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Omar's Mediterranean Cuisine (39th Street)

20 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016
$$
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Mediterranean in Murray Hill & Kips Bay Best Middle Eastern in Murray Hill & Kips Bay

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Omar's Mediterranean Cuisine (39th Street) 7.8
Midtown South
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.