Ariana II

Last night was my first time trying Afghan food, and I was so thoroughly satisfied having my first meal be at Ariana! My friends who have been here at least six times already took me there, insistent that I would love it. I am a big foodie and truly enjoy different and new food experiences. Everything we had was absolutely delicious! We tried these fantastic dumplings (ausha) with minced lamb and a tomato-based sauce that I could have eaten all night! Kabuli palow was our main course, lamb shank served with a yellow rice iced with raisins and red bell peppers. Amazing! Then Te desserts came....I thought I had enough, but nope. We tried all their desserts...baklava (perfect), firnee (pudding...my favorite), and rasmalee (cottage cheese soaked in sweet milk....awesome)! On top of that, the service was genuinely friendly and quick, the restaurant decor clean and charming, and there's NO CORK SERVICE CHARGE if you want to bring your own drinks!!! I am sad that I don't live in London and can't make Ariana II a regular place to dine, but I guess I can head to their NYC location! Go and support this fantastic family-run business!

Just totally wrong how dare you lie

Having moved to the local area recently my husband and I went to Ariana for dinner last night. I don't usually write reviews but last night's experience made me feel like doing so and especially after having read some good reviews here. The food was good but the service was a big disappointment. We had booked in advance and were made to wait while they were making a table when half of the restaurant was empty. We requested if we could sit elsewhere and were pointed to sit on one of the ready tables. We sat down and waited and waited and waited for someone to come and give us the menus. The restaurant was half empty so no excuse of being very busy. After 10 minutes a waitress did come but only to give us the glasses to drink our champagne with no sign of menu. Many people came after us and were given the menus straightaway and had started ordering their food. After 15 minutes I went upto their bar counter and asked them to give us a menu. They apologised and came with the menus. A waitress came to take our order in 2 minutes and we said we were only ready to order the starters and had not yet decided the main course. The waitress said okay I will come back in 2 minutes to take your order then. We waited and waited and after 10 minutes I had to ask her to come to take our order. The restaurant was still half empty. The starters came pretty quickly and were nice. We finished our starters and had to wait for another 25 minutes before I managed to get hold of a waiter's attention to clear our table and get our main course. She had not bothered to check if we had been served with our main course. The main course arrived eventually and was quite nice as well. But the whole experience just spoiled the mood. It was Valentine's Day last night but the restaurant was half empty and they still couldn't manage it. We over heard the table behind us complaining about the wait too. It was a very poor management and appalling customer service. Some tables were being served on time and the waiters would go and ask them about the food etc but not our side of the restaurant. Inspite of all this no one came down to apologise. We had to ask someone again to get the bill and they got a dessert as an apology. Sadly a bit too late. But when we paid the bill by a credit card they charged us a surcharge for using a credit card. We were in this restaurant for 2 hours when we could have been done in an hour. Anyway good food but APPALLING SERVICE.

I can't recommend this restaurant highly enough! I recently made a very large booking (40 people) for a birthday dinner and from the time of booking right up until the end of the meal I received friendly and helpful service from all of the staff. It's a family run restaurant and you're made to feel very welcome and at home. The food was delicious, the portions were generous, and the set menu catered to everyone in our group - people that like/dislike spicy food, meat lovers and veggies. There is a large room perfect for group bookings of any size, everyone in my group has plans to go back! It was also great value for money and BYO which was a bonus. 10/10!

Fantastic meal last night and I will be returning again.

Fantastic food, been here a few times now and everything tastes great, really cheap and it's BYOB!

After seeing the excellent reviews,we booked for dinner last night. Don't be put off by the location, the restaurant is cosy and the food is fantastic! Highly recommend the pumpkin dip for starters and the aubergine lamb was tender and delicious. 2 courses for 2 was £27! Will be going again soon.

This restaurant is brilliant! The food is out of the world and you wouldn't expect it to be so good as it is very reasonable priced!! I definitely recommend the service and the food and will always keep going there. Keep up the good work!! Sincerely outstanding food!

the food here is absolutely amazing! I came across this place accidently and although the location is a bit mediocre, I will most definitely keep returning to Ariana II!.. plus you must get served by Sameera, she's very warm and hilarious.. love this place :)

Fantastic food, lovely people & such good value - had a great time - Highly recommend!!!