Lapis, Washington DC

Hey I’m Omar, my experience at Lapis today was special today. My friend and I sat outside a great choice by the way, bringing alive a great atmosphere with a nice weather and excellent food, our waitress Haida was a perfect choice for us elevating our experience in pairing our food with a fruity medium dry rose. Would definitely recommend and will be back!

We got the Kandahar sharing platter for two and it was delicious, a perfect amount of food for 2 people, and reasonably priced ($90) given how much food it entailed. Everything tasted great and the service and atmosphere were good too - I’d also recommend the viceroy cocktail 10/10.

Alright listen up - I've never had Afghan food, and I live in a place where there's not a lot of good quality restaurant options from different cultures. While in DC with my wife for a quick vacay I wanted to try something different. Her cousin recommended this place and I booked it, wondering what I'd get and if I'd enjoy it.

We got there and were seated quickly by very courteous staff. We were outside and the mosquito game in DC is strong, but this place had bug spray bottles outside free for customers to use. HUGE plus for someone like me whose skin apparently smells like the nectar of the gods to a mosquito.

We ordered some starters (mantoo classic dumplings, pumpkin and beef bolani) and the entrees (qabuli palow, and morgh kabob). The food was prepared quickly and served appropriately, blah blah blah. Y'ALL, THE FLAVORS AND QUALITY WERE OUT OF THIS WORLD. My wife and I were absolutely IN LOVE with this food. Literally everything we were served was tremendous. You ever get so full at a restaurant and become upset at your own physiology because you couldn't continue eating the food for fear of exploding? That was us.

The meats were perfectly cooked, generously seasoned, VERY generously portioned, and all of the aromatics were on point. I only wish I could produce something that even approximates this in my own kitchen.

Since we were at max capacity with solids, we decided to try the drinks. I got the Lapis Old Fashioned, she got the Five Lions. I didn't even want to try hers because I was so happy with mine. The vanilla mellowed the bourbon, the bitters were fascinating and wonderful, and the citrus twist set the whole thing off. I don't even like bourbon (to the chagrin of my buddies) and I could have drank this all night.

So yeah, TLDR, don't walk, RUN to this place and enjoy all of its offerings. I'm already frantically looking up recipes to try this dishes at home. Thanks for an incredible meal, Lapis.

My favorite restaurant in DC! Best food, staff, and atmosphere for a good price. The aushak dumplings are a must!

Hadia was one of the greatest servers I’ve ever experienced. We were greeted with kindness, offered delicious pairings with our wine, and had great conversations with her. 100% recommend you ask for her as your server any time you get a chance to dine here.

They gave away our reservation and service was very very slow. Food was good, but portions were small.

Absolutely splendid food in a great atmosphere. All of the flavors were so unique. The various cocktails, small plates, entrees, and desserts were all delicious and I’m ready to go back and try more.

Yes, there is an automatic tip the DC restaurants have applied, it’s ok that the employees are making more money and don’t let this prevent you from going to Lapis!

Traveled to DC, and friends recommended Lapis for amazing afghan (halal) Food. And the food was certainly amazing! I had the lamb shank, and the meat was so tender and flavorful. However the most memorable dish were the desserts. We ordered the sooji and rice pudding and it was so fragrant and amazing. Went there 3 weeks ago but it's still on my mind. We sat outside, so naturally there were mosquitoes everywhere, but the staff handed out insect repellant. The staffs were friendly and helpful as well.

Absolutely incredible experience with friends. Food, drinks, and service top notch. Absolutely delicious. Come here.

This is an amazing Arabian restaurant, where you will surely try dishes you've never heard of. Everything we had was delicious and the service was attentive. Very busy so book ahead!

Food was delicious, coffee was great, cocktails were even better. Highly recommend the viceroy - possibly a favorite cocktail from anywhere I’ve been.

I liked the restaurant and the food. I only gave less food rating as I think the quantity should be more based on the prices. The food is overpriced. We ordered various items, and they were all good. The service was great, and there is 20 percent tip that gets added to your bill as a fyi. Overall, I still recommend this restaurant for special occasions.

Food was fine but expensive for what it was. Beef was *very* overdone. Service not amazing.