Bahar Afghan Restaurant

We came as a group of 17 people, and the staff kindly opened the upstairs section just for us. From the moment we arrived, they were incredibly polite and welcoming. The meal started with a soup that was so tasty, even the pickiest among us loved it. For mains, we ordered Tikka Kebab, Tavuk Kebab, and Kabuli Palow, each dish was bursting with authentic Afghan flavors. The food truly transported us back to Afghanistan; it’s without a doubt the most authentic Afghan cuisine you’ll find in Istanbul. Coming from London and the US, it had been over 30 years since we’d had Afghan kebabs this good. The restaurant itself is spotless, with a chic, warm atmosphere and beautiful woodwork throughout. They also serve sheeryakh (Afghan ice cream), which was simply delightful, the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable meal. Thank you, Bahar Afghan Restaurant, for the excellent service, delicious food, and clean, welcoming environment. We highly recommend this restaurant to everyone, you won’t be disappointed!

- Noori K -

I had a great experience with my kid and wife. Good staff except the reception dude was rude, but that is fine. All other service was perfect.

- Legion -

Food was delicious and also staffs were very nice and helpful, just portions were very small!

- Worldbeauties -

Been to Istanbul two times and we honestly have a hard time with food simply because Turkish food is not appealing to us! Anyway today was the last straw and we searched Afghan food near us! Although nowhere near our hotel we took the trek to this restaurant! Let me tell you it was one of the best decisions we ever took! The cleanliness of the place exactly up to par to any Afghan mother’s expectations and standards. So paak e saafa! The professionalism of the staff, is something I have never experienced in any afghan restaurant in US! They were prompt, spoke perfect farsi! The food, omg we have been in turkey for two weeks now and dearly missed our Afghan food! The food was everything and then some! So maazadar and finger licking good! We got the mantu, saladata, kabuli with ghoost, and a korma with ghoost (I think it was lamb) anyway so delicious. The portions was generous! Very close to every Afghan mothers cooking! Seriously! Also what Afghan restaurant you know in the states that makes your mothers korma?! Don’t just take my word, come through and see for yourself! Also the owner Arian! Such an afghan gentleman I cannot explain, we helped us with so many things! Forever grateful for his help!

- S A -

Bahar Afghan Restaurant offers a tantalizing glimpse into the vibrant culinary traditions of Afghanistan. While the flavors were undeniably authentic, the experience was somewhat marred by disproportionate pricing and modest portion sizes, particularly in regard to the meat dishes. The rice, a staple of Afghan cuisine, was a standout, generous in quantity and perfectly cooked. However, the soup, a comfort food, fell short of expectations, lacking the depth of flavor and richness that one might associate with such a dish. A delightful surprise was the ice cream, a decadent treat that was both refreshing and indulgent. Its creamy texture and subtle sweetness provided a perfect end to the meal. Despite the culinary highlights, Bahar Afghan Restaurant's pricing structure and portion sizes may leave some diners feeling a bit shortchanged. While the flavors were undeniably authentic, the overall value proposition could be improved for the meat dishes or the quantity, For those seeking a unique and flavorful dining experience, Bahar Afghan Restaurant is worth exploring, but be prepared to exercise a bit of caution when considering the pricing and portion sizes.

- Duaa Al hasan -

Amazing Afghan Cuisine and Warm Hospitality! I recently had the pleasure of dining at this wonderful Afghan restaurant, and it was truly a memorable experience. The Qabuli Palaw was absolutely outstanding — perfectly cooked, flavorful, and served in a generous portion. It's easily one of the best I've ever had. I also tried their traditional Afghan ice cream, and it was incredibly delicious — rich, creamy, and full of authentic flavor. What really made the experience special was the exceptional service. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and very efficient. A special shout-out to Mr. Siavash, who went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed. The rest of the team was just as courteous and professional. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Afghan food in a warm and hospitable atmosphere!

- Masood M -

This is truly one of the best Afghan restaurants I have visited. We traveled two hours to dine here, and the food was exceptionally delicious and well worth the trip. The customer service was outstanding, and the restaurant maintains a very clean and welcoming environment, including well-kept restrooms. Highly recommended.

- Fazila Sediqi -