Ariana Restaurant is a long-standing Afghan eatery located in Bow, East London. For over 12 years, it has been a trusted spot for authentic Afghan cuisine, offering a cozy and welcoming setting that keeps locals returning.

Services

Ariana provides dine-in, takeaway, and delivery services, with online ordering and table reservations available.
Opening hours: daily from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

Standout Features

The menu showcases Afghan favourites such as mantoo dumplings, Shirin Palouw (sweet rice with orange peel and nuts), Kabuli Pulao, and freshly baked bread served with meals. Guests frequently praise the attentive staff, generous portions, and homely atmosphere—many describing their visit as a “10 out of 10 experience.”

Facilities & Access

Situated near Mile End Park, the restaurant is easily reachable via public transport and provides a warm, family-friendly dining space.

User Reviews

A significant number of comments highlight the flavour of the food, generous portion sizes and the freshly baked bread prepared on site. Items such as qabuli palaw, mantu, a variety of kebabs, chicken wings and fragrant rice are repeatedly mentioned. Many guests describe the meat as tender and juicy, the rice as well seasoned, and praise the setting next to the park with a back garden for outdoor seating. Polite and friendly behaviour from the staff is also frequently noted as a positive point.

Alongside these views, a set of reviews refers to mixed experiences. Several users mention inconsistency in food quality at different times, including dry meat, uneven flavours in some dishes or variable quality of the qabuli palaw. Others point to delays with takeaway orders, unsatisfactory food temperature or differences in staff attitude during certain shifts, suggesting that the experience is not always consistent.

Overall, the available feedback indicates that Ariana Restaurant is popular with many customers for its Afghan and Iranian dishes, large portions, fresh bread and pleasant setting. At the same time, the limited but repeated references to fluctuations in quality, service during busy periods and negative experiences with takeaway orders show that satisfaction can depend on the timing of the visit and the type of order, even though the general picture remains a mix of positive and critical feedback.

Key Features

Ariana Restaurant is often referred to as a “hidden gem of East London,” admired for its authentic flavours, fair pricing, and heartfelt hospitality that delivers a truly memorable Afghan dining experience.

Location

Ariana Restaurant is located on Midlothian Road, in the Bow area of East London.