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  5. Palisades Northwest
Bistro Aracosia, Washington, DC

Bistro Aracosia

4.9
4.9
2360 Reviews
$30 and under
Afghan
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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 33 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Sofia Masroor
  • Catering
    Please call us at 202-363-0400
  • 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

What 2,360 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Washington, D.C. Area

    Best Overall

  • Washington, D.C. Area

    Best Value

  • District of Columbia

    Best Overall

  • District of Columbia

    Best Food

  • District of Columbia

    Best Service

  • District of Columbia

    Best Value

  • District of Columbia

    Healthy

2,360 Reviews
  1. DianeHN

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great server who helped us pick out a delicious vegetarian meal!

    Bistro AracosiaResponded 4 days ago

    Thank you! We are glad that you enjoyed your dining experience with us!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Maggie

    Washington DC

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food. Lots of choices. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and friendly.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded 4 days ago

    Thank you! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed dining with us!

    Is this helpful?

  3. peanutbutter

    Washington DC

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a good meal! Our waiter was delightful as He was the owner"s son. Excited tp know you are going to open a new location on M Street

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on September 14, 2023

    Thank you for dining with us! We are glad that Zak took great care of you! We appreciate your support!

    Is this helpful?

  4. KathleenM

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious and healthy vegetarian food options and cool live music on a Friday night.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on September 11, 2023

    Thank you, Kathleen! We are glad that you enjoyed dining with us this weekend!

    Is this helpful?

  5. GeorgetownProf

    Washington DC

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful place for lunch. Food is consistently excellent

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on September 11, 2023

    Thank you! We are glad that you enjoyed your lunch with us!

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible food and amazing service!

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on September 7, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words! We are glad that you enjoyed it!

    Is this helpful?

  7. ElizabethC

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Wonderfully varied menu, with healthful options for meat-eaters, pescatarians, vegetarians etc. Pumpkin dumplings, chicken Sabzi lawaan, rosewater ice cream are all highlights. Service was gracious and prompt.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on September 5, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words and support! We are glad that you enjoyed your experience with us!

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing restaurant with incredible food service and great drinks. 10/10 experience

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on September 4, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words and support!

    Is this helpful?

  9. matthewk

    Baltimore

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Amazing main dish veal shank. Dessert was some tres leches type cake with cardamom that was wow.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on September 4, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words and support!

    Is this helpful?

  10. ShaundreaB

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Zac was an amazing server. Very attentive and knowledgeable! The lamb shank was so tender I didn’t even need a knife! The spicy margarita was delicious! Will definitely visit again!

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on August 28, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words and support! We look forward to welcoming you back!

    Is this helpful?

  11. LaurelN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the BEST meals I’ve ever had. The lamb and beef tenderloin was cooked to PERFECTION. Our minds were blown. And our server was attentive without hovering and offered great suggestions. 10 out of 10.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on August 25, 2023

    Thank you so much! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us! We appreciate your support!

    Is this helpful?

  12. Howard

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had another wonderful dinner at Bistro Aracosia and Zack made for a pleasurable evening.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on August 21, 2023

    Thank you for dining with us! We are happy that Zak took great care of you!

    Is this helpful?

  13. SalmanC

    Los Angeles

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fresh ingredients, home-cooked, delicious and authentic flavors with a professional, courteous, and friendly staff set against brilliant ambiance. A+. Highly recommend

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on August 21, 2023

    Thank you! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us! We appreciate your support!

    Is this helpful?

  14. bupem

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    The food quality has gone down. We were served Not hot food .

    Is this helpful?

  15. MelanieL

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Delicious dinner . Nice wine selections . We appreciated the quiet dining room where we could actually have a conversation. The only negative comment was the chairs were pretty worn.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on August 21, 2023

    Thank you! We appreciate your feedback and support!

    Is this helpful?

  16. needeats

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious and our waiter Zak, was friendly and knowledgeable.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on August 21, 2023

    Thank you, we are happy that Zak took great care of you!

    Is this helpful?

  17. PaigeH

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was one of the best meals I’ve had in DC since moving here 5 years ago. The mini tasting menu was incredible, all 7 dishes were unique and complex in flavor-and it was hardy mini! We plenty of had leftovers so which were just as good as the first time. Save room for the cardamom cake!

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on August 21, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us!

    Is this helpful?

  18. GerardM

    Atlantic City

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and people! I’d highly recommend this place.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on August 21, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words and support! We are glad that you enjoyed dining with us!

    Is this helpful?

  19. MelissaL

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a wonderful meal at a very comfortable place.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on August 21, 2023

    Thank you! We are glad that you enjoyed dining with us!

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time eating Afghani food. My husband is not an adventurous eater, but was willing to find something he liked. Our server explained the Tasting Menu was our best option - a little bit of almost everything they offer. Priced a little higher than if we chose entrees, but worth it because I was struggling to choose just one thing. Everything was amazing - flavorful, some a little spicy, meat just melted in my mouth. We were stuffed and I regret not taking the leftovers with us.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on August 21, 2023

    Thank you for dining with us! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed our tasting menu! We hope to see you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  21. SidneyB

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Comfortable attentive service, wide selection of food options, lunch prices competitive, servings generous....Plan to return.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on August 21, 2023

    Thank you! We are glad that you enjoyed and we look forward to welcoming you back!

    Is this helpful?

  22. Kkkk

    Washington DC

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff kindly moved us to an indoor table, despite an outdoor reservation. Appetizers remain my favorite!

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on August 21, 2023

    Thank you, we are glad that you enjoyed dining with us!

    Is this helpful?

  23. DCtotheBeach

    Washington DC

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We did their tasting menu and it was very good. We will definitely be back.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on August 21, 2023

    Thank you, we are glad that you enjoyed the tasting menu! We look forward to welcoming you back!

    Is this helpful?

  24. JamesN

    Tallahassee

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exceedingly pleasant meal. Great service. Picher of water with ice at once on our table on a hot night was appreciated. Meats used here are consistently of the highest quality. The recipe for the pumpkin dumplings should be bequeathed to the Smithsonian.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on August 1, 2023

    Thank you, James! We appreciate your kind words and support! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed dining with us this weekend!

    Is this helpful?

  25. Lisbeth

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We got the complete dinner (sampler). It was a great way to get introduced to all of their best dishes. We were impressed by how ALL of the servers were so attentive and courteous. Terrific experience.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 31, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words and support! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed our tasting menu and our hospitality.

    Is this helpful?

  26. AlisonA

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my second visit to Bistro Aracosia. As with the first experience, the food was outstanding. The staff was gracious and attentive. The restaurant was full and it's very understandable why. This is a restaurant to return to over and over.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 31, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words. We are happy to hear that you have enjoyed your experiences with us and we look forward to welcoming you back!

    Is this helpful?

  27. BusinessDiner

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This has been our favorite restaurant since the day they opened. The food is exceptional, the service is always warm and friendly, and they have really responded well through the pandemic and the recent economic difficulties. We are loyal customers

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 31, 2023

    We are so happy to hear that we are one of your favorite restaurants! We appreciate your loyal support and kind words.

    Is this helpful?

  28. davidp

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first visit. Delicious food and a great atmosphere!! Will definitely be back

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 26, 2023

    Thank you! We are glad that you enjoyed and we look forward to welcoming you back!

    Is this helpful?

  29. Tessa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Words are inadequate to capture how phenomenally executed each dish is— Suffice it to say that this cuisine is sublime—and beautifully prepared—it has complexity yet it is not overpowering— Our server Zack was knowledgeable, extremely personable. Lovely people seated and served us. Remarkable food for the Gods. My guests were blown away. Their favorite place of all the fine dining circuit!

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 25, 2023

    Thank you for your very kind words. We are so glad that you and your guests enjoyed dining with us! We appreciate your support and hope to see you all again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  30. WeekendWarrior

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great experience! We ordered the sampler and it did NOT disappoint!

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 24, 2023

    Thank you! We are glad that you enjoyed our tasting menu!

    Is this helpful?

  31. Kathi

    Washington DC

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bistro Aracosia is a recent find for me. Now, I’ve been there twice in 8 days. It’s very nice all around. The food is delicious and the staff is great. I will go back.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 24, 2023

    Thank you! We are glad that you enjoyed your recent visit and we look forward to welcoming you back!

    Is this helpful?

  32. LauraS

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely time. The food was outstanding and servings were extremely generous. The service was attentive and friendly and our waiter Zach went out of his way to help us with our wine selections and was very knowledgeable about the menu. When one of our party forgot her phone, the restaurant called to let us know. This is a neighborhood gem, and we’ll definitely be back!

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 24, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words and support! We are happy to hear that Zak took great care of you! We look forward to welcoming you back!

    Is this helpful?

  33. RP23

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    WOW. We tried Bistro Aracosia for the first time this past weekend for our pre-theater dinner, and it was nothing short of amazing!! It’s a beautiful little restaurant with wonderful service, and the food is some of the BEST we have had. The beef tenderloin kabob was so good that my eight year old wanted more tenderloin instead of dessert (haha — until she tried the pistachio ricotta cake, of course!). I had the spicy chicken stew, and I’d say the chicken was some of the most tender and flavorful chicken I have ever had. The dumplings and turnovers were all unique and delicious. Everything was so delicious. We will most definitely be back. My daughter is already to go back for her birthday meal!

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 24, 2023

    Thank you for taking the time to write us! We are so glad that you and your family enjoyed your meal with us! We look forward to celebrating your daughter's birthday with you all!

    Is this helpful?

  34. GaryG

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Pumpkin dumplings and butternut squash turnovers are to die for. We had the rack of Lamb,, chicken thigh kabob and eggplant. As always, everything was awesome.

    Is this helpful?

  35. SteveC

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Sat out side service was excellent I really enjoyed the lamb

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 24, 2023

    Thank you! We are glad that you enjoyed dining with us!

    Is this helpful?

  36. FredL

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Zack was a wonderful host and the food never fails to satisfy!

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 24, 2023

    Thank you! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed, and that Zak took great care of you!

    Is this helpful?

  37. smilenenjoy

    Washington DC

    39 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Service and food were terrific. Staff was very caring and every dish recommended met our preferences.

    Is this helpful?

  38. JamesN

    Tallahassee

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    Regular customer dissapointed by excess salt and garlic on meat. Service was inexplicably slow as well. Dumplings were terrific. As usual.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 21, 2023

    Hello James, we are so sorry to hear that your experience on this last visit was not as good as usual. We apologize about both the service and the food issues. We hope to see you again to make up for this bad experience.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Christy

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    A message for the staff: Thank you SO much for reserving the table in a separate room, so that I could hear my dining companions. It was absolutely perfect. I/we really appreciate the extra effort you made.

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 21, 2023

    Thank you for dining with us! We are happy to hear that you could relax and enjoy your time with loved ones. We appreciate your support!

    Is this helpful?

  40. Jerce

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband is Gluten Free and the Server was knowledgeable and helpful. My sister and I shared an appetizer and split an entree. Ample portions and delicious food. This is the first successful attempt to get a reservation in 3 tries!

    Bistro AracosiaResponded on July 19, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words! We are happy to hear that you were able to enjoy gluten free items and time with family while dining with us! We appreciate your support!

    Is this helpful?

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 4.9 stars by 2360 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 33 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
    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
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