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Restaurant

Kabana

167 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

Recommended by 54 people

Updated

Find Kabana

167 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 7013 2970
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 2:00 PM – 12:30 AM Friday: 2:00 PM – 12:30 AM Saturday: 1:00 PM – 12:30 AM Sunday: 1:00 PM – 12:30 AM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Kabana

On a strip dominated by red sauce and espresso, Kabana brings charcoal smoke, spiced rice, and sprawling communal platters to Carlton. Regulars gather here for the King Platter—heaping mounds of seasoned basmati loaded with lamb chops, grilled chicken, fresh flatbread, and tangy tomato-chilli dips. The room stays lively well past normal dinner hours, with groups lingering over fruit-flavoured shisha and steaming pots of cardamom-laced Shir chai.

  • Communal feast platters: Heaping family-sized mixed grills feature skewers of lamb, chicken, and spiced mince served over fragrant seasoned rice with house dips and bread.
  • Late-night shisha and tea: Guests linger late into the Carlton evening with outdoor shisha pipes paired with spiced tea and traditional sweets.
RestaurantAfghanRestaurant

What's On at Kabana

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Dine at Kabana

Why diners choose Kabana for authentic Afghan banquets, social gatherings, and late-night hospitality in Carlton

  • Generous Communal Feast Platters

    Large multi-person feast platters like the Kings Platter and Platter for 4 combine tender lamb chops, marinated skewers, seasoned rice, bread, and dips.

    We ordered the platter for 4 it was so delicious. The lamb champs were out of this world delicious and cooked to perfection.

    Sana Amir

  • Authentic Charcoal Grills and Regional Specialties

    Specialty slow-cooked and grilled Afghan classics like lamb shank, mantu dumplings, and spiced chapli kebabs showcase traditional flavours.

    The meat was tender, the rice was perfectly cooked, and the flavours were rich and authentic.

    Ahmad Bashawri

  • Bountiful Portions That Leave Everyone Satisfied

    Hearty portions and bountiful spreads ensure large dinner parties and family tables leave completely full and satisfied.

    We were a group of five and paid around $40 each, and everyone left super full and satisfied.

    Juan David Rodríguez Callejas

  • Heartfelt Hospitality That Feels Like Home

    Welcoming hospitality and home-style comforts transport guests with sincere care and nostalgic Kabul dining warmth.

    The best best best service, the atmosphere that took me to Kabul jan.

    Shaima Azizi

  • Vibrant Setting for Group Celebrations

    Comfortable seating arrangements and shareable banquet spreads accommodate group birthdays, family gatherings, and casual dates.

    Had a birthday here for my daughter, and every guest loved the food. The kings platter is sensational.

    Tasneem Chopra

  • Relaxed Social Evenings with Shisha and Tea

    Evenings extend naturally over dedicated shisha pipe service, Shir chai, and hot spiced Afghan tea in a relaxed, friendly environment.

    the serving sizes are really big so you get more than what you pay for and the shisha is also 10/10.

    Maxine Fayle

Signature charcoal grills and traditional Afghan specialties crafted for sharing

  • King platter

    The kings platter is sensational.

    Tasneem Chopra

  • Chapli kebab

    Highly recommend my personal favourite - the chapli kebab.

    Pratik Pakrashi

  • Lamb shank

    Every dish we ordered was delicious, especially the lamb shank, kebab platter, and mantu.

    Ahmad Bashawri

  • Mandi

    I ordered the Mandi and it was absolutely amazing.

    Sohail khan

Before you head over

Practical advice on parking, sharing platters, and late-night visits to Kabana.

  • Plan Parking Around Late Hours

    Street parking on Lygon Street can be tricky to find during peak dinner hours, so consider planning extra time or visiting late at night when spots open up and the restaurant remains open until midnight.

  • Order Sharing Platters for Groups

    Portions are very generous, with options like the King Platter for 2 or Platter for 4 easily satisfying groups with a mixture of grilled meats, rice, dips, and bread.

  • Cap Your Meal with Chai and Shisha

    The restaurant offers shisha pipes alongside dinner, so you can pair your meal with traditional hot Afghan tea or Shir chai to comfortably unwind late into the night.

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