This Afghani restaurant slaps harder than my mom. High quality food. I was stopping in DC and had been fasting for nearly 18 hours until stumbled upon this culinary gem like an overflowing well in a desert oasis. Every bite was packed with flavor of the perfectly charred kabobs, qabuli pilau, and channa. I was eating and likely weeping at the same time, overjoyed by the flavors. The dimly lit ambience is more for an intimate experience. Good spot for people who want to eat somewhere ethnic, flavorful, ambient, and not excessively pricy.

The lamb was SO good! It was really juicy and tender. The service was a bit slow but everything we ordered (2 platters and the veal dish) were perfectly cooked and seasoned. The interior was also really nice. Highly recommend!

My husband, our friends , and I have never had Afghanistan food before so choosing this establishment as our introductory to this cuisine was just perfect. At the top of my head, I cannot remember the names of the dishes we ordered, but what I do remember ordering were a variety of dumplings, an eggplant dish, and for my kids, a chicken dish with rice. All of what we ordered were phenomenal and were packed with flavor. The dishes reminded me of Indian food, though, with any dish, there are always different flares specific in that region. If I lived in the area, I would have definitely returned. If you have kids in tow who aren't used to eating this type of food, introduce them. My kids are two and 13 months and they absolutely devoured whatever they were given. Yes, they do have high chairs available.

None of us have had Afghan cuisine before so the set menu lets you sample so many dishes and the portions are generous. Lots of veg options. The ambiance is bright and lovely for friends catching up, or co-workers unwinding. The service is friendly and informative, exactly what you need when trying new cuisines.

I ate here once on a work trip and have thought about it almost weekly since then. Imagine how happy I was to come back when I moved here?! The food is delicious. I'd never had Afghani food until this place so I don't have a frame of reference but I don't think this keeps it from being objectively delicious. Came for my anniversary and the servers were swamped but so sweet, even brought us a dessert on the house! We order the taste of Aracosia to try everything. It's a great deal and we had so much food for two more meals after. It's a nice spot, dark and moody, pretty lively and has always been busy when I've gone. I love this place and will be bringing family and friends over and over.

For a special date night out to a family gathering, Aracosia serves really unique, well-spiced, and unique dishes that are hard to find in the area. We ended up getting the complete taste which includes the mini taste and the assortment of dumplings. The meaty dumpling was probably the best. It came with two different rices, an each of which pair nicely with the complete taste dishes including the lentils and sweet ribs. The complimentary bread was warm and the sauces were either sweet or savory with a bit of spice. While the wait for the food was admittedly longer than expected, they were also generally pretty busy. We also got a lot of food at $55 each person. Docking off one star because when we sat down, and I got my plate, it was left with a bunch of crumbs. Very great experience overall for trying Afghan food for the first time.

Excellent place to try Afghan food! The place was very decorative and you can park in the garage below for free. We had to wait 15 minutes for our table even though we had a reservation unfortunately. Our server was funny and entertaining! He was as friendly as most of the staff. Food came out super quick and all at once which was overwhelming. We got the Mini Taste of Aracosia for 5 people ($46 per person) and an order of Assortment of Dumplings for 4 people ($24.95). Everything was super flavorful and delicious! My favorite things were definitely the dumplings. We all really also enjoyed the Grilled Lamb Chops, Banjaan (eggplants), Daal (lentils), Rumi's Veal, and the qabuli rice. It was definitely way too much food. I think we were only able to eat half of the whole tasting menu. Very generous portions so come hungry, or be prepared for a whole feast for leftovers LOL

The waitress was friendly but service was a bit slow. I think it's just cause they don't have too many workers and honestly wasn't a problem! We ended up getting the complete taste since it was our first time and seemed like a great way to try everything. I feel like the deal was pretty good because it was more food than I expected we ended up having to take some home for yummy seconds! In this fog - 3/5 little sweet which I like but still kinda strong In the garden - 2.5/5 a bit strong but still good Complete taste of aracosia Dumpling sampler - 3.5/5 very soft skin and flavorful insides! I liked all but in order I would say the beef, the sweet potato(?) then the lamb Chicken Sabzi Lawaan - 3.5/5 great flavor and not dry * Lamb Shank Moghuli - 3.5/5 cooked nicely and good sauce! * Rumi's Veal - 2/5 soft but too sweet * Grilled milk fed Lamb Chops - 5/5 the softest and so juicy and flavorful!! Loved this so much and not games * Grilled Beef Tenderloin - 4.75/5 prob one of best tenderloin I've had! Super soft * Nakhoud (Chickpeas) - 3/5 good amount of spices and yummy * Kadoo (Squash) - 3.5/5 like th e filling of the earlier momo. Sweet and easy to eat * Banjaan (Eggplant) - 2/5 this is only cause I don't like eggplant. I usually can't really eat it but this was good for an eggplant * Daal (Lentils) - 3.5/5 good spices and goes well with the meat * served with chalou and gabuli rice. - 3.5/5 love the flavors on the rice! Special shout out to the free bread dips I kept going back for more and all 4 were so good

I enjoyed a tasy dinner at Aracosia with my team this past Tuesday. I don't think reservations are necessary, but it's good to make one just in case! Our server was really helpful and gave suggestions when we asked them questions. A few of us got some drinks (not me, but the ones who did enjoyed them, it seems). The complementary bread they gave us with the four chutneys on the side were enjoyable. I enjoyed the mango chutney (slightly spicy) and the avocado, cilantro, and yogurt chutney (very creamy). Some people really enjoyed the red chili chutney, but unfortunately, I'm not the best with spice. LAMB CHOP DUO - 33.95 This came with four lamb chops, two of the lamb ribs and two of the lamb shoulders. Each was nicely salted and cooked at the perfect medium. The lamb ribs were a lot more thin/tender compared to the lamb shoulders, which was much chewier, but there's more meat if that's what you're looking for. In general, the flavor of the lamb was fantastic, but I wish it wasn't as chewy. It also comes with a side of qabuli rice, which is seasoned rice with carrots and raisins. The rice was flavorful and enjoyable on its own, naturally sweetened by the toppings. There was also a side of roasted eggplant. Portions are big and I was very full by the end. We all enjoyed the food we ordered here. A few of my teammates got the chicken based stews which they liked. The chicken based entrees are in the $20 range which is much more affordable compared to the red meat options!

Absolutely delicious food. We did the tasting menu and everything was great although the lab chops and beef really shone--would definitely just get an order of those next time. Service was incredibly attentive throughout the meal, absolute 5 star experience. Ambiance was also very good and transported us out of suburban Virginia. Would highly recommend Aracosia.