Ravi Kabob House — Restaurant in Arlington

So where do I start, I'll put my thoughts in points: BAAAAD customer service Unhygienic practices Painfully slow orders! Freakishly overpriced! No cards allowed only cash (tax issues? Hmm)

So I stopped there a few days ago when I had my child crying in the back seat because he was hungry and couldn't wait to get home for dinner, we ordered lamb kabobs with a cup of tea, paid $17 for that, we took the order number then sat there wiaiting, and waiting, and waiting! My child was fidgeting and went to the bar pointing at the rice asking for some (he's only 3) workers were going in chaos and no one paid attention to him, I asked an employee if he could put a little bit of rice for him until order is ready, answer? I was ignored, ok I get my child back and he kept running back to where the rice was sticking his little fingers under the glass trying to reach rice, I was getting upset because by that time 20 minutes have passed since I placed my order, I asked an employee again when will my order be ready and he goes in (silly me going he's gonna go ask the kitchen but no he ignored me and went to do other things), I try to get my son back to the table but now he runs to the soda fridge and grabs anything he can, I take the soda back then he insists and I was super upset by then because instead of waiting with a hungry child I should've been sitting there eating, it was almost half hour then since I placed my order, for god sake it was only one plate order! Are they slaughtering the lamb now? At that point I carried my child and went to the cashier told them if my order isn't ready now I'd like to get my money back and leave, which another guy told me that I have to wait, I told him it doesn't make any sense to wait 30 minutes for a simple order and that other people came after me and got their orders already, I told him I'm giving them only 2 minutes more then I'm leaving, now miraculously my order was ready which to my surprise consisted of a plate of 25% bland old rice and 25% lettuce and a few pieces of meat, alongside chickpeas chutney and flat bread (the last two are sides that come with all order) it was a bummer to think I paid $17 and 30 minutes of my life for that! While at another place (that was afghani) I have very generous amount of meat, yummy colored rice, hot large flat bread, alongside house made condiments with a drink and soup (with free refills!) for the same price and at a beautiful place with relaxing music, not run down place with no music other than bunch of guys running around in chaos and yelling, the worst restaurant experience I ever had in my life, I hate to think that they made me wait and ignored me because I was a woman, but I know lots of macho cultures make women eat after men, so food is served to men first while women wait well until men are full (I'm middle eastern so I know what I'm talking about), of course I was expecting them to be professional but obviously the fact that I paid full price like any male patron should've given me the right to the same service means nothing to them. Oh and hygiene! I saw some employees picking their teeth with no gloves in then handling food! And no one was wearing gloves! I let my child only eat the meat because it was hot and I drank the tea but didn't let him touch the lettuce or the old rice because they were cold so could harbor germs, I don’t need to deal with food poisoning... ahh the things we do for a...

My recent dining experience at Ravi has left me with a nuanced perspective, with both positive and concerning aspects to consider. While the food could be described as average, providing a satisfactory yet unremarkable culinary experience, it was the cleanliness of the establishment that became a more prominent focal point of my visit.

Regrettably, the overall cleanliness at Ravi fell short of expectations, making it a notable detractor from the dining ambiance. The condition of the dining areas, tables, and even the restrooms was, frankly, subpar. This lapse in cleanliness significantly impacted the overall dining experience, creating an atmosphere that was less inviting and detracting from the enjoyment of the meal.

Cleanliness is a fundamental aspect of any dining establishment, and its importance cannot be overstated. It not only contributes to the overall ambiance but also reflects the level of care and attention to detail that patrons associate with a quality dining experience. In this regard, Ravi's noticeable cleanliness issues were disappointing and impacted the overall impression of the restaurant.

On a more positive note, the staff at Ravi displayed a level of attentiveness and friendliness that added a positive dimension to the visit. Their willingness to assist and create a welcoming atmosphere despite the cleanliness concerns was commendable.

In conclusion, while Ravi may offer an average dining experience in terms of food, the cleanliness issues are a significant area requiring improvement. Addressing these hygiene concerns promptly would be crucial for the restaurant to enhance its overall appeal and provide a more satisfying dining experience for patrons. The positive aspects, such as friendly staff, should be coupled with improvements in cleanliness to ensure a well-rounded and enjoyable dining...

⭐☆☆☆☆ 1/5 Disappointing Experience — Not Worth the Hype

🚪 First Impressions: Filthy Floors & Neglected Interiors The moment you step inside Ravi Kabob, it hits you—sticky, grimy floors that make you question when the place was last deep-cleaned. Multiple other Google reviews mention the same issue, and I can now confirm it's not an exaggeration. The walls and counters felt worn down, and the overall ambiance was anything but appetizing.

🚻 Bathroom? More Like a Health Violation The bathroom was dirty and barely functional—something many other reviewers also pointed out. In a restaurant, a filthy bathroom is often a red flag for what’s going on behind the kitchen doors. If you can't keep public areas clean, what does that say about where the food is prepared?

🍽️ Food: Flat, Greasy, and Overrated Here’s where I’m honestly confused—why is this place so beloved? I had the kabob platter and chicken karahi. The meat was dry, the spices muted, and the whole thing swam in greasy oil. The naan was rubbery and the chutneys didn’t help much.

“Used to be good, now just greasy and bland.

“Nothing special. Just salty meat and overcooked rice.”

There are far better kabob joints in Northern Virginia that actually season their food well and care about presentation and freshness.

🤷‍♂️ The Hype Machine This place feels like it’s coasting on old reputation. Crowds line up out of habit or nostalgia, but the quality just doesn’t match the hype anymore.

“Why do people keep coming here?”

🧼 Final Verdict: Hard Pass If you care about cleanliness, flavor, and overall dining experience, Ravi Kabob is not worth your time or money. There are better Pakistani and Afghan options in the DMV that actually deliver on both hygiene and taste.

Unless there’s a major overhaul, I won’t be returning—and I wouldn’t recommend...