Ariana II — Restaurant in London

I’ve lived in Kilburn two years too long to have only tried Ariana II for the first time today. There are some restaurants you know you will enjoy, but for reasons, delay visiting — £20 on a sit-down dinner sounds reasonable, but in this current economic climate that’s a lot of money (read: a week of groceries) for a single meal. Sometimes it’s easier to go with the safe option — reliable Nando’s, or the humble pizza express. With these canteens you pay for the easy serotonin of prescription fast food. By comparison, what you pay for at Ariana II is the culinary equivalent of a 12-week CBT course with a dedicated psychiatric team. It cures depression.

The dishes in the photo came to ~£40 between us, and this is the first time I left a restaurant feeling like the food was underpriced. It was also the first time I’ve ever truly considered a restaurant to be five stars. There is no pretension, considering Ariana II’s high acclaim — we had as much fun just chatting to our waitress as we did eating the food. Her warmth, mingling with the familial atmosphere of curious travellers and steadfast locals, matched the gentle heat of oven-fresh bread, replenished as soon as our bowl emptied. Halfway through the meal, we were given a homemade chili sauce, just to try — because it’s run by people who know their craft exceptionally well, and have a passion for flavour that goes beyond selling a product.

Note that I have not really described the way this food tastes. Admittedly, I don’t really have the words to justify what I ate, this being my first experience of Afghan food — but it’s something I thoroughly recommend going into blind. There were no dishes that stood out, because everything was the best version of that food I’d ever eaten — the consistency of quality has made me confident that everyone will enjoy eating here, regardless of what they order. We had vegetarian special maza, which ranged from dishes of mashed spiced pumpkin (kadoo buranee) to nutty, lentil-leek dumplings (aushak), spinach-paneer samosa and smoky okra and aubergine (baudinjan buranee). 11/10 doesn’t...

I recently dined at Ariana 2 and had an absolutely wonderful experience. From the moment I walked in, the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. Our waitress, Samira, was exceptional. She greeted us with a warm smile and ensured we felt right at home, making the whole dining experience even more enjoyable.

The food was nothing short of amazing. We started with the badujaan borani and kadoo borani, both appetizers were bursting with flavor and accompanied by freshly made bread that was warm, soft, and perfect for dipping. The badujaan borani had a delightful flavor, while the kadoo borani was sweet and savory, creating a perfect balance.

For our main courses, we indulged in the kabuli palow, mantu, and the kabuli chicken kebab. The kabuli palow was a standout with its fragrant rice, tender lamb, and a perfect blend of spices. The mantu, delicate dumplings filled with seasoned meat and topped with a rich yogurt sauce, were simply divine. The kabuli chicken kebab was grilled to perfection, juicy, and packed with flavor(see image).

Each dish had a perfect texture and tasted absolutely delicious. The attention to detail in the preparation and presentation was evident and greatly appreciated. I am definitely going to become a regular customer at Ariana 2. The food is worth every penny, and the excellent service makes the experience even better. Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great food and a...

Ariana 2 on Kilburn High Road is hands down one of the best Afghan restaurants I’ve been to in London. The food is absolutely amazing—rich in flavour, freshly made, and incredibly authentic. You can really taste the care that goes into every dish.

The Kabuli Palow with lamb shank is a must-try: the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender, and the rice is beautifully aromatic with raisins and carrots, just like you'd expect in a traditional Afghan home.

Their mantu (Afghan dumplings) and grilled kebabs are also standouts—juicy, well-seasoned, and served in generous portions that will definitely leave you full and satisfied. Portion sizes are genuinely impressive, especially for the price. I’ve seen others mention this in their reviews, and they’re absolutely right—bring your appetite! It’s excellent value for money, and everything feels homemade in the best way.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and the staff are always welcoming and helpful. It’s a no-frills place focused on what really matters: great food and hospitality. You can tell it’s a local favourite, and for good reason. If you're looking for authentic Afghan cuisine with flavour, warmth, and hearty servings, Ariana 2 is a place you shouldn’t miss. Highly...