken Lawaan$20.95

Chicken Sabzi Lawaan$21.95

Chicken Ryehaan$20.95

Saffron Chicken$22.95

Chicken Karahi$21.95

Chicken Aracosian$21.95

Rumi's Chicken$20.95

Lamb Shank Sabzi Moghuli$29.95

Veal Lawaan$27.95

Veal & Mushrooms$27.95

Veal & Mushroom Sabzi Lawaan$28.95

Veal Ryehaan$27.95

Veal & Potatoes$27.95

Veal Karahi$27.95

Veal Moghuli$27.95

Lamb Shank Moghuli$28.95

Additional Sides

Barta$7.50

Jaan-E-Ama$6.95

Yogurt with Cucumber & Dill$5.95

Qabuli Rice$8.95

Baadenjaan, Kachaloo, Kadoo or Sabzi$8.95

Chops & Kabobs (Marinated & Charbroiled Meats)

Lamb Tenderloin*$24.95

Frenched Rack of Lamb (Chopaan)*$19.95

Lamb Shoulder Chops*$18.95

Lamb Chop Duo*$20.95

Aracosian Lamb Platter*$30.95

Bistro Signature Lamb Chops & Beef Tenderloin*$22.95

Lamb & Beef Tenderloin*$24.95

Beef Tenderloin*$18.95

Beef Tenderloin & Chicken*$17.95

Ground Beef (Seekh)* / Lamb$12.95

Chicken & Ground Beef*$15.95

Chicken Breast$15.50

Boneless Juicy Chicken Thigh$15.50

Salmon*$16.95