Setaara Afghan French Cuisine

Where to begin with our experience? We arrived at 5:30 PM. The front door served as a fitting introduction—a narrow entrance featuring lightweight wooden doors that set the tone, making us feel as if we were in a Middle Eastern alley with a family busy in the kitchen. The hallway was dimly lit but filled with vibrant colors. Our hostess welcomed us and guided us through the restaurant, down a narrow corridor past the kitchen and the drink station, until we reached an open room adorned with many plants and some caged birds. A pianist was playing in the background, adding to the atmosphere. The courtyard was lovely, and we were seated in a cozy alcove that provided a sense of privacy. The chairs were plush and comfortable. There was also the option of floor seating. We were then greeted by Hamid, our server, who was an absolute delight. He took the time to explain the menu in detail. As we were dining on a Friday night, we opted for the prix fixe menu, which cost $69.97 per person and included four courses: an appetizer, soup, entrée, and dessert. We were served cold water in metal cups along with a small basket of bread and our menus. Despite being a prix fixe menu, there was a generous selection of options. The cuisine leaned more towards Middle Eastern fare from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan rather than Pakistan (so no spicy biryani here), as well as several French dishes, with about five choices available for each course. The soup was set as a chicken curry. My appetizer was a delightful platter of boiled, seasoned potatoes topped with tomatoes and yogurt sauce, while my wife enjoyed the artichokes. Both dishes were outstanding. They were appropriately sized for appetizers; after all, they’re meant to whet your appetite. Throughout our meal, Hamid and the staff checked in with us regularly. After a brief interval, our soup arrived—served in a small bowl, it was a lightly curried chicken with pieces of apple. Initially, I thought the soup lacked flavor, but once I started pairing the apple with each spoonful, it transformed the dish. I highly recommend trying that before reaching for the salt or pepper. After another brief wait, our main courses were served. My wife chose Mantu, which consisted of boiled dumplings covered in yogurt sauce (Afghans love yogurt!). She received 6-8 dumplings on her plate, which were light but quite filling. I opted for Uzbeki palau, a dish of seasoned basmati rice with carrots and raisins, complemented by a tender lamb shank that fell off the bone. The lamb was well-cooked and perfectly seasoned; there was no salt needed. Again, I suggest enjoying it with the flavorful rice before considering adding any salt. Alongside our main dishes, a green hot sauce and a red hot sauce were provided. I recommend the red, which is spicy and made with pickled peppers; it could practically be enjoyed on its own if you like heat. As it was my wife’s birthday, I mentioned it to Hamid during our conversation. After about ten minutes post-meal, dessert was served, and the pianist switched to the “Happy Birthday” song. My wife began to hum along, unaware that it was for her. They presented a candle-lit chocolate mousse alongside a small piece of baklava. The chocolate mousse was heavenly in flavor and texture, while the baklava was undoubtedly the best I’ve ever tasted. I have some experience with Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine and have sampled a lot of baklava in my life; this particular piece is worth a three-hour trip just to get more. After taxes, the total came to about... That concludes my review. I hope you found it helpful and informative. In summary: I highly recommend this restaurant. The staff, decor, expertise, and quality of food provide an unforgettable experience. However, if you're a fan of salt-heavy dishes, this may not be the place for you.

This restaurant in Atlantic City is a truly one-of-a-kind destination, offering a refreshing escape from the bustling boardwalk. The decor is distinctive, the food is outstanding, and our waiter Hamid provided exceptional service. We chose dishes from the Afghani side of the menu, including delicious lamb kebabs and appetizers. We also adored the twinkling model of the Eiffel Tower in their garden dining area. We can't wait to come back!

**Vegetarian options:** A wide selection of vegetarian dishes. **Parking:** There is free parking available across the street.

Entering the restaurant it has a nice middle eastern theme. Inside the restaurant it is very neat and clean. Service was excellent staff was very responsive and friendly. The food was great however the quabli pulai is great but the chicken has light flavor instead of the spicy zesty taste. The Uzbeki palau is excellent and shrimp Pernod was great as well. Overall 5 star in my books.

Had a reservation and we were 10 minutes late and called. They were very understanding and had a table waiting. Our server was extremely friendly and personable. The food was very delicious and big portions. I will come back again!