For a country that is so often in our news, it's too bad that more Americans don't more about Afghanistan's unique and flavorful cuisine. Helmand Restaurant is a good place to try it. Since first experiencing it through a friend with many years in that...More

This was our first time trying this style cuisine and we were amazed beyond belief! The pumpkin appetizer and vegetarian sampler was remarkable. My lamb chops were the best I've ever had anywhere. The food was hearty, fresh, and made me think of the soul...More

Specialities of the house are pumpkin dishes and a wide variety of lamb dishes. My friend had the fish of the day which was sea bass. Looked great. I had pumpkin and eggplant vegetarian dish. House white wine was good and inexpensive. Very luxurious setting...More

The food: I never tried Afghanistan cuisine before, but now it has me wanting more. I wish there was a restaurant close to home to visit. I ordered the salata with pomegranate dressing and it was heavenly. Not sure if they make in house due...More

This place is a hidden gem. I have kept telling my friends about this place and no one has heard of it. My boyfriend and I are foodies. We love to explore different type of food around the world. I went to 4 different Afghan...More

A cross -country road trip found us staying at a decent motel on Lombardo street (the Franciscan Inn) in San Francisco, and this restaurant was nearby. Having been to Afghanistan many years ago (c. 1970 when it was free and a monarchy, before the Russians,...More

Our server was attentive and helpful with vegetarian suggestions. For the record, there are many options available! Everything was delicious, from the cauliflower appetizer through the mains with eggplant, okra, spinach, potatoes, carrots, and green beans. Even the rice was tasty! We had hoped to...More

Having not eaten Afghan food before, we were determined to try everthing! We ordered a wide range of dishes and thoroughly enjoyed everything, from the delectable starters through to the exquisite desserts and coffee. This is a quiet place with a calm ambience and excellent...More

Helmand Palace has been around for years serving Afghani food. It is a rare restaurant that has tablecloths, well-spaced tables and low noise levels. You can talk, not yell, at your dinner companions. Service is friendly. You can linger at your table. And the food...More

Helmand Palace is off the beaten path, but I read its great reviews and I decided to take a chance. It turned out to be the best food I had in my West Coast trip!! This place is romantic ( very appealing native music) and...More