0 Followers
Omar's Mediterranean Cuisine (39th Street)
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Omar's Mediterranean Cuisine (39th Street)
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Omar’s East Midtown location is a fast-casual Mediterranean grill where office workers line up for shawarma, kebab pitas, and mixed platters built from a charcoal grill and a broad case of sides. It’s built for speed and customization more than lingering, with predictable portions and plenty of takeout traffic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omar’s Signature Dish (Mixed Grill Kabob), Chicken Shawarma Platter, Falafel Pita Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Charcoal-grilled shawarma and kabobs served fast with flexible sides.
Who should go: Office workers wanting customizable Mediterranean bowls and pitas.
When to visit: Weekday lunch rush when everything is freshest off the grill.
What to order: Omar’s Signature mixed grill, chicken shawarma platter, falafel pita.
Insider tip: Upgrade to a platter for two sides; the Turkish eggplant and hummus combo stretches well into leftovers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited in Midtown East; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual—office wear, jeans, and workday attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during off-hours, loud and bustling during peak lunch rush.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes, primarily takeout-focused with quicker turnover.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak noon rush, faster before 11:30am or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—falafel, hummus plates, salads, rice bowls, and multiple vegetable sides.
Vegan options: Yes—falafel, lentil soup, salads, rice, and most vegetable sides are fully plant-based.
Gluten-free options: Yes—grilled meats, salads, rice, and many sides are gluten-free if you skip the pita.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—this is built for speed and efficiency, not lingering conversation or atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is counter service with open seating, so reservations aren’t needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple pita sandwiches, rice plates, and quick service work well for kids, though there are no dedicated kid menus.
Best For
Better for: Faster service, lower prices, and highly customizable platters compared to sit-down Mediterranean restaurants nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for full table service, cocktails, or a relaxed dinner setting—this is strictly fast-casual.
Omar's Mediterranean Cuisine (39th Street)
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Omar’s 39th Street location is a fast-casual Egyptian-led Middle Eastern counter where shawarma, kebab platters, and mezze move quickly through the line. Office workers in East Midtown use it as a dependable lunch stop for stacked pitas and rice platters with house-made sauces.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma platter with garlic sauce, Lamb Adana in pita, Falafel platter with salads and tahini
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 6.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Egyptian-run shawarma shop geared toward speedy, customizable platters.
Who should go: Office crowds craving quick, filling Middle Eastern plates.
When to visit: Midday lunch window when turnover keeps everything fresh.
What to order: Chicken shawarma platter, lamb Adana pita, side of falafel.
Insider tip: Ask for all three house sauces on the side and adjust heat to taste.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is extremely limited; short-term garage parking nearby runs roughly $18–$25 depending on duration.
Dress code: Casual — business casual fits right in, and jeans are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush — conversation is easy but there’s steady counter and takeaway noise.
Weekend wait: Typically 5–10 minutes at most, often no wait.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak office lunch hours; off-peak is usually walk-in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel, hummus platters, salads, and veggie mezze make it very workable.
Vegan options: Yes — falafel, lentil soup, hummus, baba ghanoush, and most salads are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice platters and salads work if you skip pita; cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional sit-down date, but it works well for a casual daytime lunch meet where speed and comfort matter more than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served, and tables turn quickly due to the fast-casual format.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for school-aged kids who like simple grilled meats or wraps; no special kids menu, but portions are flexible.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and more customizable platters than most nearby sit-down Middle Eastern or Mediterranean spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for a slow, full-service dining experience, cocktails, or a romantic evening setting.