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  5. Palisades Northwest
Bistro Aracosia, Washington, DC

Bistro Aracosia

4.9
4.9
2428 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

10:00 p.m.


Booked 33 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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
  • Neighbourhood
    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 2,428 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

2,428 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We had a delightful evening with friends at Bistro Aracosia. Entering the place, it feels warm and inviting--made even more so by the welcoming staff. The space allows for conversation and the food was very good. There are plenty of options for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. We hadn't been in awhile, but we will be returning soon.

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  2. Sasha

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ate outside on a Saturday evening where it is partially covered with heat lamps. Very pretty with little sparkling lights. Much quieter than the inside seating but it may be too cold in the middle of winter. From start to finish, the staff were very attentive, friendly and accommodating. This was our first time here. The waitress did a great job with suggestions. We shared an order of stuffed dumplings and a vegetarian platter. Food was absolutely delicious. They brought out a delicious chocolate cake slice without charge, with a candle to celebrate my friend’s birthday. We will definitely be back.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Amazing food and some of the best service I’ve had in a long time. Our server Aziz was fantastic from knowledge of the cuisine, to staying on top of our food/beverage, and a great personality. Cannot recommend this restaurant enough.

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  4. WendyS

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is our favorite restaurant in DC. The food is consistently good, service is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is cozy. We also enjoy the variety of dishes offered on the tasting menu and appreciate the value of having leftovers to take home with us. We tried the cardamom milk cake and ice cream for dessert and they were SO good.

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  5. EagerEater

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food. Great sized portions. Highly recommended!

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Aracosia's stews are thicker and more flavorful than curries. They have TASTE but are not hot. They have FLAVOR even without garlic, and as far as I can tell much onion (I don't digest onion well but have no problem after dining here). We were given apps on the house without requesting them, perhaps because our entrees took a while, though no longer than expected. When the first free app wasn't something that two of us could eat, our waiter brought another one. We modified our dishes, again with a smile and no extra charge, even though I suggested one. We were also delayed in arriving, in part because of an accident on MacArthur -- and one of our party went to the McLean Aracosia by mistake, which is equally good BTW, and this was no problem. The restaurant became more full after 7, but it never got noisy. It's a pleasant and delicious place to eat, and a good value. The definition of five stars.

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  7. Date

    Washington DC

    160 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    160 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food is always very good. Loved the lamb and chicken dishes as well as the dumplings we ordered. Staff was great too. Very good experience

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food and service as usual. Love the mixed grill.

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  9. JohnO

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was excellent and the server was friendly and informative. The hostess kept everyone informed.

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  10. Terry

    Washington DC

    60 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Terrific grilled meats. Outstanding eggplant. Wonderful service. Always a great experience.

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  11. danindc

    Washington DC

    58 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    58 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I brought an Afghan who recently escaped and is in the U.S. for his service to the U.S. armed forces. The food was excellent and a welcome reminder of Afghan cuisine. Bistro Arcosia is a neighborhood gem.

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  12. gustatory

    Houston

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Excellent food tried both vegetarian dishes and lamb chops and lamb shank. Started meal with table for eight and wonderful dumplings selection. Service was superior. Ample portions. Would return.

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  13. DCDD

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Where to go when you crave delicious food and friendly professional service!

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  14. ValeriyaS

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I adore this place. Possibly the best Afghan dumplings I’ve ever had. My family celebrates bdays here. That is how much I trust ba to impress picky spoiled palates. The vegetarian cuisine here plays no second fiddle to the meats. Outstanding and unpretentious all around.

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  15. Catherine

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The mixed dumpling appetizer is excellent for a start, and all the lamb dishes we have tried have been wonderful. We could not get seats indoors, but the covered outdoor seating was reasonably comfortable and quiet, and low on ambience.

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  16. StephanieK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful experience. Staff were friendly and food delicious. Cozy atmosphere.

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  17. NancyS

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a fabulous meal here, tasty food and cozy warm atmosphere. Highly recomm NS it!

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  18. Edgardo

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent food and service. I celebrated my birthday there and I had a great experience.

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  19. BPinto

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious appetizers, mais courses and dessert. Great Service!

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  20. Tina

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    This restaurant, food and service are top class. Wonderful Afghan cuisine, warm smell of herbs and seasonings, great big menu and a very competent and friendly wait staff to help the uneducated navigate the wonderful intricacies of Afghan dishes. Gorgeous dinner (and lunch) experience.

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  21. KatB

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bistro Aracosia serves excellent food in an elegant atmosphere. The service is also quite good.

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  22. CharlotteH

    Washington DC

    137 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    137 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Afghan dumplings are the tastiest. The spicy beef and scallion were terrific and the layers of flavors were spectacular

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  23. Jovite

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great dinner as always. Such a delicious, fresh and varied menu, combined with wonderful attentive service. This place never disappoints.

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  24. BenC

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’ve been here several times but this time I brought my mother, and she loved it. We did the set menu option, which was perfect for her to try different things. This is probably my favorite restaurant in DC. It never disappoints!

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  25. Linda

    San Francisco

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful! Delicious food, great service, great ambiance!!

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  26. ElyseS

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was fantastic all the way around! The service and food are both wonderful Warm, inviting, responsive, scrumptious.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I almost hate to share this gem. A perfect jewel and a miracle that it is so close to home…. Wonderful flavors. Perfect atmosphere. And professional and kind service.

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  28. Osfan

    Washington DC

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was excellent as always, and the service was friendly. There are a number of options for vegetarians. We will definitely go back.

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  29. BruceF

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Tried a cocktail for a change. I’m not an expert on this, but I enjoyed it. Service was exceptional: thoughtful, knowledgeable. Food was outstanding, as we expected.

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  30. Citygirl58

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bistro Aracosia is a fantastic restaurant. The food is wonderful and the service gracious. I always enjoy going there.

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  31. WannaBFoodie

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Nice neighborhood spot. Servers and hospitality were excellent.

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  32. Karin

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is delicious and creative. Vegetarian options are fabulous for carnivores!

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  33. CarolA

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and delicious food. Very helpful with making selections for the group

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  34. SusanR

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, warm ambience and excellent service. Lovely evening!

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  35. DMVDineAround

    Washington DC

    38 reviews

    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always enjoy dining here. The food is amazing. Great lunchtime service.

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  36. EdwardB

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    We had expected a little more flavorful food. The eggplant appetizer was nice and the flatbread was delicious. But the two main dishes were so so. A Dahl with meat dumplings did not have a nice flavor (and as Indians, we know Dahl). The chicken saffron korma was pieces of breast meat with a little scant sauce over rice, not particularly flavorful. A shared desert was nice, white custard with rose water and pistachios. The Pinot Grigio was very good. Maybe we just ordered poorly and should have stuck to the lamb dishes

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  37. TamE

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is excellent. The service from Zack was top tier. The food was fresh and hot. The Vegan Flight is outstanding. Salmon was grilled perfectly. The raspberry sorbet taste amazing. Can’t wait to return. They have live music Friday nights.

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  38. Joanna

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    The food is amazing! Our server was attentive and friendly.

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  39. GtownDoc

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our family favorite when we lived in Georgetown. My son requested to return to DC for his 10 year old birthday celebration. It has been 2.5 years and many things have changed including the chutney layout (used to be 4 types now is 3). The serving staff is different of course. Yet the non-intrusive yet attentive service was just like the old time. The bread was our sons’ favorite and they still loved the mango chutney. The lamb, salmon, beef bbq ….. all as good as we remembered. We declined the dessert since we were about to pick up his birthday cake after our lunch, the serve staff surprised us with a piece of cake with beautifully raspberry jam written “happy birthday” on the plate. Just a wonderful place to return to.

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  40. breakingbad

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always wonderful food and nice atmosphere. Tonight was delicious as usual.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser 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 2428 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

10:00 p.m.


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
  • Neighbourhood
    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
  • 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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