Afghan Restaurant Ziafat Opened on Columbia Pike

The restaurant, which held its soft opening in August 2026, serves traditional Afghan and Turkish dishes.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Afghan Restaurant Ziafat Opened on Columbia Pike

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Helal Habibi opened the Afghan restaurant Ziafat at 3400 Columbia Pike in Arlington during a soft opening in August 2026. The owner opted to cancel a formal grand opening celebration due to high initial business volume.

Why it matters

The establishment aims to fill a local void for sit-down Afghan dining by offering traditional dishes and breakfast platters. The owner, who moved to the United States from Afghanistan in 2023, continues to refine the restaurant's menu offerings.

Ziafat is located at 3400 Columbia Pike and operates six days a week, excluding Mondays. The restaurant maintains 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. hours for most of the week, shifting to 11 a.m. opening times on Thursdays.

The players

Helal Habibi

He is the owner of Ziafat who moved to the United States from Afghanistan in 2023.

The details

The menu features a selection of traditional staples including kebabs, lamb chops, mantu, and ashak. Customers can also order Afghan and Turkish breakfast platters in a setting that provides full table service.

The owner moved to the U.S. from Afghanistan in 2023.
Ziafat held a soft opening in August 2026.

Market Landscape

The arrival of Ziafat reflects the ongoing diversification of dining options along the Columbia Pike commercial corridor. This addition positions the eatery to capture local demand for specialized Afghan cuisine that was previously unavailable in the immediate market.

Residents can visit the new location at 3400 Columbia Pike to access previously unavailable traditional Afghan dishes. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner six days a week, offering a new dining venue for local patrons.

The takeaway

Ziafat offers a sit-down dining experience featuring Afghan and Turkish culinary influences. Interested diners should note the restaurant is closed on Mondays but maintains consistent evening hours throughout the rest of the week.