Cozy Afghani restaurant serves affordable, traditional dishes on Russian Hill's Van Ness corridor.

In Short
The former North Beach restaurant keeps the same chef, dishes and atmosphere at its larger new home. Paintings and photographs that evoke traditional Afghan life adorn the walls. White tablecloths, blue and red carpets and subtly lit yellow walls allow loyal Helmand Palace diners to enjoy their dinner in an elegant setting. On busy nights, those without reservations dine at the small nine-seat bar up front. The most popular menu items are traditional lamb dishes like lawand or dwopiaza. Dessert includes backlava and pudeen, a housemade cream caramel.