Khorasan Kabab — Restaurant in Metuchen

Whenever a new restaurant opens up, there are always growing pains and that is understandable. That can be occasionally slow service or food that sometimes isn’t up to the restaurant’s standards. But when these issues are so present in a restaurant that is so highly praised, I have to take notice.

When we got there (we were a party of 4), we were sat down pretty quickly. The restaurant wasn’t particularly busy but not quiet either. The first issue is when we were sat down and we didn’t receive any menus. We felt as if they were busy but after 8-10 minutes we realized something was up. I had to walk up to the front to get the menus myself without any acknowledgment from the staff. At that point no big deal.

Then, after 15 minutes nobody had come to acknowledge our table. Of note, two men came in 5 minutes after us, were seated in the table behind us and already had their appetizers of hummus and bread by this point. We hadn’t even gotten our menus or water. I had flagged down waiters multiple times by this point and they nodded and never came. It was only after I grabbed a third individual when I expressed that we wanted to order.

At this point we were kind of annoyed, but the problems have only started. We asked if the qorma was available. He said no. Fine, no big deal. But when we were asking for one of the other dishes, they said to order another one because it is the same. If they were the same, then why are they charging two different prices for the same item?

We then waited for the food with still no water, bread, or utensils. The only thing on our table was sauces. After another 15-20 minutes I was about to go up to ask for something when our food arrived. Still no utensils to eat them with, mind you. But at this point we were able to ask and get everything.

The food itself was nothing to write home about. The spices were nice but my chicken was slightly overcooked and the lamb tough. The bread also tasted a bit stale but I was really hungry and the food was satiating.

After we finished we asked for the check multiple times and again no one came to us. We got fed up and just walked to the front to pay since no one was coming to us. My friend said he felt it was rude that the person at the front was looking at his payment screen when putting the tip in.

Overall, I had a pretty negative experience. With such high ratings we were very excited to try a new Afghan restaurant but with so many competing restaurants nearby I have no impetus to return. I really do hope the owners fix their issues because the staff were friendly (whenever they actually were at our table). The decor is very nice and the vibe is good. But I do hope these growing pains fix themselves soon as some of these issues can be really detrimental to a new restaurant.

And all of this could be forgiven if it weren’t for the fact that the food was decently pricy. Then again, it’s a new restaurant so...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Muslim Professional Group held its March Iftar dinner networking event at Khorasan Kabab. If you're searching for an unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Khorasan Kabab! From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The decor beautifully blends traditional elements with modern touches, creating a cozy yet vibrant setting that's perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.

Now, let’s talk about the food! The menu is a delightful journey through authentic flavors, and each dish is crafted with care. The kababs are the star of the show—perfectly grilled, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you opt for the marinated lamb or the succulent chicken, each bite is a celebration of spices that transport you straight to Khorasan. The sides are equally impressive; the fragrant rice and fresh salads perfectly complement the main dishes.

But what truly sets Khorasan Kabab apart is the sense of community and camaraderie that fills the air. Whether you're dining with friends or family, the restaurant fosters a sense of togetherness that enhances the overall experience. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, always ready to recommend their favorites and ensure that your meal is nothing short of exceptional.

In summary, Khorasan Kabab is more than just a restaurant—it's a destination for great food, delightful company, and cherished memories. I can't recommend it highly enough! Treat yourself to a meal here; you won't be...

I don't write reviews unless it's spectacular or a warning to people that need to know (and where the reviews look fake or embellished). New restaurant so I understand they're still figuring things out service wise. We had to remind them multiple times for simple things like water, menus, taking our order,etc. so a dinner where we could've been in and out in 45 min took 2hrs. Interior is pretty nice overall. The food itself is nothing "spectacular" flavor wise. One issue is the price vs what you get flavor wise is not reasonable. Quantity is fine, but $30 for a combo platter that tastes more lackluster than $10 plates at other places means I won't be coming back and nowhere near as good as other Afghani restaurants at that price point in the area. The side sauces seemed like just store bought and nothing special. The taste of their water was probably the only thing that's on par with other Afghan restaurants.

If you think to still try for yourself, go ahead. My advice is grab the menus, pitcher of water, glasses, and utensils at the front desk before they seat you or else you'll be waiting 30 min just to get a glass of water. Set aside more time than expected for the slower service and be patient but vocal about what you need.

Their positive reviews definitely seem like "friends and family" posts just asked to write good reviews to mask...