Ariana and Ariana2: best Afghan restaurants in London! Fair prices, delicious starters, unforgettable main courses! If you visit London try to visit this restaurant.
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Some places are made just for enjoying their food. Do not expect creative interiors or any token Afghan ornaments displayed around the premises, because there are none. It’s a simple hall style dining area with a TV playing the latest Bollywood music.
Note: The closest station is Royal Oak and they do not seem to have a website.
This place was recommended to me by my Afghani friend who said this is one of the places they visit when there is a special occasion or a family function. They serve both Afghani and Iranian dishes. My mum’s side of the family is from Afghanistan but she grew up in Pakistan so there was never any Afghani influence in her cooking.
I do remember my dad taking us (when I was 5-6 years old) to this Afghani restaurant in Islamabad’s Blue Area that served one of the most delicious “Chickpea Pulao” and “Namkeen Gosht”. The massive naans served with equally massive Chappali Kebabs are one of my most favourite meals EVER!
It was Eid-ul-Fitr, so my friends and I decided to go to Ariana. With no website and no public contact number, it was difficult to get hold of them at first. But we took our chance and got there in the end. Due to Eid, we could see some families gradually making their way to the restaurant and some that had organised a lunch party for their friends and family, just as we do back home.
No meal is complete without the obligatory Kashke Badamjan, which is an Iranian starter. The pureed aubergine made with herbs and onions is just out of this world!
A slightly different aubergine starter is the Borani-e-Badenjan which is served with yogurt and dry mint which is equally as good but Kashk-e-Badenjan will always be my favourite!
The BEST thing about Afghani/Iranian food is the quantity- it’s always MORE than enough and quite cheap as well.
The Ghormeh Kofta is also a favourite I always order. The mince meatballs with split chick peas is rich and full of flavour.
What you absolutely HAVE to order is the Kabuli Pulao, also known as Qabuli Mahicha. It’s a mountain of rice with carrots and raisins and underneath is the most tender piece of lamb shank…
If all that food wasn’t enough, we also ordered the lamb chops with salad (to make ourselves feel better :P)
Yep- it was epic. Full stop!
This place is located quite obscurely, but it is pretty accessible. The good thing though, is that the food tastes amazing, and it is authentic Persian and Afghan cuisines. We had the mantu and they were simply brilliant, with some steamed minced beef and lamb pieces delicately seasoned and presented. It can be a little empty at lunch times, but the service is very nice and amiable and it gives great value for money.
If you are looking for some delicious Afghani food, then you should definitely give this place a try! The food here is a true delicacy and worth a try. The service staff is thoughtful of your needs and one feels welcome to be here. The great combination of various chutneys served with almost every dish is something that always fascinated me.
Overall, it is a good place!
I stay close to this place and its a great place to take family and friends for a good meal. The food here is always very appetizing and cooked perfectly. The place has an austere environment, and is family-run, which can be felt in the service. The staff is friendly and welcoming. The food is also reasonably priced. I would definitely recommend this place.
The locality might not be its strength ,but this place in general is pretty amazing. Specializing in Iranian cuisine,The food here is simply heavenly. The ambiance is also pretty inviting with the wonderful, attentive and efficient staff.The entertainment of belly dancers and live music on weekend was also pretty amusing. Try their rice and herb soup for sure.
Best kebab resturaunt ever. I enjoyed the services the workers work very hard and the food is fresh and clean. They have a nightclub too....
My review is purely on the takeaway provided and not on the service , venue , booking or staff members as i didn’t have much interaction in them fields( walked in , paid , took my food and left ) . I ordered a kobidah kebab ( 2 skewers) with rice and salad for under £6 and to be honest , the food was good ! Id go back and get it again . Recommended ! Fantastically delicious 😋filling !. حلال . Parking right outside the store and if your feeling a picnic , theres a park 2 minutes walk away so you can take your food and enjoy it there . Enjoy 😊
Have been to this restaurant four times over the last four years, about a year apart each time. Evey time on a Saturday, and fabulous food with great entertainment. Originally the belly dancer was the one who made it to the finals of Britain's got Talent, but even the follow up dancers were great. A really really good evening.
Affordable price for an excellent food.
Been there three times and love the food shoddy decor though.
Only thing didn't like was that they were still cleaning the previous night's mess whilst we were eating .
But will go there again.
Delicious food ,friendly staffs ,fresh food ,clean and bright restaurant,close to central London easy to park,live music every Friday and Saturday in very good price ,suitable for all occasions.
I love Persian cuisine and I've tried many Persian restaurants in London.
Ariana is one of the best if it is not the best.
Warm welcoming and hospitality.
Good to start with delicious starters,
Wide varieties of starters with freshly made naan
Their grills are tender, spicy and cooked to perfection (try mix gril )The best to finish your food with persian tea.
Try once weakened with live music and belly dace ,it is amzingggg ......,I am sure u ll love ...
Nice food but i saw a mouse under the table
Great place!! Very nice entertainment and delicious food!! *****
I love the food and service is top level
Quite expensive but worth it lovely food
nice place price I don't know
Delicious food and billy Dance
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