Highlights
- Live music
- Great tea selection
oChef » Kabul – Seattle
Kabul - Seattle
Photo from Kabul
Kabul at a glance
Seattle Wallingford
- 🍚 🍚 Afghan Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 79 of the guests
#114 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#1 🍚 Afghan Restaurant out of 1 in Seattle
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
547
Reviews
87.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Elegant Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Service Inconsistencies
- Parking Challenges
The restaurant Kabul, an Afghan restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant Wallingford neighborhood, invites you to a unique dining experience. You’ll discover a welcoming atmosphere where live music often sets the perfect backdrop for your meal.
This spot is known for its authentic flavors and a commitment to providing a memorable visit for every guest.
Overview: Introducting Kabul
Kabul offers a dining experience where the culinary offerings truly stand out. Guests frequently praise the flavourful and high-quality dishes, making it a destination for those seeking a memorable meal.
The restaurant also cultivates a pleasant and elegant atmosphere , contributing to an enjoyable visit. However, while many find the experience reasonably priced , some guests have noted concerns regarding poor customer service and occasional inconsistencies.
Despite these points, the overall impression leans positive, with many appreciating the distinct character of Kabul.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
547
Reviews
87.4%
Satisfaction
58
negative
11
neutral
478
positive
Kabul achieves a strong overall rating of 8.5, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a robust customer satisfaction rate of 87.4%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a significant number of customer observations, with 478 positive remarks against 58 negative ones, painting a clear picture of its appeal. The culinary aspect, or Food (8.7), is a clear highlight, frequently described as delicious and high-quality.
The Ambience (8.8) also receives high marks for its inviting and elegant setting. While Service (8.3) is generally well-regarded for its friendly staff, some experiences suggest room for improvement.
The Value (4.9) topic, however, presents a more mixed picture, with some finding prices reasonable and others feeling they are a bit high.
What people like
- Delicious, high-quality food
- Welcoming, elegant ambiance
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service issues
- Parking can be difficult
- Value concerns for some
If you’re seeking a restaurant where the food and atmosphere are the main draw, Kabul is certainly worth considering. The distinct flavors and inviting setting contribute to a generally pleasant outing, making it a solid choice for a meal out.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the possibility of parking challenges. With a strong recommendation score of 8.7, it’s clear many find the experience rewarding, but managing expectations around service and value could enhance your visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kabul
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot is largely hitting all the right notes! With an impressive score of 8.7 and a stellar customer satisfaction rate of 91.6%, its clear that most diners are leaving delighted. Out of 308 opinions, a whopping 282 were positive, praising everything from the "delicious food" and "lamb kebabs" to the delightful "Bolani" and creamy "Firni" dessert.
Expect authentic flavors and generous portions that truly impress. However, a small number of 22 negative opinions suggest theres still a little room for improvement. Some guests felt the quantity or portion size could be better, while a few found the food not authentic to their expectations.
There was even an unfortunate mention of a long black hair in one dish, which is certainly a dealbreaker for some. Overall, though, these seem to be isolated incidents amidst a sea of praise.
Food
308
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
22
negative
4
neutral
282
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Excellent lamb kebabs
- Must-try Bolani and Firni
What people don't like
- Inconsistent portion sizes
- Authenticity concerns
Often praised
- foodOur server was extremely friendly and helpful, guiding us through the menu and pointing out which dishes could be made vegan and which would not adapt well. The food was lovely and flavourful. I enjoyed two pots of the cardamom black tea.
- riceThe rice entrees, specifically the qorma sabzi and qorma tarkari, were great. The rice was flavorful and the qorma was delicious. The ashak, which are dumplings covered in a yogurt sauce, was also delicious with a super thin and silky casing.
- FoodFood:5
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was truly divine. I'm pretty sure an angelic choir is operating the kitchen because the food is incredible and their dishes sing. I highly recommend taking your friends, a date, or your loved ones here if you want to show them a delicious time.
- vegetarian optionsMy experience at the restaurant was great, especially with the lots of vegetarian options available. I highly recommend the Bolani turnovers, which were the best thing on the menu 💯.
- BolaniI ordered Murgh kabab with a side of Badenjan Borani (eggplant) and Bolani (turnovers filled with potatoes). The food was on the milder side but extremely tasty. Highly recommended if one wants to try this cuisine.
- FirniThe Firni is smooth and creamy with an incredibly delicate flavor
- Kabuli PalawThe rice was very memorable too, probably the best rice dish I've ever had!
- eggplantI just had the best eggplant OF MY LIFE. I absolutely love eggplant, and this dish exceeded all expectations.
- firniThe food was deliciously spiced, not picante, and of obvious high quality, all for very reasonable prices. I highly recommend not missing the best chocolate mousse in Seattle, though the firni is also an excellent choice. The wine list is very good.
Frequently criticized
- dishesAs an Afghan, I would never recommend trying the food at this restaurant because none of their dishes are prepared properly, and they also lack respect for customers. I ordered Bolani, but they brought me Samosa instead.
- food qualitysignificant areas for improvement in both the food quality
- Afghan cuisinefood is not from Afghanistan it’s very different and not test like afghan foods
- BolaniAs an Afghan, I would never recommend trying the food at this restaurant because none of their dishes are prepared properly, and they also lack respect for customers. I ordered Bolani, but they brought me Samosa instead. When I told them this wasn’t my order, they refused to take responsibility and behaved very rudely.
- Kabuli Palwuthe Kabuli Palwu was worst ever
- Recommendation for vegetariansRecommendation for vegetarians:Would not recommend
- alcoholthey provide alcohol as well
- appetizersThe appetizers were kind of skippable.
- bolaniThe bolani isn't seasoned enough.
- fish and chipsfish and chips were extremely salty and burn
If you're looking for a place with genuinely delicious and authentic Afghan cuisine, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor issues like portion size or authenticity concerns have been noted, the overwhelming positive feedback for the food makes it a strong recommendation for a flavorful meal.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place generally shines, earning a solid 8.3 score and a strong 82.3% customer satisfaction. Guests frequently praise the friendly staff, attentive service, and the engaging owner, often highlighting their hospitality and excellent recommendations. With 116 positive remarks out of 141 total opinions, it's clear that many leave feeling well-cared for.
However, not every experience is perfect, with 22 negative opinions pointing to some areas for improvement. A few customers have encountered a rude owner or staff, experienced slow service, or faced frustratingly long wait times for food. Issues like poor customer service and difficulty with separate checks also occasionally surface.
Service
141
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
22
negative
3
neutral
116
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Engaging owner
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude owner
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceThe food was delicious, healthy, and filling, clearly made with love. The atmosphere was clean and well-kept, and the service was kind and welcoming. I will definitely be back again.
- staffThe restaurant is definitely worth the hype, offering very delicious food with beautiful plating. The owner was fun to talk to, and the staff were lovely. While it's a little costly, the price is fair and matches the quality.
- ownerWe savored every dish, especially the ashak. The owner was there on a Sunday evening and was lovely to chat with. What an accomplishment to be open for 31 years—he deserves his success.
- ServiceService:5
- hospitalityThe food was absolutely delicious, the service was very well-organized, and the quality was outstanding. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for great taste and excellent hospitality.
- hostsThe hosts and the atmosphere were very welcoming.
- hostThe wine list is very good. The restaurant is locally owned, offering an elegant atmosphere and a delightful host. It's easy to eat gluten-free, and there are many vegetarian options, clearly labeled.
- serverOur group’s server was more than happy to answer our questions
- StaffStaff is not rushed and excited to chat with you
- WaliWali moving through the dining room and engaging with the customers
Frequently criticized
- ownerowner was standing on the table right next to us the whole time, and wouldn’t stop talking
- serviceThis led to further frustration, and the staff continued to ignore us, requiring us to flag them down for dessert and the check. Overall, the food was okay, but the service definitely needs work. I will avoid this restaurant due to the extremely poor service.
- behaved very rudelyI ordered Bolani, but they brought me Samosa instead. When I told them this wasn’t my order, they refused to take responsibility and behaved very rudely.
- closing timethey said they are closed even the waiter was there and the close time was at 9 pm
- customer serviceVery poor customer service
- food arrivalTo make matters worse, after another 10 minutes, we were informed that several items we had ordered were unavailable. The food itself took over an hour to arrive, and we ended up having to take it to go. While I have a strong appreciation for Kabul cuisine and genuinely want this restaurant to thrive, I wish they had refrained from seating us to maintain their reputation.
- managerThe manager was rude and disrespectful
- respect for customersAs an Afghan, I would never recommend trying the food at this restaurant because none of their dishes are prepared properly, and they also lack respect for customers. I ordered Bolani, but they brought me Samosa instead.
- responsibilityI ordered Bolani, but they brought me Samosa instead. When I told them this wasn’t my order, they refused to take responsibility and behaved very rudely.
- separate checksask them to make separate checks. They get confused splitting the bills afterwards
Overall, you can expect a very positive service experience here, often enhanced by friendly staff and an engaging owner. However, be aware that a small number of guests have reported slow service or less-than-stellar interactions, so its worth keeping in mind if youre in a rush.
Ambience (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.8 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 93.7%, its clear guests love the atmosphere. Based on 74 positive observations out of 79 total, people consistently praise it as a "welcoming spot" with a "lovely vibe, " a "cozy" feel, and a "great atmosphere" perfect for dining and conversation.
However, its not entirely without its minor snags. A few of the 4 negative comments mention parking as a challenge, with some finding difficult to find parking options. While this is a common urban issue, its worth noting if youre driving, but it doesn't detract much from the overall positive experience inside.
Ambience
79
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Clean and cozy
- Unique Afghan mural
What people don't like
- Parking is difficult
Often praised
- atmosphereThe wine list is very good. The restaurant is locally owned, offering an elegant atmosphere and a delightful host. It's easy to eat gluten-free, and there are many vegetarian options, clearly labeled.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceconsistently delivers exceptional ... ambiance
- ambienceThe ambience is perfect for a relaxed dinner with friends, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- restaurantKabul is a wonderful gem of a restaurant!
- dining experienceBest dining experience I’ve had in Seattle hands down.
- experienceit was a great experience
- placeThe place is intimate and simply decorated.
- spaceThe space is small and unpretentious.
- spota very lovely, clean, warming spot for dating
Frequently criticized
- Parking optionsParking options:Parking is unavailable
- Parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- parkingThe staff is friendly and knowledgeable, providing excellent recommendations. Parking can be a challenge in Wallingford, but side street parking is usually a short walk away. It's a great place to take out-of-town friends, as we did last night.
If youre looking for a restaurant with a truly inviting and pleasant atmosphere, this place is a fantastic choice. The ambience consistently receives high marks, making it ideal for a relaxed meal with friends or family. Just be prepared for potentially tricky parking, and youre in for a treat.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found bright spots, especially with the meal for two offering and generally reasonable rates. Many felt the price is fair and matched the quality, leading to 6 positive remarks out of 19 total. While the overall score sits at an average 4.9, theres a clear appreciation for certain pricing.
However, the sentiment around value is quite mixed, with customer satisfaction at a poor 31.6%. Many guests felt the "food price" was too high, describing it as "overpriced" and noting "premium pricing" that didnt always meet expectations. These concerns were echoed in 10 negative comments, suggesting value can be a real sticking point.
Value
19
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value meal
- Reasonable rates
- Fair price quality
What people don't like
- Definitely overpriced
- Value not met
- Food expensive
Often praised
- pricereasonably priced place
- meal for twoThe meal for two is a good value
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was delightful. The food was deliciously spiced, not picante, and of obvious high quality, all for very reasonable prices. I highly recommend not missing the best chocolate mousse in Seattle, though the firni is also an excellent choice.
- qualityThe owner was fun to talk to, and the staff were lovely. While it's a little costly, the price is fair and matches the quality. As a vegetarian, I found the dishes I ordered to be delicious, including the eggplant, ash soup, pasta, and rice.
- very reasonable ratesThe atmosphere was very good, creating a pleasant dining environment. What stood out was that all of this was offered at very reasonable rates. The people were very good, contributing to a positive overall experience.
Frequently criticized
- pricethe price was so high
- Wallingford parkingWallingford parking can be a bit of a challenge
- breadthey overcharge it
- food priceFood was expensive
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- premium pricingGiven the premium pricing, the value did not meet our expectations
- price pointAt the price point, speed of service and food quality does not match
- valuethe value did not meet our expectations
If youre looking for a "meal for two" or appreciate "reasonable rates" for quality, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared that many feel the "premium pricing" doesnt always align with the overall experience, making it feel overpriced for some.
How are the prices at Kabul?
You’re looking at roughly 46 $ per person – reported by 79 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an Afghan Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 46 $, the data shows a nice mix! Many diners spend in the $21–$30 and $31–$40 brackets, but the biggest group lands squarely in the $41–$50 range. There are also a few folks splurging on the higher end, showing a good spread of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 79 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the average spend and the variety of price points, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for an Afghan restaurant in Seattle. It offers options for different budgets while maintaining a mid-range appeal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kabul
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent food, friendly owner, don't miss dessert!
It's a shame they're closing. The food is excellent and the owner is super friendly. Definitely don't skip dessert!
- food10
- owner10
- dessert9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Delicious Experience with a Bustling Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was truly delicious from start to finish. We began with appetizers, including crushed eggplant, and concluded with a delightful Firni dessert. The kebab combination plate was a highlight, featuring Badenjan Borani – eggplant sautéed and served with a mildly-spiced tomato-based sauce, topped with yogurt-garlic sauce and sprinkled with mint.
This dish was probably our favorite, but everything we tried was delicious. The atmosphere was bustling, indicating a full house every night, likely because everyone wants to dine there one more time before they close.
- crushed eggplant8
- Firni dessert8
- kebab combination plate9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fond farewell to Kabul
I am saddened to hear the news that Kabul is closing down. My experience at Kabul was a long and positive one. I moved into Wallingford in the 90s and was a regular for five years or more.
The food was great, and the atmosphere was also excellent. I still try to copy their dishes at home. Thank you!
- food10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Sad to see Kabul's go!
We are sad to hear that Kabul's is closing! We loved everything about our experience at the restaurant. The food was excellent, the ambiance was wonderful, and most of all, we appreciated Wali moving through the dining room and engaging with the customers.
Wali, we love you and wish you the best of everything in whatever comes next.
- food10
- ambiance9
- Wali10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Spectacular Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was spectacular. Every dish we ordered was simply amazing. The service was also top-notch – prompt, professional, and kind.
I am definitely looking forward to my next meal here.
- dishes10
- service10
What Kabul offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What service options are available at Kabul Afghan Cuisine in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood?
At Kabul, you can enjoy a meal through dine-in, takeout, or delivery. Whether you’re looking for a cozy evening out or a convenient meal at home, you’ll find flexible service options to suit your plans.
Does Kabul Afghan Cuisine offer options for specific dietary needs and what is the atmosphere like?
Yes, Kabul provides healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, including organic dishes. The atmosphere is described as romantic, cozy, casual, and trendy, making it a versatile spot for various dining experiences.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Kabul?
Kabul holds a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 87.4%. Customers particularly praise the Food (8.7) and Ambience (8.8), while Service (8.3) is generally good, and Value (4.9) receives mixed opinions.
What are the standout dishes at Kabul?
Customers frequently highlight the flavourful food, with specific mentions of delicious rice entrees, ashak dumplings, and the Bolani turnovers. The firni dessert is also noted for its smooth and delicate flavor.
Are there any common issues reported by diners?
Some diners have reported inconsistent service , including instances of staff being inattentive or rude. Additionally, finding parking in the area can sometimes be a challenge for visitors.