Ariana Restaurant

Ariana is Barking's standout Afghan and Persian restaurant, a sit-down kitchen on Longbridge Road that has built a genuine following since opening. The charcoal-grilled kebab section is the heart of the menu: kobida (minced lamb on skewers), jooja (marinated chicken), lamb chops and mixed grills come as generous platter servings with fresh naan, salad and rice. Lamb kalai — slow-cooked knuckle in a spiced sauce — is another dish that regulars return for. Reviews consistently praise the freshness of the naan baked to order and the quality of the charcoal work. Upstairs, a heated patio serves shisha and desserts. The restaurant draws a broad crowd from Barking's Afghan, Iranian and wider Muslim communities, as well as local regulars exploring beyond the standard curry-house offering.