I went here with an Afghan friend and his family. We all loved the food.
The first thing is, the owner and her daughter (?) were gems, absolutely wonderful, very kind and welcoming. If you're looking for a pleasant, friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy a good meal, this place is it.
The food we had was delicious, classic Afghan food: a variety of kabobs, bread, rice, grilled vegetables, bolani, dumplings, soups, etc. I especially enjoyed my lentil soup, mild and tasty, a dish I could happily eat every day. My friend's wife is a really great cook, the family is used to eating well, and she and everyone else thoroughly enjoyed the meal.
I'm very familiar with the prices and portion sizes of other Afghan restaurants, and this restaurant is very much in line with them; the claim by several one star reviewers that something is off at this place is laughable, most likely some other local halal restaurant or restaurants worried about keeping up with the new competition (my friend's son told me that this is a common problem among competing food trucks in Philadelphia). My friend's chicken kabob and rice meal, for example, was absolutely loaded with juicy, well-prepared chicken, and for the price his dish was actually a much better deal than other places I'm familiar with; if you want large portions of chicken, come here. And there was no delay at all in the service; after seeing the complaints in the one star reviews I was expecting one, but the food actually came out surprisingly quickly. Bottom line, do NOT believe the fake reviews, check this place out and decide for yourself.
I'm a dessert lover and a bit critical when it comes to them, especially the milk-based ones; the ice cream with ground pistachio and cardamom was just right, subtle and delicious. I will definitely be...
Read moreA Delightful Experience at Sona’s Courtyard Cafe
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Sona’s Courtyard Cafe, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the friendly staff, setting a welcoming tone for the evening.
The ambiance of the cafe is charming, with its cozy decor and inviting atmosphere. It truly feels like a hidden gem where you can relax and enjoy a wonderful meal. The menu offers a diverse selection of dishes, catering to various tastes and preferences.
We started with the appetizers of the Bulani and Ashak which were beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Each dish was crafted with care, showcasing fresh ingredients and creative combinations. The main courses were equally impressive, cooked to perfection and seasoned just right. Every bite was a delight!
The service was impeccable throughout our visit. Our waitress was attentive and knowledgeable, offering excellent recommendations and ensuring that our dining experience was nothing short of perfect. Her warm greetings and genuine hospitality made us feel valued and appreciated.
To top it all off, the desserts were simply divine. We indulged in a decadent chocolate cake and a sweet milky pudding called “Firni”.Both were the perfect ending to a fantastic meal.
Overall, Sona’s Courtyard Cafe exceeded our expectations in every way. The combination of delicious food, outstanding service, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination. I highly recommend this cafe to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience. We will definitely be...
Read moreThis was by far the worst dining experience I’ve ever had. We arrived at 5:30 p.m. and didn’t even receive water until 7 p.m. As someone who is 8 months pregnant with two small children, waiting that long for just water—especially in a hot restaurant—was completely unacceptable.
The only waitress tried to seat us where ants were crawling everywhere and it took hours to get any food. When we said we were leaving, they finally brought salad and bread—but no utensils. I found a hair in my Nakhod, and although I didn’t see it until I’d nearly finished (the small amount of food we received), I was questioned about why I ate it. I was also charged for a substituted item that I was told would be free as they did not have the item I originally ordered.
When I brought these issues to the woman at checkout, she offered to remove the substituted item and a side and sarcastically asked if I expected the whole meal to be comped. Neither she nor the waitress apologized at any point. We were also told we needed a reservation for a group over three, yet the nonexistent and painfully slow service had nothing to do with party size—it took hours just to get basic items like water, pre-wrapped cookies, and bread.
The food itself wasn’t bad, though they did not have a lot of the menu items, and the portions are diminutive for the cost. I’ll never return or...
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