Outstanding Middle Eastern restaurant across from the John Paul Jones arena in Charlottesville VA. Vegetarian options available.

Very good, yay

Raj is a fantastic host. Great atmosphere, and, best Afghanistan food ever👍👍❤️❤️

We were here many months ago, I just found a business card from the restaurant. This place was so good. I’m coming back to give a five star review and to thank them for great food and fun authentic atmosphere. cheers!

Afghan Kabob has relocated to Market Street in Downtown Charlottesville, and the new spot has a warm ambience and friendly staff. We came for lunch, which was a buffet with good selection of dishes.

Service was top-tier. The lamb chops were amazing juicy, and tender. Definitely would recommend this location and their downtown location.

We’ve been here twice and the food was excellent both times. Highly recommended!

great lunch buffet!!!! Great to eat slowly there. Well done!

Raj and crew take such good care of everyone! The lamb curry was perfect, as was our entire meal. This is the best comfort food in Cville and you’ll leave with leftovers!

Warm welcome, prompt service, quiet atmosphere. Our lunch was delicious and plentiful, and the staff couldn’t have been more lively.

I enjoyed a luncheon with my friend. We were treated to excellent service from the greeting at the door. Our lunch was delicious and our teacup refilled! Chef came to check on our experience. Definitely a great experience. I highly recommend!

The food and the service were superb! We thoroughly enjoyed the vegetarian samosa appetizer, the Qabuli Palow, and the Lamb Tika Kebob. The palow was exquisite, and the kebob was wonderfully seasoned. There was traditional art and music, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Party of four and we ordered the meal for four. All the selections were expertly prepared.

Fantastic food! Can't wait to stop here again sometime

Delicious! We stopped in and had their buffet. Very yummy and we were in and out quickly. We recommend.

This place is amazing!!!! I got the lunch buffet and I’m so glad I did it was my first time here but it will not be my last the two hour drive from Roanoke was worth it! The food had such amazing flavor and taste I couldn’t help but go back for more the atmosphere was nice and the staff were amazing! I love trying new foods so if you are hungry and need a place to eat this is the place!

Delicious and lovely with lovely people. Will be back soon!

Great food. Great service. Thanks!! Naan was NOT FRESH; it is grocery store bought and also was not heated properly. Rather it seemed like it was heated in a microwave. Still giving it a 5 stars cuz the food was great!

Beloved by students and for good reason. Tasty food, and a popular choice to catering too. Went with 9-person group, had a great time. Inside is richly decorated, showcases Afghan culture. A little cramped though.

So so good, unpretentious and just good cooking. Feels like your eating at your grandma's. Wonderful and gracious service.

Looking for authentic Afghan cuisine in central Virginia? Look no further! Afghan Kabob Cville is a must-visit spot for delicious Afghan cuisine. Thank you Mr. Kefayat for the warm hospitality. Will definitely be back!

I have had the best food in a long time at this Afghan restaurant. Thank you Mr. Babor for making such delicious dishes.

Wonderful vibes and delicious homely food. Very sweet staff and a great time!

Chicken kabobs with rice are excellent. The appetizers were not quite as good. Friendly wait staff and laid back atmospbere.

When we ordered food from Afghan Kabob for our International Food Day at a local high school, it was an excellent experience and the food was delicious! The Afghan rice and chicken kabobs were delivered slightly ahead of schedule (MUCH better than being late!). It was so flavorful that several of our Afghan students were begging for some, but we wanted them to let other students try it. Our request was handled professionally and courteously and they even donated extra food for the students and staff! We'll definitely continue to do business with them and look forward to a teacher luncheon there sometime.

Is very good

We enjoyed for the first time the flavors of Afghanistan. It was delicious. Every dish we had from the lunch buffet was a treat in savory delight. The vegetables were a step above- the eggplant, the spinach the butternut squash - what flavor! The lamb curry , chicken tandoori were excellent. Thank you . Shiela was sweet, the chef/owner charming . A memory for my husband and me.

Throughly enjoyed vegetarian delight ! Music was great too! Doogh ! Delicious!

Very nice food and good service ♥️♥️💯

Amazing

We visited with my family on Veterans Day to enjoy Afghanistan food since we’re from Hawaii with little Afghan food options. We ordered the complete meal for 8, the food was amazing. From the samosa, chicken tandoori, lamb/chicken kabobs, to bolanee kachalo/gandana; all were perfectly seasoned and very delicious. We still had a lot of leftovers to take home. The gentleman who waited on us was warm and welcoming. We will definitely will be visiting again. Thank you for the wonderful experience. Aloha!

Babor and kefyatullah service was outstanding and really welcomed as always .

Great lamb

Delicious food!! Food presentation was very nice. Really enjoyed the salad, the chicken curry where the meat fell off the bone, and the side of butternut squash.

Excellent food, friendly service.

Great for vegans 🙂 Raj is the best server! They cook with love and respect and it shows in a great way! Very healthy and flavorful.

Great for vegans 🙂 Raj is the best server! They cook with love and respect and it shows in a great way! Very healthy and flavorful.

I had the Bolanee Kadu and it was so good! Razaullah and Raj offered great service. I will be coming again!

Loved the food ! Great quality and cultural atmosphere

I had a buffet lunch and thoroughly enjoyed my meal! The Buffet had plenty of delicious options all seasoned to perfection and the food was very fresh. The service and atmosphere were both excellent! If you are looking for authentic Afghan food, reasonable prices, and a clean and friendly atmosphere I would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant!

We dropped in by chance and wow were we surprised. The food was stunningly delicious. Very comfortable atmosphere and fast service even though I think they were understaffed. Will Definitely come back!

We had a great experience here. Our large group of 8 adults and 4 kids thoroughly enjoyed the meal ( we got the meal for 8 and additional sides). Our server Raj was awesome- very accommodating with our one member that was gluten free.

My family which included 8 adults came for dinner on a Saturday night and had a great experience !! Food was wonderful - service was exceptional. Highly recommend !

We had the most magnificent time at Afghan Kabob this evening! Management opened on a Sunday to accommodate our large group of international youth ambassadors staying in Charlottesville! The food was absolutely delicious and the staff could not have been more kind. They were even able to support our individual who uses a wheelchair. Strongly strongly suggest!!!

Great restaurant! Delicious vegetarian options and wonderfull, friendly service.

A Babar, gave us excellent service. We tried the buffet and it was very good. Food was fresh and high quality. Babar also treated us to some fresh Firni on the house although it was not in the menu. Highly recommend the food and the hospitality.

Freaking Amazing! Chickpeas are a must. Lamb was perfect.

Everything about this place is welcoming. I love the decor and the host is so welcoming. I have tried the lunch buffet. The Kabuli Pulao (Pilav) is my favorite - it is aromatic and the meat is tender. The raisins add a dash of sweetness to it. The different meat dishes are all lovely - it is inevitably the fragrance that draws me in. UVA students get a 15% discount (I hope it still is the case).

Everything was amazing

We went to the new location downtown and had a lovely evening. Warm, welcoming staff. Beautifully decorated. Delicious, authentic food served in large portions. We ordered the lamb kebab, chicken curry and the sabzi chalow (lamb in spinach) and it was all hearty and delicious. The chef and owner, Mohammad, checked on us during our meal and then again as we were leaving and was very gracious and appreciative of our patronage. Our server was informative and attentive. We will definitely return.

If you’re looking for a place that feels like home, The Afghanistan Restaurant is the one. From the very first time we tried it, when my partner suggested the rice with lamb, I was blown away by how naturally delicious and flavorful everything tasted. Every visit since has been nothing short of amazing. What makes it even more special for me is how the food reminds me of East Africa—the same wholesome, nourishing flavors that bring comfort and joy. The combo meals are my favorite because they’re healthy, tasty, and always satisfying. We go back often because it’s not just dinner—it’s an experience filled with warmth, great service, and unforgettable flavor. I’m so grateful for this place and highly recommend you give it a try. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with it, just like we did!

We went to new location on Market Street. Had lamb with brown rice and chicken curry rather than Kabob. Both delicious and very reasonable prices.

This is our favorite restaurant. Nothing compares to the complete dinner for two. Incredible food and affordable.

I had an amazing experience at Authentic Afghan Restaurant! Everything was absolutely on point—from the warm hospitality to the incredible flavors in every dish. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The atmosphere was welcoming and truly reflected Afghan culture. Service was fast, friendly, and professional. Honestly, everything was on the dot—this place deserves every star. Highly recommend to anyone looking for authentic Afghan cuisine!

Chicken wrap Was very good owner is very kind

Amazing service and the best place that you can enjoy the best Afghan food

Very delicious

Extremely clean ! Food and service were excellent! Staff was beautiful and very kind and helpful!

One of my favorite spots in Charlottesville! They always have the best food and great service!

Clean restaurant, delicious food and great customer service. Raj was professional and friendly !

Food was amazing coustmer service was amazing the complete dinner for 4 amazing

Loved it food was awesome

I come here all the time, the food and customer service is always excellent, top notch 👌, they make you feel like family. The buffet and the menu are all very good but I usually get the lunch buffet for the speed and convenience. The Qabuli Palaw, curried kidney beans, and curried potatoes are some of my favorites. There's a little variation in the flavor of the food from day to day but that just means it's real food cooked from scratch. Highly recommended! Come support this local Charlottesville business.

Thanks to atiqula babor for an a amazing experience. Lovely food and enjoyed the experience.

I had the buffet. It was until 2 pm and was good pricing all you can eat! Very authentic and healthy. Felt like middle eastern homemade food. The server was super friendly!

I came with my son to enjoy the buffet, and we were blown away by how delicious everything was! The food was authentically Afghan, bursting with rich, exquisite flavors that truly impressed us. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and full of taste. On top of that, Babor took exceptional care of us warm, attentive, and welcoming. A fantastic dining experience all around!

Fresh food with great flavor!

I host international exchange groups as a part of my job, and for the past few years we have taken each group and their host families to Afghan Kabob for either an opening or closing dinner. No matter where they are from in the world (the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East, etc.), they've always had a delicious and wonderful experience. Tonight's group was from the Caribbean along with host families from throughout the Charlottesville area. The staff team is extremely welcoming and accommodating. It's also my go-to locations for lunch meetings. We've had up to 120 people there for a meal and used both the upstairs and downstairs spaces. If you've never had Afghan food, there are plenty of great options for both the adventurous and finicky. Most families have a go-to restaurant that everyone can agree upon. Ours is Afghan Kabob.

Loved the food and service the hospitality was amazing best Afghan food around definitely recommend!

Amazing people, great vibes, great energy.

Absolutely delicious lunch buffet. The highlight of the buffet is the savory rice topped with raisins and carrots over the tender lamb. Lots of meatless options as well! The dessert pudding was great as well. Good value for what you get!

Perfect i had buffet salad and than baklava it was all wonderful very nice young man showed me everything thank you will be coming again

The lunch buffet at Afghan Kabob is wonderful! Everything is perfectly seasoned and is a joy to eat. Babor was an excellent and attentive server on my last visit. Highly recommended. Thank you again, Babor!

It was my first time here. I served by Babar and Elizabeth. It was amazing experience

We had a great experience dining here . The food was very flavourful, delicious and fresh . The service was great ! If anyone wants to experience Afghani cuisine, this is the place to go ! Absolutely amazing and highly recommended.

Babor and Elizabeth were the best and very welcoming. The quality of the food was the best we have ever had in entire Virginia.

It’s my first time here ……… delicious, reasonable price, quality food friendly staff ……. Come again soon ……. Highly recommended ❤️👍

This place is a hidden gem if your traveling. I can't wait until I'm back in the area. A plus plus on my food with friendly people 😋

We did a take out. The food is exquisite. Lamb and chicken kabobs are great. I loved the dumplings in garlic yogurt sauce. The delivery was faster than expected. The portions are very generous. Highly recommend.

A big shout out to Afghan Kabob! I would give them 10 ⭐️ The host Mr. Babor and Ms. Elizabeth were so professional and hardworking & amazing! They’re attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to make our dining experience special. Great job! 👏👏👏 and thanks for the excellent service! Would love to come again driving 50 Miles from Richmond with my wife and 4 kids to try your excellent food and service!

Our server, Babor, was so polite and friendly. He quickly made sure to make us feel comfortable and provided cold water. Then quickly took our order and the food came out fast. Food was filled with flavor and it really shows that Babor and his team care about the quality. Highly recommend this place for authentic Afghan food. Definitely will be returning!

We never miss a chance to eat here when we’re in town.

My husband and I ate here last week. The atmosphere was wonderful, as well as the service. Our server Elizabeth was very kind and welcoming. She offered chai and dessert on the house. The food was great too (as you can see from the photos of course!) We will be back! Thank you all.

This is my husband and my favorite place. We live about two hours away but every week we make a trip up here and eat before we do a cosco trip and the food is incredible. Their buffet is a great deal and they always have a great variety and very affordable. Wish they were closer! Highly recommended

Delicious food, friendly staff. Highly recommend

Honest people tasty food and very hospitality to all of their customers and guests I thank yall for that may God bless all yall Amin

great service great food recommendations samosa chicken lamb

Great service our server was very respectful. The food was very good. I recommend. chicken

Thank you for everything. Riley is great restaurant. Great service. Delicious food.

Great lunch buffet freshly cooked and you have a variety to choose from you will love it 😋😋😋👍👍

Super food it's so tasty and delicious so nice service and clean environment I love it

Amazing!

I’ve eaten here many times, and I always enjoy everything. A few of my favorites are the tandoori chicken, kabuli pulao, and sabzi.

This place serves great Afghani food! I love their Qabuli with beef samosa. Also, the atmosphere is amazing and the staff is very hospitable. Shaila took very good care of us. I highly recommend the place

The food was really good, and Sheila was a formidable hostess! Would definitely recommend checking out this place.

very good food and the people are amazing. great service. i am looking forward to going back

The best lamb tikka kabob with fluffy naan worth every penny🌟

Friendly service. Good food. The chicken kabob was a bit overcooked. The baklava was wonderful and paired well with the coffee. I'll definitely come back.

Interesting and tasty food in a family-friendly location within a decent walk of UVA Central Grounds and Barracks Road Shopping Center. Warm chickpea side-dish tasted great!

their lunch buffet is really good!