Lapis — Restaurant in Washington

Wow. This was one for the books. My top-tier chum who literally went to the school of hospitality and I came here for lunch on Inauguration Day, deciding after roughly 48 hours in DC that we were kind of over politics and would rather just make a non-presidential day of it. I did a lot of groundwork for this one, and had a vibe about this Adams Morgan neighborhood. A few bars/restaurants caught my eye, but Lapis seemed like an interesting place to eat with strong reviews. Easily a huge weekend highlight for both of us if not THE highlight.

This really is a cool neighborhood; it reminded me a lot of Park Slope, very chill and a totally different vibe from the chaos going on closer to the White House. For these types of adventures, I always feel better when the sidewalks are teeming with hipsters - it means the cocktails will be good and I'll receive tons of compliments on my gorgeous denim hats. Lapis was very easy to find and while decently busy, we were able to secure a table in the back almost immediately and settle in. For several hours.

If you're apprehensive about the ethnic flavors and/or general unfamiliarity with Afghan cuisine, I wouldn't sweat it - it has a lot of parallels with Mediterranean and Indian food, and the menu had so much variety it would be almost impossible not to find something intriguing to sample. We went pretty nuts in that regard. We knew going in that the dumplings had a reputation, so we got (if memory serves) the shrimp and pumpkin ones; the pumpkin were probably my least favorite item I tried here, and they were still pretty good. I think the taste was just a little bland for me. We also were hoping to mix and match a little with the dumplings, and weren't permitted to, which was a bit disappointing though ultimately not a huge issue.

The other food was dictionary definition phenomenal. At the waiter's urging we got the kofta, the official dish of Afghanistan, featuring boneless lamb and rice pilaf. Delicious, and the lamb was incredibly tender and flavorful. Huge portion as well; I think that was one of the few items we weren't able to completely demolish. We also thought most of the apps looked interesting so the tasting flight seemed like the natural option in that regard. Everything I sampled there was awesome, particularly the bolani; I believe we did beef for that. The word that really comes to mind here is memorable, which when you think about it can be the highest form of compliment you can give. We're going to be talking about this meal for months.

In a very unsurprising development, the drinks were excellent too. We both got Lapis Old Fashioneds (just a Don Draper kind of day), which had a unique spin on them with char masala bitters. It took a few sips to get used to it, but it was really tasty and definitely had an "ethnic" feel to it without losing the essence of the basics. We got a few of those with no regrets.

The service was pretty good. My chum was VERY cranky/yowly when we first got in here and the waiter was able to navigate those treacherous waters ably. He was also very familiar with the menu, which to me is an important quality at a place like this where I'm sure a lot of patrons are not quite as comfortable ordering as they would be in, say, an Applebee's. The wait time for the initial drinks was close to 15 minutes but that was the only real hiccup. We also appreciated very much that they let us linger and chat even though the restaurant was technically closed by the time we left - that more than makes up for a slight delay on a beverage.

If/when I'm back in DC, I'm figuring out a way to get back here. I'm not saying that about any other place, which should tell...

I’m writing this to bring up a really negative experience I had at lapis today. I just want to say I’ve been coming here regularly for the last three years, and their food is delicious, but after today I don’t think I’ll be coming back. Today my mom and I went to lapis for lunch and I ordered the Afghan salad to try for the first time. Unfortunately I didn’t like it as it tasted like there was parsley in it even though the menu said it was only cilantro. No big deal, not every restaurant lists every single ingredient in a dish, so I asked my waitress if I could order the beet salad instead as I didn’t like the parsley in the original salad. She said sure and left with my Afghan salad but then the hostess came over and started asking me why I sent the Afghan salad back. I explained I didn’t like the parsley in it but that it was good otherwise. Then she started arguing with me saying there is no parsley in the salad and that there is only cilantro. I said no, I’m pretty sure there parsley and mint in the salad too, which is fine, but I don’t like parsley and the menu said it only had cilantro, so I didn’t know there was parsley until I took a bite. She kept arguing that there was only cilantro. My mom literally pulled out the different herbs from her Afghan salad and showed the hostess that no, there was definitely mint and flat leaf Italian parsley in the salad, which again is fine, but I didn’t know that until I took a bite because on the menu it just says cilantro. The hostess asked me if it was an allergy to parsley and I said no it’s just a preference and then she continued insisting there was no parsley and that she “spoke to the head chef who says there is no parsley in their kitchen.” The hostess was so aggressive that I started to tear up and we had to cut our lunch short. I don’t know what was going on. I’ve been here dozens of other times and had great experiences with the staff, but being made to cry because I didn’t like a salad was ridiculous and ruined our lunch. Whether there was parsley in it or not doesn’t even matter to me - I didn’t like the salad, and I just wanted to order a different one. Why did the hostess need get involved and why did she get so angry at me that I was nearly in tears by the time we left? In the end they took off the Afghan salad from our bill which was nice, but we didn’t ask for them to do that and I would have rather just paid for both salads than have had to deal with all of this. I’m just disappointed. I live right down the street and Lapis has been my go-to for birthdays, for when family visits, etc. but I don’t plan on...

I had the pleasure of dining at a remarkable Afghan restaurant in the DC area approximately five years ago, and the experience remains etched in my memory as one of the finest culinary adventures I have ever embarked upon. Every aspect of this establishment, from its exceptional service and charming atmosphere to its diverse menu and delightful beverage options, combined to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Upon entering, I was immediately captivated by the warm and inviting ambiance. The restaurant exuded an authentic Afghan charm, with tasteful decorations that added to the overall experience. The attentive staff members were not only knowledgeable about the menu but also genuinely passionate about ensuring each guest had a delightful time. Their impeccable service truly enhanced the dining journey.

The menu itself was a treasure trove of Afghan delights. With an array of food choices that represented the rich and diverse Afghan culinary heritage, the restaurant catered to various palates. Each dish I sampled was a symphony of flavors, meticulously prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional spices. From succulent kebabs and aromatic rice dishes to hearty stews and mouthwatering vegetarian options, there was something to satisfy every craving.

Not only did the food delight my taste buds, but the presentation was also a feast for the eyes. Each plate was artfully arranged, showcasing the chef's dedication to both taste and aesthetics. Furthermore, the menu featured a selection of refreshing beverages, including traditional Afghan drinks, which perfectly complemented the meal and added to the overall dining experience.

I highly recommend revisiting this extraordinary Afghan restaurant whenever you find yourself in the DC area. The combination of exceptional service, inviting atmosphere, and tantalizing food choices will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. This establishment is a testament to the culinary excellence of Afghan cuisine, and it is no wonder that it remains on my list of must-visit restaurants. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you to the heart of Afghanistan and create memories that will linger long after the...