The second best Afghani food I've ever had (can't say first because I'm Afghani and my mother would kill me if I say so haha) it's authentic in taste, the service is always top notch, and most importantly Ariana restaurant serves as a medium for its guest to learn about Afghanistan through its cuisine. read more

I've driven by this place countless times and never noticed it. I'm glad I decided to try it out. Very friendly and accommodating waitstaff. Fantastic food at a very reasonable price. A full carafe of house wine is only $20, which served us about 5 glasses or so. We were the last ones eating and wound up finishing a half hour after close, and never were we rushed. In fact the waiter brought us a dessert menu (which looked delicious) at 10:25pm and we just took the check instead. Great Middle-Eastern restaurant. We will definitely be back. read more

Good and nice place to have tasty food with family and friends. The menu is rich and suitable for vegetarian and meat lovers... Starting with a Lamb soup was delicious and the Aushak was a great mix of flavors. The Lamb kebab is to die ! The music is oriental and lovely ! I liked the fact that music without songs was running in the background, mixed with the paints on the wall, you are ready to travel and feel like you're having a real experience in the country itself! read more

Awesome food! I have been 2x and it was delicious both times. The mashed lentils are superb and the lamb is cooked perfectly. They serve alcohol contrary to what you may think. The atmosphere is elegant yet down-to-earth. It's a great date spot. Highly recommended! Service was a little slow but very very friendly. read more

Excellent food and service. We mostly tried all the Afghani vegetarian fare.... Dishes we tried and I would strongly recommend 1) Bamiya: Okra was bursting with flavors !! 2) Shor Nakhod: Subtle mint dressing made the salad delicious 3) Bowlani, Aushak and Banjan all lived up to our expectations ! Food was basically delicious... For desserts we tried the Pudeen and Feereny: Any caramel lover wanting something like a crem-brûlée would probably like the Pudeen, but I enjoyed the Feereny. Feereny just had the correct amount of sweetness and the fresh fruits served with it made it just perfect !! read more

This is probably the 100th review that's said it, but get the kaddo app. It sounds a little funky but the flavors work perfect together. They bring out some bread and dipping sauces for you which are fun to try. We split a lamb entree and loved it. Even with a bottle of wine our entire bill came to around $50. Great value for what you're getting! The manager came over to the table to ask how everything was which earned the restaurant a few points as well. This was our first time eating Afghan food and we both really enjoyed it. Looking forward to next time!! read more

Yummy! a wonderful place that has gluten free options and great wine! highly recommended!

I have eaten Afghan food from all over the United States (even Little Kabul in Fremont, CA) and this beats them all!! The Aush is amazing, the Aushak and Mantu melt in your mouth (Aushak is my favorite but my hubby likes the Mantu), the boolanee is so yummy (I love it with the leeks!) the naan is fantastic and even the rice is wonderful. And don't skip dessert. The firnee is something I have been waiting my whole life for. The food is great, the decor is really nice, not over the top, really well done. And the atmosphere was so welcoming. We saw a little old couple who looked like they were on their first date, though they probably have been married 50 years or more. It just feels like a place you want to go. We have been living in the Boston area only 2 weeks now and have been twice. I can see that this will be a go to date night place for us. read more

Great food, good service. Definitely come back if I am around again. Made a memorable impact of Afghan food on me.

Delicious! We had the Banjan, Mourgh Kabob, Tikka Kabob and Aush soup. The bread and spreads they bring out are also amazing. Every single thing on our plates was delicious and tasty. My 11 year old couldn't stop eating the spinach that came with my dish and loved everything we ordered. For desert we had the pineapple cake - which was moist and not overly sweet- just amazing, like everything else we had there. The portions are perfectly sized and the prices make sense for the quality of food and the amazing flavors. We will definitely come back again soon! read more

We loved Ariana. It was exactly what we were looking for with nice atmosphere, flavorful food, good service and major bonus - halal meats! A real highlight was the kadoo (pan-fried then baked baby pumpkin seasoned with sugar and served on a garlic yogurt sauce topped with ground beef sauce). We also enjoyed the bowlawni appetizer (twin pastry shells, one filled with leeks and scallions and the other with spiced potatoes garnished with mint yogurt). Most of us ordered a kabob of one sort or another - I loved the lamb Shish Kabob and thought it was amazing. The Aushak also looked very good. Highly recommend and will definitely return! read more

Unfortunately, we were the only occupied table last night (from about 7:15 pm until 9 pm), which was a real shame. We had a really great time for a really good value. There were 7 adults and 2 children. We got 3 appetizers, 7 entrees, a bottle of wine and 2 desserts for $141 plus tax and tip. The food and service were both excellent. We started off with plentiful baskets of warm Naan that came with 3 sauces, a yogurt with mint, a cilantro/mint "pesto" and a nice spicy red pepper sauce. We got three appetizers, all of which just seemed like smaller versions of the entrees, but we all delicious. We got the Banjan which was a nicely roasted eggplant served with a rich tomato and garlic and mint yogurt sauce. The Kaddo was pumpkin served with beef and yogurt sauce which was melt in your mouth delicious. The Aushak was the best I have had, pleasantly tangy and delicious as well as rich. I got the vegetarian "special" for dinner, a bountiful selection of baked pumpkin, pan-fried eggplant, sautéed spinach and okra served with the delicious pallow rice. The vegetables were cooked perfectly. The Spinach was slightly salty and I found a chunk of beef in it (good thing I am not a vegetarian). The eggplant and the pumpkin were both delicious and seasoned well, the tart yogurt really complements the flavors. The okra was also delicious. The rice topped with raisins and carrots was spiced really well and was delicious. There was so much food that I brought half of it home. Everyone else was very satisfied with their meals including the Khourma Challow, the Mourgh Challow, the Dopiaza, the Aushak (entree size) the Mourgh Kabob and a vegetarian special (eggplant and pumpkin). The kids shared with their parents and seemed to really enjoy the food. The Pudeen (creme caramel) was delicious and really resembled flan. The Bucklawa was really dense, but deliciously accented with cinammon and nuts and not too sweet. I really hope that more people decide to give Ariana a try. read more

If you like the food here, you should try Helmand, the food there is better. This place has nice decor, OK service and a yummy sounding menu, but when the food comes, I'm generally disappointed by the quality. The food doesn't have the flair of Helmand. I am particularly comparing the place to it's competitor in Cambridge, because the two are strikingly similar - same color walls, same art, same soundtrack playing the background, similarly attired servers, and a nearly identical menu - right down to the fresh bread and three sauces that comes complimentary with the meal. The problem is, the food doesn't have the same great flavor. I asked the owner of Helmand - which has been open for years - whether the Ariana was a new restaurant owned by him, since the style was so strikingly similar. It's not. I can't help but think Ariana would be better off if it tried doing its own thing instead of copying someone else. Better to be good at being yourself than a poor imitation of another. read more

Everything we had was delicious. We tried 4 appetizers and one of the lamb entrees. Everything was fabulous. Husband and I have slightly different tastes but he fell in love with every dish as well. Also very good service and quite formal atmosphere. I should also say they have amazing homemade desserts, even housemade baklava!! I can't stop thinking about this place. read more

I've eaten at Ariana twice recently, and both times I had the same impression: good food, lovely and quiet atmosphere and attentive staff. I liked that there was an extensive vegetarian menu, along with delicious meat dishes. And everything had a distinct and interesting taste. (No feeling that they poured the same sauce over multiple dishes.) I'm sure that the desserts were lovely, but we got too full when we ordered interesting appetizers along with our main courses. Highly recommended. read more

Ladies Restaurant Club went to Ariana in November. In short, believe the hype. It was delicious. I personally think Ariana is as good as the Helmand, at a much lower price. I forgot the names of the dishes, but I recall lots of raving over the meat-ravioli type dish and the pumpkin dish, but all 5 of us ladies loved all apps and the entrees. Good, reasonably priced wine and lovely service rounded out the experience. One of the ladies pointed out that the food is a bit heavier than at the Helmand, which is guess is where the price difference comes in, but it's definitely not overly greasy. Go and enjoy. read more

The service was excellent, the food came quickly and of course delicious! I recommend the Banjan and the Bowlani, theyre great vegetarian options. The atmosphere inside was very warm and welcoming, with calming middle eastern music playing. Definitely recommend this place and will be going again! read more

This place is a duplicate of the original restaurant in Cambridge (The Helmand). Their best dish by far is the lamd Gabili which they are famous for. Their prices are about 20% cheaper than the original restaurant which is great. read more

It's been hit or miss based on what I've ordered. The veg special I ordered was awful I could not even eat half of it. Then, another time I ordered the mantu and that was great! read more

If you're tired of the typical falafel and hummus, Afghani provides a nice twist to your typical Middle Eastern fare. Ordered the mantwo entree (dumplings with yogurt/meat sauce) as well as the kaddo pumpkin dish. Both were pretty good, but I think these dishes are much better at the Helmand in Cambridge. read more

Decent. Copied Helmand extensively. I'm wondering about a trade dress suit.

Just found this place walking by. It happened to share names with my good friend. The service rocks. The food is amazing. Get the special. Totally tickled w my whole experience. Def coming back. Yum. read more

I agree with Jessie S - the menu is very similar to The Helmand. And the food was just as good. And the people were really friendly, and it was easy to get a table. So why bother making a reservation way in advance at The Helmand when you can get the same quality at Ariana? Perhaps Helmand's ambiance is a bit better... Ariana is in Allston and it feels like Allston. I highly recommend the lamb soup with black eyed peas, the pumpkin (omg good), and the beef dumplings. yum. We had a nice Malbec with dinner. I'll be back soon! read more

My husband loved his meal and said he would eat there every week. I felt nurtured with good food. We can be hard to please on a Friday night - but we relaxed and enjoyed our meal here. read more

One of my favorite restaurants in the area serving a cuisine that deserves much greater presence on the US culinary stage. The kaddo (pumpkin) dish is a must-try if you enjoy a little sweetness in your savory dishes - it is perfectly tender and is complemented by an enticing blend of spices. The mantu and aushak are also delicious dumpling options that again feature a unique spice blend and are also quite light thanks to the thinness of the dumpling wrapper. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very calm and comfortable, and I have never felt rushed here in the several times I have gone for dinner. The entrees can be a bit heavy on the rice but are also very tasty. Highly recommend! read more

I don't like pumpkins. I really don't like pumpkins in food form. Gourds are not food....but....I LOVE kaddo! Never before has a restaurant convinced me that pumpkin is, in fact, food! I come here almost on a weekly basis and every single dish is amazing. Afghani food is a definite switch up, mixing sweet and savory quite well, introducing new flavors while still being quite familiar. The prices are very reasonable, and much better than Helmand in Cambridge. Parking can be a bit of a pain, but once you find it it's well worth it! read more

Not going to lie, I was a bit hesitant to try Afghan food, but somehow the gf and I found ourselves here. Started off with a couple of fried pastry things that looked like Jamaican beef patties, only one was filled with scallions and the other with curry potatoes or something like that. Also ordered the Kaddo (pumkin with ground beef and yogurt sauce), a baked piece of pumpkin (way too sweet, but balanced by the beef). It was a good try, but don't think I'd order it again. For entrees the gf ordered the Mourgh Challow, which was sort of like a chicken curry dish, which was surprisingly good with the rice. I messed up and ordered the Dopiaza, which was lamb marinated in vinegar (the overpowering sourness really ruined the dish, probably why you can't taste the gamy lamb). I however still finished my dish, but went next door to Blue Asia and ordered something else to really hit the spot. Portions are on the smaller side, service is good, and definitely worth the try. I'd come again. read more

Ariana Restaurant - Kaddo - Afghan Near Me - Brighton, Massachusetts

We had an outstanding first meal at Ariana last Friday. Everything from the bread and sauces at the beginning to the buklawa at the end was tasty and well prepared. Service was low key and unrushed, but all of our needs were met. The rack of lamb was just about perfect. We've eaten at Helmand many times, I'd have to say Ariana was a cut above. If not for the issue of finding a parking space anywhere nearby it would become a go to favorite. read more

Expensive for what you get. Have had better tasting food. Entrees dont include a salad or side vegetable.

Really great food for low prices! We were visiting a friend in Brighton and passed this place on the way. She had never been but she said it might be her favorite place in the neighborhood. We ordered 4 appetizers and a side of lentils and rice. Total bill was $38 for 3 people (we didn't order any drinks) and we were full. The filled pastry appetizers were my favorite, my husband liked the "ravioli," and my friend liked the lintels. We really want to return. read more

The service was good, waiter was attentive and the wine was good. Having eaten a lot of afghani food in NYC this was a cheap imitation. It felt like an americanised afghani restaurant and the food was pretty bland and meat was dry. The wait staff was very patient and accommodating for our needs so I feel bad for an average review. read more

Everything lamb is very delicious. And it's great quality with a reasonable price.

Great food and good price. The presentation and execution of the dishes is lacking but can't deny that my stomach was very happy at the yummy food and service. It was also very quite the day we went so that was a plus! I had the veggie dish that comes with pumpkin- loveddd it! My mouth watered again as I wrote that. Try it! read more

Having been to this place a few times now, I have to say I'm impressed. Food is always delicious (I normally get the vegetarian special), service is attentive, and the carafes of wine are a total bargain. Cute date night spot. read more

Went here late on a rainy Tuesday and had the entire restaurant to ourselves, an experience onto itself. The food was flavorful, delicious, and well priced, especially for the atmosphere. I haven't had much Afghan food in my life, but I know good food when I have it, and this was excellent. read more

Outstanding food in what has become a great area for reasonably priced, interesting options. As good as Cambridge's The Helmand and maybe better, and less expensive. But it's in Allston so maybe should be called The Kandahar. "The Kandahar." Do you get it? Do you? read more

Attentive wait staff and lovely decor unfortunately the food did not live up to it's setting. Bolawnies unremarkable, entrees we choose did not live up to expectation's. We love Afghan food and we walked away disappointed. read more

We had a great experience at Ariana Restaurant. When you first walk in, the ambience immediately takes you in, as the smell of the air, the sound of the cultural music, the images on the wall, and the unique furniture engages you with Afghan culture and transports you to a foreign land. The waiters and waitresses were reserved but friendly and respectful. The only major critique was the wait time, since it took a bit longer than we expected, most likely around 20-30 minutes. However, the highlight of the restaurant was the food, of course. We ordered the Mourgh Kabob, which tasted wonderful, as the brownish rice, spinach, and yellowish chicken were amazingly seasoned; the Sabzi Challow was also quite delicious, with the lamb, okra, and rice perfectly seasoned; and the Korma Challow had a unique taste and a blend of well-seasoned vegetables. The sizes were perfect as well. Finally, the appetizers, which included the fresh pita bread with 3 spices, tasted okay, and the bowlawni with garlic mint yogurt tasting good and well-seasoned too. Overall, we would recommend and visit again when it is nearby to us. read more

The family and I went out for my son's birthday dinner. We loved the food--the tastes were wonderful and everyone enjoyed their meal. Our waiter was courteous and efficient. The bread they served was warm and delicious. We had a couple of appetizers--one was Aushak (delicious) and the other was also very good but I can't remember. Order the vegetarian sampler--this gives you all the highlights of many of the Afghan tastes to share with others. The trout dish was fantastic-so well cooked and tasty. I kept bartering my vegetarian samples for bites of the trout. Also, the Sabzi Challow was terrific--the rice options are so flavorful. My daughter loved her beef dish although I don't like charred meats. I had to agree that aside from that it was really tasty. The ambience is very warm, inviting and romantic--I want to go back with my husband and another couple. The owner told us that they are moving to another location in Brighton? where the big advantage will be parking sometime this month (Feb 2015)--I hope it stays as delicious and inviting. read more

So happy Ariana is open in their new location! We really missed this place when they closed their Allston location. It had become our go-to for special meals out at a great price. Food: because Afghanistan is historically at a world crossroad, it has a variety of influences you will recognize from other cuisines: Indian, Chinese, Persian. Appetizers are a steal at $5.95. Our favorite is the aushak (ravioli) - we liked the meat version best for its stronger flavors. The vegetarian one is delicious, but more delicate in flavor. Both have an unusual combination of mint and tomato (reminds me of some Sicilian sauces). Entrees - any lamb dish is excellent, but in particular, the chopan (rack of lamb) - cooked exactly as we ordered it, juicy inside, lightly charred outside, and compared to rack of lamb at most places, a great deal at $26.95. Most dishes seem to come with rice (Pallow or challow) which is light and fragrant and a treat in itself. Pallow is flavored with cinnamon, but we preferred the challow, a less spiced rice that allows the flavor of the rice itself to shine. Sounds crazy enthusing about just rice, but it's outstanding, and far from the heavy, starchy stuff most ethnic restaurants serve. There is a vegetarian menu, too. Atmosphere: lovely and relaxing, warm ochre walls, tribal rugs decorating hardwood floors, and white linen table cloths, small votive lamps, and a bud vase of fresh flowers on each table. It makes for a romantic spot if that's what you're in the mood for, but the comfortable and spacious dining room means they also would be perfect for large gatherings and those dining alone. Service: eager to be helpful, but low key, making for a relaxing experience. Wine - short but quality list with enough variety, affordability, and good value to make us happy. Only gave 4 stars because I wish their dessert offerings were more extensive beyond the rice & pudding based ones. But their offerings are very authentic, just not as appealing to Americans. read more