Samira Restaurant

Restaurant $$ 4.5 (687)


Samira Restaurant in Bloomington offers a vibrant and cozy dining experience highlighted by its dedication to authentic Afghan cuisine. Most customers rave about the freshness and flavors of the dishes, especially the lamb kabobs and traditional Afghan rice. The atmosphere is noted for being inviting, reflecting the restaurant's cultural roots, making it a favored spot among locals and visitors alike.

Overall:

4.5

(561 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.3

Service:

4.1


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (812) 331-3761

Address: 100 W 6th St, Bloomington, IN 47404, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Paid Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" What a delightful experience! The moment I entered Samira, the pleasant smell of spices and warmth greeted me. We started with the free roasted eggplant, which I was curious about, and I am glad we did! Following that, I ordered the chicken kebab platter, which came with fresh salad and soup. I couldn’t finish it! The flavors were vibrant, and it felt authentic. Even dessert was delectable! If you want an authentic taste of Afghanistan, this is the place to go! " (*Curated Review*)

" I had a mixed experience at Samira. The ambiance was nice and welcoming, and I loved the delicious roasted eggplant served as part of the meal. However, the lamb kebab I ordered fell short. I found it a bit tough and lacking flavor compared to what I hoped it would be. However, the chicken kebabs my friend ordered looked fantastic and he raved about them. Except for my main course, everything else about the evening was pleasant—including the friendly service. I'd consider visiting again to try different menu items. " (*Curated Review*)

" After all the buzz around Samira, I finally visited and I must say, I was left bit disappointed. While the interior feels warm and inviting and the staff were very cordial, the food itself lacked the punch I expected from authentic Afghan cuisine. I tried the lamb curry, but found it rather boring. However, the lentil soup was quite refreshing—they really nailed that! I think it deserves another shot; maybe I'll try the kebabs next time. Ample vegetarian options stood out as a bonus. " (*Curated Review*)

" I've tried Samira several times, and it has consistently been a pun in the best way! The ambiance is pleasantly surprising each time I go. I love the personal touch they have on Afghan food—everything tastes fresh. I usually order the chicken kebabs which are grilled to perfection! They also serve a fantastic variety of dishes that accommodate different palates. Highly recommend heading out for a meal here—even for vegetarians, the options are aplenty! " (*Curated Review*)

" I had my first experience with Afghan cuisine at Samira, and it was remarkable! The blend of spices in the eggplant and the warmth of the bread set a fantastic tone for the meal. For my main course, I opted for the Quabili with lamb. The dish was generous and bursting with rich flavors—not something I'd find elsewhere! Overall, my visit was delightful. Although the service was a little slower than expected, the staff was friendly and offered great suggestions about the menu. I'm definitely coming back! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (551)

" Samira has always been one of my go-to spots in Bloomington whenever I crave a taste of authentic Afghan food! It’s a cozy place located right in the heart of downtown. I can't recommend the lamb kabobs enough; they are fantastic! The portion sizes are generally great, and I always leave satisfied. The only downside is that the service can be a bit slow on weekends when it's packed. Nevertheless, the friendly staff makes up for it. A perfect spot for a casual dinner or a special occasion! " (*Curated Review*)

" Samira is such a gem! I love the vibe here; it's cozy with a trendy touch, and the Afghan-themed decor adds to the charm. I once went for the lunch buffet and had a little bit of everything—from their samosas to lush lentil soup. Each bite was flavorful, yet I noticed a slight mismatch in seasoning; some items were a tad saltier than I'd prefer. But overall, it was a great experience. I also appreciate the attention given to vegetarians; they've got lots of great options. I will return for the buffet soon! " (*Curated Review*)

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