Hills of Herat-Basking Ridge

Food and service was beyond expectations. My friends always went here for special events and I never got a chance to go here but when I finally did I was not disappointed. We came really late maybe 30 minutes before closing time but they still took care of us and stayed as long as we did. All the food came out fresh and delicious. We were a party of 18 people

I was lucky enough to stumble upon "Hills of Herat" when I was in town for a wedding. The food was amazing quality with plentiful portions. The staff was attentive, kind, and gave me great insight into the menu (which was greatly appreciated as I am a newcomer to this cuisine). Do yourself a favor and check out this absolutely gem of a establishment!

Take out was easy to order by phone. Food traveled well for 10 minute drive. I wish the bholani had more filling but it was crispy and tasted good. The hummus combo was great to try the 3 different ones available, classic hummus, sweet beet root hummus and earthy spinach hummus. All were very good and tasted fresh, and the homemade bread with it is amazing! The lamb chops came with rice and a cucumber salad, the kabuli rice is a bit sweet with the carrots and raisins, full of flavor and went perfect with the lamb that was tender, juicy and also full of flavor. It was actually the best lamb chop I’ve ever had! I highly recommend this place!

I have been to many Afghan restaurants all over the world, and I can say this is the best. The food is amazing, fresh and flavorful. Abdul Wali, the owner runs the restaurant with passion and you can see it in the design, food, ambiance. Its family run and the whole team is very helpful and great. Highly recommend!

Overall, the restaurant was very well. The food was excellent, but the portions could be a little bigger, especially because of the price. The service was immaculate and as well as the atmosphere the restaurant was very well spaced and organized as well as the seating was very comfortable and the whole environment was overall well today we went there for my brother‘s birthday and they sang happy birthday and made his birthday wonderful and in the speakers where they had the music they also played happy birthday to make his birthday better. Overall, I would really recommend this restaurant. It is an amazing dinner place and I would give it a 4.78/5, highly recommend.

I recently celebrated my 50th birthday at the Hills of Herat in Basking Ridge, NJ. The manager, staff and owners did an amazing job accommodating my guest allergy needs. They were very professional, efficient, hospitable and friendly to my diverse crowd. I am grateful to have picked this restaurant for my special day. They truly out did themselves. All my guests loved the food from beginning to end (soup, bread, appetizers, main course and desserts.) We brought in a mariachi band and it was very rewarding to see everyone appreciate my culture. 🇲🇽 Thank you Hills of Herat (Basking Ridge location) for everything! Jazakum Allah khairan. 🤲🏽

I have been to the original location which is actually closer to me but I was told by an acquaintance that this location was better overall and he was right. Sometimes it pays off to act on someone’s advice 😊. That being said I and a close friend of mind made the 25 minute drive to this newly opened (it felt like it was) spot. From the moment we entered the top notch service was evident, the hostess , manager and the food runners were so pleasant and attentive. I would just go back to for the service alone . The hospitality is their secret ingredient. The ambience is very tasteful and it’s a very open and clean feeling space. They have done a masterful job. Now coming to the food . I as usual ordered way too much but absolutely loved everything. Surprisingly even though I am a rabid meat eater my favorite dish is the night was their special ”Farmer’s Kabob” a vegetarian dish 🤩. We ordered the humus , shepherd’s salad , mix kabab and the cauliflower gravy . The mix kabab was not brilliant but the rest was simply sublime. PS the bread is to die for so be careful not to fill up on it Kudos to the staff and management thank you for a memorable evening. You will be seeing me again Cheers

Had the pleasure of dining with friends and family at this exquisite Afghan gem in New Jersey last night, and I must say, it was a delightful experience. The service, ambiance, and food blended together in perfect harmony. The owners exude warmth and hospitality, while the service staff were courteous and attentive. The Lamb Kabobs, Lamb Chops, and Shrimp Kabobs were a true culinary delight, marinated and tenderized to perfection—not overcooked or undercooked, but just right. The accompanying rice was equally flavorful and delicious. For those in search of remarkable Afghan cuisine, this place is a must-visit. We highly recommend it and will undoubtedly be returning.

An amazing and cozy place where you can enjoy great food with a peaceful ambience. The owner is a gem of a person going from table to table welcoming them and getting feedback. The sauces were amazing and the nan were out of this world. The mantu was good and the platter was amazing. From the rice to the meat. The chicken was so moist and the steak was just right Their chai is also very good. This place is a must try and highly recommended.

Wonderful little gem with the friendliest service. Stopped here on a whim while traveling through the area. I’d absolutely come back again. The lamb was one of the best cooked I’ve ever had!

Hills of Hirat is an amazing spot! The staff is super courteous and friendly, and the service is excellent. The food is delicious, full of flavor, and the portion sizes are generous — definitely great value for the price. The atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming, which made the whole experience even better. I’ll definitely be coming back and highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great food and great service!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had an amazing experience at Hills of Herat! The steak was cooked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and clearly made from top-quality ingredients. The entire menu reflected attention to quality, and every bite was delicious. The ambience was warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxed dinner. On top of that, the staff (Mr. Mohammad) were incredibly polite, attentive, and made us feel right at home. Definitely coming back soon!

First time trying food from Afghanistan and all I can say is delicious!! Food is amazing, service on top. Highly recommended

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Hills of Herat in Basking Ridge, From the moment we stepped in, the warm hospitality and impeccable service set the tone for an exceptional evening. The hostess, manager, and food runners were genuinely attentive and pleasant, making us feel not just welcomed but truly cared for. A special mention to Wali, the owner himself, and his brother who personally came over to our table to check in and ensure everything was perfect. That level of attention and care truly elevated our experience. The ambiance is simply stunning: an elegant yet inviting space with a modern touch, exuding a sense of openness and tranquility. It’s clear they’ve paid attention to every detail, creating a setting that’s both chic and comfortable. Now let’s talk about the food—the true star of the show. We indulged in the chicken kebab, the Herat combo, and the chicken kofta. Each dish was a flavorful masterpiece, with the chicken perfectly seasoned and the kofta so tender and juicy. As a self-proclaimed meat lover, I was delighted by the rich flavors and the balance of spices in every bite. And the bread? Absolutely divine—warm, fresh, and dangerously addictive! Overall, Hills of Herat offers an unforgettable combination of culinary excellence, outstanding service, and a beautiful atmosphere. Kudos to Wali and the entire team for crafting such a memorable experience. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their fantastic menu.

From the moment you sit down at Hills of Herat, you’re welcomed with warm hospitality- literally! They immediately serve you water and fresh, homemade bread, which is the perfect start to the meal. We ordered the Shepard salad, lentil soup, mixed plate, and chicken kabob plate, both with the carrot rice. Every bite was packed with flavor, and the rice was perfectly seasoned and fluffy. I also tried the mint lemonade, which was sweet, refreshing, and absolutely delicious!

The food was delicious!! Everything was a 10/10. The lamb chops, the kabobs, the rice everything was cooked to perfection and melting in your mouth. I found the mocktails to be slightly bitter but I guess they’re meant to be cocktails. Everything else was great! The staff was insanely welcoming and made the experience even better

A Hidden Gem That Took Me Back to Kabul We stumbled upon Hills of Herat by pure chance—just searching “restaurants near me” without paying attention to the name or the GPS. We were distracted, hungry, and open to anything. What we found instead was a beautiful surprise. The moment I walked in, I was struck by the iconic National Geographic portrait of the Afghan girl—so powerful, so familiar. Then I was warmly greeted by Abdul, the owner, whose welcome felt sincere and genuine. As I looked around, my eyes landed on a breathtaking picture of Kabul, and I suddenly realized we had walked into an Afghan restaurant. In that moment, I felt transported. The soft Afghan music playing in the background, the aroma of spices in the air—it felt like home. My heart swelled, and I truly wanted to cry because I was happy. It was like walking into a piece of Kabul, thousands of miles away. We were immediately served warm, fresh naan with three kinds of chutneys and a comforting house yellow daal soup. It was the kind of hospitality you don’t forget. We ordered non-alcoholic beverages, which were absolutely delicious and refreshing. Then came the trio kebab platter—tender, flavorful meats accompanied by three types of rice, each uniquely seasoned and topped with sweet carrots and raisins. It reminded me so much of my grandmother’s rice, full of love and tradition. The authenticity of this restaurant is unmatched. If you know Afghan food, you’ll recognize the love and care in every bite. And if you don’t, this is the perfect place to discover it. Hills of Herat didn’t just serve us a meal—it gave us a beautiful memory and a taste of home.❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼

Everything was perfect ♥️😍 We have ordered lamb shank and chicken kaboobs The lamb shank was tender but I think it needs to be more seasoned The chicken kaboobs was very juicy and delicious The owner was incredibly welcoming and attentive to our needs

I really liked this place. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff were kind and helpful. Everything was clean and well organized, which made me feel comfortable right away. I would definitely come back and recommend it to others.

Dinner Sat night, 2 people. Amazing experience. Props to salah/namaz accommodation! Very friendly staff, good decor, clean and spacious space. The kofta and veal curry were the 2 unique dishes they don't have at the other locations and they were both amazing! Salad was spectacular =D

Top notch service. Ambiance, and food! What else can I say. As soon as we sat down, we were greeted with lentil soup and delish naan followed by beet salad and grill meat trip. Everything was made to perfection! I wish they open up a branch close to Livingston. Above all it’s halal!

Fantastic place for Friday night dinner and celebrations with friends and family. Halal steaks were yummy.

Our second time coming here, and it continues to impress. The service was friendly, and the atmosphere was warm. We were there for an early lunch, so initially, we were the only customers there. The bread and lentil soup they start you off with were great. Everyone enjoyed their appetizers, and the entree portions were delicious and large enough to have leftovers to take home. Overall, it was a great experience.

We went on Mother’s Day/my bday and it was a wonderful experience! It was clearly very busy and we did wait a while for our table despite having a reservation but it was understandable. The humus platter was amazing. The fresh tandoori bread was to die for 😭. The mocktails were all good! My husband really loved the mantu and we enjoyed the tbone steak! Everything was amazing!

First time here and it was a very delicious experience. Drove all the way from PA to try out this restaurant and it was not at all disappointing. Alhamdulillah, ambience, service, staff, and of all the food was top notch. The chicken that we had was very juicy, fresh and delicious. Even the lentil soup was of very rich flavor. They have highchairs for kids. Make a reservation before you go in. Plenty of parking space available. We loved everything we had (see the pictures). Definitely worth the price. Halal meat served.

Alhamdulillah, the food, the service and the atmosphere was great and clean. Unfortunately we didn’t have a chance to take amazing pictures of the food because it was so good BUT I did photograph the end of some Dubai chocolate which was amazing !! The bread & hummus, rice, lamb chops, filet minon kebab, chicken…. that mint tea !! Allahu Akbar. I look forward to making another trip back from the Bronx to enjoy this food. Jazakallahu khairan to the chefs, the servers, the entire staff and the owner. May Allah bless you in this life and the next. Ameen

This has become my favorite restaurant. 100% Halal. Coming from Long Island, this place is worth the trip. The service is phenomenal and the food is super delicious. Came here tonight to celebrate my birthday and the owners of the place recommended me to try the “Dopiaza Lamb” it’s not on the menu but it’s a Chef Special. The most tender slow cooked lamb and it was super delicious. 10/10. Also do try their Mantu, their lamb chops are so decadent, their filet mignon Kebab is superb. Thank you Hills of Herat for the lovely experience!

we had a reservation for my brothers fiancés moms birthday. reservation was for 7pm on a saturday. it is 7:12 pm right now and we’re standing around because there’s no table for us. there’s a whole bunch of people who have reservations who are also just waiting around. and no one knows how long the wait will be. probably going to leave and not even be able to eat anything which is disappointing because the food here is apparently not bad. update - we got seated at 7:36!!!!!!!!! there was a bug in my menu. yuck! anyway. the food was VERY good. very good. and the people taking care of us were very attentive - when our food was slow to come (we had a big party!!!!) they were very attentive. we had a very nice conversation with the waiter/host and the wait staff even came together to sing happy birthday. they were very crowded so that’s why we had to wait but honestly, it was worth it.

Unforgettable Birthday Celebration! We hosted a surprise birthday dinner for over 40 people, and I can honestly say this was one of the best restaurant experiences I’ve ever had! Everything was absolutely perfect — the service was fast, attentive, and seamless, even with such a large group. The staff went above and beyond to make sure everyone was comfortable and happy. The food was delicious, beautifully presented, and came out quickly — no one was left waiting. The atmosphere was warm and lively, perfect for celebrating such a special occasion. A huge shoutout to the owner, who was extremely friendly and hands-on throughout the night. You can tell they genuinely care about their guests and take pride in making every event memorable. Highly recommend this restaurant for any celebration, large or small. Thank you for making our night so special!

I recently dined at Hills of Herat with my family, including my elderly mother-in-law, and it was a truly wonderful experience! The staff went above and beyond to accommodate her needs, showing her such kindness and respect. They even offered her a special seat with extra comfort and attention, which really made her feel valued and cared for. The food was, of course, delicious - the flavors were rich and authentic, and everything we tried was a hit! But what really stood out was the personal attention from the owners and staff, who took the time to check in on us and make sure we were enjoying our meal. If you're looking for a restaurant that truly cares about its customers, especially the elderly, Hills of Herat is a must-visit. The combination of amazing food, excellent service, and warm hospitality makes it a standout in the area. We'll definitely be back!

This place is incredible. The fresh bread. The lentil soup. The fresh made dessert. Of course the entree (I had chicken qorma and kabuli). Service / staff absolutely incredible as well. This will 100 percent be in my restaurant rotation

Absolutely loved my experience here! The meat quality is outstanding — tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The staff were warm and genuinely friendly, making us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. Service was impressively quick without ever feeling rushed, which made the meal even more enjoyable. On top of that, the ambience is wonderful — cozy yet stylish, creating the perfect atmosphere for both casual dining and special occasions. Highly recommend this place!

We had a wonderful dining experience at this restaurant overall. The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and beautifully set, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal. The service stood out — the staff was attentive, friendly, and genuinely pleasant, making us feel well taken care of throughout our visit. The food was excellent in both flavor and quality, clearly prepared with care and fresh ingredients. Every dish we tried was well-seasoned and enjoyable, specially the Mantu I tried here was crispy which was new to me and tasted brilliant. However, the only drawback was the portion size of the appetizers — they felt a bit small for the price and left us wishing there was more to share. Despite that, we would still recommend this place for its great ambiance, top-notch service, and delicious food. We’ll likely return and try more of the menu.Not to forget the bread slices were 👌🏻.

If I could give this restaurant 6/5 stars I would. Hills of Herat was my final meal before going back to college and it blew me away. I ordered the lamb chops with naringe rice and it was the most flavorful meal I had ever tasted. Their main courses come with a warm crispy on the outside soft on the inside bread and a warm lentil soup. The servers and hostess were extremely warm and welcoming and the atmosphere was very elevated. I’m a fine dining foodie and have been to countless Michelin rated restaurants, but this would by far be my last meal!

Outstanding food, and outstanding staff. Everyone is extremely friendly when coming into the restaurant. I always order to go for lunch and I am never disappointed. I go for the Chicken Kabob with Kabuli rice and it’s amazing. The chicken is ALWAYS seasoned perfectly and I’m never disappointed, it leaves me full and I always have left overs to take home. 10/10 will always come back to get lunch ! I wish I had a location in my town !!

Went to this place for dinner on a Sunday. The place got a decent atmosphere and vibe. I ordered the lamb chops, lamb shank, veal curry. The food was serve at a good temperature. However, the lamb shank felt bit under seasoned and lamb chops taste was good but meat was little chewy. The service felt quite satisfactory.

If you like Afghan food in an upscale environment, then this is the right spot. We ordered multiple items, and literally everything was good. The items we liked the most were the lamb chops, which were perfectly cooked, and the Kabuli pulao, which was definitely the winner for us. We also tried baklava for dessert, and it wasn't the best, but still pretty good.

I visited Hills of Herat today and overall it was just okay. We made a reservation and were seated right away, which was great. The decor is beautiful and the staff is very friendly. Shoutout to Wali — he was super nice, helpful, and made us feel very welcome. For appetizers, we ordered the mantu and bolani. I love Afghan food, but these were a bit underwhelming. The mantu lacked flavor, and the bolani was only half-filled with potato — the outer edges were super crispy but mostly empty. For entrées, we ordered the ribeye, filet mignon kabab, lamb shank, and the Herat combo. The food did take quite a while to come out. The ribeye had no salt and the chili chermoula sauce overpowered the meat itself. The filet mignon kabab was actually really tasty, but it came with very little rice. The Herat combo included filet mignon and chicken, but the chicken was pretty bland. Overall, the experience was decent — great ambiance and service, but the food was hit or miss.

I dined in for lunch. • Food: 3 stars • Customer Service: Good • Ambience: Excellent – truly world-class The naan (bread) was worth trying. But sparkling water at $7 and orange juice at $8? A bit surprising. This is clearly a high-end, upscale restaurant. While the prices are steep, the portion sizes don’t quite justify the cost. If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion and don’t mind spending $100–$200 for the ambience, it’s definitely worth it. But if you’re a true food enthusiast focused on flavor and value, this might not be the place for you.

We few of our friends wanted to try this place. It turned out to be very good and popular. As usual it was busy as it’s Friday evening. Ordered food came on to tables within no time. Complimentary bread and sauces are awesome and tasty. Main course was good. In fact we expected spicy food but it turned out to be less spicy. Rice was sweet. Overall I liked the place, service and food.